International appeal on the increase   

Many companies attach a high priority to the Italian market. And this is not surprising, because with a volume of € 2  223 mio, Italy is the fourth largest pet product market in Europe after the UK, Germany and France. There is no larger number of pets kept anywhere on the continent. However, industry specialists still regard the growth potential of the Italian market as offering room for development. 
Aquariums ranked high on the Ferplast stand.
The specialist trade fair Zoomark also benefits from this positive trend. 276 of the 545 registered exhibitors came from countries outside Italy, representing 35 countries as against 26 two years ago. 70 per cent of the companies had their own representatives at the fair rather than being represented by distribution partners.
The number of visitors from abroad has risen again.
With 3 880 visitors from abroad, growth of 8 per cent was recorded compared with two years ago. A large number of representatives of the sector came to Bologna from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as numerous visitors from Asia. This underlines emphatically the growing interest shown by many companies in becoming more involved in Italy.
Flexi’s stand attracted much attraction.
It is striking, however, that the number of local visitors was considerably down this year. For example, the total number of visitors to the fair fell by over 800 compared with the show two years ago to 19 225. The organisers can draw some consolation from the fact that the trend in attendance at shows in other countries is also downward. In spite of this, the discussion should be re-opened as to whether Zoomark really needs to cover four days. 
Notwithstanding this, Zoomark will continue to prevail in future as the most important European fair in an Interzoo-free year and to be the focal point for foreign exhibitors. 
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