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Steady growth at Wyevale The leading UK garden centre chain Wyevale has reported that group sales for the 16 weeks to 24 April were up by 13.3 per cent and like-for-like sales were up 11 per cent. Since completion in mid-March, the eleven 2005 redevelopments have outperformed underlying like-for-like sales by 8.6 per cent. In addition, the six 2004 redevelopments are showing significant increases compared with last year. Like-for-like sales growth over a two year period is 5.1 per cent. Satisfied DeZooFa exhibitors Most of the 156 exhibitors from ten countries appearing at the DeZooFa speciality exhibition in Wiesbaden were satisfied with the show, according to a survey by the organiser, WZF. 93 per cent said they had reached their main target groups, while 94 per cent said they had been able to make new contacts. 83 per cent succeeded in obtaining firm orders during the exhibition, and 80 per cent were expecting business following the exhibition. The quality and service were praised by 92 per cent of the exhibitors. Decline in visitors to Expozoo The number of visitors to the French speciality pet fair Expozoo has fallen from 19 756 two years ago to 18 864, according to the final report of the show's organisers. 2 051 foreign visitors from a total of 45 different countries attended (see also PIE 5-6/05). Big boost in sales at Pets at home The UK pet speciality retailer Pets at home increased its turnover by 19 per cent to £ 260 mio (€ 389 mio) for the year ended 31 March. The company generated an increase in like-for-like sales in excess of 12 per cent in the same period. Pets at home rolled out twelve new stores last year and is planning a further 17 in the course of this financial year. Its estate currently comprises 162 stores, primarily located in premium retail parks. Pets at home plans to open 17 new stores during this financial year. Last year Pets at home launched a joint venture in Australia and opened its first store in Fountain Gate, Melbourne. This store follows the same concept as the UK shops, but has a reduced floor area. Royal Canin builds new factories The French pet food manufacturer Royal Canin achieved sales of € 742 mio last year, with sales outside France accounting for 80 per cent of this figure. 87 per cent of the company's total sales derives from super premium products, which Royal Canin markets under the banner of health nutritional products. In 1994 this proportion was only 24 per cent. Royal Canin is currently growing with…