Meeting place for the Belgian market

Since Anido was launched 14 years ago, the number of visitors and exhibitors has been increasing steadily. While the contingent of exhibitors has grown by 82 per cent during this period, visitor figures have risen by 37 per cent. The growth of the trade show also reflects the trend in the Belgian pet market, which has gained increasing importance in recent years.The majority of visitors to the fair come from the Flemish part of Belgium, although Kortrijk's favourable geographical location with regard to transport networks has encouraged more visitors from France and the Netherlands too. Thus in 2004 10 per cent of all visitors to Anido came from France and 7.5 per cent from the Netherlands. As in previous years, exhibitors should number around 110 again this time.After notching up a record 5 120 visitors two years ago, the organisers are hoping that Anido might even surpass this figure this year. The fair will be attended above all by proprietors of speciality pet stores and rural trading enterprises, reflecting the structure of the Belgian pet trade. However, a large number of operators of garden centres who already have a pet department or are thinking about introducing one are also expected to come to Anido."Anido is not a subdued event. The exhibitors and visitors always make an effort to create a warm and cordial atmosphere. Informality, service and the perfect reception for exhibitors and visitors are a matter of course," says exhibition manager Nadine Coudyser, citing one important merit of the Belgian trade show. And nothing is going to change regarding the concept this year. Making every effort to ensure that the event is a success once again is a fair committee, which handles all aspects of the show and also decides on the content.This year, too, the best new products will receive recognition with "Anido Awards Beste Nieuwigheiden" in the two categories of pet food and non-food articles. Only products that were introduced into the Belgian market between 15 September 2005 and 12 February 2006 are eligible for consideration.To encourage visitors from the speciality trade to place orders at exhibitors' stands, a "bonus points" system has been developed for the first time for this Anido. For each order placed visitors receive bonus points, which they collect during the show and can then redeem for valuable gifts. The gifts include trips, a health spa weekend and evenings out at a number of gourmet restaurants. Both show days also feature various…