Good prospects for growth in the east

The expectations of industry in the Eastern European pet supplies market are great. As incomes increase, so people in the former Warsaw Pact states show greater willingness to spend more money on their pets. As in Western Europe, dogs and cats are regarded increasingly as members of the family in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and other Central and Eastern European states too, and are treated accordingly. It's also clear from the country report on Russia in this issue of PET in Europe, which outlines the current development of this huge empire, that the Russian market is becoming ever more important internationally. Until the spending power of the population in the states of Central and Eastern Europe reaches the level of Western Europe, products in the low- and medium-price segment will be primarily in demand. This benefits chiefly the big supermarket chains, which stock a wide range of pet food in their stores. The speciality trade is limited essentially to small yet sometimes very successful businesses. Only the big cities show any notable potential at present for high-priced premium pet food or good-quality accessories. But that will change in years to come as the standard of living of the indigenous population rises. As various examples in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary show, the speciality trade could also develop further in the future and strengthen its position vis-à-vis the supermarkets. How the Eastern European pet supplies market will develop in the next few years is an important subject for discussion at the International Pet Conference on 14 and 15 November in Frankfurt. Where does the potential lie in Eastern Europe? How does the pet food market in Western and Eastern Europe differ? And how is the speciality trade developing in the new EU states? These and many other questions will be answered by competent market analysts, who will aim to convey a deeper understanding of the special features of the Eastern European market. The first International Pet Conference to be organised is in great demand, with between 150 and 200 visitors from all over the world expected to attend. In particular, the presentation of the PET Retailer of the Year award for the most innovative speciality retail concept promises to be an exciting event. The award goes to a company that has positioned itself successfully in the international market through fresh ideas, an unconventional approach, good specialist advice and service coupled with commercial…