Slight drop in visitor numbers

The three-day fair attracted 24 530 visitors, compared with 25 124 in 2005. 22 109 visitors from the UK were recorded (2005: 22 154). The number of foreign visitors to the show fell to 2 421, 2006 being a year that also included the international garden fair Gafa in Cologne. In the Gafa-free year of 2005, there were 2 970 foreign visitors. In spite of the modest decline in numbers, the show organisers were anything but unhappy with the outcome. "Strong attendance, the quality of innovation on show and the popularity of Glee's raft of new initiatives all pointed to a market planning ahead for a highly positive 2007," was the verdict.The attention of the 300 or so exhibitors at the pet supplies show Petindex, which is affiliated to Glee, was focused on cultivating contacts with existing and potential new customers. Since the UK market for pet products continues to develop in a highly positive manner, many European companies had their own stands at the show. Some of these firms were exhibiting for the first time. There were also some notable absences from Petindex this time, including lighting specialist Arcadia along with the pet food manufacturer Arden Grange and also Ferplast, the Italian manufacturer of accessories. As in previous years, there was plenty going on at Petindex on all three days. On the Sunday in particular, activity in the main hall was intense, and even if the number of spectacular innovations was limited, there were still one or two interesting new products to catch the eye. The aquatics company Astra Aquaria even used Petindex as a vehicle for unveiling its product relaunch to the public.Next year, when Glee will open its doors once again from 16 to 18 September, the exhibition looks set to be an exciting prospect.  Glee managing director Alison Jackson has already announced that the show is to be redesigned and relaunched to make it even more attractive to buyers and exhibitors. The show organisers are also hoping that the weather will look kindly on them: the drop in attendance at this year's Glee may have been due in part to the cold spring, which considerably dampened spirits in the UK garden sector. maj
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