The pet industry meets in Amsterdam in November

Nowhere in the world are large aquarium units currently selling as fast as in China and Russia. Although the purchasing power of the population is still at a pretty low level in both countries, a fairly significant elite stratum nevertheless exists for which the finest and most expensive articles are just good enough. Growing prosperity in these countries is also spawning a middle class, composed mainly of young people with good jobs who enjoy spending money - and the aquarium segment is benefiting from this.It's not just in big cities like Moscow and Shanghai that fish-keeping is gaining new adherents. In an interview with PET in Europe, Tetra manager Koord Janssen said that the hobby would develop very positively throughout eastern Europe, above all in the former Soviet republics. The demand for ornamental fish in countries like the Czech Republic and Poland was very high back in the communist era. Since the range of high-quality aquariums and modern equipment has expanded considerably in pet supplies stores there, even people with no previous interest in aquariums are now taking up the hobby.Eastern Europe has developed into an important market for other types of pet owning too, and this will provide plenty of material for discussion at the International Pet Conference, taking place in Amsterdam for the first time on 13 and 14 November. Experienced speakers will provide an insight into growth markets such as Russia, Romania and Bulgaria, along with detailed market data and interesting facts. And that's not all - the leading international pet product retail chains will be presenting their latest ideas and strategies at the conference. Prominent representatives of trade and industry will offer interesting thoughts on the keynote topic of sustainability. The influence of new media on the pet sector will also be looked at in Amsterdam.Over 100 delegates have already registered for this exciting event, and not without reason: the International Pet Conference is where the leading figures in the pet product sector meet. Nearly all companies of any note will be there. Take advantage of this unique mix of well-known top speakers, practically oriented lectures and the opportunity to maintain and consolidate your network of valuable contacts. You can download the programme from www.pet-global.com/conference.
Yours
Ralf Majer-Abele