Bigger turnout than before

Download: Bigger turnout than before (PDF file)
Crisis, what crisis? In spite of the poor global economic situation, the Zoomark International show in Bologna suffered only a slight dip in visitor numbers compared with 2007. The total figure of 20 443 trade visitors (2007: 20 535) was made up of 15 725 Italian visitors and 4 718 foreign visitors to Italy from 65 countries. Compared with 2007, the number of domestic visitors declined from 15 923 to 15 725, while the number coming from abroad increased from 4 612 to 4 800.
Consolidating its position One thing is clear: Zoomark International succeeded in consolidating its position as the leading European pet supplies fair in the year between Interzoo shows. The success of this year's Zoomark International is also underlined by the fact that its erstwhile rival Expozoo even had to cancel this year's event due to a lack of exhibitors. Against the background of these financially difficult times, in which pet supplies retailers are thinking twice about whether to shoulder the high costs of attending a show, the number of visitors to Bologna is all the more remarkable. As the organiser of Zoomark International, however, Messe Bologna did a lot in the run-up to the show to make it a success. Above all, the expansion of the country pavilion concept proved a hit, even if no-one could work out why the Chinese companies present were located in two different exhibition halls that were entirely separate from one another. The satisfaction of most exhibitors and visitors with Zoomark International was demonstrated by a non-representative survey on PET-Global.com, which attracted lively interest following the fair. According to this, 84 per cent of participants said they were satisfied with how Zoomark International was run, and a tour around the exhibition halls revealed that most companies had enjoyed a positive experience on the whole and were pleased with the high level of visitor demand. One or two exhibitors complained about organisational problems at the fair, while others would have liked to see more Italian visitors over the four days - but most firms were especially delighted with the international appeal of Zoomark International and recorded innumerable new contacts. When it came to new products, there was plenty to marvel at in the exhibition halls. What is particularly amazing is that the trend towards super-premium, natural and organic products and specialities continues to endure in the dog food segment…