The pet business is alive and kicking

Great Britain is reportedly one of the countries in Europe that suffered the strongest battering by the recession – yet the market data of the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association paints a different picture. Charting the development of the British pet supplies sector in the last year, it indicates that sales rose by 7 per cent, and have never before reached values as high as those in 2009 (see report on page 48). Another good example suggesting that the recession has bypassed the pet sector in many countries is Japan. Around 27 million pets are thought to live there, and the Japanese pet market is doing well. The trend towards small dogs and indoor cats has benefited the sector here, although pet food sales have been declining for a while, because small dogs eat less than big ones. On the other hand, the range of services offered for pets, such as grooming, care and pet sitting, is showing a very positive trend. Aquariums could also enjoy a revival in the next few years thanks to new ideas. The high demand for nano aquariums highlights the possibilities here. Expectations in the aquatics sector are also high with regard to LED lighting, although many experts still have justifiable doubts as to whether the light spectrum is suitable as the sole lighting source for pets and plants in the long term. Nevertheless, many people in the pet supplies business assume that LEDs will displace other forms of lighting in a couple of years. As the examples demonstrate, the pet sector is alive and kicking. Because it is strongly oriented to the requirements of its customers, it consistently succeeds in seeking out new niches. Experts in the sector will soon be able to form an overall picture of current trends and the development of individual markets at the International Pet Conference, which takes place in Hamburg from 9 to 10 November. Speakers from such well-known companies as Mars Petcare, Fressnapf, Arken, Petcenter and Kakadu will explain their concepts and outline their plans in lectures geared to the practicalities of the pet product trade. This is a good opportunity to expand and add depth to your international network of key decision-making contacts in the sector! Yours Ralf Majer-Abele Download: The pet business is alive and kicking (PDF file)