Trade and industry meet in the Netherlands

The show attracted 4 700 visitors, slightly fewer than the figure for last year, but the atmosphere was good throughout. On the Sunday especially, the exhibition hall at the modern Evenementenhal in Gorinchem was thronged with people. Virtually all the leading manufacturing and wholesale companies were represented, in some cases with fairly extravagant stands. Products for dogs and cats in particular, both in the food and accessories categories, featured prominently and were attractively presented for the most part. This strong showing was no surprise, because the dog and cat segments are growing at the moment. Aquatics products, on the other hand, were less in evidence, again not surprising in view of the stagnant sales trend in this product group. The show organiser, Dutch trade association Dibevo, succeeded in attracting over 120 exhibitors to the fair, including a number of first-time exhibitors. Flexible opening times tailored to the requirements of the customers and the provision of catering to exhibitors and visitors directly on the stands are trademarks of this fair. The short routes around the fair venue also favour a lively flow of communication between exhibitors and visitors. The success of the show proves the fair organisers and their industrial sponsors right: Dibevo attracts relevant companies in the pet supplies sector and thus justifies its reputation as a meeting place for trade and industry. The next Dibevo will take place on 9-11 October 2011, again in Gorinchem. Download: Trade and industry meet in the Netherlands (PDF file)