Trend towards natural products continues

Over 800 companies from all over the world presented their products and services at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The mood on all three days was extremely good. This might have been due in large part to the decision of the organisers to move the Global Pet Expo to a Wednesday to Friday slot, for the exhibitors and visitors seemed to voice unanimous agreement with this move. As has been the case repeatedly in the last few years, many exhibitors made very positive comments to PET worldwide regarding the service they received and the helpfulness of the fair organisers. Of course, the pleasing trend at present in the American pet supplies sector might also have contributed to the cheerful atmosphere in the show halls. As Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), stated at the press conference marking the opening, the pet supplies sector in the USA grew by 6.2 per cent to $48 bn in 2010 compared with the previous year (see report on page 14). In view of these fabulous figures there could really be no talk of a sense of crisis. As in previous years, it was apparent from the stands that the trend towards natural, organic and holistic products in the USA is continuing unchecked. Although it originally only extended to pet food products, there are now plenty of manufacturers of accessories and care products who are using natural raw materials. This impressed the jury tasked with picking out the most innovative new products at the show, and awards went to several manufacturers of eco-friendly products (see box). One new trend to emerge was for bowls and collars made from biodegradable or recycled materials. Because companies know that products can only be marketed successfully if they catch the customer’s eye at the POS, however, a strikingly large number of new forms of presentation intended to make the retailer’s job easier were exhibited at this year’s Global Pet Expo. Many Asian visitors The new International Pavilion went down extremely well with exhibitors and visitors alike. Accommodating nearly 40 exhibitors from China, Taiwan and the UK, it ensured that the Global Pet Expo continues to expand its international dimension. It was astonishing to find few, if any, pet product firms from neighbouring countries or those not too far away from the USA represented at this year’s show in Orlando, however. More exhibitors from Canada in particular or from Latin America would have been welcome. One also had the impression…