A sector replete with new confidence

The recession has left its mark on the pet industry in the USA. Some well-known companies that were a permanent fixture at every trade show a few years ago have ceased to exist, or have been taken over by other companies. The latest firm to meet this fate is the fur care specialist Furminator, which has been acquired by the United Pet Group. It says something for the wealth of innovation in the pet supplies sector, however, that, far from shrinking, the number of pet product suppliers in the USA is continuing to grow substantially. It was noticeable at the latest Global Pet Expo that even in economically tough times, more and more new companies are coming into the sector and providing a fresh impetus and new, unusual products. In addition, a growing number of non-American companies have discovered the trade fair for themselves. The international pavilion, which appeared for the first time last year, has already developed into an interesting meeting place; 42 companies from 14 countries participated in this. The Chinese in particular sent a sizeable delegation. High growth rates APPA and PIDA, the organisers of the Global Pet Expo, succeeded in breaking previous records with their show this year, with more exhibitors and booths than ever. During the three-day event, 896 pet product exhibitors and 2 487 booths featured at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando. The number of buyers also increased compared with previous years to 5 011. On the first day in particular, the place was heaving. A comment made repeatedly by many exhibitors over the three days of the show related to the above-average number of buyers from Europe, Latin and Central America, Asia and above all Australia who visited the booths. This prompted more exhibitors than ever to have not only their US sales and marketing team present at the booth, but also their staff responsible for export business. Trends hardening The key trends of recent years played an even larger part at this year’s show than before. Natural and holistic pet food products continue to make advances. What is striking here is that grain-free products are becoming increasingly important - a trend that will probably spread from the USA and Canada to the rest of the world in the next few years. The trend towards natural products made from recyclable raw materials is gaining ground with regard to toys and other accessories in the USA, while the focus in the care product segment is on naturalness. In aquatics, which is in…