Brand new events at Zoosphere

As a report produced last year by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) concludes, Russia has the world’s second largest pet population after the USA, with an estimated 60 million pets. More than 60 per cent of dog owners and more than 80 per cent of cat owners buy pet food, according to the research company Synovate Comcon. In the Soviet Union, pet products were in short supply. Now, since the market has opened up and Russia is joining the World Trade Organization, there are plenty of opportunities to occupy various niches. The exhibition company points out that participation in Zoosphere gives companies the opportunity to present products and services in this large, untapped market. The Zoosphere organisers highlight the fact that current trends in the Russian pet industry are traditionally presented at the show. Many of these were actually first introduced at Zoosphere; for example, the development of associations of pet product companies, the creation of the first veterinary association and the first veterinary conferences held in Russia. In fact, the Zoosphere exhibition itself was the first in the sector in 1993. Since then the show has increasingly consolidated its leading position. Another example is the emergence of more and more terrarium hobbyists in Russia. Aquarium and terrarium design competitions have already been held twice at Zoosphere, but this year they will be held all over Russia. There are several tours organised all year round in various cities, and the winners will hold workshops at Zoosphere. “It’s the only large-scale amateur terrarium competition in Russia with serious sponsors and media support,” says exhibition director Svetlana Hansen. “It’s becoming evident now that a big number of terrarium owners results in the growth of interest in such competitions. But ours will be the first of its kind along with many other things at Zoosphere.” Grooming on the rise Another trend in the Russian pet market is grooming. An increase in disposable incomes has improved demand for this service, says the exhibition company. “The workshops on grooming were so popular at Zoosphere 2011 that the organisers decided to create a whole International Grooming Tournament this year. The programme will include competitions in grooming, trimming and fur colouring.” Many exhibition events have become traditional. One of them is the “gallery of trade innovations”, showing brand new pet products from leading companies. Another one is the…