Gateway to growth in China

“With 14 years of success, Pet Fair Asia is one of the most established platforms for leading manu­facturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors and agents in China,” said David Zhong, president and CEO of VNU Exhibitions Asia. “This year’s event, which takes place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, is bigger than ever. With an area of 25 000 m², the 2012 fair will accommodate more than 500 exhibitors from 32 countries.” This year, Pet Fair Asia is expanding its International Pavilion to incorporate more countries and provide additional space for each one. The fair will also feature its first Pet Food Forum China on 12 October. Organised in conjunction with Watt Publishing, the conference will offer professionals involved in pet food and pet treat manu­facture from China and the surrounding region a new opportunity to share insights and information. Space in the International Pavilion is booking fast. More than 40 per cent has already been reserved, and 65 per cent of the overall space available at the fair has also already been booked. The fair offers tailor-made packages for international exhibitors and visitors alike: for exhibitors, multi-optional booth stands in the International Pavilion, premium booth locations and an online match-making programme are available; for visitors, complimentary meetings with key manufacturers, agents, retailers and/or distributors are on offer; in addition, both visitors and exhibitors have the opportunity to join Pet Fair Asia’s VIP and Hosted Buyer Programmes. VIP treatment includes access to the VIP lounge and translation services, and a guided tour of Shanghai and of pet retail facilities in the region. It is also a feature of the Hosted Buyer programme, which also offers international visitors free admission and three nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel. The business director of Mars China sees the fair as a valuable opportunity for the company and the industry. “We are looking forward to the exciting prospect of the 15th Pet Fair Asia,” she said. “We found the previous Pet Fair Asia, and associated International Pet Industry Summit, very rewarding. We were able to showcase our newest products, which attracted much attention from pet industry insiders and specialists. The International Pet Industry Summit brought together the pet industry’s leading companies and established an effective communications platform that helped Mars join hands with all our business partners towards…