Zoomark International in the ascendancy

The pet sector in southern Europe has suffered relatively little from the effects of the euro crisis so far, and so Zoomark International 2013 should prove a success. The organisers of the show – BolognaFiere and Piesse S.r.l. – are well prepared for an onslaught of visitors, and have increased the exhibition floor space for Zoomark International to 52 000 m² in the run-up to the event. In addition to show halls 16, 19, 21 and 22, Zoomark International will be extended to hall 18 for the first time. The two entrances (Piazza Costituzione and Nord) are directly linked to the car parks, allowing for ease of access to the fair and a homogeneous distribution of the flow of visitors. All halls are equipped with avant-garde structures and have wi-fi Internet access. In 2011, Zoomark International welcomed over 1 000 brands and 636 exhibitors. 58 per cent of these were from outside Italy, from 37 different countries. Of the 21 460 visitors, those from abroad numbered 5 395, a jump of 15 per cent. It will be interesting to see if the increase in international visitors observed two years ago can be maintained this year too. Trade Fair Certification The Trade Fair Certification recently awarded to Zoomark International by the United States Department of Commerce may prove a further boost to its continuing internationalisation. “The fair has shown itself capable of offering companies excellent opportunities to gain new market share and can announce the official participation on the part of the USA at the 2013 edition. This recognition is an important symbol, which is relevant in all international markets,” said the Zoomark organisers, commenting on the award. Since Zoomark International is Europe’s largest specialist fair in this Interzoo-free year, it might exert a pull as far as new trends in the pet product segment are concerned. Assalco Zoomark Report The support of the National Association of Companies producing Food and Care Products for Pets (Assalco) has been confirmed and work has already begun on the 2012 Assalco Zoomark Report on food and care for pets. The aim of this research is to monitor the Italian market, and to analyse and interpret the main sector trends. The report is a tool much appreciated by the professionals in the field and will be presented in mid-May. A programme of conferences and seminars is also scheduled, which will offer the opportunity to examine current topics and challenges, meet the experts, swap experiences etc. The website…