Success story against all odds

The omens were anything but good for a successful Zoomark International this year. The financial crisis in southern Europe, especially in Italy, had left its scars on the pet supplies sector too, even if not to the same extent as on other sectors of the economy. Some exhibitors were unable to hide the fact that the decline in purchasing power in the countries of southern Europe had hit their bottom line hard in the first few months of this year. Companies operating on the world stage with global sales likewise complained of falling sales in southern Europe, but they can largely make up for losses there with increased sales in other countries. No-show by the “heavyweights” The weak economy in Italy and its neighbouring countries might have been the reason why so many well-known companies saved themselves the cost of a trip to Zoomark. Italian heavyweights such as Ferplast, Croci, Marchioro, Almo Nature, Prodac and Askoll were all absent from Bologna this year, as were international players like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Tetra, Gimborn and Sera. Apart from smallish gaps in individual halls, the absence of so many key companies did not leave any lasting trace. The exhibition halls were very busy on the first two days in particular. The extensive international spread and presence of virtually all the important pet store chains in Europe lifted the mood on the exhibition stands perceptibly. Short routes between stands, the clear layout of the show halls and efficient organisation by the fair organisers were further aspects cited repeatedly by exhibitors in their comments to PET worldwide. Praise was also reserved for the good mix of large and small stands in the individual exhibition halls. Increasingly cosmopolitan flavour On the Saturday and Sunday, when most of the buyers from domestic and foreign pet store chains went off for a well-earned weekend rest, the tone was set by pet product retailers from Italy and its neighbouring countries. Apart from the first couple of hours, when it was very quiet at Zoomark International, there was plenty of activity on the last two days of the fair. This was also evident from the figures released by the fair organisation. The number of visitors to Zoomark International increased by 9 per cent compared with 2011 to 22 760. The increased international spread of the fair was pleasing and was manifested not only in the well-frequented pavilions of Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Brazil and China, but also by the 9 per cent…