Focus on the international scene

Entrepreneur Schulze, head of Schulze Heimtierbedarf, knows the international pet supplies sector like the back of his hand. His countless trips and visits to pet product shows around the world have paid off and he has a dense network of contacts.From tranquil Porta Westfalica in the geographical heart of Germany, deliveries are made to wholesale and retail partners throughout Europe, Russia and Asia. Isolated gaps are being closed in Europe, with welcome contacts made recently at the PATS show in England. Working with exclusive wholesalers and importers in the respective countries is a rare occurrence; in some cases the supply routes are divided according to product lines and brands. Schulze considers flexibility in the organisation of distribution channels an important factor in achieving success.

Under his own brand Porta21 Dirk Schulze markets dog and cat food, cat litter, accessories and toys. The development of these products is advanced along with the trade in carefully selected products of third-party brands, obtained from Starmark, Intersand, Jolly Pets, Pioneer Pet, Sturdi, Omega Paw and Doggles among others. The overall range includes over 1 000 products. At the forthcoming Interzoo, a new litter product from Porta21, a Dr.Catsby cat bowl, a dog washer ring, Catris scratching furniture, the motorised mouse, and the relaunch of the Porta21 cat food line will feature. The cat segment is expanding most internationally, while all other segments are developing at different rates depending on the country in question.20 new products from Starmark alone will be on show. The US company occupies a special position at Schulze Heimtierbedarf, as Dirk Schulze cooperates very closely with the premium accessories supplier. He runs its European warehouse and supplies customers in Europe on behalf of Starmark.

Participating in B2B fairs internationally and B2C fairs in Germany is important to Dirk Schulze. Feedback from consumers about products is taken very seriously. Above all, international trade shows offer a priceless networking opportunity for the company boss as well as being important for maintaining long-term customer and partner relationships. Schulze is seeing a lot of interest in his products from Asia, and is not ruling out expansion into China.