The pet trade has given PATS Sandown a massive thumbs-up, with exhibitors and visitors agreeing it was one of the best ever in the show's nine-year history.A total of 1,917 retailers and buyers visited the show, representing an increase of three per cent on the number who attended PATS Sandown 2016. The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering a platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. The New Product Showcase was a busy area throughout the event, and retailers admitted they were spoilt for choice as they decided on which items to stock in their stores for the year ahead.
Exhibitors agreed the quality of visitors to their stands was exceptional this year, and felt there was a greater degree of confidence being shown. Natures Menu's Peter Roy said his company had experienced a brilliant show, selling over 150 freezers for their raw food products. "We've been flat out for the whole two days," he admitted.
Toby Massey, co-founder of Beco Pets, said: "This year was another highly successful PATS for us, our best yet, eclipsing last year's sales, especially from the independent pet food specialist market. We took double the numbers of orders from independents, which we can only put down to strong positive moves in the market." Beaphar was celebrating its 75th anniversary and the occasion drew lots of visitors to the company's stand. "We've had a great show and we're so pleased to have marked our birthday at PATS Sandown," said Vicky Le Fanu.
Steve Lodge, of Hertford Shelving, said: "The show has fulfilled all my expectations. It's the perfect place to meet new and old customers, and there is always a buzz about the place." And Suzanne Rothman of Pet Munchies reported good business on her stand with an impressive amount of orders taken. "The quality of people we've met has been excellent."
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Organiser Annie Foord said: "We love running this show for the pet industry, so it is fantastic to hear that exhibitors and visitors have experienced a brilliant show"The winners of the PATS Sandown New Product Awards were chosen from more than 200 new products by a team of expert pet retail judges. The cat product category was won by ZiwiPeak Air Dried Cat Food, entered…