Almost gone with the wind

Only 1 677 visitors, more than 300 fewer than last year (1 993), attended Pats on 9-10 February in Sandown. One of the main reasons for the sharp drop was probably Storm Ciara, which deterred many people from setting off and prevented visitors from abroad from even reaching the UK. British Airways, for example, had already cancelled flights the day before the fair.
The organisers of the fair nevertheless reported very positively: "We were satisfied with the high quality of the visitors," organiser Gordon Thomas is quoted as saying. He is certain that the pet product industry was not put off by the terrible weather and travel conditions.

The Forthglade Foods stand was inundated on both days, with trade sector controller Bill Kimberling saying that his team hardly had time to draw breath: "We have doubled the amount of orders taken at the show compared to last year." It was a similar story on the Natures Menu stand, where Peter Roy said: "It has been non-stop for us, especially on day two." Tom Page of Inspired Pet Nutrition, which has exhibited at every Sandown show since it launched in 2009, commented: "The quality of visitors is what makes Pats so special."

New exhibitor Rocketo won a New Product Award for its Keto Orbiters Raw-dehydrated Vegan & Organic Dog Treat and stated in a press-release: "This exhibition attracts the major decision-makers, so exhibiting has paid off in a big way." Another New Product Award winner, Canine Ketchup, agreed that the show hit all the right notes. And Paul Smith, buying director at Chessington Garden Centre, said: "Pats is the place to see all the new products. I would say this is the best New Product Showcase for years."
The next Pats is announced for 27-28 September in Telford.