Jubilee in Sandown

With its 25th edition, the UK pet trade show Pats in Sandown has once again proved itself to be the UK’s leading spring pet industry show. Featuring more than 130 companies and brands, there was plenty for visitors to see and talk about over two days. The anniversary was celebrated with a special reception at the end of the first day.  

The first company to book a stand at the inaugural Pats Sandown exhibition in 2009 was Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN). Sales manager Ben Anderson commented on the milestone event: “I have attended all the shows and have enjoyed them all. I feel honoured and privileged to have been part of the PATS success story.”

This year the show also welcomed back international buyers after travel restrictions were relaxed. This included Rob James of Petwork Marketing, who buys British-made products for a network of 50 shops across the country. He came accompanied by Mireah Sabate De Val, owner of the pet shop Princeps De Casa in the centre of Barcelona.

An important and popular part of Pats is the New Products section. Winners are selected by a team of independent pet retailers, who this year had to evaluate more than 200 products submitted in eight categories. In making their decisions, they considered a number of guiding criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging, value for money and sustainability. Winners included Natures Menu for the Cats Multipack, Brit Pet Care for Carnilove True Fresh, and Mealberry in the Small Animal and Bird Products category for the Little One Starter Set. The judges said: “At a good price and with attractive packaging, this product is a good starter pack for new and junior pet owners.”

The next Pats will be held in Telford on 24-25 September.