Interzoo 2018, a global trade fair for pet supplies, will be held in Nuremberg, Germany from May 8–11. This year, the event expects to reach a new record number of exhibitors and exhibition spaces from Germany and across the globe.
The number of exhibitors in 2018 has crossed the 2,000 mark, surpassing the most recent record of 1,818 in 2016. Companies from around 70 countries will exhibit their products and services over approximately 120,000 square meters of space, compared to 115,000 square meters in 2016. The trade fair organizer WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH) will offer focused event formats to present the displays of pet food and accessories, grooming products, garden products and equestrian sports products and services.
Growth of foreign exhibitors at Interzoo
Foreign interest in particular continues to grow at Interzoo. Exhibitors from outside Germany will account for 83 percent of all exhibitors, a new record. Moreover, the interest of European and German exhibitors has grown steadily since 2014. Compared to Interzoo 2016, the percentage of German exhibitors has grown disproportionately to 10 percent.
WZF has encountered an increase in applications for display space from European exhibitors, particularly from Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium and France. Exhibitors from Turkey have also shown more interest this year. The organizer has noticed stronger demand from overseas exhibitors as well, particularly from India, Canada, China, and the US.
Trends to expect at Interzoo 2018
Although exhibitors’ products have yet to be unveiled at the event, some market trends are already emerging. “Pet snacks are featuring additional benefits, offering more than just flavor,” said Hans-Jochen Büngener, chairman of the Interzoo Trade Fair Committee, in a press release.
Büngener also said that pet food supplements are being used specifically to support the development and functioning of joints, ligaments, fur and skin, stomach and intestines. In general, more attention is being paid to the quality of both dry food and wet pet food. At the same time, package sizes are becoming smaller. Depending on the size of the animal, portions are becoming smaller to avoid leftovers and make sure that only fresh food is placed in pets’ bowls.
A breakdown of product segments
Products for dogs and cats still account for the largest share by far of the products to be exhibited at the Interzoo 2018. This segment continues to grow, and 43 percent of exhibitors will present products in this segment. The second-largest product segment consists of products for small pets and rodents, accounting for 12 percent of exhibitors. Eleven percent of exhibitors will focus on aquarium trends. Nine percent of exhibitors will present products for pet birds, while terrarium products and products for outdoor pets each account for 9 percent of exhibitors.
Interzoo Country Sessions: a look at developing markets
The Interzoo 2018 Country Sessions are meant to highlight the developments of different markets around the world. Participants can expect condensed presentations on the development of the pet supplies market in each country. This information will be presented on a first-hand basis by associations from each country or by the market research firm Euromonitor. Visitors can attend the Country Sessions (Hall Brüssel 2, NCC Mitte) free of charge.
Highlights of the Interzoo Country Sessions include information about the pet supplies market in the US (Wednesday, 9/5/2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and market overviews for China (Wednesday, 9.5.2018, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.) and Brazil (Thursday, 10.5.2018, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.).
Paula Flores, the consultant in charge of the pet supplies sector at Euromonitor, will present insights into the pet supplies markets in the US and China.
