Wise Men Go East
Despite economic crisis, the pet industry is doing reasonably well, globally. You guys are doing well, yes, when other industries are forced to entirely rethink their business model. And that's exactly why it's also a very dangerous time for your company, a time one should focus on innovation and new markets development rather thanoptimizing existing costs and profits. Don't milk the cash cow with both hands : keep one free to grab new opportunities.
Several Asian countries and China in particular are markets you do not want to miss in the next few years. Tomorrow has come already, and Asia affirms itself as a key region for sustainable growth of pet-related companies. Now is the right time to take action and better understand these markets. Bilateral agreements between China and its commercial partners (Canada to mention one) and even free-trade agreements (with Australia, South-Korea, etc...) are boosting the pet sector in Asia-Pacific, a region that is already the most integrated commercial space in the world.
This is a first detail one should keep in mind when it comes to Asia : the development of Shanghai Free Trade Zone, coupled with the exponential growth of a tradeshow like Pet Fair Asia are great opportunities to reach a large marketplace and develop business with several new territories at once. Being visible in China today gives you access to a dozen of other important markets: Japan, South-Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and several promising destinations within the region. The same goes, of course, for purchasing and sourcing opportunities.
And then there is China itself. The health of its domestic market is changing the rules of international business: most pet products companies in China are now considering their own market as a priority. Local products are getting better – and export price higher – but Chinese consumers continue to prefer imported brands. A recent study by Euromonitor International indicates that sales in mainland China for premium dog food will keep growing by an average 13% a year for at least the next 5 years. The success of premium food, accessories, cosmetics and customization confirms the underlying trend of super-humanization in Asia.
Over the past 18 years, Pet Fair Asia has developed a very strong local then regional network, positioning the show as the central platform to do business in China and Asia-Pacific. For three years in a row, not a single company joining Pet Fair Asia decided to "try their luck" with another tradeshow in China. Level of service, visitors' quality, attention to intellectual property and organizer reactivity are few of many reasons why both established international brands and companies starting to develop their business in Asia trust this event.
Trust does matter. As the only tradeshow in Asia with UFI certified data, Pet Fair Asia offers transparent communication and accurate exhibitors/visitors information. In 2015, the show will grow more than 20% with over 700 exhibitors and 19,000 professional visitors expected (20% from overseas). Purchasing opportunities are clear with a wide choice of products and price range: Pet Fair Asia is now the platform where you can find the most important numbers of exhibitors from Asian countries while western brands are covering half of the exhibition space.
The new dedicated space for aquaria products and live fish will be organized with local and international partners, along with on-site activities and competitions curated by world-renowned aquarists. Existing sections like the Pet food and Pet treat suppliers’ row or the Veterinary area will return along with associated conferences: Petfood Forum China, Pet Hospital Management Meeting, International Pet Industry Summit and the Shanghai Veterinary Conference, all dedicated to a better understanding and anticipation of market trends.
In a world where leading pet tradeshows across the globe have become great backyards for networking, there is just something "more" happening in Shanghai in August.
Pet Fair Asia will take place in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center on August 27-30, 2015.
Market Data & Inquiries : Yannick Verry – yannick.verry@vnuexhibitions.com.cn +86 21 6195 6088 ext 632
