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Yes, we have heard it said over and over again that the pet industry is recession proof. And that same sentiment is being expressed over the Pond.
The American Pet Products Association has said that America’s spending on pets has grown despite the recession, with a 5.4 per cent increase in 2009 to US$45.5 billion (£30.6 billion). And the association predicted further growth this year of five per cent.
Similar to the UK, American owners were spending more on premium products and healthcare. As an APPA spokesman said: “From CAT scans, root canals and cancer surgery to antibiotics, anti-depressants and even grief counselling, pet owners have more medical choices and spending options than ever before. We feel our pets give us so much it is no longer enough to simply give them a treat. We want to keep our pets healthier, longer, and are willing to spend what it takes to make it happen.”
And because American pet owners are working longer hours, service-based businesses such as dog walkers, day care and pet-sitting are in high demand.
So it is against this backdrop that the Global Pet Expo opened yesterday in Florida. The show, with close to 800 exhibitors, runs until Sunday and reflects broader trends in the US and overseas. Industry experts say nutrition and wellbeing have proved to be especially popular, reflecting its growing importance.
Among the products on show are deer antler dog chews using naturally-shed deer antler, a puppy piñata that can be stuffed with treats and do-it-yourself pet food, in which owners can formulate their own pet food for their dog or cat.
The bottom line is that pets are big business and that in a recession, people are still looking for that feel-good factor and will choose to spend on their pets. However, channelling new products into the trade is also critical as people look to upgrade from an existing product or food, or simply want to try something new. And the best place to look for inspiration is, of course, a trade show.
Judging by the success of the recent PATS Sandown in Surrey – visitor numbers were up 31 per cent on both days – many people do see the value of trade shows; as a former manager of mine used to say, “Splendid job, splendid”.
Were you at PATS Sandown? If so, was it a good experience and are you raring to visit another show this year? There are still a number left on the calendar, whether you want to choose just one more or visit all of them!
The American Pet Products Association has said that America’s spending on pets has grown despite the recession, with a 5.4 per cent increase in 2009 to US$45.5 billion (£30.6 billion). And the association predicted further growth this year of five per cent.
Similar to the UK, American owners were spending more on premium products and healthcare. As an APPA spokesman said: “From CAT scans, root canals and cancer surgery to antibiotics, anti-depressants and even grief counselling, pet owners have more medical choices and spending options than ever before. We feel our pets give us so much it is no longer enough to simply give them a treat. We want to keep our pets healthier, longer, and are willing to spend what it takes to make it happen.”
And because American pet owners are working longer hours, service-based businesses such as dog walkers, day care and pet-sitting are in high demand.
So it is against this backdrop that the Global Pet Expo opened yesterday in Florida. The show, with close to 800 exhibitors, runs until Sunday and reflects broader trends in the US and overseas. Industry experts say nutrition and wellbeing have proved to be especially popular, reflecting its growing importance.
Among the products on show are deer antler dog chews using naturally-shed deer antler, a puppy piñata that can be stuffed with treats and do-it-yourself pet food, in which owners can formulate their own pet food for their dog or cat.
The bottom line is that pets are big business and that in a recession, people are still looking for that feel-good factor and will choose to spend on their pets. However, channelling new products into the trade is also critical as people look to upgrade from an existing product or food, or simply want to try something new. And the best place to look for inspiration is, of course, a trade show.
Judging by the success of the recent PATS Sandown in Surrey – visitor numbers were up 31 per cent on both days – many people do see the value of trade shows; as a former manager of mine used to say, “Splendid job, splendid”.
Were you at PATS Sandown? If so, was it a good experience and are you raring to visit another show this year? There are still a number left on the calendar, whether you want to choose just one more or visit all of them!
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
26/03/2010
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