New pet care and pet food products entered the edition’s aisles. The surprise is the “invasion” of Chinese as small exhibitors
By Leandro Mazzini, column editor
At first glance upon arriving at the giant Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida, you get an idea of the size of the event and what Global Pet Expo (@globalpetexpo) has become – without a doubt the biggest and best fair in the sector in the world. The imposing hall was prepared so that visitors could move comfortably through the corridors and stands (many with an excellent layout, commensurate with the importance of the theme). The Expo took place from March 25th to 27th.
Sponsored by the manufacturer Purina, which occupied a generous space at the entrance, in addition to its associates, the Global Pet Expo brought the model already known from previous editions, but this time with more new features, always following the growing trend in the sector for demands and innovations, both in pet food and pet care. It was possible to see up close the strong global trend for natural products for food and many pet treats.
In Brazil, for example, the pet segment grows in stupendous double digits per year. In fact, Brazilians in the pet sector have not yet been involved in the edition as they should, like the Chinese (more details below). A maximum of two brands paraded
through the corridors with their representatives, from the capitals Curitiba and São Paulo. There was, however – and this was good – the visit of some manufacturers and distributors there, such as executives from the New Pet Group, from Paraná (one of the largest in the south of the country), directors of Mastpet and Pian, and exhibitions from three other national producers, Alfapet, Orba, Supra.The diversity of products includes innovation, even for rodents, the new wave in the pet sector – there are types of food and well-being utensils for owners of rabbits, chinchillas, capybaras, pacas, hamsters. The interesting thing is that even for reptiles: there was a stand with snakes. Feed for ornamental fish also represents a small portion of the segment.
The pet care system has also gained more attention. Various manufacturers offered new and traditional products, improved, for walks and trips with dogs and cats, in particular. In one of the boxes (independent producers and startups) a more comfortable transport box for pets was presented – even a thermal one for those who want to leave them inside the car, protected against the heat.
The Chinese entered the segment in earnest. Different companies from Chinese provinces, which have already entered the North American market, dominated the small boxes at the Global Pet Expo, but without any news. They divided to present more of the same, such as snacks of different flavors, and in particular toys and clothing for pets, as well as small useful objects for animal comfort on a daily basis.
And, as a reminder of how important the fair is and how the segment is growing, in addition to the traditional Purina, more and more companies from non-pet sectors are turning their eyes to the segment. Even the famous KFC, which in Brazil has hundreds of snack bars. There, he invested in a pet arm with toys for dogs and cats.
A significant proof that we can expect more news in the next editions. And for the segment as a whole.