The UK market is still growing

Glee, the UK trade show in Birmingham, comes around once again in mid-September. In view of the fact that there is no staging this year of the world’s biggest speciality garden fair, Gafa in Cologne, the organisers of Glee are counting on a further boost for their own show. In fact, a large number of specialist garden businesses are planning to exhibit in Birmingham this year, something which should please the exhibitors at Petindex. Since the pet product fair was integrated into Glee its reputation has grown considerably. The number of international exhibitors is also likely to rise in comparison with previous years, and the provisional directory of exhibitors includes the names of companies from Lithuania, Germany, France, Italy, Malaysia, the USA, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the Benelux states and many other countries who will have their own stand at Petindex this year. This suggests a strong international flavour. But it’s not just exhibitor numbers that are increasing – the visitor attendance figures are also expected to rise further this year in Birmingham.
The general level of interest in the UK market is very high, and no wonder: as indicated by current market data, which can be found in this issue of PET in Europe, the UK pet product market enjoys a growth rate of between 4 and 5 per cent per year. This is a figure that many countries on the European continent can only dream of. In Germany, for example, the sales volume of the pet product market was reduced by over 2 per cent in 2004, while in France only minimal growth of 0.8 per cent was achieved in the same year.
What makes the UK market particularly attractive is that growth rates in double figures are still possible particularly in the lucrative premium pet food segment. A growing population of cats and dogs gives rise to hopes of a positive future. And even suppliers of products for small animals are currently meeting with a favourable response in the UK, because this market segment is likewise experiencing strong growth. On the other hand, the picture
isn't quite so rosy for fish-keeping and ornamental birds, where only limited growth is taking place.
Any company seeking success in the UK market needs to do its homework meticulously regarding the country and its people. Many industry insiders confirm that the UK market is one of the most difficult in Europe. Its distribution system is different from that customarily found in many other countries. Added to this is the risk posed by exchange rates. And the tastes of UK pet owners differ in many respects from those of other countries, so that a large measure of instinctive feeling for what will satisfy the whims of potential customers is required. Careful consideration is thus called for regarding prospective business partners.
Petindex offers a good opportunity to make new contacts. And PET in Europe has its own stand at the show too, C 80 in Hall 4. I look forward to your visit.