On an upward trend

The Polish pet product sector is coming along nicely, in spite of an economic lull and high unemployment. In Tropical, Euro-Zoo, Agro-Polska and Aquael – to name but a few – the country has a number of companies that have acquired an international reputation over the years.
The high standard of the Polish pet product sector is also evident from its relatively high level of organisation. A federation was set up in 1995, bringing manufacturing companies, wholesalers and retailers together to give the industry a mouthpiece. Following an interruption, this federation, known as Hobby Flora Zoo, resumed its activities last year. Thanks to the enormous commitment shown by president Andrzej Ziarko and director Magda Wypych, the federation has gained a lot of respect in the corridors of ministries and other bodies. Many firms in the Polish pet product sector recognise this and have helped to swell the number of federation members from 28 to 41 in just a few months.
Most of the main Polish pet product companies now belong to Hobby Flora Zoo, including A. Ziarko, Badis, Euro-Zoo, Pabemia, Tropical, Zoolek, Anna Zoo, Elba, Bulldog and Beaphar Polska.
Tireless campaigners on behalf of the Polish pet product sector: new president Andrzej Mikula (left) and his predecessor Andrzej Ziarko.
At the end of last year, the federation acquired a well-known and dynamic lawyer in Magda Wypych, who offers wide-ranging advice and assistance to members. Whether it’s a question of problems with vets, new legal requirements affecting the pet product industry or aspects of registration, the young lawyer knows the answer. And in view of Poland’s forthcoming accession to the European Union, which will also bring new regulations affecting the Polish pet product industry, she’s not likely to run out of work in the next few years.
Members of the federation assembled in the margins of the Pet Fair exhibition in Lodz to re-elect the committee. To the great regret of many members, Andrzej Ziarko had already declared in advance his intention to step down as president. Andrzej Mikula of Zoolek, who was previously on the committee, was elected to succeed him. The new vice-president is specialist pet product dealer Bartlomiej Latos, succeeding Waldemar Osmalek of Bulldog. Janusz Gnyp (Tropical), Marceli Oziebto (Euro-Zoo), Andrzej Ziarko (A. Ziarko), Danek Jaroslaw (Zoolog) and Anna Kazmierczak Januszewska (Anna Zoo) are all on the new committee, while the following were picked for the three-man…