Record numbers at PATS Sandown

The show organisers recorded 1 903 visitors, 3 per cent more than last year. Exhibitor figures also reached a new high with over 160 companies taking part, including many appearing at PATS Sandown for the first time.
There was plenty going on in both show halls on the two days of the fair, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. At times the aisles between the stands were scarcely negotiable due to the congestion, and the exhibitors were suitably encouraged by the strong attendance.
PATS is a classic ordering fair, although its status as an information platform and a meeting point for trade and industry shouldn’t be underestimated. The atmosphere at the show is informal and friendly. In the halls normally frequented by horse­racing enthusiasts and consumer shows, the stands are purpose-built and not particularly extravagant, but this keeps the costs down for exhibitors. This enables even small companies to take advantage of the opportunity to present their products to speciality retailers at PATS. The service is good and shows that the fair organisers know the sector well. Not only do they have a good network of contacts, but they pay particular heed to their customers’ requirements: visitor registration is carried out online to avoid long queues at the desks by the entrance, and there is ample parking space right in front of the halls. The fair venue is easy to get to for visitors from the south of England; PATS Harrogate, the show staged in September near to Leeds, appeals more strongly to those based in the north of England and the Midlands.

Over 240 new products were entered in the competition for the New Products Awards (see separate report on the winners). Most were in the dog and cat categories, which also lead the market in the UK. The high number of new products demonstrated that there was no lack of innovations at the fair. Many of the new products focused on the current trends for grain-free pet food, natural treats and interactive toys, and some stands also offered eco-friendly pet accessories and foods for barf enthusiasts. Products for aquatics and reptile keeping tended to be in short supply, and few cages for birds and small animals or aviaries were in evidence. However, litter products for small mammals and food…