Hoping for a better economic situation

ParkZoo has become the most important pet industry show in the Russian capital, say the organisers. In 2014, the pet trade show featured around 200 exhibitors from Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the Baltic states, India and China and attracted over 9 000 professional visitors. Among them were distributors, wholesalers and retailers from all over the country, especially from Moscow where about 60 per cent of pet business is concentrated.
Since last year, Russia has been facing economic problems. However, progressive thinkers as a whole and the pet business in particular are convinced that this is only a temporary setback and that consumers and business will adapt to the current conditions and move onwards and upwards, according to Park Zoo's organisers.

In order to attract foreign suppliers, Park Zoo aims to offer new opportunities at this year's show: Private Label: the current situation has led to increased interest on the part of Russian companies in private label. Artis-Expo, the organiser of ParkZoo, is meeting the challenge by setting up a private label section and encouraging such producers to take part in the exhibition.
Raw materials and ingredients: the crisis has presented Russian producers with an opportunity to consolidate their position in the pet products market. Many have already noted increased demand for their products. They still continue to import a substantial proportion of their raw materials and ingredients, thus creating new client opportunities for foreign suppliers attending the exhibition. 

New opportunities: current conditions have led to many distributors re-evaluating their business relationships and product assortment, and this provides an opportunity for new suppliers to make their debut in the Russian market via the portfolios of Russian distributors.
Making economic sense: the fall of the rouble makes participating in the exhibition much cheaper for foreign companies than in previous years. This could be a persuasive argument.
ParkZoo will extend its invitation also to pet grooming product companies within the framework of the annual Pet Grooming Festival, which brings together salon owners, equipment sales people and pet groomers from all over Russia.