A global meeting point

Approximately 100 more manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers will be present than at the last show two years ago. The exhibitors come from over 60 countries and will present their products and services on a record Interzoo show area of around 115 000 m2. Compared with the last Interzoo in 2014, the show has attracted greater interest both at national and international level, with an 8 per cent increase in the number of German exhibitors and 10 per cent more foreign exhibitors.The world-leading fair thus retains a high degree of internationality, as over 80 per cent of the exhibitors come from abroad. This underlines the fact that Interzoo will once again be the global exhibition of the pet supplies sector. The show organiser, the Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH (WZF), has seen an increase in stand applications in Europe from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Hungary. From further afield, demand has increased from the USA, Brazil, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Australia.The trends already emerging for Interzoo 2016 include healthy, species-appropriate food. "There is a steady trend towards food without additives such as flavour enhancers, preservatives and colourings. Food ingredients produced without genetic modification are also growing in popularity," says Norbert Holthenrich, president of the Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe Deutschlands (German Pet Trade & Industry Association, ZZF). Other popular items are reward products and treats with added health benefits, such as chews that help to reduce tartar, plaque and bad breath.

Products for dogs and cats will take up the most space by far once again at Interzoo 2016, with 41 per cent of the manufacturers presenting products in this segment. The second-biggest segment with 12 per cent is devoted to aquatics exhibitors and products for small animals. 9 per cent of suppliers will be presenting products for cage birds, 6 per cent are showing reptile products and products for pets in the garden respectively, 3 per cent will be companies exhibiting equestrian sport items and 2 per cent will be presenting boutique articles for pet product retailers. The other categories exhibiting include shopfitting and packaging, pet food technology, complementary products for living with pets and specialist literature/multimedia. Exhibitors can be listed in multiple categories.