“Interest in pets continues to grow”

Development trends in the global pet industry post Covid19 was the topic discussed by four representatives of international pet associations with David Zhong, chairman of the executive committee & vice-chairman of the Asia Pet Alliance in the run-up to the Asian pet supplies trade show Pet Fair in Shanghai. Statements by the discussion partners showed that, although the pet sector has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the impact has not been anywhere near as great as that on other sectors of the economy. The biggest challenges experienced were maintenance of the supply chains, increased competition between bricks-and-mortar retailers and the online trade and the measures necessary to guarantee the safety of customers and staff. Several of those involved in the discussion found the increased interest of many people in pets during the pandemic a positive development. "12 per cent of generation Z got a new pet," reported Steven King, CEO of the American industry federation APPA. The partners agreed that, as expressed by Christine Carrière, CEO of Pijac Canada, the coronavirus crisis offered new opportunities for closer collaboration within the pet supplies sector. You can find the panel discussion here.