British family gathering

The pet trade has given Pats Sandown a thumbs-up. Retailers from both the UK and overseas created a surge of activity over two days of business in the Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park. The show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of pet product innovations. The New Product Showcase was a busy area throughout the event, and retailers admitted they were spoilt for choice as they decided on which items to stock in their stores for the year ahead.
Ken McKinnon, of K9 Dogwash, said: "This has got to be one of the best shows I've experienced, and I'm very happy with the response. We've seen a good mix of big retail chains and independent retailers."

Aquarium fish, reptiles and small animals are in short supply at Pats Sandown. An estimated 75 per cent of the lines and products on show are for dogs, followed by 20 per cent aimed at cats. The remaining five per cent is split between all-season feeding for birds in the wild and then everything else. "This is how it has developed over the years," was the view expressed by most exhibitors, but no-one appeared dissatisfied with the format.

Among the 37 exhibitors new to Pats Sandown was Wild Ocean Omega 3 Fish Snacks Ltd, trading as Woofs. "We found the show to be an ideal vehicle to introduce our new brand of fish snacks for dogs using fresh sustainable and ethically sourced fish products," said managing director Stewart Irvine. The show was also a big occasion for Natures Menu, who used the event as the nationwide launch of their new True Instinct pet food brand, and Peter Roy said the company had surpassed its orders target. "We've been flat out for the whole two days." The mood amongst visitors was summed up by Claire Thomsett, a pet buyer at Bodle Bros, West Sussex, who said: "Pats Sandown is a very engaging show. Everyone is friendly and helpful."
The next Pats show takes place on 23-24 September in Telford.