A record 37,200 trade visitors from 114 countries flocked to the 30th edition of Interzoo, the largest exhibition of pet supplies in the world, held May 22-25 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg in Nuremberg, Germany. That represented an increase of 9 percent from 34,181 trade visitors attending the biennial event in 2006.

A total of 1,436 exhibitors from 54 countries presented an extensive range of pet foods, accessories and services. Exhibitor attendance was up 13 percent from 1,270 exhibitors in 2006.

“Interzoo was once again an important attraction for all the industry’s players,” said Klaus Oechsner, president of the Zentrakverban Zoologischer Fachbetriebe e.V., which sponsors the show. “The numerous new products and innovations, the interesting contacts and the exchange with experts and specialists from the most diverse countries ensured an optimistic mood, which will lend the international pet market impetus and move it forward.”

About 77 percent of exhibiting companies came from abroad, according to Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH, promoter of the show. There was strong representation from Italy, China, the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Belgium, France and Spain. Significantly increased exhibit space was taken by companies from China, Great Britain, Taiwan, India, Netherlands, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, France and Spain.

Prominent trends related to health and hygiene items as well as accessories with modern design elements. “Numerous new grooming and nutrition articles for our animals, adapted and geared to breed and age, are conquering the market,” Oechsner said. “The further development of pet foods and health products is making an active contribution to animal welfare.”

Show highlights included a conference on European import restrictions, as well as a welcome party and an Interzoo anniversary party.

During the show, Marshall Meyers, chief executive officer and general counsel of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington), received the 2008 Ornamental Fish International Award for 30 years of representing the pet industry before governmental bodies in the United States and abroad in issues concerning regulatory processes, animal welfare, humane transportation of animals, endangered species, injurious wildlife, invasive species, wildlife regulations, international regulation of the import/export of animals and others.

The next edition of Interzoo will be held May 13-16, 2010. For more information, visit www.interzoo.com. [August 2008 PET AGE]