Pet Fair Asia | China

A surging market

Twelve years ago, Chinese were celebrating the Year of the Dog. China was a dream place to source cheap products and launch affordable brands in the west, not such a dream destination for quality control and intellectual property rights. A handful of international pet brands with fancy packaging were trying their luck in improvised street stalls along with noisy grasshoppers and exotic birds. Local visitors were somewhat disappointed not to find actual pets in ‘pet exhibitions’.

In 2018, we are celebrating the Year of the Dog again but everything has changed. China ranks among the first markets for global luxury brands. Pet owners spend incredible amounts of money in pet stores with VIP rooms. The few maverick players who went through a decade of erratic development have predominant positions. 

The Chinese pet market has grown by a factor of 22 and Pet Fair Asia is 15 times larger than in 2006 and claims to be the largest exhibition for pet supplies
in Asia.

Must-attend

With 10 halls, 125,000 sqm of exhibiting space and close to 1,400 exhibitors, the 21st edition offers an ever wider coverage of the supply chain and sees all pet categories represented. In addition, the show is now co-located with the exhibition Aquarama, opening more business opportunities with aquarium suppliers, smart systems pioneers or ornamental fish exporters from around the world.

In 2018, the organiser notes a strong development of the healthcare section, with pharmaceutical companies, veterinary products suppliers and pet clinics massively present. 

The pet food suppliers’ area is also growing fast, in line with the launch of new pet food brands in Asia. Dedicated on-site conferences are addressing specific topics: the 8th International Pet Industry Summit, the 7th Petfood Forum China or the 5th Annual Meeting for Pet Hospital Management are just some of the many must-attend events.

Pet Fair Asia 2018 takes place 22-26 August 2018 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. It is expected to attract 50,000 professionals during three trade days and more than 110,000 consumers during the weekend. Visitor pre-registration is highly recommended.