Show report
Pets help win big expo prizes from loyal tribe
Stephanie Selesnick takes a walk with Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai and finds out that the loyal legions of pet owners in Asia are helping drive show success
et Fair Asia began in
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Shanghai, China in 1997. Purchased in 2006 by VNU Asia, it was sold( along with the majority interest of that portfolio) to Advent International, a US-based PE, who renamed the division to Globus Events Limited. The exhibition has paralleled the( now explosive) growth of pet ownership in China, going from a few halls at the Shanghai New
International Expo Centre to becoming a global juggernaut, encompassing 310,000sqm and showcasing 2,600 brands( exhibiting companies) to an anticipated 120,000 trade visitors, and 410,000 consumers.
This year the expo runs for five days, 20-24 August, with the first half trade only, second half open to the public. Last year, international attendance grew 10 %, with visitors coming from 91 countries.
Far left: Stephanie Selesnick, centre, at the Globus Events office in Shanghai
Only 23 % of the Chinese population are pet owners. In the US, the figure is 66 %. Most own cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, and aquatics – but not birds.( Bird ownership is complicated!) It’ s a $ 42bn / 300B RMB industry and growing year-over-year.
Co-located events include the International Pet Industry CEO Summit, Pet Food Summit, Pet Fair Asia Supply( eight huge tents, open the trade-only days), and Pet Fair Asia Veterinary, focused on animal hospitals. Like other pet shows around the world, there are plenty of demonstrations and competitions, including pet grooming, agility, training, and more.
Pet Fair Asia is divided into categories( a must, given its size): Pet Wellness( food and nutrition), Pet Better Life( including lifestyle, décor, and furniture), Discovery( curated new products), Pet Fashion( includes 14 fashion shows, awards, and many opportunities for selfies), Start Up Area( not the same as the curated Discovery), and a Genius Hub( focus on tech).
42 Issue 4 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk