My first Publication CC May Edition for Web | Page 29

and a rate of growth far superior
for packaged mass consumption
goods (+0.01% in 2018).
Furthermore, the ASSALCO-
Zoomark Report presented the
Doxa study of the perceptions of
the Italian population in relation
to pets, their presence and role
in families and society, with an
in-depth examination of aspects
concerning owners’ relationships
with their pets.
abroad, a proportion 23% higher than the
previous edition in 2017.
“We are satisfi ed with the progress of
products for pet care, a compartment that
continues to show that it is one of the most
dynamic in Italy,” commented Gianmarco
Ferrari, President of ASSALCO, “Th e
positive trend recorded for the pet food
sector for cats and dogs is in step with
the growing care and attention that
Italians are showing towards for their pets.
Industrial foods are now recognised as the
most practical and convenient solution
to nourish our pets safely and with a
complete and balanced diet.”
A key moment was the presentation on
the opening day of the 2019 ASSALCO-
Zoomark Report that provided important
data about the market. Th e report outlined
that in 2018 the market for cat and dog
food products reached a business volume
of 2,082 million euros, an increase of
+1.5% compared with the previous year
“We consider the 2019 edition
of Zoomark International an
extremely high-level event both in
terms of the exhibition off er and
the professional qualifi cations
of the operators attending,”
commented Antonio Manfredi, Director
of ANMVI. “Th ere were also numerous
initiatives taking place, including, for
our sector, the Convention dedicated
to electronic veterinary prescriptions
that attracted a substantial audience of
professionals keen to stay up-to-date.”
ZOOMARK INTERNATIONAL placed
great emphasis on the new and innovative
products presented by exhibitors, with
400 of these on display for a numerous
and enthusiastic public. Around 40% of
the products concern pet food, a sector
in which innovation is a key factor. New
formulas are ever more fi nely calibrated
to meet animals’ nutritional requirements
with ingredients selected for their
organoleptic characteristics, high quality
and to cater to animals’ specifi c needs
(for example free from allergens, vegan,
grain free, with particular functions or
for nutritional purposes to treat specifi c
pathologies).
A special Initiative at Zoomark was the Aqua
Project, created to showcase the aquarium industry
and directly involve companies from the sector
Design
is
becoming
increasingly
sophisticated, shapes and materials ever
more refi ned and of greater quality.
Th e
technology
applied
to
the
development of products is being put to
the service of animals and their owners
in order to off er the utmost in comfort,
for example with pet beds made in
highly insulating and comfortable
materials, orthopaedic beds and cushions
made of memory foam, moments for
recreation (interactive toys), protection
and security with collars equipped with
GPS and/or electronic recognition name
tags, and high visibility systems for use in
the dark.
In the animal care section (hygiene and
medical products) the focus was on delicate
formulas and homeopathic and Ayurvedic
approaches, while the fi rst products made
from CBD were also presented.
In the pet litter sector there were new,
vegetable-based solutions made from new
sources that respect the environment.
In general, there was growing interest
in organic products and raw materials,
sustainable production cycles and
recyclable packaging.
A special Initiative at Zoomark was the
Aqua Project, created to showcase the
aquarium industry and directly involve
companies from the sector. A large
central area was set up with tanks
of exceptional size, a pond and the
exhibitors’ own aquariums, in order to
recreate diverse habitats and ecosystems
and present the latest technological
innovations. Th e aim was to “think
outside of the box” and showcase the great
versatility of aquariums equipped with
modern technology in order to create
versions that are unusual and surprising in
their simplicity. Th is area was particularly
popular with architects and professionals
interested in incorporating water features
into their projects.
May 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 5 • Noida
29
| Creature Companion