CIPS 2018: Gathering place for pet industry in Asia grows in line with trend 

From 27 to 30 September 2018 the pet supplies industry will again focus on Asia when it gathers at CIPS, the China International Pet Show. The trade fair is taking place in Guangzhou this year and will again present the entire spectrum of the pet supplies industry, from pet food and snacks to accessories and aquariums and many other innovations. In Asia, imported goods are playing an increasingly more important role. “We are very pleased to see growth in both display area and exhibitor numbers at CIPS 2018,” says Yang Cheng, President China Great Wall International Exhibition Co. “The exhibition space has increased this year to 120,000 square metres. In the wake of the expanding Asian market we are also expecting even more buyers from the region.”

The China International Pet Show is organised by the China Great Wall International Exhibition Co. in collaboration with NürnbergMesse. The organiser in China is expecting around 1,500 exhibitors and 65,000 visitors this year. Currently more than 1,360 exhibitors, including pavilions from Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Britain and Taiwan, have confirmed their attendance. The products on display range from pet food, nutrition and grooming products to clothing and pet houses, toys and digital gadgets. The aquarium segment has traditionally been a major thematic area. As a major industry gathering in Asia, CIPS is a popular platform for all brands and manufacturers that want to expand or develop their presence in this region.

More pets, growing premium segment

“We have been exhibiting at CIPS for over ten years and are very satisfied with the constant growth of the fair,” say Munit Kumar, owner of Indian company Kumar Industries, which specialises in high-quality stainless steel dishes and bowls. “The CIPS reflects the increasing importance of the Chinese and international pet supplies market.” For international companies the CIPS is a useful platform for approaching the growth markets for pet supplies in China and the rest of Asia. This is also stressed by the organisers of the CIPS led by Yang Cheng, President China Great Wall International Exhibition Co.: “We are proud to be introducing for the first time this year the CIPS Innovation Award, which reinforces the fact that the CIPS has long since not just been a sourcing platform but provides impetus for innovations.” Chinese pet owners are increasingly interested in imported goods and international brands, including in the premium segment. China continues to experience strong growth in its pet population. In particular, it is becoming more and more common to keep smaller dogs and cats as pets, as an analysis by Euromonitor International found. The Chinese pet market is estimated to be worth USD 2.6 billion and has enjoyed a growth rate of over 20 per cent in the last five years.

Supporting programme for experts and community

An extensive supporting programme is a fitting complement to the CIPS exhibition. Especially with an international audience in mind, the GlobalPETS Forum Asia will take place the day before the trade fair. In 2018 the theme of the high-calibre conference will be: “Global Pet Business in a Nutshell”. Making its debut this year is the CIPS Innovation Award, when a jury of experts will recognise especially innovative products from various categories. The supporting programme also includes the CIPS Global Ornamental Fish Championship, which covers 20 species of fish and is aimed at the aquarium community.