Global Pet Expo Takeaways

Thisyear’s Global Pet Expo did not disappoint. The newfound appreciation of reuniting the pet industry each spring and congregating in person, rather than via screens which is tedious at best, continues to pulse through the industry. Exhibitors appreciated how retailers approached the show prepared and focused on conducting business compared to past years when most retailers were seemingly distracted and rushed. Both sides of the aisle expressed gratitude to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) for making the showroom floor more organized and easier to navigate with wider aisles and deliberation of how booths were grouped. With seemingly fewer retailers in attendance than years past, exhibitors noticed the traffic was measured and allowed for more quality conversations. Having conversations where everyone was present and mindful proved to be more meaningful and appreciated than having twice as many scattered dialogues with flustered and overwhelmed retailers trying to make it to their next appointment.

Constant, Dependable Leadership

“Global is proud to showcase some of the latest products, investments and innovations within the pet space,” said APPA President and CEO Peter Scott. “The APPA aims for exhibitors and retailers to leave the annual event with all the tools they need for business success in the upcoming year and a newfound appreciation for connecting with other industry professionals in person. We are thrilled to report more than 16,000 attendees across all categories of the pet industry attended this year’s show. Aligning with the theme of this year’s show—‘Everything You Need’—we hope each attendee was able to glean key learnings and takeaways to drive their business forward. From networking events to education sessions to industry-leading data, Global is where pet industry professionals come to do business, and we are confident attendees walk away from our event with a clear ROI.”

Exhibitors and retailers are doing a number of things correctly before and during the show to get the most out of their experience at Global.

“To help exhibitors and retailers make the most out of this year’s show, APPA offered several new and unique offerings, including an Exhibitor Success & ROI Center to provide proven-effective expert guidance and resources for exhibitors to achieve their business objectives and deliver measurable, financial value,” Scott said. “First- and second-time Global exhibitors had direct access to information and presentations provided by the nation’s leading agency that specializes in optimizing exhibitor success, from trade show planning and productivity tools, to budgeting, tips on measuring ROI and more. First-time buyers were also invited to hear tips and best practices to optimize their show experience during a new First Time Buyer Orientation. We saw an impressive turnout at this event and hope these resources helped exhibitors and retailers strategically prepare for and participate in the show. Another tremendous asset available to all show attendees is the Global Learning Series. The series delivered more than 40 hours of educational content developed for retailers, distributors, exhibitors and special interest groups in the pet care community.”

APPA leadership believes the pet industry is positioned for continued growth and opportunities.

“While economic uncertainty persists, the pet industry remains strong, with consumers nationwide prioritizing pet ownership and a commitment to their pets’ health and happiness,” Scott said. In APPA’s most recent State of the Industry report released during this year’s Global, data revealed pet industry spending increased by nearly 11 percent in 2022. With 66 percent of US households owning a pet, pet ownership shows no signs of slowing down. Overall, all signs point to a continually bright future for the pet industry!”

Retailers’ Impressions

“It was a great show with a good assortment of new products debuted,” said Adreanne Tesene from Two Bostons. “It was great to catch up with vendors and meet some new ones as well! There were several new treats (expanded lines as well as completely new lines) at Global this year. We ordered several new chews from Tuesday’s that we are excited to add to our Chew Bar.

We loved to see new bacon treats added to Wild Meadow Farms. We always do well with those. We significantly expanded our Momentum line up as well. The packaging is great, and the treats are even better. A new line we are excited about is Guinne’s line of fish treats. They will merchandise well, and we are excited to offer a few new options for our customers. West Paw’s new Funnl that holds Earth Animal’s No-Hides is fantastic. I always love a good option to make chews safer and easier for dogs to hold. Tall Tails has some fun new treat dispensing toys that we are excited to bring in. We can’t wait to order Fluff & Tuff’s Christmas line this year. Ellen has done an incredible job once again!”

“Two companies that stood out and showed us something great were Petcurean—we are excited to bring in a new line of dog food that retails for under $40, and Flea Destoryer—they were awesome, and I am really looking forward to bringing their products into our stores,” said Nancy Guinn from Dog Krazy.

Even though the show has grown throughout the years, this year’s Global “was a manageable size. Walkable and not too overwhelming,” said Justine Kayne from S&S Pet Supplies. “The flow was excellent, and it felt like the booths were laid out appropriately.” As for the exhibitors which caughter her attention, “Open Farm products seem to have the ‘sustainability’ program down,” Kayne said. “Sustainability is a big topic these days. It’s been mentioned in years past, but it hitting the pet industry harder this year.”

Nancy Okun of Cats n Dog has spent 14 years watching how Global has evolved.

“It’s changed over the years—for the good,” she said. One of the highlights for Okun of attending this year was, “Watching the companies that had one booth three or four years ago and have grown to now have four booths with 10plus products,” she said.

Sally Kluzner from Bradley Caldwell, Inc. considered this year’s show a success.

“Working a show as a buyer you usually consider it a win if you can come r Cont'd on Pg. 17 away with one or two new lines or opportunities. We came away with four or five so we are extremely happy with the show,” Kluzner said. Two exhibitors which stood out to Kluzner during the show were Cookie Pals, “human grade treats for your pets. Consumers these days are concerned about what is in their pets treats and foods. This line is spot on with today’s consumer,” she said. And as for Project Hive, “A line of innovative products with a mission namely to help save the bees. Consumers want to help our planet.” Exhibitors’ Mark

“Our hope is that retailers and attendees left our booth at Global feeling excited about these new formulas, and confident in our commitment to providing high-quality, natural products for pets,” said Kat Donatello, Founder of Austin and Kat.