The publishers of Diplomatist magazine organised the second India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) under the aegis of their pet care magazine called Creature Companion. IIPTF – 2008, held at the NSIC between 29 Feb and 03 Mar attracted exhibitors of pet-related entities from across India and some from abroad (Poland, Taiwan & Singapore). Foreign buyers from 21 countries also visited the fair.

This was second edition of the fair; the first was in February 2007. Before the initiative was taken to hold these fairs in India, Indian manufacturers/exporters only had trade fair exposure opportunities at large fairs in USA, Germany, China and Italy, amongst others. The IIPTF is an opportunity for those already exhibiting abroad and smaller entities that may not have the financial resources to do so, to expose their products to foreign buyers and consumers on home territory. The logic of the organisers was: If hundreds of buyers descend upon India every year for the Handicraft and Gifts Fair, then why not a Pet Fair. After all, approximately 2,300 foreign visitors attended last year’s China International Pet Show (CIPS) where 463 Chinese and international companies displayed their stuff. Why not India!?

Several foreign delegates encouraged the organisers to keep up the effort. For instance Mr. Cameron McTavish, of Australia said, “This is a great show. I’ve been in the pet industry for a long time. I’ve watched pet ownership grow in popularity across Asia, starting with Japan quite a while ago and spreading westward. Now it’s catching on in India in a big way. You’re doing the right thing at the right time by having these pet trade fairs in India. Keep it up and the sky’s the limit”. Several other foreign delegates echoed the sentiments of our Australian friend.

Unlike other international pet trade fairs that are straight business-to-business (B2B), the decision was made to also include a business-to-consumer (B2C) component to the IIPTF, where Indian consumers could see what is available in the local market and book sales in advance. Having a B2C component also gave foreign delegates the opportunity to access the enthusiasm for pet ownership in the Indian market. An unexpected phenomenon was that some exhibiting Indian manufacturers, who until now had only been making products for export to developed countries, have now decided to set up manufacturing units for the local market. This is due to the number of queries they received from Indian consumers as to where their products could be obtained locally.

During IIPTF-2009, the first day will be reserved for B2B only, and both B2C and B2B activities will be allowed on the second and third days. The edition will be held at the Noida Expocentre between 30 Jan and 01 Feb 2009. Yes, the Fair has outgrown its original venue. The new venue is brand new; is fully air-conditioned; and is much larger.