The start of a new era for pet owners and the pet industry
In a bid to bring global expertise and brands to South East Asia, VNU Exhibitions Asia (Shanghai) and VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific in Bangkok has started a new joint venture. Bringing in the world-class exhibition of the pet industry, Pet Fair Asia, ‘Pet Fair SE Asia 2020’ will be held from 14th – 16th October 2020 at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand.
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
To officially announce the introduction of this exhibition, a press conference ‘Pet X Talk’ was organised at Mercure Bangkok, Thailand. Various experts from the pet industry were invited as keynote speakers to share their insights on the topic ‘How today’s leaders envision the future trends in Asia’, including ‘Pet Retail is Evolving’ by Mr. Viroj Limtrajitt, Marketing Director of the Pet Lover Centre, Thailand; ‘Pet Hospitals, State of the Art Service’ by Dr. Kitika C.Patanakul, Founder and CEO of Thonglor Pet Hospital Group, Thailand; ‘World Pet Food Trends in South-East Asia’ by Mr. Rik van Westendorp, CFO of Monchou Pet Food, Thailand, and ‘US Market Leads Global Developments’ from Mr. Matt Einarson, Regional Director South East Asia, Alltech Asia-Pacific, United States.
The present and future growth of ‘pet parents’
Mr. Viroj Limtrajitt, Marketing Director of the Pet Lover Centre, Thailand
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Quoting Mr. Viroj Limtrajitt, “Thailand has been forced to reshape the pet care business, which has changed from ‘Pet Lovers’ to ‘Pet Parents’. From 2019 to 2025, rapid urbanisation, the growth of e-commerce, and a greying population will be the key factors to accelerate the pet-sector-boom.
However, retailers need to upgrade from economy and mid-priced products to premium ones for both food and non-food items to encourage pet owners to spend more and enjoy better quality. Creating a good customer experience in click and brick-and-mortar businesses will allow pet owners to incorporate both online and offline channels.”
Dr. Kitika C.Patanakul, Founder and CEO of Thonglor Pet Hospital Group, Thailand
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Dr. Kitika C.Patanakul, agreed, saying that “in terms of service, Thonglor Pet Hospital has launched ‘Customer Delight’ to enable operational effectiveness and to give us a competitive advantage. Determined to bring proficiency and empathy to the system in order to enhance customer satisfaction and value, one of the company’s top priorities is to constantly improve veterinarians’ learning, development, and career advancement. Thonglor Pet Hospital is the first pet hospital in Thailand to establish a study abroad program for veterinarians. Every year, we provide scholarships and send our veterinarians to develop their skill sets and update their knowledge of advanced technology.”
Mr. Matt Einarson, Regional Director South East Asia, Alltech Asia-Pacific, United States
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Reiterating that heightened focus on improving the quality of life for pets is important following the increasing humanisation of pets was Mr. Matt Einarson, who announced that “At the Alltech Center for Nutrigenomics and Applied Animal Nutrition, scientists are making breakthroughs that can be taken from the barnyard to the backyard. Alltech is at the forefront of the latest scientific research that could help our pets live longer and have healthier lives. In order to live their lives to the best, pets require the right nutrition, care, exercise and attention. While technology will never replace a cat curled up in her owner’s lap or a devoted canine companion lying at his owner’s feet, it can simplify life with pets in several ways from nutrition to smart cameras.”
Mr. Rik van Westendorp, CFO of Monchou Pet Food, Thailand
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Lastly, Mr. Rik van Westendorp was in agreement, and shared that “the pet industry in Thailand was worth $2.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to continuously grow at a 10-15% rate per year. At Asian Alliance International, premium brand Monchou considers pets important members of the family and thus produces quality pet food using premium ingredients such as 100% human grade cuts of tuna meat.”
To open the press conference, an opening speech was also given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niwat Chansiripornchai, President of the Thai Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (TAVLD) and Lecturer from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University.
SEA’s first step in reshaping its pet industry
Exhibitors at Pet Fair Asia 2018
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Aiming to become a global initiative that drives change in the pet industry with the support of many launch partners, including leading global brands and institutions, Pet Fair South-East Asia will do its utmost to bring innovative leadership to the region.
Supported by 21 regional associations, media partners, and the Asia Pet Alliance, Pet Fair South-East Asia will be a unique business-to-business trade-fair connecting existing networks and driving innovation downstream to pet owners.
Mr. Manuel Madani, Project Manager of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
To quote Mr. Manuel Madani, Project Manager of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, “Pet shop, the pet parent and the pet! The final experience creates happy people and worthwhile sharing in their own communities. In new markets like the pet industry, it’s important that competition in a free market makes things better.
This will start by better-performing pet shops sharing great stories and products with customers. Today 70% of the shops lack innovation, and e-commerce is cannibalizing business with up to 15% growth. This is a wakeup call to act. Pet Fair SEA will be about pet businesses becoming better continuously by offering greater care to pet owners. New markets must always avoid selling products at the lowest prices. This industry is about beloved family members: pets!”
The exhibition will cover pet food brands, pet food ingredients, pet health, pet healthcare, pet supplies, pet accessories, and services, including the world’s best brands who offer the best nutrition with the most novel ingredients like insect protein, omega, and supplements. North-American and European non-food suppliers will also showcase innovations for the first time in SEA, offer a digitalised world for dogs and cats with in-home sensors and robotics, looking after beloved dogs and cats while the owners are away.
Source: VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
The first of its kind in Thailand to focus on linking and matchmaking traders and buyers for business purposes, Pet Fair South-East Asia will then use its global network to connect overseas markets to South-East Asia as well. A world-class conference focusing on pet health, novelty ingredients, and business trends will take place along with the show, inspiring entrepreneurs from the region and beyond in new directions.
If you’d like to participate or would simply like to find out more information on Pet Fair South-East Asia, organised by VNU, known as organisers of VIV Asia and the Pet Fair Asia trade shows, please visit www.petfair-sea.com.
Contact Information:
International Market Developer, Mr. Manuel Madani (manuel.madani@vnuexhibitionsap.com) or Ms. Kattika Zmugen (kattika@vnuexhibitionsap.com)
This press release was rewritten for VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
