International pet fair moves to Jaipur from Delhi

The 6th edition of the India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) 2012 is set to take place at the Birla Institute of Scientific Research in Jaipur, Rajasthan between  January 27 and 29.
 
"We will be holding the event in Jaipur as it is fast emerging as a cultural destination with a host of exhibitions, expos and fairs already being held there. It is a nice idea for the exhibitors, especially those from outside the country to have a mix of business and pleasure," says Rutaksha Rawat, spokesperson for the IIPTF.
 
In 2010 the exhibition-cum-trade show, held at the  NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla in Delhi, showcased a variety of animals, pet products and services from exhibiting countries like the US, Canada, Italy, Poland and Germany.
 
"There were roughly over 100 exhibitors, including international exhibitors in 2010. We recieved very good feedback from them," says organisers of event, which claims to provide a forum to importers, exporters, manufacturers and service providers in this trade to congregate under one roof to interact, discuss, network and forge vital business relationships.
 
"We have made a name for ourselves although the event is still a niche one. We have decided to hold the event in Jaipur and perhaps will continue there," says Rawat. The pink city of Jaipur is a venue of international congresses such as the stone fair, handicraft, jewellery and literary festivals.

In addition to a variety of dogs, cats, fishes, livestock all sorts of birds and products from the pet industry, the fair will also feature a Garden and Landscaping section comprising products and services related to the garden and landscape industry in the country.
 
"This segment has been injected into IIPTF to highlight the undeniable affiliation between pets and gardens," say organisers.
 
According to Euromonitor International, a research firm, the pet industry in India is estimated to grow with an annual growth rate of 10-15 percent, and is expected to attain a market size of 27 million dollars by the end of this year.
 
Indian pet market is largely dominated by dogs that constitute 80 percent of total pet market followed by cats that make up 15 percent and five percent is made up by birds and fish. It is estimated that there are 3.6 million pet dogs in the six major cities of India.
 
Besides the trade aspect, the (IIPTF) 2012 will feature seminars and conferences on business related topics pertinent to the pet domain. For non industry members, too, there will be plenty to look forward to.
 
"We would host do competitions and championships as well as the usual dog and cat fashion shows would also be featured," according to the organisers.
 
There would however be no sale of puppies at the event, they say. "Almost 60 per cent of the visitors to the fair are pet owners and exhibitors. We also try to attract pet owners and those who would like to have pets and educate people and children about pets," says Rawat.