Seeing the latest pet product launches under one roof is one of the major attractions to PATS visitors, and this September’s show at the Telford International Centre is set to unveil a record number of new items.

An impressive line-up of more than 300 entries to the popular New Product Showcase is a positive sign that PATS Telford exhibitors are excited about their latest products and can’t wait to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.

Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, September 25) to decide the winners of the New Product Awards.

There are eight categories in the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

Henry Bell won the Best Bird Products Award at PATS Telford in 2021, and sales manager Alkan Gittins said: “We were delighted that the Henry Bell Sterling 3in1 Squirrel Proof Feeder was recognised at the awards last year. It takes time and planning to develop innovative new products and to have those efforts acknowledged is really motivating for us. The award has undoubtedly raised awareness of not only this but other products in the Henry Bell Bird Care range and has certainly had an impact on sales.”

Other winners at PATS Telford last year agreed that an award can have a great impact on a product’s launch.

Chris Broadbent, of Naturaw, was thrilled to have won the Best Dog Treats Products Award on the company’s first appearance at PATS Telford in 2021. “It helped us to get through the door with new suppliers and boosted direct customer sales. Our range of products has also expanded on the back of the win.”

And Chris Brierley, of Cotswold Raw, commented: “It was a real seal of approval for our new range Butcher's Block to win the Best Dog Food Products Award. It certainly grew sales yes, and awareness too.”

Adam Marsden, head of sales and marketing at Ancol, said: “We were delighted to win the Best Dog Accessories and Toys category with our Jawables Bad Boys at PATS Telford 2021. It gave us a great talking point at the show, and we merchandised the trophy next to the product on the stand. Sales have been really strong on this particular product and we know the award helped drive this – actually we sold out earlier this year before our stock was replenished.”

The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where in the show you’ll find the item’s exhibitor.

The New Product Showcase entries will be displayed under the following eight award categories:

• Cat Food and Products
• Dog Food Products
• Dog Treat Products
• Dog Accessories and Toys
• Dog Harnesses, Leads and Dog Wear
• Small Animal and Bird Products
• Pet Care Products
• Grooming Products

With so many new products on show and more than 210 exhibitors attending PATS Telford this year, the exhibition is set to draw an equally impressive amount of visitors. 

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

PATS Telford takes place at Telford International Centre on Sunday, September 25, and Monday, September 26.