Pet Product News Editorial Blog:
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Back(er) at Ya
By Sherri Collins
Editor, Pet Product News International
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Answers Pet Food Company booth
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Last week I added another state to my travel list courtesy of the pet industry (I hope to visit all 50 before I’m too old to go anywhere anymore). Not only was it my first visit to one of our country’s founding colonies, it was also my introduction to the HH Backer Spring Trade Show—and I enjoyed both immensely.
Baltimore is a fascinating city, full of history, friendly people and good food. Given the chance, I’d go back in a heartbeat. The same sentiment applies to the Backer Spring Show. While it is a small show (about 200 booths or so), it is also an interesting one as there were plenty of new products and new exhibitors to see. In addition, its decidedly slower pace allows for lengthy conversations with old and new acquaintances.
Unlike at Global, where pet dental care products seemed to dominate (I counted more than a dozen new offerings from as many companies in this category), no specific theme stood out at the Backer Spring Show. Instead, there was an eclectic mix of current, new and upcoming items.
Among the new were several companies with intriguing products, such as The Rubit! Dog Tag Clip, which produces a product of the same name. The Rubit is a lightweight carabiner-style clip that is designed to easily attach and detach tags from a collar.
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Aussie Naturals booth
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Another new company that caught my eye was Schnoodleware Dog Toys. The owner, Annmarie Stasio, designs and creates colorful, fun-looking fleece tug toys, as well as blankets, scarves and fleece catnip toys. One new exhibitor whose booth was always full of attendees whenever I went by was Answers Pet Food Company, makers of raw goat’s milk for dogs and cats, as well as a raw frozen diet for dogs. The company’s new products seemed to generate a lot of buzz—I’m guessing it didn’t hurt that there was an adorable 3-month old pygmy goat in the booth as well. (Refer to picture above)
Other products and/or booths (both “old” and new) that garnered my attention were Coco Collection, a new dog fashion apparel company that is using its experience in the human fashion industry to great affect; K-9 Aide, a new dog water that promises “a natural dose of wellness; Pop’s Pet Products, offering USDA-certified organic pet shampoos, treats and various health aid products in eye-catching packaging; Silverfoot Activewear, a Canadian company that makes, among other things, beautifully designed dog collars; ABO Gear, an Australian manufacturer of myriad pet products, including eco-friendly jute toys and toys made from water buffalo leather; and The Green Pet Shop, which presented the new KatPak, a biodegradable, disposable litterbox.
A great city, a good show, interesting people and exciting pet products—what more could anyone ask for!
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