PIF is opening a pet‑trade delegation for UK businesses to attend the China International Pet Show (CIPS) in Guangzhou from November 12‑15. The invitation targets firms that want to learn about the rapidly growing pet sector in the region.
Who can join the mission to the Asian market
The call is aimed at brands eyeing entry or deeper insight, as well as retailers, buyers and distributors seeking suppliers. Participants will encounter exhibitors covering food, accessories, health, technology, aquatics, reptiles, birds, small animals and related services.
Logistics and assistance built into the programme
Members of the group receive VIP registration, badge coordination and a schedule that reflects each company’s priorities. Pre‑arranged B2B meetings pair them with relevant exhibitors and potential partners, cutting down on guesswork.
Transport for official visits organised by CIPS is provided, and delegates can join factory tours and retail outings. They also have the chance to submit market‑access and regulatory questions before arriving, which may smooth later negotiations.
The delegation departs on November 12.
On November 11, the delegation can attend the CIPS International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC). The agenda includes sessions on market trends, trade rules, sustainability, product development and innovation, giving a broader view beyond the exhibition floor.
China’s pet market is expanding quickly, and that growth creates both opportunity and complexity for overseas firms. While the sheer size of consumer demand can boost sales, differing standards and certification processes can pose hurdles. Companies that manage those challenges stand to gain a foothold in a market that few have fully tapped. Rising pet ownership across urban centres fuels demand for premium nutrition and smart‑device health monitors.
Chief executive Nigel Baker said the delegation offers a supported way to explore the chance, whether firms aim to source goods, find commercial allies, gauge consumer trends or assess export potential. Such a process can understandably feel difficult without the right knowledge or contacts, he noted.
Baker added that the team is also weighing a dedicated UK pavilion at CIPS in 2027. Attending the 2026 delegation, he said, lets businesses gauge the show and the wider market before deciding on a more formal presence.
The invitation remains open for companies ready to broaden their horizons in the pet industry.
