[Finance] Canton Fair Observations: Smart, Eco-Friendly Pet Products Gain Popularity

 

(Guangzhou, May 4) – The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) is underway in Guangzhou. Interviews reveal that Chinese pet product exporters are identifying new growth areas in the "pet economy" to provide higher-quality and more innovative products for global pet owners. The concepts of intelligence and eco-friendliness are maturing steadily. 

Lightweight, easily assembled spacious pet cages, 15-meter quick-zip foldable pet beds, and transportable multi-scenario pet fences are in high demand. "Consumers in Europe and America enjoy outdoor camping trips, and these designs allow pets and their owners to share travel fun," said Zhang Xinghu, Product Manager of the Pet Division at Zhejiang Taipusen Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Among these, transparent pet strollers designed for dogs have been particularly well-received by international buyers. 

"For overseas markets, our company has established subsidiaries in major export regions and hired local designers to create products tailored to market demands," Zhang observed. He noted that smart technology and branding are future trends in the pet product industry. "Product segmentation to meet the needs of different customer groups, particularly in brand building, will be essential moving forward." 

"This smart litter box supports remote control via a mobile app and self-cleans. It automatically stops operation when it detects the cat inside, ensuring safety," explained Wu Tao, European Division Manager of Hangzhou Tianyuan Pet Products Co., Ltd. He added that the product, featuring sensor technology for automatic cleaning after the cat exits, boasts large capacity and has captured attention in foreign markets. 

Wu noted that buyers from Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region dominate their customer base, with electronic litter products being especially popular. He believes the strength of China's pet product industry lies in its scale, high global market share, and decreasing dependence on any single market. Future products will prioritize practicality, innovation, and alignment with pets' living habits and needs. 

Eco-friendly initiatives are also key to the industry's growth. "Our research shows that consumer awareness of environmental protection has risen in recent years, leading to increased demand for related products. Smart deodorizing mixed litter is designed specifically for eco-conscious pet owners," said Shi Zhibo, a representative of Jiangsu Zhenghao Pet Products Co., Ltd. At their booth, Shi demonstrated the product’s effectiveness by pouring it into a transparent test box. Using natural activated carbon and bio-enzyme technology, unpleasant odors were instantly neutralized. "The results speak for themselves. Many buyers expressed immediate interest, with two European companies signing trial orders worth over $200,000." 

As pet ownership shifts from emotional companionship to a holistic focus on pets’ quality of life, health monitoring has become a core focus for many companies. At this year's Canton Fair, Tianjin Yiyi Hygiene Products Co., Ltd. showcased health-monitoring urine pads embedded with pH indicators, which change color based on the acidity or alkalinity of a pet's urine, enabling timely detection of health issues.

At Hangzhou Xiangtian Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.'s booth, pet clothing was a highlight. "This pet sweater features Christmas-themed jacquard patterns, making it particularly appealing to markets in Europe, America, and Japan/Korea," said Zhang Jingjing, a sales representative. "Pets are now seen as family members, so consumers prioritize comfort and quality. Buyers prefer products made from premium materials, and we anticipate higher demand for pet clothing during the Christmas season."