(Yicai) Aug. 6 -- Against the backdrop of a Chinese pet market that has grown to CNY3.1 trillion (USD459.4 billion), the Asia Pet Exhibition will kick off in Shanghai later this month with more than 2,600 international exhibitors set to ply their wares at the biggest expo of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

The five-day show, now in its 28th year, is spread over an exhibition area of 320,000 square meters, a new record, Wang Lini, marketing director at Shanghai Vanyo Asia Pet Exhibition, the organizer, said at a media briefing yesterday. Running from Aug. 19 through 23, roughly 130,000 industry professionals and more than 300,000 pet lovers are expected to attend the event, Wang said.

The expo has 17 main indoor halls, 10 pavilions dedicated to the supply chain, and an outdoor interactive zone, showcasing products across the entire industry, including food, healthcare, and home goods designed for both pets and their owners, Wang said.

This year’s show will se a major upgrade to its Asia-Pacific New Product Launch and Innovation Initiative, Wang said, noting that a large number of previously unreleased and industry-first products will make their global debut at the exhibition.

It will also have a dedicated imported premium products pavilion for the first time, displaying high-end pet supplies and other products from overseas, Wang told Yicai. Nine national and regional pavilions will take part, bringing together leading global brands, Wang said.

During the expo, more than 50 industry forums and themed sessions will be held, covering corporate strategy, pet food safety and nutrition, cross‑border supply chains, online traffic and digital marketing operations, as well as retail store management. Competitive events, including for dogs, rabbits, and exotic pets, will also return as major attractions.

China’s pet market is still in a growth phase with plenty of room for higher ownership among households, Wang pointed out. Consumer preferences are evolving rapidly, with demand shifting toward premium products, specialized services, and purchases driven by emotional and lifestyle considerations, he added.

Compared with emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, China’s pet sector boasts robust supply chain strengths alongside fast consumption upgrading, Wang stressed, adding that the industry has shown notable dynamism in niche segments, including functional food, smart products, and human‑pet co‑living home solutions.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev