Global Pet Expo Takeaways: Exotics Merchandising

The exotics realm encompasses not only many facets of pet care like food, supplementation and habitat, but also several types of pets ranging from tropical fish to iguanas, snakes to Komodo dragons and beyond. Given the vast nature of this segment, manufacturers came to this year’s Global Pet Expo with not only assorted products and innovations to showcase, but also a readiness to share ideas, research and expertise on the proper care of exotic pets, which are becoming increasingly popular. According to the 2025 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, there are now 6 million households in the US that own a reptile—that is the same number of households that own birds. Another 12 million households own either freshwater or saltwater fish. Suppliers came away from this year’s show happy to have had the chance to share what makes them stand out in the world of exotic pet care, along with getting a healthy boost of interest—and sometimes sales—as the event wrapped up.

Komodo introduced several exciting new products, including innovative wood terrariums, moss substrates, dried flower supplements and protein jelly pots. “The show was a huge success,” said Kayla Lang, Komodo Sales Manager and Multipet Midwest Account Manager. “This was our first year having our own booth separate from our parent company, Multipet, and it was amazing to connect with more reptile-specific retailers. We had great conversations with both longtime partners and new retailers, and it was exciting to see so much interest in what we’re doing. One of our biggest goals was to boost brand awareness and highlight our commitment to top-quality reptile care, and we definitely accomplished that through engaging demos and discussions. The excitement for our latest product lines exceeded our expectations.”

Armstrong’s Cricket Farm, going on 80 years in business, had more low-key goals for this year’s show. “We did well at Global,” said Owner Brandon Armstrong. “Our main goals were to show off our crickets—still the best brown Acheta domestica out there—to reconnect with buyers. The booth was hopping—pun intended—with pet store folks, buyers and even some new faces asking about crickets for human food. We brought samples, showed how healthy and clean our stock is and handed out specs on our upgraded shipping. In terms of meeting our goals, yes, we shook hands with our core customers, locked in some orders and got our name out to a few new markets. It’s tough to count every win on the spot, but the buzz felt right—folks walked away knowing Armstrong’s still the gold standard after 78 years.”

The show set up presented ample opportunities for suppliers to scope out what everyone else had been up to and jump into pertinent conversations where they had the chance. “The exotics merchandising stuff at Global this year really caught my eye, especially in that Aquatics & Exotics Lounge they set up,” Armstrong said. “Everyone’s talking about reptiles—lizards, snakes, you name it—and how their owners want top-notch feeder insects. Our crickets fit that bill: soft shells, high protein, no junk in them. I heard a lot about sustainability too—folks asking how we raise them, how we keep waste down. We’ve been doing that for decades, keeping it clean and simple, so it’s good to see the industry catching up.”

Lang noted some movement in the world of pet habitats as well. “Naturalistic and bioactive setups were a big focus this year, showing how much the industry is leaning toward creating more enriching environments for reptiles,” she said. “We also noticed a strong push for high-quality, long-lasting habitat accessories, as pet owners look for products that offer both durability and performance. There’s also a growing interest in beginner-friendly reptile care, which really highlights how important accessibility and education are for the category’s growth. It’s clear that reptile owners are becoming more knowledgeable and invested in providing the best care possible, which will definitely shape the future of the industry.”

Penn-Plax showcased Aqua-Floras under its newly launched Tide & Treasure Décor brand, Director of Marketing Andrew Tocci said. “Aqua-Floras are a unique line of aquarium plant ornaments designed to provide natural-looking, easy-to-care-for additions to any aquatic setup. These plants are made from high-quality, durable materials that require little maintenance, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.”

Additionally, the company highlighted its refreshed brands: Reptology, Cascade and Shorefins. Tocci said, “With Reptology, we’ll focus on how our high-quality, innovative products enhance the reptile care experience, making it easier for enthusiasts at any level. For Cascade, we’ll highlight our advanced aquatic products designed for serious hobbyists, emphasizing unique filtration systems that create healthier, more vibrant aquariums. Meanwhile, Shorefins targets beginners with affordable, easy-to-use aquarium products that simplify aquarium care and make it accessible to those just starting out. Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce Tide & Treasure, a new decor line that brings a fresh, coastal-inspired aesthetic to the aquarium space. This line features realistic, durable decorations that help create stunning underwater environments, offering a wide range of pieces from aquatic plants to unique accents. Each rebrand, including Tide & Treasure, reflects our commitment to providing quality solutions for every pet owner.”

“Global provided valuable connections with new retail and distributor partners, directly supporting our expansion efforts for 2025,” said Lang. “It reaffirmed that our product direction aligns with current industry trends and consumer demands. We walked away with new opportunities, stronger relationships and a clear path forward in continuing to elevate reptile care solutions.”

This year’s Global affirmed for suppliers that exotic pet owners want to give their beloved pets the best chance at a healthy life. Manufacturers are meeting those needs with a wide variety of products and innovations for pet retailers looking to bulk up their fish and exotic pet inventory to support those pet owners.