Capital Gardens have purchased Studley Green Garden Store, near High Wycombe, from Hillview Garden Centres.

High Wycombe-based Studley Green Garden Centre has become the latest acquisition of Capital Gardens, which now consists of a portfolio of four garden centres.

Studley Green was operated by Hillview Garden Centres for four years, and its acquisition forms part of Capital Gardens UK expansion plans. The group, an independent company, also owns and manages sites at Alexandra Palace, Neals Nursery and Woods of Berkhamsted. Plans for the new centre will include Capital Gardens’ winning formula of expert customer service, quality plants and wider product offering, footfall driving events and strong ties with the local community.

A new Centre Manager, Phil Munn, formerly at Wyevale Bicester Avenue will oversee the change including new brands and enhanced plant ranges. All existing staff have been retained and are looking forward to working with Capital Gardens in improving the centre.

Phil says: “Studley Green is a fantastic intimate garden centre and I am looking forward to working with Capital Gardens and my new team to revitalise its offering as a place for gardeners to shop, relax and learn.”

Existing popular franchises will continue their offers including a ‘Doggy Day Care’ and Barking Barbers the ultimate groomers for dogs.

Colin Campbell-Preston (left), Managing Director at Capital Gardens, comments: “We are incredibly excited to have acquired Studley Green as part of our growing portfolio of garden centres across London and the south-east. We are looking forward to implementing our unique business blueprint based on a strong plant offering, and putting our signature Capital Garden stamp onto the centre to establish it as a leading garden centre in the local area. We want to keep Studley Green at the heart of the community and look forward to what the future has to hold!”

Boyd J Douglas-Davies (right), CEO of Hillview Garden Centres, added: “Over the last couple of years, we have been refining our model and as we worked through this process it become apparent that the site at Studley Green was not going to be suitable for this model. Whilst it is a superb, traditional centre it also sits outside of our geographical area of operations. Therefore, I am delighted that the team have joined Capital Gardens and confident they will flourish as part of their group”

New and innovative products, enthusiastic and optimistic retailers plus satisfied suppliers…it all added up to a successful and memorable Glee 2018. Oh, and there was plenty of speculation regarding the future of the remaining Wyevale Garden Centres during three hectic exhibition days…

2018 may have been a challenging year for the industry but this year’s Glee has proved to be an ideal tonic for both retailers and manufacturers.

The Beast from the East is long forgotten and the long hot summer, which brought its own challenges, is now behind us.

So, it was a welcome relief to feel a sense of optimism throughout Halls 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20.

GTN was heavily involved in organising the New Product Awards, which saw a fantastic array of innovative products in all categories.

All the exhibitors we spoke to said they were encouraged by the quality of visitors to their stands with plenty of business being secured for 2019 and beyond.

And it was refreshing to hear from garden centres who were looking forward to the next 12 months with renewed optimism.

Glee will be held on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in September 2019 and again this news was greeted with approval from retailers.

Of course, there was plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Wyevale Garden Centres and the remaining stores left within the portfolio. There were plenty of rumours suggesting that the ‘new’ Wyevale will retain 100-plus centres, and this on-going saga is sure to keep the industry guessing for a few more weeks yet.

But it’s great to know that an event like Glee can help to keep the industry moving forward with innovation, passion, optimism and dedication.

What was your verdict on Glee 2018?  Do let us know for GTN's upcoming review of Glee.  Please e-mail your verdict to trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Yorkshire-based start up company, Block Blitz, is celebrating a successful GLEE 2018, having impressed buyers with its expanding product range and new point of sale displays, and even winning a Glee New Product award.

Block Blitz’s Big Blitz Pan and Brush was selected as the Best New Product in the Tools & Machinery category, catching the judges’ eyes to come top of over 300 entries. Not only that, its new Multi Pave and Block Shield treatments were also shortlisted for awards.

It wasn’t only the judges that were impressed with Block Blitz’s product range. The new Block Shield, Block Blitz for Artificial Grass and Big Blitz received lots of interest from buyers, and plenty of orders were taken for the original Block Blitz treatment.

Commenting on the show, Block Blitz founder, Dave Moore said, “As always, GLEE was a fantastic, busy show. This was our third year at GLEE and we were busier than ever catching up with our regular suppliers and meeting new stockists.”

Block Blitz is stocked in retailers across the UK and also available through Decco, Stax and Kelkay.

For further information, visit www.blockblitz.co.uk. Retailers interested in working with Block Blitz, can contact the company on 01302 246 451 or by emailing enquiries@blockblitz.co.uk

There are indications in the GTN Bestsellers data and from conversations at Glee that for the first time in a few years we could be in for a ‘proper’ Autumn gardening season.

Growing Media and plant sales were up on last year for the first week of September and garden centres were reporting fast sell through of bulbs for autumn planting during Glee conversations.

After the hot summer there are gaps in borders that need to be filled already and lawns are being repaired and renovated as seen in the Garden Products chart.

The Glee New Product Showcase, organised and presented by GTN, was packed full of great new products for next year and we are looking forward to seeing many of them feature in the Top 50 charts.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 36)

• Garden Products - down 19%
• Growing Media - up 36%
• Veg-2-Gro - up 27%
• Wild Bird Care - down 8%
• All Plants Index - up 15%
• All Items Index - up 7%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

One of the busiest stands and go-to destinations at Glee this week was the Westland exhibit. The company had a very successful show, receiving two New Product Awards.

• Best Wildlife & Pets – Peckish Squirrel Proof Suet Pellets
• Best Garden Care – Deadfast Rodenticides Range

Westland unveiled new products and developments across its entire portfolio. 

New Horizon 2019 triples the goodness with BIO3

One of the most exciting breakthroughs in growing media for many years – a new product produced from three natural and sustainable ingredients that is indistinguishable in performance, appearance, smell and texture from 100% peat based products – is launched at GLEE by Westland Horticulture.

Killing the competition with Westland’s most effective rodent control range

Westland is taking the rodent control category head-on by delivering a new range of rodenticide to the UK market that are proven to be effective after one dose, as well as premium traps and deterrent alternatives, providing something for every household and lifestyle when it comes to managing home invaders.

Peckish continues growth with new look products

Peckish is furthering its success with the launch of new products, new packaging and new messaging.

The brand, which has had 45% growth year-on-year, will be launching its new look and products at GLEE 2018.  Peckish this year sees its specialist range now showcasing a new look design, and extended offering with the addition of the new Squirrel Proof Suet Pellets.

Gro-Sure Smart Lawn Seed Fast Start – Extending the gardening season

Westland is extending its range of premium lawn seed products with the new Gro-Sure Fast Start, part of the Smart Lawn Seed range. It guarantees excellent results and gives gardeners the opportunity to sow and repair lawns earlier in the season than ever before.

Westland’s new Gro-Sure Fast Start Smart Lawn Seed tackles this problem head on using the proven aqua gel technology, a seed coating that encourages the absorption of water and nutrients, with a specially developed seed varieties that germinate at 7°C. This means the seeds germinate quickly even in cold conditions, giving consumers greater levels of success and satisfaction – and reinforcing the brand’s ‘Guaranteed to Grow’ motto. 

Five new composts mark 80 years of John Innes

Five new composts have been added to Westland Horticulture’s brand-leading range of John Innes composts, as 2019 marks 80 years since the original John Innes formulation was developed.

Westland’s straights range set to attract new consumers with re-launch

Westland has re-launched its market-leading straights and specialist feeds range in order to drive forward this key garden sector category.  The aim is to broaden the reach of these products through clearer and more focused packaging and new off fixture displays.

The specialist straights have been refocused to help drive a forgotten category to whole new audience.  Marloes Rots, brand manager plant feeds at Westland, commented, “On average straights deliver £1.17 more cash in the till vs non-straights, so this is a fundamental category that will benefit from opening up the market.”

Indoors: Turning Trends into Turnover

The houseplant market has seen remarkable growth over the last two years, with GfK reporting sales increasing by 32%, and it is clear to see that this is a trend set to continue.

Westland’s indoor plant care range has seen EPOS sales grow by 38%. New to this year’s range, Westland are launching Hydroleca clay granules. This decorative pot topper creates the perfect microclimate, absorbing water and slowly releasing it to the plant when it needs it.

Resolva Pro Weedkiller – The next generation weedkiller

Westland has announced the substantial growth of its best ever performing weedkiller – Resolva Pro Weedkiller. Retailers who sell Resolva 24H and have added Resolva Pro to their shelf, have seen incremental sales volumes of 17.4% and strong revenue growth in the category.

Daniella Constantine, Brand Manager at Resolva said: “Our support for this product is continuing, with a confirmed advertising investment of £1.2million during peak season in 2019. Our campaign has driven huge success for the brand, which resulted in EPOS volumes jumping by 75% in the week following the launch.”

Unwins launches revamped ranges to appeal to all

Unwins has refreshed its seed range in order to meet all customer needs – from new and novice gardeners through to those who are experienced and committed.   All of the packaging has been updated with a fresh new look and colourful, engaging design. Four new trend collections have also been launched, and  Gro-Sure SEED START, a pre-treatment that can be sprinkled into compost to provide better germination and establishment has been launched.

Introducing Westland’s NEW Lawncare Program – Complete Care to Achieve the Best Lawn

Westland is passionate about lawns and has grown to become the UK’s number one lawncare brand. In 2019 the company is taking things to the next level with the launch of its complete lawncare program for gardeners, designed to provide simple and effective solutions to common lawn problems throughout the year.

Aftercut Lawncare – A Cut Above the Rest

Westland continues to cement itself as the UK’s number one lawncare brand by improving its already successful Aftercut range with enhanced formulations and the latest technology to provide gardeners with even better results.  Aftercut All in One now has a brand new formulation allowing gardeners to feed their lawn, and kill weeds and moss all in one application.

The Aftercut range forms part of Westland’s new Lawncare Program, designed to provide gardeners with simple solutions to lawn problems throughout the year. It is supported by a £2million investment plan.

Westland partners with Plaswood Group to reduce plastic waste

Westland Horticulture has announced a new recycling initiative with Plaswood Group, a market leader in recycled plastics, which will see used Westland growing media bags being turned into garden benches.

The benches are a traditional picnic style bench, with each being made from over 1,100 compost bags

Resolva Xtra Clean – Cementing Resolva’s Leadership in Path & Patio 

Westland’s ten years of innovation, coupled with its phenomenally successful weedkiller and mosskiller product range in the Path and Patio category, has seen the market leader expand its offering with the launch of the new Resolva Xtra Clean.

The eighth Garden Re-Leaf Day was officially launched at Glee this week with Greenfingers Charity calling on all sectors of the garden industry and others to get involved. With Greenfingers celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, plans are already blooming to make next year’s annual fundraiser the best yet.

Greenfingers Charity is delighted to announce 2019’s event will take place on Friday 22nd March and will once again include the popular Garden Re-Leaf Walk, Cycle Challenge, as well as other FUNdraising events which will take place across the country.

Garden retailers, manufacturers and suppliers are invited to participate by holding their own events, like a quiz night, raffle, auction, cake sale, virtual in-store challenge, spending the day in fancy dress or making a donation from every cuppa sold in the café.  It really is a great FUN way to increase footfall or awareness whilst at the same time engage with customers, motivate your team and raise your profile both locally and in the garden industry press.  There really is no better way to start the gardening season!

Garden Re-Leaf has raised over £70,000 this year, taking the total to £600,000 since it was founded by Boyd Douglas-Davies in 2012. 2018’s highlights saw over 100 people take on the Garden Re-Leaf and Cycle Challenge in Buckinghamshire, garden centres across the country hold their own FUNdraising events, hundreds of charity pots were planted and sold in 12-hour Plantathons, as well as a special QVC Gardening Show broadcasted on the popular shopping channel which raised a staggering £34,000 from sales of plants, bulbs and garden sundries.  

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity said: “Plans are already very much underway for 2019’s Garden Re-Leaf Day and Greenfingers 20th Anniversary, and we encourage anyone wanting to take part to get in touch. 

"We are confident that next year’s Garden Re-Leaf will be an even bigger and more exciting event, and that the hard work and dedication from our friends in the industry will continue to help Greenfingers transform the lives of children spending time in hospices. 

"With new gardens planned which include Claire House Children's Hospice (The Wirral), Little Harbour Children's Hospice (St Austell) and Richard House Children’s Hospice (East London), the funds raised through Garden Re-Leaf are as important as ever in allowing us to continue our work in confidence, providing children with magical gardens to experience and explore.”

If you want to find out more about how to get involved in Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day 2019, whether by putting on events in your garden centre, through sponsored solo activities or simply by donating, please contact the Greenfingers office on 01494 674749 or email Linda@greenfngerscharity.org.uk.

Woodlodge again raised money for Greenfingers Charity at Glee 2018 by hosting a raffle in aid of this worthy cause. This year’s prize comprised of an exceptional selection of Prosecco piled high in a prestigious extra-large pot, from the company’s Heritage Garden collection. 

Proudly celebrating its seventh year of support for Greenfingers, Woodlodge will sold raffle tickets throughout Glee, donating the cash raised to the charity dedicated to creating magical gardens for children who spend time in hospices.

Michael Wooldridge, Managing Director at Woodlodge, comments: “Greenfingers is a very valuable organisation and we’re pleased to be supporting its inspiring work again at Glee this year."

Michael is pictured with Mandy Rooke, from Greenfingers, as the draw is made on the final day of Glee. The winner was George Bullivant.

Garden King has completed the purchase of its site in Newhall, Swadlincote. The site was rented from neighbouring Buildbase (Grafton Merchanting Ltd) since starting trading in 2000. 

Now that the purchase of the site is complete, Garden King has gained extra space to increase the popular caravan storage facility, as well as gaining extra car parking, two additional units on the site and the woods that the border the site too.

Garden King has had a fantastic year of trading, with four record sales months in a row (from May to August), and a sales growth of 19% for the year so far.

Garden King looks forward to finally being able to develop the site further to enhance the customer environment and secure their future at the site.

It was a real British family affair for the Bulldog Tools company at Glee with several generations represented on its attractive stand.

Bulldog Tools is a true family-run company which has been manufacturing and supplying British-made gardening tools since 1780 in Wigan.

So it was fitting that the three families that now own the company were represented by sales director Ed White (2^nd generation) and Penny Elsom (5^th generation).

Sarah Cottle, head of brand and PR, said: “Bulldog is very proud of its British heritage, and the fact it is a family-run business, so it’s great to have both Ed and Penny on the stand at Glee.”

Bulldog’s considerable range includes the Premier and Pedigree brands, which encompass spades, shovels, forks, hoes, rakes and cutting tools, all made to the highest standards and with unique heritage.

“The Premier range has had a phenomenal year and is still as popular as ever,” said Sarah. “This range is for the more experienced and professional gardener, who love the fact these tools are strong and made to last.

“The Pedigree brand is increasing in popularity, and we are beginning to the benefits of this lighter tool range.

“We had a very good Glee with visitors to our stand showing a lot of interest in both brands.”

Inspired by what you have seen and heard at Glee? Then what better way to follow up than by attending Cultivating Retail – the new one day Conference and Dinner – for growers, retailers and suppliers. Organised by HTA and GIMA this ‘must attend’ event takes place on the 13 November at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

The action-packed programme, will be hosted by Channel 4 news presenter by Cathy Newman. Keynote speaker consumer and shopping behaviourist Ken Hughes (pictured) will be asking ‘Is your supply chain millennial ready?’

Managing Director of the newly expanded Blue Diamond Group, Alan Roper, will be sharing his thoughts on innovative and experiential retail.

The programme also features two panel sessions focussing on the issue of plastics in horticulture and also supply chain with industry representatives all having their say.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for delegates to join in both in the sessions and the wider networking opportunities around the conference and the dinner.

A great forum for inspiration, discussion and debate on the industry, in an accessible location with good transport networks, this event represents amazing value. So what are you waiting for!

For further information and to book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/cultivatingretail

With thanks to our Partners that include:

Gold Sponsor – Evergreen Garden Care UK

Partners – Corby & Fellas, Dura-ID Solutions, GLEE, Hozelock, Lechuza, MorePeople, Smart Garden Products, Swan Retail

Drinks Partner - Stihl Ltd

Boyd Douglas-Davies (below left), CEO of the Hillview garden centre group, was formally elected as vice-president of the HTA earlier this week.

HTA members ratified Boyd’s nomination at their breakfast-time AGM, held at the NEC. Three new members of the HTA board were also elected – Matthew Bents (Bents Garden and Home, above right)), Brian Fraser (Oakover Nurseries) and Richard Pyrah (AMES UK, above centre).

The HTA’s finance director, Alex Vick, reported an accounts surplus of £458,000 for 2017, a positive recovery from the £1m deficits of recent years. Reserves now stand at £922,000, with strategies in place to increase them further.

In response to a question from Neil Gow of Fresh@Burcot garden centre, HTA president Adam Taylor said the HTA board was monitoring the “turmoil in retail”  and in the event that the HTA’s finances were hit by further losses of income from National Garden Gift Vouchers, the association’s main source of income, would be considering how to handle it.

British suppliers of garden products who act fast can take advantage of a cost-effective exhibiting package at Italy’s major trade fair for the horticulture and gardening sector.

The Gardenex export federation has secured funding for eligible exhibitors at Myplant & Garden which is being held in Milan from 20 to 22 February 2019.  However, the closing date for applications is 30 September 2018, so interested companies should contact the Federation immediately to secure their stand space.

Speaking about the opportunity, Amanda Sizer Barrett, the Gardenex director general said:”Myplant & Garden covers garden decoration, garden care, machinery, pots and planters, as well as sections for the floral, landscape, and nursery industries.  

"The show attracts trade visitors representing distributors, wholesalers, retailers, dealers, garden centres, growers, import-export operators and landscapers and the event offers an excellent opportunity for UK firms to reach markets across Europe and beyond. 

"The Italian market alone has been estimated to be worth €4.7 billion and another survey estimates that 48 per cent of Italians have gardens.  

"The Federation’s involvement in other Italian-based trade shows has highlighted how keen the country’s buyers are to source products from Britain, so the conditions are right for existing UK exporters and firms new to export.”

The British pavilion is organised by Gardenex and the team will be supporting exhibitors before, during and after the show.  Eligible UK exhibitors can receive government cash grants towards their exhibiting costs and a comprehensive exhibition package will enable British companies to exhibit their products to international markets in a cost-effective way.

For full details of the show, the exhibitor package and the Government grants available, contact katie-mai@gardenex.com to register interest and to obtain full information on the full range of export advice, market research, sales leads and practical advice available to member companies.

Telephone:  +44 (0)1959 565995 or   fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

e-mail:  info@gardenex.com  or visit the Gardenex website on  www.gardenex.com

Wyevale Nurseries retail sales manager Colin Stanley says winning a Glee New Product award will hugely enhance the sales potential of its newest agapanthus introduction.

Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’, with its showers of bi-colour blue-throated white flowers, was voted best entry in this year’s plants, seeds and bulbs category.

“Retail buyers in the trade take a lot of notice of awards like this so we would expect to see it making a difference,” he said. “Whether retailers then highlight it to consumers is another matter, but it should ensure the plant is widely stocked and displayed.”

Wyevale Nurseries is among the growers supporting the HTA-backed campaign urging a switch from black plant pots (which can’t be re-cycled kerbside) to taupe pots (which can) and is asking visitors to the stand in the Glee Green Heart area to take part in a survey to assess retail views about the switch. Wyevale Nurseries will be moving all its production into taupe pots next year.

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Anthea McIntyre MEP, Conservative agriculture spokesman, has spoken out against a report on pesticides which she says misrepresents the findings of the European Parliament's own researchers and seeks to undermine public trust in much-needed plant protection products.

Miss Mcintyre delivered a scathing criticism of the report which has been drawn up the parliament's Environment Committee when it was debated at Strasbourg's plenary sitting of the house.

She told the Parliament: “It is very important that we have a science based, evidence based approval process...and we do! This is a very rigorous process.”

The negative report is authored by Czech Socialist MEP Pavel Poc and purports to assess how effectively the European Union's most recent Regulation on Plant Protection Products (PPPs) has been implemented since it came into force seven years ago.

However, Miss McIntyre sees it as part of a wider campaign by the Left and ecological extremists to create a climate of fear over PPPs and to erode public confidence in the safety of the authorisation process.

Mr Poc asserts that practical implementation of the regulation does not deliver complete assurance over protection over public health in its three main areas - approvals, authorisations or enforcement.

Miss McIntyre says the report misrepresents the findings of a 588-page study ran up by the European Parliament Research Service to provide detailed analysis for the report.

In particular, it misleadingly notes that the precautionary principle is not being followed in the approval of pesticides, that there is increasing use of emergency authorisations (which are occasionally needed by niche growers), and that national inspection authorities are chronically understaffed.

The report comes as as a Special Committee on Pesticides, set up at the insistence of Green and Socialist MEPs, begins to consider its own recommendations on the authorisation or PPS following a lengthy deadlock over the re-licensing of the popular weedkiller glyphosate.

Miss McIntyre told MEPs:  “It is simply not true to say that the precautionary principle is clearly not being applied in the context of risk analysis and pesticides. No doubt there are problems with the implementation in member states, but the answer is not new regulation. 

“We need to enforce the regulation we have and a part of that is the possibility of emergency uses. 

“This is  not national governments flouting the regulation, it is national governments responding to the specific needs of their farmers and their agriculture.”

Garden product sales held their own week on week as lawn repairs and renovations got underway following the hot summer. Fourteen of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 lines were lawncare products.

However, the Top 50 total sales volume was 19% down on the same week last year, continuing the performance trend of the year.

Highlights were:

• Westland Lawn & Turf Dressing, 25 litres, moved up seven places to No 2.
• Johnsons General Purpose Grass Seed 500g, 20 sq m, was the highest new entry at No 9.
• Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Patch Magic 1.5kg was the highest re-entry, back in at No 19.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Garlic bulbs, onion sets, and shallots stormed the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart at the start of September with Garlic Marco coming straight back into the chart at No 2. 

In total, nine onion, garlic or shallot lines featured in the top half of the GTN Bestsellers list for the week.

Highlights were:

• Taylors Onion Sets Radar re-entered at No 4.
• Farplants Garden Mint, 1 litre, was the highest climber, up 30 places to No 19.
• Quantil Spinach Baby Leaf Strips were a new entry at No 28.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Growing media sales showed signs of an Indian summer gardening uplift in activity last week as volumes of the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 were 36% up on the same week last year. 

Fourteen of the lines in the Top 20 increased their sales with Westland Gro-Sure Lawn Seeding Soil, 30 litres, climbing 12 places to No 8 as lawn repairing and refreshing after the hot summer gets underway.

Highlights were:

• Evergreen Garden Care’s Levington Multipurpose + John Innes, 56 litres, maintains the No 1 spot in our chart.
• Westland J. Arthur Bowers Multipurpose Compost, 50 litres, was the highest climber, up 17 places to No 14.
• Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Moisture Control, 40 litres, was the highest re-entry at No 27.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Cyclamen sales just managed to hold off a big increase in pansy sales to retain the No 1  Bestselling plant spot in the GTN Plants Sales chart at the start of September.

This time last year Pansies were at No 1. They increased sales by 16% this week but that wasn’t quite enough to usurp cyclamen.

• Dryopteris ferns had another week of good sales increases, moving up 16 places to No 9 this week.
• Crytomium ferns also sold well to be a new chart entry at No 26.
• Euonymus were the highest re-entry, back in at No 30.
• All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 12.1%.  Year to date UP 8.8% on 2017

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Stewart Garden, part of the Global Keter Group, is pleased to announce that St Mark’s Church of England Junior School, Gloucestershire, has won its Schools Programme 2018 competition. 

The annual contest, which was set up to reward the gardening skills and creativity of schoolchildren aged between six and eleven across the UK, was very tough this year. However, the Cheltenham-based school came out on top, securing themselves a prize of £1,000 to spend at their local garden centre. 

Stewart Garden set up the Schools Programme to get more children interested in gardening, providing participating schools with a special kit that they can use to set up a gardening project of their choice. Every year, these results are submitted to a discerning panel of judges, who award the lucky winners with the prize money to support them in future projects. 

There were also three runner-up gardening vouchers of £100 up for grabs this year, which went to Cecil Road Primary School in Kent, Friar’s Grove Primary School in Essex, and Hampreston First School in Dorset. 

One of the people who had the difficult task of deciding on the winner and runners-up was award-winning garden writer, photographer and lecturer Val Bourne, whose impressive list of publications include The Daily Telegraph. 

Val said: “Firstly, congratulations to all of the finalists. They made full use of Stewart Garden’s materials and obviously enjoyed themselves. 

“It was incredibly hard to choose a winner because there were two schools that shone. I’d particularly like to commend runner-up Cecil Road School, as their children showed such enthusiasm and learnt lots from the project. Their scientific conclusions were spot on!

“The St Mark’s Church of England Junior School kids were also very impressive and very independent. They took complete control of their project and are even planning a cookery club.”

Andy Burns, managing director of Stewart Garden, added: “Congratulations to everyone who participated in the competition this year. As a company, we’re committed to the teaching people the benefits of gardening and growing your own produce.

“Indeed, the initiative the St Mark’s children have shown with their cookery club embodies the aims of the Stewart Garden Schools Programme, as the children have clearly been inspired to grow and use their own fruit and vegetables. It’s more important than ever to teach children self-sufficiency and the origins of their food, so gardening, cooking and growing are all fantastic things to teach young people.” 

Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2018, run in association with GTN.

The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, consumer gardening media and trade media.

After initial judging of the 330 new products entered first thing the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

The results:

Garden Decoration

Winner: Smart Garden Products Ltd  (Wannabees)

Wildlife and Pets

Joint Winners: RSPCA (Slow Feeder Bowl); Westland Horticulture (Peckish Squirrel Proof Suet Pellets)

Outdoor Entertaining

Winner: Smart Garden Products Ltd (Lit Firefly Balloons)

Landscaping

Winner: Primeur Ltd (Recycled Rubber Stepping Stone Medallion)

Home, Gift and Clothing

Winner: Tilnar Ltd T/A Tilnar Art, Besmo & Mo-Home (Meg Hawkins Collection)

Tools & Machinery

Winner: Block Blitz Ltd (Block Blitz Big Blitz)

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media

Winner: Westland Horticulture (Deadfast New Rodenticides Range)

Garden Care - Growing Accessories

Winner Tildenet Gardenware (Haxnicks Bamboo Pots & Seed Trays)

Plants, seeds and bulbs

Winner: Wyevale Nurseries Ltd (Agapanthus Fireworks)

Best of British Award

Winner: West Country Soil Improvement Ltd (Bloomin Amazing)

Overall Glee Best New Product

Winner: Primeur Ltd (Recycled Rubber Stepping Stone Medallion)

The Green Heart – Glee’s horticultural hub - awarded Golden Grove Nursery with the inaugural Best Green Heart Display award. 

Selected by judges Emma Coupe of Waitrose, and Batsford Arboretum’s Sue Burn, the new award was a hotly contested one, with many stands catching the judge’s eye. However, it was Golden Grove that took home the title in 2018.

Golden Grove’s stand was selected for its ease of translation into a retail environment, the quality of product, and the eye-catching POS and display ideas incorporated.

The award was presented to Golden Grove’s Roger Ward, by Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, Richard Newton of Woodlodge - the Green Heart’s official merchandising bench supplier, and Neil Gow, Glee’s Green Heart Special Project Manager.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “Our congratulations to Golden Grove. Plants remain the heart of garden retailing, and displays such as this one continue to set the standard. Thank you also to our judges for giving up their valuable time and insight, and also to Woodlodge for its continued support of the Green Heart.”

Featuring more international companies than ever before, the Green Heart is home to brands such as The Bransford Webb Plant Company, Javado, Armlee Nurseries, Darby Nurseries, Morley Nurseries, Farplants, Craigmarloch Nurseries Ltd, John Richards Nurseries Ltd, Lovania Nurseries Ltd, Porters Fuchsias, Lowaters Nursery, The Plant Yard, Wyevale Nurseries Limited, Florna Plants,  Viking Nurseries, Chamberlain Nurseries, Hawkesmill Nurseries co Ltd, Philip Sonneville, Anglo Aquatic Plant Company, Dataflor, Deforche Export, Helleborous (Wilgenbroek), Herbachef, VDW Plants, Wharton Nurseries, and Worfield Plants - all coming together to create the strongest display of new plant varieties and inspiration for plant buyers and retailers looking to develop both their indoor and outdoor plant offering in the coming season.

A proven vehicle for celebrating grass roots development and true innovation, the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund (GISCF) has already contributed to helping four brands find their place within the garden retail market both here and across the globe. This year, another company is set to benefit from the GISCF excellent prize package. Introducing the 2018 winners – Bloomin Amazing from West Country Soil Improvement. 

Bloomin Amazing is a 3-in-1 dig-free soil enricher, easy feed and mulch product, produced at the company’s renewable energy plant in the beautiful South Dorset countryside. Owned by local farmers and the Duchy of Cornwall, Bloomin Amazing is odourless, lightweight, clean, and pet and family friendly making it the perfect choice for gardens that want to utilise proven organic solutions.

Beating off stiff competition and judged by a panel made up of both Glee and GIMA representatives, Bloomin Amazing – as GISCF winners - will receive support up to the value of £6,000 to help with development and marketing costs associated with entering the UK garden retail market, including a year’s full GIMA membership, and a wide range of business support tools.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm that Bloomin Amazing is the 2018 winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund.  The company and its product demonstrate impressive eco-friendly credentials across the board, without compromising on the commercial viability of the product. With excellent volume sales potential and a strong consumer message we believe Bloomin Amazing will be a popular choice amongst retailers and end users in the coming season.”

In addition to choosing a winner, the panel also selected Bramble Pet & Wildlife as this year’s runner-up.  A family owned company, Bramble Pet & Wildlife has been involved in developing products for animal welfare since 1990, combining their experience and expertise to formulate foods that are nutritionally beneficial to wild animals and ensure that they do not contain any added sugar, colours, or artificial flavours. The current range includes mealworm-free Hedgehog Food and Swan & Duck feed.

As the winner, Bloomin Amazing is now set to receive funding and help with the development and marketing of their product, together with support from experts within the industry.

To find out more about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund please join GIMA on-stand at Glee 2018, Hall 19, stand U14.

Active Products UK Ltd picked up the Visitors Choice Award, sponsored by the HTA, on the final day of Glee for their innovative Dansand No Grow product.

Dansand No Grow is a weed inhibiting dry kiln, which can be seen on the Active Products stand 19B62.

Martin Simmonds, from the HTA, presented the award to the winners.

Aylett Nurseries was announced as the winners of the RSPB’s Conservation Garden Centre of the Year Award at Glee.

The St. Albans based retailer, owned by Julie Aylett and Adam Wigglesworth, was presented with the accolade by John Capper, National Account Manager at the RSPB and Sam Marriage, Director at Marriage’s, leading supplier of quality pet foods and animal feeds.

Aylett’s were awarded for their work on the Butterflies and Celebration Garden, located adjacent to the store.  The beautiful garden was created in 2015 to celebrate 60 years of the family business and is now part of the renowned National Garden Scheme (NGS).

The garden is alive with impressive blooms including roses, dahlias, shrubs and perennials, celebrating the work and patience of the Aylett family.  The areais a peaceful and tranquil haven containing a spiral maze, bug hotels and wildflower meadows at the heart of the garden, providing a riot of colour for the best part of the year and creating a wonderful habitat for bees, butterflies and insects. 

Julie and Adam were presented with a framed certificate on the Pets at Glee Seminar stage to proudly display in-store, as well as winning a fun, interactive family event at the garden centre, where customers can learn about birds and wildlife and how to be more conservation friendly in their own garden.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said: “Aylett Nurseries are worthy winners of the RSPB award, following all the hard work and commitment they have put into their Butterflies and Celebration Garden. So much time, effort and enthusiasm has been invested in the garden to create such wonderful havens of colour, as well as an appealing natural space for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.”

The RSPB will also be presenting at Glee this afternoon (Tuesday 5.15pm – 15.45pm) on the Pets at Glee Seminar stage, where John and Sam will be giving an insightful talk on “The Ethical Generation – how linking conservation, wild life and gardens can drive sales and add equity to your garden centre.”

Glee has a proven track record of evolving and changing to meet the needs of the industry it represents. The latest update is a continuation of this theme, as it is confirmed that the 2019 event will take place on Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th September.

The simple act of moving Glee one day later in the week has been decided upon due to increasing demand from the show’s retail visitors. Visitor trends in recent years have hinted at the popularity of the show days later in the week and following a period of consultation with both suppliers/ manufacturers and retail partners the move to a Tuesday – Thursday format has been confirmed.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “Glee needs to adapt in order to be more responsive to the needs of our visitors. With Sunday trading continuing to dominate the weekly schedule within retailing, we are seeing more and more visitors attending Glee on Tuesday and Wednesday as many dedicate Monday as the day to reflect after weekend trading, to catch up with their teams and order additional stock for the weeks ahead. Recognising this, we have decided to amend our opening days to provide retailers with the opportunity to focus their attention post-weekend, before visiting Glee unhindered later in the week. During our period of consultation, the response to this was extremely positive so we hope the wider industry will be equally supportive.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2019 call 020 3033 2160.

There were pots of ideas, inspirations and hints of new trends for those who ventured to spoga+gafa last week in advance of Glee.

Hundreds of new pots, including pots with watering aids and vertical hanging systems, modular garden furniture (not a bit of weave in sight), hanging pods, huge ranges of outdoor kitchens, plenty of "green gardening" products and tech related garden products.

See our gallery of pictures from the show that spreads across 9 halls, some of them multi-floored, and watch out for more coverage in GTN's October issue and further issues of GTN Xtra.

Two members of the Hillier family were appointed to the Hillier Nurseries board of directors last week.

George Hillier and Martin Hillier joined the board on Thursday, with ith George continuing to manage the property portfolio as director of property and Martin taking on a non-executive role.

Hilliers chairman Robert Hillier said: “We are extremely proud to be a family business that looks to the future, so it is wonderful to have the fifth generation of the Hillier family involved at board level to continue to build on the fantastic achievements of the last 154 years, and to drive this forward in the coming years.”

George has worked in the company for 17 years, initially as a garden centre assistant, then manager of the group’s Chichester Centre before progressing to area manager for three years. In his current role he manages property acquisitions and developments.

George said he was thrilled to be joining the Hillier board. “These are very exciting times for our business. We have such a strong and experienced team, and are in a great position to make the most of our existing business. This is of course whilst pursuing future opportunities and focusing on what we do best - trees, plants and great customer experiences.”

George’s cousin Martin, who joined Hillier in 1992 as a supervisor at the company’s Brentry Container Unit, moved to Andlers Ash tree production nursery where he created the craftsman training programme, and in 1998 took on his current role of senior manager at Broadmead Trees, where he runs the production and despatch of Hillier containerised trees.

“I feel very honoured to be joining the board as the family representative,” he said. “ I see it as a custodial role continuing the stewardship of the four previous generations but especially that of my father John Hillier, whilst carrying on my senior management role at the nursery. The Hillier business is continually evolving and adapting to changes in market forces and environmental pressures and I’m excited to be even more of a part of that.”

The full board, including George and Martin Hillier (left).

Crossley Garden Buildings, the Stafford-based family-owned manufacturer of garden buildings, plans to extend its reach into new garden centres across the North West and Midlands after receiving £375,000 in new funding from Santander Business Banking.

Established in 1981 by David Crossley Senior, the business originally made garden sheds before diversifying into summerhouses, playhouses, stores and dog runs. In 2004, the firm introduced tanalisation to extend the life of its timber, with resultant sales and distribution growth. David Crossley, the current owner, joined the business straight from school and took over from his father in 2016.

The funding from Santander will help ease the seasonality of the business, allowing Crossley to manufacture more during the quieter months and hold the stock for the summer months when they are at full capacity.

David Crossley said the funding would enable the business to fulfil more orders and help to manage seasonal demand. “We have seen increased demand for our garden buildings in recent years and are excited to be targeting new markets around the UK,” he added.

Nathan Moult, business relationship director at Santander, said: “We are delighted to support Crossley Garden Buildings, a local family business, as it targets expansion in the UK. We are confident that the business will be successful and we will support the business as it continues to grow.”

August 2018 was on a par with August 2014 and 6% lower in total volume sales than 2017.  We have to go back to 2011 and 2012 to see August sales levels that we were significantly lower than this year.

And that fits with the reports of low footfall during the hot weeks when people weren’t shopping anywhere, let alone garden centres.

The good thing is that as the weather has cooled and children have gone back to school, garden centre sales volumes have started to move up.  Hopefully an Indian Summer during September will see plenty of activity and increased sales.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 35

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 40%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 7%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 36%
• Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – up 3%
• All Plants index – up 9%
• All Items index – down 3%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2016 as well as 2017 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg 2 Gro chart for this week are here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

Thousands of food-to-go operators and retailers from across the UK will be in London next week, over 20-21 September – as lunch! returns to ExCeL to showcase the best new products, solutions, insights, and innovations of the year.

The UK’s biggest food-to-go trade event, featuring an unprecedented 370 exhibiting companies, lunch! has also now confirmed a record number of entries for its prestigious annual Innovation Challenge Awards.

Nearly 100 manufacturers and suppliers will be fielding new products/entries for 2018 – many of which will be launching at the show.  (That’s a 44% increase in new food, drink, foodservice equipment and tech innovations this year, up from 69 entries in 2017.)  They’ll be looking to win over visiting buyers to secure their votes – and places – in the show’s lively Innovation Challenge final.

“lunch! is inspiring, energetic and delicious…it’s a brilliant place to catch up with suppliers and meet new ones.  I always come away from lunch! amazed at the level of creativity in NPD,” says Aggie Morrell, head of food at Pod.

In addition to speaking at this year’s show, Ms Morrell is also set to make her debut on the Innovation Challenge’s illustrious judging panel.  Other new judges include: Jack Hinchcliffe, innovation director for KFC UK&I; Ed Parkes, founder & director of The Gentlemen Baristas; Martyn Clover, head of food at Tortilla; Frank Boltman, founder & director of Trade; Shane Kavanagh, CEO of Crussh; and Arnaud Kaziewicz, director of food & beverage at EAT.

They join seven returning judges – Sandy Anderson (Elior), Louise Direito (Krispy Krème), Paul Ettinger (Caffè Nero), Martin Hambleton (En Route International), Guy Meakin (Pret A Manger), chef/restaurant consultant Jay Morjaria (who recently appeared on the BBC’s Million Pound Menu, where his innovative East Asian restaurant concept ‘Dynasty’ landed an investment offer of £500,000), and Alan Tomlins (Small Batch Coffee Roasters) – who together will decide which products will come away with a coveted gold, silver or bronze innovation award.

“lunch! is a must for anyone involved in the food-to-go industry.  Every year, there are more exhibitors showing new innovative products in a great atmosphere of passion and fun,” says founding judge Sandy Anderson, senior buyer – fresh & frozen food at Elior.

Voting opens for visitors at the lunch! Innovation Challenge Gallery from 10am on Thursday 20 September and will run until 4pm.  The exhibitors who have secured the most votes will then be invited to ‘pitch’ their new innovations to the judges (and an audience full of top buyers) the following day.  Pitches start at 11.15am in Keynote Theatre 2, with the results to be announced just a few hours later at 4.15pm, on Friday 21 September.

Innovation Challenge entries include:

• Adonis Smart Foods: Low Sugar Turmeric Nut Bar
• Agriculture-Ein Harod Co-ope: Silan - Date Syrup
• Alara: Fruits and Seeds Muesli
• AliveBiome: AliveBiome Raspberry
• Ambient Food to Go Solution: Peckish Rice Crackers - Impulse Bag
• Ape Snacks: Coconut & Rice Puffs Thai Chilli
• AQUA Carpatica: AQUA Carpatica Kids Still Natural Mineral Water
• Arteta Sp. z o. o: DayUp Pearls
• Bio-tiful Dairy: Bio-tiful Dairy Kefir-Quark
• BitesWeLove: BitesWeLove Healthy Bites
• Born Tasty: Snackamolé™ Avocado Dip
• Bounce Foods: Bounce Breakfast High Fibre Protein Bar - Peanut Butter
• BRAVE: BRAVE Roasted Peas - Salted Caramel & Chocolate
• Bravura Foods: Free From Fellows Gummy Bears
• Burts Potato Chips: Burts Jim Beam Original BBQ Chips
• ButterflyCup: ButterflyCup
• The Cake Crew: Beautifully Crafted Vegan Cupcakes
• The Collective: Collective Mango & Turmeric Kefir
• Cool Cold Brew : Cool Cold Brew
• Coveris: Coveris Plastic-Free Food-to-Go Packaging
• Crealine UK: GAZPACHO TO GO
• The Curators: The Curators Sweet Sriracha Beef Jerky
• Dash Water: Dash Water Raspberry
• Deli Lites Gourmet Sandwiches: DELI LITES Asian Bespoke Bowl
• Döhler GmbH: Cold Brew Coffee
• Doughlicious: CRAVE
• Eat Natural: Eat Natural Salted Caramel
• Feel Good Company ApS: RATION Food Bars (6 Flavours)
• Fire Grain: Fire Grain's Freekeh
• Flower & White: Flower&White Raspberry Meringue Bar
• Flyte: Flyte - Green Mango
• For Goodness Shakes: For Goodness Shakes Plant Protein Smooth Chocolate
• Freaks Of Nature: Sticky Toffee Hot Pudding
• Galliance UK: Gastronome Professionnels ‘Tasty and Trusted’ Roast Chicken Slices
• generationJuice: T300 juice dispenser from generationJuice
• Get More Vits: Get More Recovery
• Go Faster Food: Go Bites Raspberry & Cacao
• Green Sisters: Choco'Licious Samosa
• Indie Bay Snacks: Indie Bay Snacks Easy Cheesy Pretzel Bites
• Indie Bay Snacks: Indie Bay Snacks Smokin' BBQ Pretzel Bites
• Instinct Bites: Instinct Bites - Sour Cherry Strawberry
• JEKL Steak On The Go!: JEKL Steak On The Go!
• Joe & Seph's Gourmet Popcorn: Joe & Seph’s Simply Range
• KALEIDO: Kaleidoscope Salad Rolls
• Kavli Food Solutions: Primula Jalapeno Cheese Dipper
• Kestrel Foods: Forest Feast Mango & Coconut Fruit Balls
• Kestrel Foods: Forest Feast Pineapple, Mango & Lime Fruit Balls
• Kestrel Foods: Forest Feast Milk Chocolate Mango & Coconut Fruit Balls
• KIND Protein: KIND Protein Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Livia's Kitchen: Raw Cookie Dough Nugglets
• Lo Bros Kombucha & Living Drinks: Lo Bros Organic Cola Kombucha
• Love Taste Co: Avo Go-Go
• Luv Sum PTY: BODIE'z Protein Water Powder Sachet - Unflavoured
• Magrini: Magrini Life Coffee Machine
• ManiLife: ManiLife Deep Roast Snack Pots
• Michel et Augustin: Cheese & butter crispy bites from France
• Michel et Augustin: French savory shortbreads with cheese
• Mighty Sesame (Rushdi): Mighty Sesame Tahini
• Natural Balance Foods: Nakd Blueberry Muffin
• Natural Fitness t/a Getbuzzing: Nut Free Wowbutter Getbuzzing bar
• Nina Bakery: Nina Bakery Bite Size Pitta
• Ninkee: Ninkee
• Nugo Nutrition/Koochikoo: Koochikoo Lollipop
• Nugo Nutrition/Koochikoo: Nugo Protein Cookies
• Ollys Olives: Olly's Olives: Lemon & Thyme
• Ombar Chocolate: Ombar Centres Pistachio
• The One Brand: One Less Bottle
• One Earth Organics: One Earth Jackfruit Crisps
• Organix: Organix Goodies Cheesy Pea Snaps
• Organix: Organix Goodies Fruit & Seed Bites
• Pastorfrigor GB: Filip with Aircell
• Paterson Arran: Paterson's Jammy Shortbread
• Perkier Foods: PERK!ER Bites
• Pocket Enterprises: pokito pop up cup
• Point Blank Cold Brew: Point Blank Cold Brew
• POPS: Premium Popsicles: House Press POPS
• Pots & Co: Pots & Co 70% Chocolate Ganache
• The Protein Ball Co: Apple + Blueberry Breakfast Balls
• Quibbles: Quibbles Salt & Vinegar Almonds
• Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company: Radnor Plus Energy
• Raw & Wild: Pili Nuts with Turmeric & Ginger
• Roqberry: Sushi & Spice - Green Tea
• Sandows: Sandows Citrus Cold Brew Soda
• Savsé: Savse Protein Rise
• Simplee Aloe: Aloe Vera Water With Pulp
• Something & Nothing: Something & Nothing
• St Pierre Bakery: St Pierre Bakery On the Go Range
• Thirst Quenchers UK: Vegeway Raw Vegan Protein Powder
• Trangs Group: Bao Bun
• TRIBE: TRIBE - Infinity Choc Salt Caramel
• Union Hand-Roasted Coffee: Union Brew Lab double strength cold brew
• UPBEAT Drinks: UPBEAT Protein and Vitamin Waters
• Vieve Protein Water: Vieve Protein Water
• Wallaroo: Toasted Organic Coconut Chips
• Well&Truly: Well&Truly Smokey Paprika Snacks
• Wholesums: Wholesums
• WILD FIZZ KOMBUCHA: Wild Fizz Gingers Rule Kombucha
• YAAR: YAAR
• Yoyo Wallet: Yoyo Wallet

For further information about the products up for Innovation Challenge Awards, the 2018 online Show Guide is now available to view online at www.lunchshow.co.uk/show-guide-2018.

Haskins is encouraging gardeners to make the most of their homegrown beetroot with a delicious roasted beetroot and balsamic vinegar recipe.

Alasdair Urquhart, Haskins’ in-house plant expert, commented: “This time of year is the ideal time to harvest beetroots. If you can resist picking the leaves for salads, they can be harvested right into October.

“My advice would be to twist the tops off instead of cutting, to maintain their deep colour and stop them from staining everything red. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals and roasting them will make a great side dish for roast meat or as a main for vegetarians. Even if you haven’t had time to grow your own beetroot this year, you can still follow our step-by-step recipe.”

Ingredients (serves 5)

• 3 bunches of beetroot (with leaves)
• 1oz butter
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Method

• Preheat oven to 190°C.
• Twist the tops of the beetroot leaves off and set aside.
• Boil the beetroot for 20 minutes, drain and set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Peel the skin away from the beetroot.
• Quarter the beetroots.
• Add the butter, olive oil and some seasoning.
• Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.
• Bake for a further 15 minutes until tender.

Alasdair added: “Roasting the beetroot will elevate their taste to a new level and the addition of the vinegar makes for a really tasty and vibrant dish.”

The head baker at Tong Garden Centre, Bradford, has been recognised for his bakery skills after being shortlisted for Baker of the Year in the 2018 Baking Industry awards.

Judges from the prestigious national awards scheme visited Lee Parnham at the Tong Garden Centre bakery in June and sampled many products including Tong's renowned vanilla slice, quiches and Eccles cakes.

Lee's bakery skills were honed in both independent and multi-site bakeries before he joined Tong Garden Centre to head up the newly formed bakery team. He now manages a team of five who have delivered double digit sales growth every year since the bakery was commissioned in 2015.

Tong's Commercial Director, Sharon McNair, is proud of Lee's achievements: "Lee has done a great job of building the team, developing an exciting product range in response to customer feedback and tailoring products to delight our customers.

"Lee and his team have grown the bakery from a standing start in just 3 years and now supply both the Food Hall and the restaurant with tray bakes and selected patisserie ranges."

A delighted Lee, who was shortlisted for judging, but didn't reach the final three, said: "We have achieved so much and I'm really proud to have been shortlisted in the Baker of the Year category but I couldn't have done it without the fantastic support and commitment of my team here in the Food Hall."

Judges said that competition was tough and being shortlisted for judging was a great achievement.

Lee and his team will be showcasing their skills at this weekend’s Taste of Tong event.