Neudorff won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards last night with their popular VineWeevilFree – Nematodes product. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Crest Garden, Gardena, Fallen Fruits, The Willow Wand, Primeur, Burgon & Ball, Deco-Pak, Apta, Smart Garden Products, Vitax, Woodlodge, and The Scotts Company UK...

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, commented on tonight’s event. “I would like to be the first to extend my congratulations to all of the winners.  This year we have seen some emerging brands cement their place in the market, as well as established brands showcasing exactly what makes them market leaders. It’s great to see so much variety, and I’m sure you will agree when I say that the calibre of winners has far exceeded expectations, with each highly deserving of their award.”

This year, the GIMA judging panel was made up of Mike Cook (Choice Marketing), Colin Dale (Notcutts Garden Centres), Mairi Devlin (Wyevale Garden Centres), Mike Lind (Monkton Elm Garden Centre & GCA Chair), Caroline Linger (Crocus), Caroline Owen (Scotsdales Garden Centres) and Neil Pope (Garden Trade News).

Vicky added: “A huge thank you to all our judges for volunteering their time. Their input, keen eye and industry knowledge has helped us to create a final roster of winners that best demonstrates the endless enthusiasm, innovation and inspirational content that helps make the garden retail industry such an exciting industry to be part of.

“Finally, I extend my thanks to all those that have entered the awards in 2018, as well as our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to put on an event of this scale.”

TV , film and stage actor Stephen Mangan was the night's host.

GIMA Sword of Excellence
Winner: Neudorff (VineWeevilFree – Nematodes)

What the judges said… A product that says great things about ecological gardening and really opens up the market for consumers.

GCA Supplier of The Year
Winner: Woodlodge
Finalists: Burgon & Ball, Kelkay, Vitax

Gardenex Export Achievement

Winner: Crest Garden
Finalists: Smart Garden Products, Trimetals

What the judges said… Crest Garden have secured listings and ranging for the Kent & Stowe brand in Truffaut and Jardiland in France for the 2019 season as a core tool supplier. France will be a major market for the Kent & Stowe brand moving forward with these customers.

Garden Care
Winner: Neudorff (VineWeevilFree – Nematodes)
Finalists: Agralan (Permafelt)

West Country Soil Improvement (Bloomin Amazing)

What the judges said…Unique in that it is the first ambient product with a shelf life that really helps both the retailer and the customer.

Growing and Planting Equipment and Sundries
Winner: Crest Garden (Flopro Eco Smart Systems)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Double Tomato GroZone)

Burgon & Ball (Garden Supplies Growing & Planting Essentials)

What the judges said… The Eco credentials of this product make it a standout winner.

Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements
Winner: Gardena (Combisystem Gutter Cleaner)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball (Wonder Weed Puller)
Stihl (HSA 25 Cordless Shrub Shears/Pruner)

What the judges said… A great solution to an everyday problem, with a good price point.

Outdoor Leisure
Winner: Fallen Fruits (Green Picnic)
Finalists: La Hacienda (Moho Oxidised Cast Iron Firepit with Steel Stand)
Burton McCall (Thermacell Halo Mini Repeller)

What the judges said… This product’s environmental credentials really appear to the current market trends.

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs
Winner: The Willow Wand
Finalists: Project Maya (Seedball Natural History Museum Range)
Johnsons Lawn Seed (Johnsons Lawn Thickener)

What the judges said… An innovative, affordable and decorative product that will really appeal to younger gardeners.

Garden Landscaping
Winner: Primeur (Eco Friendly Recycled Rubber Garden Borders)
Finalists: Kelkay (Porcelain Paving and RHS Endorsed Stepping Stones)

What the judges said… There is nothing like this on the market. Eco-friendly, affordable and does the job.

Gardening Clothing and Gifts
Winner: Burgon & Ball (Garden Supplies Collection)
Finalists: Briers (Aidan’s Gloves and Julie Dodsworth Lavender Garden Range)

What the judges said… A beautifully crafted collection and perfect gifts for gardeners, young and old.

Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care
Winners: Deco-Pak (Quintessentially British Collection)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Apple/Pear glass bird feeders)
Wildlife World (Shenstone Theatre Bird Bath and Drinker)

What the judges said… Whimsical and charming – a fantastic take on the traditional bird houses.

Decorative Pots & Planters

Winner: Apta (Laura Ashley Pelham Planters)
Finalists: Ivyline (Bamboo Planter Range)
Zest 4 Leisure (Stepped Herb Planter)

What the judges said… A great design and the perfect style statement.

Garden Lighting, Water Features and Ornamentation
Winner: Smart Garden Products (Eureka Firefly lantern)
Finalists: The Solar Centre (TrueFlame Solar Torch Light)
Smart Garden Products (Genoa Cascade)

What the judges said… A very commercial product, driving huge sales.

Best Point of Sale Material
Winner: Crest Garden (Kent & Stowe Love Your Lawn Display Stand)
Finalists: Kelkay (Get Creative)

Burgon & Ball (All You Need Merchandising Kit)

What the judges said… A well thought through display with good clear messaging - they clearly had the customer in mind!

Best Consumer Packaging
Winner: Vitax (Fertiliser range in weatherpoof packaging)
Finalists: Westland (Indoor Potting Mixes, Feeds and Watering Range)
Kelkay (Premium Pot Toppers)

What the judges said… Good clear packaging – excellent design to go outside and increase sales next to plants.

Best Marketing Communication Campaign
Winner: The Scotts Company UK (‘Water is not enough’ multi-media campaign)
Finalists: Westland (Resolva Pro)
Stihl (Garden Magic TV campaign)

What the judges said… Great message, well executed - really clear and effective.

See The Roll of Honour in the August issue of Garden Trade News (GTN).