|
|
Blue Diamond are set to add to their portfolio of garden centres with the acquisition of Harlow Garden Centre in Essex. It will become the 18th centre in the group.
Managing director Alan Roper confirmed to GTN Xtra today that the company were in the process of buying Harlow, a freehold acquisition of 15 acres, and were hopeful that the deal would be completed by the end of April.
Blue Diamond see huge potential in Harlow Garden Centre and once contracts have been signed the group intend to redevelop it into a key North London destination garden centre.
Harlow Garden Centre in Canes Lane (A414), Hastingwood, near Harlow, is currently a family-run independent centre, which began on this site in 1976, although the family has been involved in horticulture and market gardening since the 1930s.
The business originally started as a nursery, growing bedding plants and roses, supplying the London flower markets, as well as other garden centres and nurseries in East Anglia.
It has developed over the years into a quality garden centre offering a very wide range of plants with over 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs, and over 1,000 varieties of herbaceous and alpine plants, along with all the sundries and products that you would expect to see at a leading garden centre.
 |
|
|
|
|
The need to inspire and educate the consumer to encourage spend has never been greater and with POS merchandising being an intrinsic part of this process Meadow View have re-designed their entire POS collection around this concept.
All their POS now features awe-inspiring lifestyle shots of their products featured in simple effective schemes which have been designed to inspire the consumer, and strongly promote cross sales into other relating product areas.
These engaging photos have been created to encourage the consumer to not only buy gravel but rockery stone, pebbles, cobbles and even plants.
This innovative POS is further aided by all the featured products’ suitability and benefits being listed in easy to read and legible fonts on each product board. Alongside this there are imperial and metric quantity tables, meaning all the relevant information is listed concisely in one place, to make the buying process effortless and instantaneous.
Each board also includes an image of the bag, making it simple for the customer to locate and identify the product in store. Furthermore each board has an individual QR code which links directly to an online help portal called go recreate which serves an excellent resource for how to use and lay the products, whilst showcasing inspirational gardening shots that help visualise which products will complement each other.
Stockists of the Meadow View Range of decorative aggregates, paving and stoneware are encouraged to think about linking products featured in each lifestyle shot to primarily make the buying process thought provoking and as simplistic as possible for the consumer which will strongly increase the potential of upselling into related product sectors.
Marketing Director Sarah Hill stated: “This is a very exciting time for Meadow View Stone and its loyal customers, who will immensely benefit from the increased sales potential this NEW POS is designed to capture.
"An increase in our stand designs and POS height also addresses the demand for better visibility of our products in store meaning they are no longer an after-thought for perusing customers."
For further details of our NEW POS range please contact our Sales Director, Simon Routledge on 078910 42537 or Head Office on 01948 841607.
|
|
The rest of April and all of May needs to be good garden centre trading weather to make sure we stay ahead of last year’s sales levels.
The graph above illustrates clearly the benefit of Easter last year spanning weeks 15 and 16 (the ideal time for Easter according to our GTN Bestsellers analysis published last week).
The intent for people to spend time (and therefore money) in the garden is there as growing media sales continue to run at a high level and people are picking up new impulse lines such as the Smart Solar Eureka! Light Bulb in good volumes. So it must just need a few weeks of warmer drier weather and everyone will be happy.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products - up 23%
- Veg-2-Gro - down 10%
- Growing Media - up 44%
- All Items Index - up 13%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
The book and music industries have been using Top 20 charts to encourage more sales for over 50 years and when we set out on the GTN Bestsellers journey it was always our intention to publish weekly plant charts that garden centres could use as promotional tools.
At long last we’ve come up with a chart that groups plant sales by genus (thanks to all the subscribers who’ve helped and advised) and here is the first ever UK Garden Plants chart.
Over the coming weeks we will watch and report on any changes and take on board any further input that can make this information really useful. Please send your comments to: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
|
Chichester College inspired visitors the most at this year’s Ideal Home Show by picking up the Young Gardeners of the Year People’s Choice Award. Visitors at the Ideal Home Show, sponsored by Zoopla, voted Chichester College's garden to be their favourite out of the six participating colleges.
In close second place was Askham Bryan College, who were also awarded a Gold medal and the prestigious Best at Show award by the judges in March. The annual competition, now in its sixth year, which is organised by TV gardener David Domoney, offers students a great opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate the best of sustainable British gardening. Each college was given a 5.5m x 4m plot to both plan and design a garden that demonstrated an understanding of harmony and sustainability. The show gardens are meant to inspire city dwellers, showing all that can be achieved in urban locations. They create a sense of tranquility and sustainability for homeowners to act as an escape from the pressures of inner city life and bring a touch of nature to the heart of the metropolis. The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community set clear guidelines based on organic and sustainable principles that the charity has championed for so long. The judging panel was led by some of the leading lights of the horticultural, design and media industries including TV Gardener Alan Titchmarsh, and Simon Sadinsky from The Prince's Foundation for Building Community and Carol Paris, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association, Deborah Stone, former Chairman of the Garden Media Guild. Simon Sadinsky, Head of Education at The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, said: “Nurturing the talent of future generations and spreading the message of sustainability and the importance of nature is important to The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community. We are delighted by the talent on display this year and want to congratulate Chichester College for winning the People’s Choice! Hopefully it will inspire many more people to think about what nature, even in the shape of the simplest back garden, can teach us”. David Domoney, organiser of the competition, said: "A delightful win for Chichester College. It is a testament to all of the hard work that the students have put in. They have captivated the visitors of the Ideal Home Show and what a great thing for the students to put on their CV’s when they leave college looking to join the commercial world.”
 The 2016 participating colleges were: - Chichester college, Sussex (2012, 2013 & 2014 Champions)
- Capel Manor, Middlesex (2011 Champions)
- Askham Bryan College, North Yorkshire (2016 Champions)
- Pershore College, Part of the Warwickshire College Group
- Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire
- Writtle College, Essex (2015 Champions)
|
|
How to win space on garden centre shelves
GIMA - in association with PP8 Marketing - is running a special one-day interactive workshop on May 10 designed to help manufacturers win valuable shelf space on the sales floor...
GIMA - in association with PP8 Marketing - is running a special one-day interactive workshop on May 10 designed to help manufacturers win valuable shelf space on the sales floor.
In an increasingly competitive market, where it is becoming harder to pitch products to garden centre buyers, manufacturers need to have a better understanding of how to get the most from their time in front of decision makers. Creating long-term customer loyalty also offers a significant challenge; with just 0.9 seconds to deliver key sales messages instore*, it has never been harder to create true stand out.
Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing (and previously marketing director of Scotts Miracle Gro) will lead the workshop, and aims to deliver the essential facts regarding building a successful relationship with garden centre buyers. Focussing on developing a ‘seamless shopper’ strategy, the workshop will provide practical and tangible advice that can be quickly and efficiently implemented.
Paula will be supported by specialists in branding, point of sale, web and customer intelligence, helping to guide suppliers through the three key stages of building a go-to marketing strategy and ultimately sales.
GIMA director, Vicky Nuttall said: “This workshop will be the first under the ‘GIMA Knowledge Exchange’ banner, and I’ve no doubt it’ll be an extremely well attended event. With buyers’ time being squeezed more and more, suppliers are starting to feel the effect of this. This workshop will not only help them to think differently about how they present themselves and their products to both the retailer and the consumer, but it will provide advice that can be applied quickly for instant results.”
The ‘How to win space on garden centre shelves’ workshop will be taking place on May 10th at the Stratford Garden Centre, Warwickshire. With limited space available interested parties are urged to book now to avoid disappointment. Booking can be made at www.gima.org.uk and is available to both GIMA members and non-members.
|
|
|
|
Soft Landscaping Contracts Manager (ref:DS8265)
Location: West Sussex
Salary: Circa £30,000
Date: 15 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Soft landscape contractors undertaking commercial soft landscaping across the South East for over 25 years. Due to expansion an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Soft Landscaping Contracts Manager to oversee sites for wide variety of commercial clients, including new schools, offices industrial estates and new housing developments. The successful Contracts Manager will need to take responsibility for the management of landscapers operatives undertaking contracts of between £10,000 and £400,000 ensuring that a consistently high level of quality, efficiency and client satisfaction are maintained at all times.
The Role
Contracts Manager duties will include:
- Responsibility for the management of landscape operatives.
- Quality control of operations.
- Management of materials. Contract negotiations with clients. Production of method statements and risk assessments. Ability to find workable solutions to problems as they arise.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:
- Experience within the commercial soft landscaping industry as a Contracts Manager or Project Manager. Experience in managing landscape operatives.
- Good plant knowledge and soft landscape construction experience. Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Excellent organisation skills and a fine eye for detail. Be numerate with good report writing skills. Have a good ability to impart instructions clearly and lead and motivate your teams. Full driving licence and current CSCS card are essential.
Salary and reward package:
- Salary: Circa £30,000
- Benefits will include company vehicle for business use, mobile phone and fuel card.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Junior Buyer: Garden Care
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Notcutts team as a Junior Buyer for the Gardening category covering all things gardening except Plants at our offices in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
Notcutts has a rich history in horticulture with 18 Notcutts Garden Centres across the UK has its own character and we are currently investing heavily in developing our sites further.
The Junior Buyer will take responsibility for selecting and developing the Gardening ranges for our business.
- The ideal candidate will understand both the category and customers, possess strong communication and negotiation skills and have a passion and enthusiasm for customers and products.
- They should an excellent team player focused on driving sales and profitability.
You can expect a competitive salary plus benefits including pension contributions and a generous company discount.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please forward an up to date CV and covering letter to: recruitment@notcutts.co.uk.
|
|
Garden Centre Assistant Manager | Hampshire (ref:DS8268)
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £30,000 - £31,000
Date: 15 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This lovely Hampshire based independent garden centre is currently looking for an Assistant Manager to help run this award winning centre.
The Role
Responsibilities include:
- The effective management of a number of key departments (to include Gifts, Farm Shop, Customer Services and Seasonal). The management of staff within these departments.
- The ability to work closely with other members of the Management Team to ensure the garden centre performs to its optimum.
- Ensuring customers have received an exceptional level of service.
- Communicating effectively at all levels.
- Duty Manager for the site on a rota basis.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of people management.
- Possess excellent people and communication skills.
- Enjoy working as part of a highly motivated team.
- Have relevant retail experience within a busy environment. A garden centre background would be advantageous.
- Possess excellent IT skills.
Hours: Full time (Rota basis to include alternate weekends)
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Grounds Maintenance | Contracts Manager | North & Midlands (ref:DS7836)
Location: North West England
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
Date: 15 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a leading Interior and Exterior Landscaping and Maintenance Company based in the North of England who carry out a wide range of commercial contracts throughout the UK.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Operations Director and working closely with the Senior Management Team, the Northern Regional Manager will provide a single senior point of contact for key clients, working with them to develop strong partnership relationships whilst promoting the vision, culture and values of the business as an enduring value proposition in the marketplace. While also focusing hands-on on the management of the individual teams to ensure that work is completed within time and budget to the satisfaction of the clients.
The Candidate
- You will be a Contracts or Regional Contracts Manager preferably with a landscape service or maintenance background, with a proven track record in utilizing great interpersonal skills to deliver strong positive client relationships.
- You must also be passionate about developing a great customer experience. Whilst it is important that you can see the bigger picture, the smaller details of client management will also be important to you, with the understanding that without the basics in place success won't be possible.
- You will enjoy the challenge of representing the client and what we stand for, working to meet the high expectations of blue chip clients across the Southern counties.
- You will be able to work to clear financial guidelines and provide business development insight to meet on target revenue expectations.
- Interpreting management information to recommend and carry out sound commercial and trading actions will be important as the skills required to implement some of the projects that results.
- You should feel at home within a strong group management team, welcoming the challenge as well as the support, strengthening teams to ensure that they work at their best.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Garden Centre Assistant Manager (ref:DS8156)
Location: East Sussex
Salary: £18,000 - £21,000
Date: 31 Mar
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a lovely family run plant and garden centre with great café and farm shop who are based near Brighton. They are currently looking for an Assistant Manager.
The Role
As Assistant Manager you will be responsible for the centre in the absence of the Manager and Owners. This is a hands on role within a close team and offers great potential for someone who is driven and keen to develop their retail career.
The Candidate
The candidate will have great retail background who ideally has an interest or some horticultural experience. The role would suit someone from a garden centre, DIY or supermarket background who is looking to further their career and take a step towards Garden Centre Management in the future.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
|
|
with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox. The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.
Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
|
|
Blue Diamond have announced that Stuart Whalley has been appointed as Head of Product Development (Gardening and Leisure).With continued responsibility for garden and leisure ranging and for further development of own brand and exclusive products, this role provides the Group with new opportunities to innovate and diversify our product range, thereby strengthening our position within the garden centre industry. Stuart joined Blue Diamond as Head of Gardening in April 2014 with extensive experience in the garden centre industry. He has successfully undertaken and overseen range adjustments to align categories with the Group’s target demographic. He has expanded the leisure portfolio with direct sourcing from manufacturers and increased both the quality and quantity of our own brand offering. Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond, commented, ‘Stuart has done excellent work in his role of Head of Gardening, demonstrating a clear affinity and awareness of sourcing quality products in line with the company ethos. This new role will significantly strengthen our approach to product development enabling us to provide innovative and exciting new products for our customers’. Stuart said, ‘my strength has always been in product development and I enjoy identifying products with great potential and applying my creativity to develop these products even further. By prioritising product, this gives us an amazing opportunity to offer a range that can outperform and differentiate us from our competitors’. As a result of Stuart’s promotion, Blue Diamond is now recruiting a replacement Head of Gardening with sole responsibility for the commercial management of the garden and leisure categories. This appointment will enable more focus on sales opportunities during the key trading seasons. Prospective applicants should apply in writing to recruitment@bluediamond.gg.
|
|
Eureka! Solar Light Bulb is a bestseller
“We’ve increased our production and revised our order levels five times since Glee,” Smart Solar MD Jonathan Stobart told GTN Bestsellers this week as their Eureka! Solar Light Bulb moves back up to the top spot...
“We’ve increased our production and revised our order levels five times since Glee,” Smart Solar MD Jonathan Stobart told GTN Bestsellers this week as their Eureka! Solar Light Bulb moves back up to the top spot with supplies getting back out to centres who had previously sold out.
The star Garden Product performers this week are:
- Woodlodge 5-inch Standard Spang Pot is the highest re-entry at No 24.
- Smart Garden Solar Powered Bluebell Lights (below) are the highest new entry at No 29.
- The highest climber, moving up 28 places to No 8 is Doff Slug Killer 800g + 200g Free.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
Cucumbers, courgettes and bean plants are the runaway successes in grown-your-own sales this week. The GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro Top 50 featured only two seed lines this week – Beetroot Boltardy seeds and the Scotts Growables Cherry Tomatoes.
This week’s Veg-2-Gro star performers are:
- Quantil Cucumber F1 is the highest climber, jumping 30 places to No 18.
- The highest re-entry is Quantil Sweetcorn Extra Sweet at No 20.
- Bridgen Thyme Thymus ‘Silver Queen’ (AGM) is the highest new entry at No 37.
- Another newcomer to the chart is Quantil Tomato Shirley.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
Big increases for multipurpose compost sales are keeping volumes at an all-time high, according to the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart.
There’s plenty of intention to get growing and all growbag lines have increased sales post-Easter as young veg plants come into stock and start selling through.
This week’s Growing Media star performers include:
- The highest new entry is Durstons Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost (60 litres), which has jumped straight to an impressive No 2.
- Arthur Bowers Multipurpose Compost (50 litres) is the highest climber, moving up 18 places to No 15.
- The highest re-entry is Scotts Levington Multi Purpose Compost (50 litres) at No 34.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
 Europe’s leading wildlife habitat product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World, is returning to exhibit at The National Hardware Show in Las Vegas this May.
Last year, the UK based company exhibited at the show for the very first time after a successful period of distribution in the U.S. market. Since the 2015 show, Wildlife World has started working with more major department stores and distributors in the States to offer a wide range of the company’s products for birds, bees, amphibians and other favourite garden species.
The National Hardware Show is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, hosting over 2,500 exhibitors across 15 major product categories, including garden and outdoor living, plumbing and electrical and pet products to name a few. The event gives merchants the opportunity to meet and connect with the people behind the popular brands, who will be introducing their latest innovations to the market.
James Allan, Commercial Manager at Wildlife World UK commented, “We are delighted to be exhibiting at The National Hardware Show again this year. We had a very productive show last year and we were honoured to have had the opportunity to meet with some great companies from across the world. This past twelve months we have partnered with more distributors across the U.S. which has helped us to grow our customer base and we are very much looking forward to getting out there and showing the U.S. more of what we have to offer.”
At the show, Wildlife World will be presenting its growing range of beneficial habitats for solitary bees. Each of the company’s products for this harmless species has been specially designed to help and encourage the conservation of solitary bees, which are rapidly declining in population due to lack of natural, safe habitats. Common solitary bee species such as the Mason Bee, Leafcutter Bee and Carpenter Bees, are all known to have specific nesting preferences using small holes in trees and other wooden fences. With this knowledge, Wildlife World has creatively designed a range of habitats that replicate these particular habitats to offer nesting channels to accommodate a large number of solitary bees.
The Solitary Beehive, one of Wildlife World’s bestselling products for the species, will be on display at the show to demonstrate its uses and benefits to the species, and to show how it can easily be incorporated into any garden to help promote vital pollination activities. The discreet wooden box is an original design by the company and offers several removable trays to allow users to inspect and clean each of the nesting channels. Created using sustainable materials, including FSC timber and water based sealants, the Solitary Beehive is one of the safest products for these bees on the market as it does not expose them to any harmful or toxic materials.
Other products for solitary bees and other beneficial insects, including the Urban Bee Nester, part of Wildlife World’s award-winning innovative Urban range of products for birds, bees and insects, as well as other bee and bug biomes which will be on display on the company’s stand.
Wildlife World’s latest creation, the Archway Ground Bird Feeder, will also be on the stand as part of the company’s wide range of bird feeding products. Introduced to the UK and European markets early this year, the Archway Ground Feeder is perfect for small garden birds such as dunnocks, robins and blackbirds, which prefer to feed from the ground rather than hanging or standing bird tables and feeders. The easy-to-make feeder has a stainless steel food tray, covered with a clear Perspex arch to keep the food dry, whilst offering an unobstructed view of the birds feeding.
More of the Wildlife World’s wide range of wonderful garden gifts and products for bees, birds and other wildlife species will be on display at the show, including its range of attractive nest boxes, amphibian and mammal houses and safe insect habitats. The company’s team of experienced wildlife experts will be available to discuss the many benefits of its product range and how they can be used for the conservation of each species.
Further information is available from Wildlife World on +44 1666 505333, by emailing james@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk
|
|
 Crest Garden promised retailers a heavyweight consumer media campaign to support the launch of the new Flopro range of no leak watering equipment in 2016.
The campaign commenced in March with an array of DPS Advertorials and full page advertisements in Amateur Gardening, Gardeners’ World, Gardens Illustrated, Grow Your Own and the RHS magazine, The Garden. This coverage in quality publications is already achieving success for retailers. The “No Leaks” campaign is further backed up with online advertising and social media.On-line banner advertising with Gardeners’ World, RHS and the Time Inc. portfolio will continue throughout the gardening season. Highly active social media campaigns are also running on platforms including Facebook, twitter and instagram, playing an important role in the communication and interaction of the unique features of Flopro. Commenting on this heavyweight campaign, Natalie Searle, Marketing Manager said: “Flopro is unique in the watering category and our message to consumers is clear. With Flopro you get No leaks, No kinks, No twists and it is compatible with all brands. Our aim is to bring awareness and recognition of Flopro to as many consumers as possible through our multi-platform advertising campaigns." Flopro is now being stocked by over 600 garden centres and early repeat orders indicate very good consumer off take for this new major player in the watering category.
To place an order see your local Crest Garden contact or phone the Flopro Hotline on 01480 443753.
|
|
As part of the British Protected Ornamentals Association’s (BPOA) drive to increase recognition of the Home Grown brand and in turn, British-grown products, Home Grown launched awards in 2014 to recognise excellence and support in growing, retailing and promoting British ornamental plants.
The ‘Retailer’ award for 2016 will be presented at the HTA National Plant Show at 10.45am in the seminar area on Tuesday 21 June.
Marks & Spencer won the 2015 Home Grown Retail Award for the promotion and support of UK-grown plants and flowers. Who will win in 2016?
To support the scheme, BPOA have marketing material and PoS that are available for garden centres with a supporting website for gardeners www.homegrownplants.org.uk which lists garden centres, nurseries and retailers who promote the Home Grown scheme. Ask your plant supplier for more information.
www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Grown-Plants
www.twitter.com/homegrownplants
http://www.homegrownplants.org.uk/
Visitor registration is now open for the HTA National Plant Show. Book your place now at www.nationalplantshow.co.uk/visitors/visitor-registration
|
|
The April issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals.
- With its emphasis on catering and food, will the new Rosebourne project point the way for the next generation of garden centres?
- Generation Game spotlight on Brookside Garden Centre in Kent.
- Pavers – the big step towards boosting revenues and footfall.
- Open days at Europlants and Classiflora Zelari.
- Launch of GTN's Greatest Awards - how to enter.
- Malcolm Scott special on garden centre catering.
- Property advice from Gilbert Evans.
- Review and pictures from Garden Re-Leaf Day.
- The next pet product betsellers from PATS Sandown.
- The Wonderful Wildlife World.
- Build sales by developing a playground – top advice from John Stanley.
- GIMA column - Positive mood will help us face challenges ahead.
To find out how you can receive your copy of Garden Trade News every month 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 printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 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 Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers 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 delivered via the post 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 receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
|
|
|
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
|
|
The UK’s leading independent coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, is all set for summer with its 2016 Espresso Warehouse catalogue.
From tea and hot chocolate to snacks, syrups and coffee bar kit, Espresso Warehouse supplies ‘everything but the coffee’ to operators and distributors across Europe. That means that come rain or shine this summer, Matthew Algie has it covered.
The latest line-up includes 12 seasonal drinks recipes, along with all the ingredients needed to make them. From the goodness-giving Matcha, Coconut & Lime Frappe to the indulgent Lotus Biscoff Frappe, each recipe is created to drive seasonal spend – aided by eye catching point of sale.
For those who like their flavoured drinks sugar-free, there are two new Da Vinci options: Sugar Free Vanilla and Sugar Free Hazelnut. As for gluten-free snackers, Matthew Algie has expanded their free-from offering. There’s Gluten Free Rocky Road and Gluten-Free Caramental – courtesy of Brodericks. And new to the Wooden Spoon range is a tempting Gluten Free Raspberry & White Chocolate biscuit.
In addition, Espresso Warehouse offers a range of equipment to help operators create the perfect serves for their customers all year round. This year sees the introduction of Toddy’s Cold Brew System which enables baristas to make coffee without heat (to reduce the acidity) – perfect for cold brew.
Andrew Jack, Head of Marketing at Matthew Algie commented: “We’re excited to ring the seasonal changes with this new catalogue that promises to attract and excite customers. Tapping into the current cold brew trend as well as demand for food and drink with heath credentials, it’s also brimming with summer-ready drinks ideas – and contains everything our customers need to make them. Each recipe is supported by an eye-catching point of sale to draw customers in so that operators be able to attract new business and add value to every sale too.”
For a copy of the new Espresso Warehouse catalogue, visit www.espressowarehouse.com, contact Espresso Warehouse on +44 (0)141 420 2422, or email orders@espressowarehouse.com
For more information go to www.matthewalgie.com
|
|
Award-winning ice cream producer's new-look packaging
An ice cream manufacturer based in Acaster Malbis has collaborated with a York graphic designer to revamp the design for its range of ice cream pots. Fans of award-winning Yorvale ice cream will now be able to take home their favourite frozen treat packaged in a pot with a fresh new look.
An ice cream manufacturer based in Acaster Malbis has collaborated with a York graphic designer to revamp the design for its range of ice cream pots.
Fans of award-winning Yorvale ice cream will now be able to take home their favourite frozen treat packaged in a pot with a fresh new look.
Supermarkets Tesco and Waitrose and numerous independent shops around the region now stock the new-look ice cream pots.
Lesley Buxton, director of Yorvale, said the new packaging was designed to stand out on the shelves.
"The last time we made any changes to our ice cream packaging was around five years ago so we wanted a contemporary, appealing and unique update.
"We've worked with Francesca Cann from Cann Creative before and we knew she would be able to update the overall look for us while staying true to our brand values."
The new design has been personalised with photographs of Yorvale's own cows and incorporates an updated version of their logo. It also features a lighter palette of pastel colours complemented by illustrations depicting the ice cream ingredients.
Ms Cann, who has 14 years' experience in packaging design for artisan food producers said: "Yorvale produce quality products and it's always a pleasure to work with them as it's a brand I know and love."
Cann Creative also counts Yorkshire Crisps, York wine bar Pairings, The Gift of Oil and Lauden Chocolate among its list of recent clients.
|
|
Natural & Organic Products Europe 2016 opens this weekend
Thousands of buyers from around the world are preparing to visit Natural & Organic Products Europe trade event this weekend for the biggest European showcase of natural and organic health, beauty, food and eco-living products...
Thousands of buyers from around the world are preparing to visit Natural & Organic Products Europe trade event this weekend for the biggest European showcase of natural and organic health, beauty, food and eco-living products.
Opening at London ExCeL at 9.30am on Sunday 17 April (and closing at 5pm on Monday 18 April), the show’s 20th anniversary edition will bring together 650 leading exhibitors with representatives from all the major supermarkets and multiples, specialist suppliers, international wholesalers and distributors, pharmacies, restaurants and contract caterers, hotels, salons and spas, plus 1000s of independent retail outlets.
Pre-registrations are currently tracking significantly ahead for 2016, with a who’s who of buyers and key decision makers preparing to visit.
Among them are Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, Holland & Barrett, Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Boots, Superdrug, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Infinity Foods, Harrods, Costco, Iceland Foods, The Health Store, TK Maxx, Marks & Spencer, Abel & Cole, Pret A Manger, EAT, Glendola Leisure, Suma, Revital, Fenwick, Love Lula, Naturisimo, The Organic Pharmacy, The Hut Group, LloydsPharmacy, Whitworth Chemists, Ibis Styles, The Savoy, Hilton Worldwide, Pizza Hut Restaurants, Spirit Pub Company, BaxterStorey, Sodexo, Compass Group, Elior, Brakes, Wessanen UK, Carrefour, and Life Europe AB.
Over 10,000 attendees are expected over the two days.
“Newness is crucial to our business, and nowhere in the UK is there more innovation that is relevant to my business than this show,” says Al Overton, head of buying at Planet Organic.
“The Natural Food Show is an exciting event that Pret’s food team always looks forward to attending. It’s always brimming with ideas and inspiration,” says Caroline Cromar, group director of food at Pret A Manger.
“Each year the show gets better, with the new brands we meet. The best thing about Natural & Organic Products Europe is the amount of choice that is available,” says Melissa Broomes, senior buying manager – health, beauty & baby at Ocado.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is the show that we know will be worth visiting in the UK every year,” says Nicole Milloy, product manager at Naturisimo.
“Natural & Organic Products Europe is great for us because it brings suppliers from all over the world to our doorstep, and gives us a chance to see, touch and taste the latest innovative new products, which could help our customers live healthier lives,” says Lysa Hardy, chief commercial officer at Holland & Barrett.
Over 650 innovative suppliers
As its biggest edition yet, Natural & Organic Products Europe is set to launch thousands of new natural and organic products – including supplements, botanicals, superfoods, personal care and beauty, eco-household, and food and drink – onto the European market.
New show features for 2016 include international pavilions from Demeter Italy, the Philippines, Thailand, Armenia & Moldova, Turkey, Peru, and Bulgaria. They join returning pavilions from Greece, France, Italy, Poland, and the USA.
There are also pavilions dedicated to the Soil Association and Organic Trade Board (new), Soil Association Organic Beauty (new), NATRUE (new), Venus Beauty, The Vegan Society, and the HFMA.
The full exhibitor list is available online at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/exhibitor-list.
New Products Showcases
New for 2016, the show has introduced a second New Products Showcase dedicated to Natural Beauty & Spa innovations. Combined, they currently include over 320 entries (and rising), across 13 categories.
Visitors to the showcases on opening day will also be able to vote for their favourite new products, with the winners to be announced the following morning at the prestigious Natural & Organic Awards Europe, hosted by Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden.
Free Keynotes & kitchen demos
There’s handy tips on how to whip up a host of dishes to suit every palate and conscience at this year’s Natural Food Kitchen. Practical insights and panel discussions from leading natural and organic industry commentators in the Natural Products Talks (retailer-focused) Theatre. Whilst big name beauty experts will be discussing the new trends, ingredients, and innovations in the Natural Beauty & Spa Theatre (sponsored by Kinetic Natural Products Distributor, and supported by Organic Monitor).
Session/speaker highlights include:
- Francesco Mazzei, chef patron at Sartoria in London’s Mayfair
- Robert Ortiz, Michelin-starred head chef at Lima restaurant in London
- Paul Lindley, founder of Paddy's Bathroom and Ella's Kitchen
- Exclusive Soil Association Certification updates, including Organic Market Report
- Live pitching session featuring senior buyers from Holland & Barrett
- Beauty buyers panel featuring Mark Steel (Waitrose); Lucy Pottinger (Holland & Barrett), Joanne Hill (Amaranth), and chaired by Amarjit Sahota (Organic Monitor)
- Taking the temperature of health food retailing in 2016 (hosted by Natural Products News)
- A start-up story – Deborah Meaden, Amy Wordsworth (Good Bubble) and Michelle Thew (Cruelty Free International)
- VHMS panel session featuring Graham Keen (HFMA), Robert Taylor (HFMA), Shona Wilkinson (NutriCentre), Andrew Thomas (BetterYou), Dr Robert Verkerk (ANH-Intl), nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville, and chaired by Jim Manson (NPN).
For full timings and session details, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk/seminars.
|
|
|
|
|
