Wyevale Garden Centres and Grovewell Garden Centres have confirmed the sale and purchase of Hamstreet Garden Centre in Ashford, Kent.

This takes the number of Grovewell Garden centres up to four alongside Canterbury, Tenterden and Folkestone.  Garden Centre Director, Ed Boult, told GTN Xtra; "Hamstreet is a great site for us to serve the growing population of Ashford. It is a gardening centre that really suits our style of operations. We look forward to the team joining us formally in the New Year and I hope they enjoy working with us."

The freehold site covers 8 acres and includes a small house, large buildings and a small coffee shop.  It was advertised for sale at an offers based on price of £1m.

A spokesperson for WGC said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Hamstreet Garden Centre. We would like to thank our great colleagues at the centre, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well under the new ownership.”

The new owners of Wold View Garden Centre are to rename the Lincolnshire store Horncastle Garden Centre following the announcement of its purchase from Wyevale last Tuesday.

In a statement to GTN Xtra they said:  “The independent family owned and run British Garden Centres are proud to announce the joining of Wold View Garden Centre (formerly Crowders) to the BGC family, making this their 11th centre.  

“The centre will be renamed ‘Horncastle Garden Centre’ and owners Charles, Robert and Phillippa Stubbs, and all of the team are looking forward to working with this new centre in their home county of Lincolnshire.

“This acquisition will ensure the continuing development of the garden centre – intergrating the strategies and policies that have helped to make British Garden Garden Centres a success.”

Last week Wyevale Garden Centres also announced the sale of Wellingborough to Higgins Landscape and Garden Centres Limited (part of Higgins Building Supplies Limited. 

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of a further two centres. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well for the next stage of their growth and development under new ownership.”

The sales are expected to complete during December.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “Since the launch of the sale process in May we have now sold 37 ‘non-core’ centres and are currently evaluating a wide range of competitive offers from the group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs. We look forward to further positive discussions with all potential buyers.”

Wellingborough Garden Centre will be developed into a major landscaping showroom by it's new owners Higgins Building Supplies.

Nigel Higgins, Managing Director, told GTN Xtra they had been looking for a site to expand their landscaping supplies business for a number of years.  "We are the largest single depot for sales of Bradstone products in the UK from our Wellingborough Building Supplies site but have had restricted space to display all of the products.  Now we can build a special landscaping showroom here at the garden centre."

Higgins plans mean the Maidenhead Aquatics shop on the site will be closing next spring.

"We are new to running a garden centre but we are looking forward to learning fast," added Nigel.  "We know some of the suppliers through our building supplies buying group but there are plenty more to get to know."

See our photos below of the existing Higgins landscape display area.

A bid to knock down a former Wyevale Garden Centre – Aldridge in Walsall – and build homes on the site has been blocked by local planners. The garden centre was sold to the the UKS Group in September after it was put on the market for £800,000.

The site in Chester Road, Walsall, was set to be bulldozed and transformed into 11 three, four or five-bedroom homes but an application was refused.

According to the Express & Star, planning bosses said proposals to redevelop the land were unacceptable because some of the homes would be built on surrounding land classed as green belt.

They also opposed the plans because they looked to redevelop the entire site rather than attempt to convert existing buildings, and there are also no bus services available for possible residents.

Concerns were also expressed that the new homes would be overbearing to nearby existing properties and would not be able to guarantee enough privacy for neighbours.

GTN Xtra contacted the UKS Group to see what their next move would be concerning the Aldridge garden centre but no one was available for comment.

A Wyevale Garden Centres spokesperson told us they wouldn't be making a comment on the developments because the garden centre was no longer part of their property.

The full Express & Star report can be viewed here

Christmas has really got into gear with footfall and sales heading in the right direction as we move into December.

The GTN Bestsellers total sales index for November ended the month down 4.3% but an all time record week for Christmas sales volumes at the end of the month sets the scene for a bumper run towards Christmas Eve.  

Given the number of people seen shopping in centres during this week and no snow forecast, serious upsides could be on the cards for the next two weeks.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 48

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 16%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 2%
• Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 32%
• Christmas Products Top 50 – up 2%
• All Plants index – static 0%
• All Items index – static 0%

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

Following a new leadership team being appointed in January, Dobbies has achieved six consecutive months of year-on-year sales growth.

Graeme Jenkins, who was appointed as CEO earlier this year, said: “Dobbies has delivered a strong trading performance so far this year. This gives us a solid foundation for growing the business, organically and through further acquisitions.

“Our trading performance is a credit to the team who have focused on understanding what Dobbies customers want and in turn re-establishing our range authority. We have also started to invest across the estate to expand our offer and improve our customers’ shopping experience at Dobbies.”

Graeme Jenkins was speaking as the company filed it Annual Report and Financial Statements.

Here are the main points of the report:

• Sales for the 12 months to 25 February 2018 were £148.3m, 1.5% lower year-on-year.
• Range changes implemented during the second half of the year led to lower footfall and conversion, particularly during the Christmas trading period.
• Profit before tax of £5.1m was £3.3m lower year-on-year, principally due to one-off items in the prior year.
• A new leadership team was appointed in January 2018 and a strategic review was undertaken.
• In the current financial year, trading has benefited from this review with six consecutive months of year-on-year sales growth of over 11%.
• Six new garden centres were acquired in October and are trading in line with expectations.

See our photos from Dobbies Peterborough last week and Dobbies Huntingdon where there team are hard at work implementing the change over from Wyevale to Dobbies.

Justin King is to step into a part-time role at Terra Firma, the private equity firm founded by Guy Hands, according to Sky News...

The former chief executive of J Sainsbury is stepping back from his role at one of the City's most prominent buyout firms after it decided against raising its first general investment fund for a decade.

Peckish has released exclusive "sneak peek" glimpses of its "Love Every Bird" campaign that will air on national television in January and February in sponsorship of the Channel 4 Weather bulletins.

Rachael Dickinson, senior marketing manager at Westland, commented: "We have invested heavily in Peckish marketing and communications for 2019 to support stockists and to reiterate our market leading position. Sponsoring the Channel 4 weather is a first for any brand in our sector, demonstrating our commitment to the brand and to raising the profile of the wild bird food market. We couldn't wait for people to see the ads in the new year so are releasing exclusive glimpses now to give everyone a taste of what is to come."

The campaign begins on 1st January 2019 so stockists are recommended to place orders before Christmas to ensure demand fulfilment.

For further information on Peckish and the new ranges please contact your sales representative.

With just weeks to go until the second annual Glee at Spring Fair event (3rd – 7th February, NEC Birmingham) the show’s exhibitors reveal what garden and gift buyers can expect to see from this thriving section of the exhibition. 

Woodlodge, the UK’s leading supplier of garden planters and containers, will be using the show as a second opportunity to showcase its expanded Rustic Garden and Feather ranges of pots and planters.

Drawing influence from current trends, including the ‘Modern Farmhouse’ trend – considered by Houzz as the biggest interior trend of the last few years – Woodlodge’s new Rustic Garden collection of pots and planters will focus on using more natural materials and alternative colourways.  Made up of a mix of weathered woods, natural materials and contrasting earthy tones, the Rustic Garden range harks back to simpler times and creates a feeling of simplicity and harmony in the garden. 

Due to gardeners' changing needs, smaller outdoor spaces and the increasing demand for products to suit an urban and rental lifestyle, Woodlodge has introduced new designs to its Feather Range, a collection of modern, innovative, lightweight planters that will create colour in your garden, on your balcony or terrace. Made from 100% recycled durable plastic, this range of planters are also weather resistant and frost-proof meaning they can be left out year-round without fear of chipping, cracking, or fading; making them a smart choice for any garden design.

Creative Products will be showcasing four new products at Glee at Spring Fair. Demonstrating a move away from plastic, the company will be featuring sustainably sourced paper-based packaging where possible. The four new product launches include a new pet mitt which is designed to invigorate the pet’s skin whilst maintaining a clean and healthy coat; the ‘Mighty Little Digger’ - a new gardening tool, which is designed to facilitate digging, loosening and weeding soil; a new grill mat – which ensures food stays crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; and finally, a grey version of the company’s popular Auto Wash Stick.

Mark Hall, Managing Director at Creative Products, commented, “Glee is the UK’s top garden trade show and as regular exhibitors, we are proud to be able to showcase not only new products but our efforts to move to plastic-free packaging at Glee at Spring Fair.”

Fargro, the go-to supplier for commercial grower needs will be showing its ranges of indoor and outdoor planters and containers, as well as extended garden decoration and Christmas ranges. The company will be offering a number of unique ranges of product, many lines exclusive to Fargro. Talking about the company presence at Glee at Spring Fair, Kieran Daly, Fargro’s Key Accounts Development Manager, said: “We see a very exciting time ahead developing our added value and garden gift ranges. For us, the timing of Glee at Spring Fair is right for launching our new Christmas ranges and highlighting the spring and summer products we originally exhibited at the main Glee exhibition in September.”

Tepro – an established German BBQ brand, with a strong UK presence and market leading range on the continent – will be making its debut at Glee at Spring Fair in 2019. The company will be using Glee at Spring Fair to launch a completely new way of cooking with its 800°c Steak Grill, which prepares restaurant quality steak in 90 seconds. Tepro is the first to bring this way of cooking to the mass market in the UK, with an RRP of just £299.

The company will also be offering a buy 10 get 2 free promotion exclusively at Glee at Spring Fair, and are encouraging any visitor wanting new product for the 2019 season to make sure they make Tepro part of their Glee at Spring Fair plans as the brand has the stock and facilities to support all sizes of retailer.

Tepro’s Key Account Manager, Andrew Harding said; “The timing of Glee at Spring Fair is perfect for this launch, with stock of the new Steak Grill arriving at our Bremen warehouse in March. Whilst we already supply Europe and the UK’s largest retailers with both branded and private label stock, we’re hoping Glee at Spring Fair will get the Tepro Steak Grill off to a flying start with both new and existing retailers. It’s the first completely new BBQ product the market has seen in years.”

Find out more

To find out more about Glee at Spring Fair please visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the both the main September show as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2019. Those brands interested in exhibited are invited to call 0203 3033 2160 to find out more.

SBM Life Science Ltd has announced a new agreement with Barenbrug UK to market their Green Velvet grass seed brand.

The SBM sales team will now be selling and supporting the Green Velvet brand alongside its existing portfolio of brands, which include Baby Bio, Phostrogen, Toprose, Provanto, Job Done, Solabiol and Maxicrop.

The Green Velvet brand offers customers a high quality professional standard grass seed, as used in many leading sports arena’s around the UK.   The seed mixtures within the Green Velvet portfolio come directly from the grass bred and developed by the Barenbrug experts to give UK gardeners a greater level of reliable performance compared to most of the products currently available.  This high performance standard makes the brand an excellent product for garden retail staff to trustfully recommend to their customers.

SBM LifeSceince believe the Green Velvet brand complements their portfolio very well, particularly alongside the recently launched Solabiol Long Lasting Lawn Feed product, which is also is a professional standard lawn care product.  

Customers will be able discuss this brand opportunity over the pre-season with their SBM sales representative.    

On December 7^th 1968, Ken and Margaret Dean first opened the doors to Dean’s Garden Centre in York and over the last 50 years this family run business has gone from strength to strength.

From its humble beginnings of a 60ft x 14ft greenhouse and prefab building, the business has extended over the years to include a coffee shop and nursery site in 1991 and the purchase of a second garden centre at Scarborough in 1986.

The site now covers more than 4 acres, with the most recent expansion in 2017 of a new, larger coffee shop.

Dean’s has remained a family enterprise and, when Ken and Margaret took well-earned retirement in 1993, the business was taken over by their three children Richard, Helen and Sarah who still run the business today. Between the three Partners, they have eight children, four of whom currently work within the business.

During the last 50 years, gardening has remained at the centre of the business, with Dean’s growing a large range of bedding plants, perennials, vegetable plants, cyclamen and bowls of bulbs at their nursery site just a short distance away from the garden centre.

Over 120 staff are employed between the two garden centres at York and Scarborough and the nursery. Of these, more than 35 members of staff have worked for the company for 10 years or more, establishing itself as a big local employer while staying true to its roots.

For a number of years, Dean’s Garden Centre has supported charities in many different ways. Since 2002, a charity of the year has been nominated annually and this alone has raised over £265,000 to date. The charity of the year for 2018 is Macmillan Cancer Support.

A 50^th Anniversary Charity Day was held on Thursday 6^th December, which included a cake stall, golden raffle, tombola and book stall and a fantastic amount of £1253.73 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Then on Friday 7^th December they had a 50th Anniversary Celebration Day with special offers and a golden envelope giveaway, where each customer that visited the Garden Centre selected a golden envelope and had a 50-50 chance of winning a prize worth from 50p to £50!

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced that Heathcote & Ivory, which creates beauty products and related gifts, has been appointed as the new RHS licensee for the toiletries category.

The leading British beauty and fine toiletries company will be responsible for the development, manufacture and distribution of bespoke beauty and toiletries products for the RHS.

The first output from the partnership will be two bespoke bath and body collections, launching in spring 2019.  The two ranges will comprise gift sets of washes, lotions and creams for hand and body as well as standalone shower gels, body lotions and hand creams, providing compelling gift opportunities for the retailer.

The design of the first range, Flower Blooms Daisy Garland, is traditional with a contemporary spin, combining RHS design details (based on artwork from the RHS Lindley Library, the world’s finest collection of botanical art) with botanically themed formulations with floral extracts of daisy flower and marigold.  The Daisy Garland fragrance is fresh, fruity and green, with citrus and cassis accents and a floral heart.  The second range, Tender Palm, is inspired by the famous Glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley, and both packaging and formulations are inspired by its wealth of rare and exotic plants. The RHS name and logo will appear prominently on all products and packaging alongside the Heathcote & Ivory logo.

Both ranges will launch at retail in March 2019. They will also be previewed at Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham from 3-7 February 2019. Heathcote & Ivory will be targeting leading department stores and garden centres, all of which are among the regular stockists of Heathcote & Ivory products.

The ranges are expected to appeal to a wide range of consumers, in particular those with an interest in gardens and gardening, interiors and stylish modern living, and botanical-inspired beauty and toiletries. The ranges are also expected to enjoy a strong response from gift buyers of all ages.

Established in London in 2000 by Denis Aaronson, Heathcote & Ivory has grown into a lifestyle brand exporting around the world to over 35 countries. Heathcote & Ivory collections are stocked in renowned department stores across the UK as well as independent boutiques and speciality retailers.

Denis Aaronson, Managing Director, Heathcote & Ivory, says: “RHS joins our select licencing portfolio of some of the UK’s leading design and lifestyle brands. We are passionate about plants, flowers and fragrances, and the horticultural heritage, the gardens and the flower shows that the RHS represents are truly inspirational. It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to work with this incredible brand.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “The continuing success of the RHS brand in giftware is a tribute not just to the wide appeal of the brand but the excellence of our licensing partners. Heathcote & Ivory has done an amazing job of adapting the many positive associations of the brand to these two beautiful ranges, which will, I am sure, prove enormously popular at retail.”

Johnsons of Whixley, one of the largest commercial nurseries in the UK, has teamed up with award-winning landscaping firm, Ground Control Ltd, to supply and install festive foliage to Spinningfields, Manchester.

Spinningfields is one of Europe’s most successful urban regeneration projects. Home to over 165 world class financial and commercial service organisations, Spinningfields is a vibrant destination with luxury international fashion brands, bars and restaurants such as Mulberry, Tattu and The Ivy.

North Yorkshire-based Johnsons’ supply of Christmas trees to Spinningfields via Ground Control Ltd, included 50 Picea Omorika (commonly known as Serbian spruce) - a medium-sized evergreen tree frequently used at Christmas because of its striking crown.

These trees were a beautiful addition to Hardman Square and installed prior to The Ivy’s launch on 27^th November.

Ellie Richardson, marketing coordinator for Johnsons of Whixley, said: “It’s fantastic to be associated with such an exciting city-centre estate as well as to be working with a long-standing customer, Ground Control Ltd.”

Ground Control Ltd’s construction manager, Steven Yates, added: “Ground Control is very pleased to have carried out the hard and soft landscaping on Hardman Square. Furthermore, the trees supplied by Johnsons beautifully compliments Spinningfields’ iconic Pavilion – Manchester’s largest timber-frame building, which hosts The Ivy.”

Johnsons of Whixley, which is set to celebrate its centenary year in 2021, is one of the longest-established commercial nurseries in the UK and a trusted supplier of trees and plants to the amenity sector.

Eco-friendly glitter brand Bioglitter®, has joined forces with international importers and suppliers Broekhof and APAC to help cut plastic waste in the flower market.

Ronald Britton Ltd, is the  inventor, developer and manufacturer of Bioglitter®, which is the world’s first naturally degradable glitter, based on plants rather than plastic. 

Ronald Britton has been in talks with Broekhof in the Netherlands and APAC in the UK, both leaders in the flower sundries and packaging industry, to work together and replace plastic glitter used in flower decoration with eco-friendly alternative, Bioglitter®. 

Stephen Cotton, director of Bioglitter® said: “Tens of tonnes of plastic glitter are used every year in the horticultural industry for flower and foliage decoration.  It’s a potential microplastic issue.  Glitter can find its way into the environment not only when consumer goods are disposed of, but also all the way through the supply chain.”

“Over the last eight years we’ve been working on creating a biodegradable, plastic free glitter to help tackle the issue.  In recent months we have launched our new Deco Bioglitter®. It’s a huge step forward, a glitter designed for  decorative applications which is 92% plastic free and proven to decompose outside in the natural environment.  It’s very difficult to define exactly where the glitter used in the decoration of horticultural products will ‘end up’.  That’s why we are working hard to develop all the environmental issues out of glitter with our Bioglitter®; removing all plastic so it’s no longer a microplastic and ensuring it biodegrades outside in the natural environment, so it leaves no trace.”

He added: “Broekhof and APAC are now our partners and sellers of Deco Bioglitter® into the horticultural markets. Having two of Europe’s biggest floral sundries and packaging suppliers on board, supporting Bioglitter®, is something we are very pleased about. They are both very well connected in the industry and will help us spread the message of, the why and how of Bioglitter® and help promote eco-friendly working practices in the industry.”

The new Deco Bioglitter® replaces the plastic core used in traditional glitter, with a plant based product, a special and unique form of cellulose, made primarily from Eucalyptus trees.  Bioglitter® is durable on shelf, but similar to a leaf, once it enters an environment where microbes can work on it, it will decompose.

Bioglitter® has recently undergone testing by the independent testing organisation, OWS Belgium, which revealed it has excellent biodegradability in freshwater environments, like streams, rivers and lakes, with the vast majority of the biodegradable content in Bioglitter®, biodegrading in just four weeks. This demonstrates biodegradability performance far beyond that of products which require  industrial composting or home compositing to biodegrade.

Bioglitter® with its biodegradability credentials coupled with it being 92% plastic free represents a truly eco-friendly alternative to plastic glitter.  However, the Ronald Britton team are still determined to drive on with the Bioglitter® journey, not only so it biodegrades in the natural environment but also to attain the ultimate 100% plastic free goal, therefore removing the plastic pollution issue from glitter for good. 

APAC are one of the leading importers and distributors of floristry, party, event decor and horticultural products in the UK, working with retailers including Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Wilkinson’s, Aldi and Marks and Spencer.

Broekhof has branches throughout Holland and overseas including Columbia and Kenya, supplying flower packaging and decorative material to florists, wholesalers and retailers worldwide.

For more information on Bioglitter® visit  www.discoverbioglitter.com and www.bioglitter.com.

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) is looking for an experienced and talented Marketing Manager seeking the next step to advance their career.

Working as part of the core team, the role of Marketing Manager is, primarily, to create and implement a marketing plan, developing tactical campaigns to support sales, strategic and operational goals using an omnichannel approach across websites, social media, email marketing, third-party partners, online advertising and analytics platforms.

Working as part of a core team, reporting directly to the Chairman and co-directors.

Experience with Garden and Outdoor or related market preferred.

Key Responsibilities

First point of contact for all LOFA office duties including:

• Daily administration of the association.
• Preparation of budget/annual audit.
• Maintenance and management of the company’s web and social media activity; following trends and posting content of interest to followers, customers and prospects, with the objective of generating new leads and engagement; monitoring and reporting on activity to identify changes and new opportunities.
• Manage the maintenance of the company website and Customer Support Hub, ensuring all content is accurate, up to date and in line with the company brand guidelines.
• Manage the implementation of SEO strategies across multiple channels, monitoring digital activity using Google Analytics etc, making recommendations where necessary.
• Research topics and write content for the company’s website and other  publications, including customer case studies and topical blogs.
• Market, promote and manage LOFA projects.
• Assist member companies with marketing campaigns as designated
• Organise events run or attended by LOFA, e.g. annual user conference, exhibitions, seminars etc.
• Promote Solex exhibition, including full control of P&L.
• Monitor the annual round of small business/marketing/SaaS/IT business awards, looking for opportunities to promote LOFA and provide support in the application process.
• Assist with the collation and evaluation of customer and market research,  analysing market conditions and competitor data and ensuring brand reputation, quality and integrity is maintained, reporting on changes.
• Keep up to date with international current affairs, marketing and business trends, identifying new technologies and opportunities to keep the company at the forefront of developments in marketing, especially those affecting data security environment, e.g. GDPR.

Skills, Attributes & Experience 

• An excellent communicator, with the ability to write, edit and repurpose engaging content for digital publication (in English)
• Analytical mindset to assess internal and external data and conditions, making recommendations where necessary
• An eye for detail to ensure a high standard of accuracy across all communications
• Proactive, confident and self-motivated with a positive team ethic
• Well organised with a real commitment to quality customer service
• A solid understanding and experience of managing web and social media channels
• Experience of implementing SEO strategies across multiple channels and monitoring digital activity using the Google suite
• Educated to a high standard, ideally with a degree in business management or marketing
• IT literate, with experience in using Microsoft Office and other business systems, including a good working knowledge of Excel to create spreadsheets for data analysis
• A minimum of 1 years’ experience in a marketing position, preferably in the Garden Market (ideally B2B) with use of digital marketing competences on a regular basis

Benefits 

Competitive salary, company provided communications, company bonus scheme, workplace pension scheme.

About LOFA 

Leaders in the outdoor furniture and barbecue industry

Representing the best in design and innovation in outdoor and garden furniture, our members offer products made from hardwood, softwood, woven materials, aluminium, cast iron, tubular metal and resin. Members who show the LOFA symbol will provide quality products and service, in accordance with the LOFA Code of Practice. Membership is open to companies who manufacture or distribute garden furniture, barbecues, outdoor play equipment and outdoor living products.

Despite its market presence, LOFA is very small association. The company style is relaxed and empowering and this, combined with a first-class reputation for customer service and an ambitious growth programme, provides a great working environment with opportunities for personal development.

How to Apply

A full job description and person specification may be viewed on the LOFA website www.lofa.co.uk/opportunities

If you feel you’re suitable for this new role, please send or email your CV and a full covering letter detailing your experience and suitability for the position

FAO Richard Plowman

LOFA Administrator

LOFA, 1b Lancer House,

Hussar Court,

Westside View,

Waterlooville,

Hampshire PO7 7SE

Email: rplowman@lofa.com

CLOSING DATE: 14^th December 2018

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Robins are the garden decoration of choice this winter!  Ten of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 lines are decorative Robins, including the No1 Bestseller of the week.

The upsurge in seasonal garden decorations sales helped contribute to November ending up 4% on last year for the GTN Garden products Top 50 Index.

Highlights were:

• Fountasia’s Small Springy Robin comes back into the chart as the No 1 Bestseller.  It’s one of seven Fountasia lines in the chart this week including their Small Bobbin Robin which is the highest new entry at No 25.
• Creative Products Bottle Light comes back in at No 3, just ahead of the Smart Solar Bottle Lights which drop to No 4.
• Fito Drip Feeder for Poinsettia & Christmas Cactus 32ml comes back in at No 13 as Poinsettia sales start to soar.

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

The last week of November 2018 (week 48) was an all-time record for sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Top 50 chart, just pipping the previous record set last year by 1.5%.

However, for November as a whole, the GTN Chart index shows Christmas sales at 10% below last year.  If we continue to avoid snow in the final run up to December 25^th then that deficit could be easily turned around.

Highlights were:

• Albert Premier Chocolate Gold Coins in Net 75g are the highest re-entry at No 5.
• Lindor Lovers Advent Calendar is a new entry at No 30.
• Playwrite have two more products in the Top 50; their Light Up Christmas Spinner with Neckcord comes in at No 35 and their Christmas Paper Chains are at No 44.
• Pet Christmas products are increasingly popular this year. The Petface Small Plush Christmas Carrot Toy is a Top 50 new entry at No 42.

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

Growing Media sales for November were 5% down on last year according to the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Epos data analysis.

Highlights were:

• Westland Composted Bark 70 litres was the highest re-entry of the week at No 9.
• Growth Technology Houseplant Focus Repotting Mix climbed 32 places up to No 13.
• 20 litre bags of Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multipurpose with John Innes increased sales by over 300% to re-enter at No 15.

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

November plant sales were 6% down on last year, but over the September to November autumn planting period overall plant sales held their own, up by just 0.2% according to the GTN Bestsellers Plant Sales Epos data analysis.

That means the gains made during the summer remain and we are almost certain to end the year up by over 7%.

Highlights were:

• Poinsettia sales grew by more than double to reach two thirds the volumes of Cyclamen sales.  Poinsettia sales were 19% down on the same week last year though.
• Pot grown Christmas Trees started to sell through well last week.  Picea (Norway Spruce) climbed 17 places to No 9 and Abies (Nordmann) re-entered at No 23.

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

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 analysis showing sales down 14% on last year.  With the weather being so mild this is one sector that continue to show year on year decline until colder weather arrives.

• Gardman Seed Mix 2kg is the highest re-entry of the week at No 7.
• Westland Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 50 +20% Free re-enters at No 10.
• Jacobi Jayne Flutter Butter Buggy 330g saw the biggest percentage sales increase of the week to re-enter at No 20.

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

Perennial is urging everyone across the horticulture industry to think of those in our sector who are struggling to make ends meet this festive season.

Many people working in our industries are on low incomes and unemployment is rife over the winter months. For those facing redundancy, a life-changing diagnosis or bereavement, Christmas can be a very difficult time and these circumstances add to their financial difficulties. By making a donation to Perennial, you can make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.

Perennial’s services are a lifeline for those needing help. For families that can barely afford to pay for essentials such as food, warm winter clothing and heating, Christmas is not a joyful prospect. A £15 donation to Perennial could pay for a Christmas gift for a child whose parents struggle afford any presents for their children, while £50 could pay for a food voucher to provide a family with Christmas dinner.

Julia Hayne, Director of Service at Perennial says: “For hundreds of people facing crisis situations, Christmas can be a lonely and frightening time and our support is their lifeline. Financial worries and pressures can become magnified and often go hand in hand with mental health issues, leading to a downward spiral where people feel they can no longer cope. We want people across all parts of the wider horticulture industries to know we are there for them if they have nowhere to turn. And by making a donation to Perennial, you can help us reach those who desperately need our help this Christmas, before the worst happens.” 

Perennial helps people like Stephen, a landscape gardener. He and his partner Vicki, who herself has a long-term health condition, have four children. After working for a landscaping firm for many years, Stephen decided to start his own business and for some time things were going well. But Stephen is diabetic and he started to lose his sight. He had to stop driving and was deemed unfit to continue working. After eye surgery, Stephen had to stop work and this led to him being diagnosed with clinical depression.

Vicki says: “Almost overnight our financial situation changed and we really didn’t know how we were going to cope. Perennial helped us with our finances and have supported both Stephen and me through this depression. It took a while for us to accept that we needed help, but we have no regrets and are just so glad we came across them. I don’t think we would have known what to do without them. We would encourage others in similar situations to get in touch with Perennial sooner rather than later. We’re still struggling - Stephen is learning to cope with his loss of sight and I make regular trips to the hospital to avoid losing the use of my legs. But Perennial continues to be there for us and we know we can call the Perennial team for advice and support as and when we need it.”

To watch a short film about Stephen and Vicki visit: www.perennial.org.uk/stephenandvicki 

Last year Perennial supported 158 struggling families with the cost of Christmas and helped many more during the course of the year. The number of people needing the charity’s help increases every year so donations from supporters across the industry are becoming all the more vital. Even the smallest donation can help to buy winter essentials, support those in emergency situations and spread a little festive cheer to those who need it most. To make a donation, please visit www.perennial.org.uk/christmasappeal or call 0800 093 8792.

Millennials interest in the tranquil nature of indoor plants is having a very positive effect within this sector.

Research studies indicate houseplants boost brain power, lifts moods, reduces stress levels, improves confidence and gives a sense of ownership and responsibility. So, its no wonder that Plantpak terrariums are so desirable to the 20-30 age group who benefit from a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

Plantpak terrariums have been designed with compact living in mind. The small Glass Globe has a diameter of just 10cm and may be hung or displayed on any flat surface. Complemented by the 15cm Globe, both are beautifully mouth-blown for growing succulents and air plants and include a natural looking hanging cord. Planting and air flow within the terrariums are provided by one convenient oval opening.

The Teardrop and Pyramid terrariums are sophisticated and stylish, with a metal frame and glass walls. Their contemporary geometric design is perfect for cacti, succulents and air plants.

Measuring 20.5cm and 25cm in height, they provide an ideal space for creating your own botanical masterpiece. They feature one open side for airflow and planting and can be hung or displayed on any flat surface.

The terrariums may be merchandised in the houseplant area or in the gift section on the bright colourful display module which includes helpful graphics and growing suggestions.

The 4-tier unit is space efficient and will make the most of this important and developing market sector.

The full range is available now for immediate delivery.

The second edition of Garden Trials and Trade will take place from 11 to 13 June 2019 in the Plantarium building at the International Trade Centre in Boskoop-Hazerswoude.

The launch of the first edition in June of this year went extremely well. A total of 34 participating companies and many international visitors found their way to Boskoop. This laid the foundations for the following edition.

During the three-day event, the latest innovations in the area of woody plants and perennials are highlighted. The focus is on both innovative concepts and new cultivars.

Target group

Garden Trials and Trade is aimed at all international professionals working in ornamental horticulture and retail. It is interesting for growers to see the latest novelties and gather information on cultivation techniques. Wholesalers and retailers can talk to breeders and get an idea of the trend-setting varieties and concepts for the season to come.

Together with the participants, the organisation aims to attract visitors from all over the world. 

Organisation

Garden Trials and Trade is organised by the Nursery Trade Fair Foundation and Greenport Business Centre Boskoop. The Nursery Trade Fair Foundation also organises Plantarium, the international nursery trade fair. Garden Trials and Trade focuses mainly on new developments in the nursery assortment, while Plantarium focuses on plants that are already available.

Registration for both national and international professionals opens on 1 December via www.gardentrials.com.

Enfield Garden Centre has been the latest of Wyevale Garden Centres’ portfolio to be sold, this time to a private investor. It’s understood that the centre will continue to operate under licence from WGC for at least a year.

Wyevale Garden Centres confirmed the sale of Enfield this week and thanked staff at the garden centre for turning around the store’s fortunes.

When the Wyevale business was put up for sale in May, Enfield had a listing of £2,300,000 although details of the actual sale price haven’t been disclosed.

Nearly 40 garden centres from the Wyevale portfolio have now been sold but with still more than 100 on the ‘for sale’ list there’s still interesting times ahead.

Below is GTN’s list of the ‘sold’ and ‘still for sale’ Wyevale Garden Centres…

Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of two more centres. Wellingborough (above) has been sold to Higgins Landscape and Garden Centres Limited (part of Higgins Building Supplies Limited), and Wolds View to Woodthorpe Hall Centres Limited.

Both buyers are delighted by the opportunity to expand their existing businesses and will continue to operate these sites as garden centres.

Woodthorpe Hall Centres Limited is part of British Garden Centres., whose directors are Phillippa and Charles Stubbs.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of a further two centres. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well for the next stage of their growth and development under new ownership.”

The sales are expected to complete during December.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “Since the launch of the sale process in May we have now sold 37 ‘non-core’ centres and are currently evaluating a wide range of competitive offers from the group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs. We look forward to further positive discussions with all potential buyers.”

Christie & Co, the specialist business property advisor managing the sale process on behalf of WGC, have run a two phase process that has achieved considerable interest from a wide variety of buyers. The opportunity to run one, a small group or a portfolio of garden centres has ignited interest within the sector and beyond, and Christie & Co continue to liaise with phase 2 bidders as the process continues. 

Barton Grange Garden Centre (above) and Castle Gardens are the national winners of the 2018 Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas competition.

The garden centres were judged to have the best festive displays in the country by the organisation and will receive their awards at its annual conference in January, 2019.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “This year’s displays were extremely impressive, the best we’ve ever seen, so it was a tough choice when it came to choose the winners.

“The entrants were judged on the innovation, inspiration and excitement created from the way their Christmas products are displayed. The range of products available, accessibility, how easy it is for customers to find and select products and ‘wow factor’ were also taken into consideration in an assessment of the overall commercial proposition.

“We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Barton Grange Garden Centre who won in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category and Castle Gardens who won in the Garden Centre (GC) category.”

Entrants in the DGC category were judged by Andy Campbell and entrants in the GC category were judged by Alyson Haywood.

Louise Burks, Director of The Gardens Group, which owns Castle Gardens in Sherborne (above), Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens in Poundbury, said: “This is another huge achievement for The Gardens Group as a whole as our Christmas displays demonstrate a real team effort across all three sites.

“Everyone works tirelessly to make sure the displays look their absolute best, from the opening in October right up until Christmas, so this accolade means a lot. We’re absolutely delighted to win this national award for the ninth time and I feel this consistency reflects the commitment and creativity of our team, who make the transformation happen from scratch each and every year.”

The area winners in the South Thames area were Ruxley Manor (DGC) and Castle Gardens (GC). In the Wales and West area Whitehall Garden Centre – Lacock (DGC) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch (GC) were chosen.

In North Thames, the area winners were Perrywood Garden Centre (DGC) and Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) while St Peter’s Garden Centre (DGC) and Fairways – Ashbourne (GC) were selected in the Midlands area.

Barton Grange Garden Centre (above) (DGC) and Fron Gogh Garden Centre (GC) were selected in the North West and in the North East, Tong Garden Centre (DGC) and Coletta and Tyson Garden Centre (GC) were chosen.

David Fawcett-Ropner, Display Manager at Barton Grange Garden Centre, said: “We put a lot of effort into the planning, preparation and making of our fabulous Christmas displays every year. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes on that the customers don’t see, from the buying to the build itself.

“Each year we’ve got to think bigger and be bold and it’s just so rewarding to see this effort and creativity inspiring others.”

The national winners will be given their awards during the GCA’s annual conference at Luton Hoo Hotel, Luton on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border from January 20 until 23. Places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

Andy Campbell, who judged the DGC category, said: “I was lucky enough to judge the Christmas competition for the GCA a couple of years ago. This year, when re-visiting the 24 larger destination centres around the country, it was immediately apparent they had all just got even stronger.

“Nowadays garden centres are highly professional in the way they plan, implement and review their Christmas offer. In fact, I would go further and say they lead the way among retailers in delivering an excellent balance between displays that are clearly aimed at inspiring and helping customers in their own homes, while being commercial and experience driven.

“Key trends I have noticed on my travels and through discussions with the teams that have created these wonderful retail experiences have included: reduced time to build Christmas, high impact displays coupled with simplified product merchandising along with a greater focus on facilitating customers to serve themselves.”

On the 27th November Blue Diamond was the victim of a ransomware attack on their Head Office in Guernsey. The attack, known as RYUK, originated from North Korea and encrypted all the files and systems on their network, including their finance system.

As a result all the invoices and payments that were originally processed between the 20th and 27th November have had to be re-processed and that has meant the payment run that was scheduled for 30th November, is now re-scheduled for Friday, 7th December.

Managing Director Alan Roper told GTN Xtra: "Fortunately we were in the process of migrating all our computer software to the cloud where our data was being backed up.

"However our accounting software and data plus Group SharePoint data was still on the attacked server and all the data was encrypted by the ransomware and we were locked out. We were instructed to pay in bitcoins the sum of several hundred thousand pounds and each day we delayed the price goes up!

"Our cloud computing company have reviewed all the data and from Monday we will be accessing our data again via the cloud and our encrypted server will be decommissioned.

"Our Employee HR data was unaffected.

"All Customer loyalty EPOS data was also unaffected as it is held on another server off site and protected by the supplier."

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 Christmas Products chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care 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.

Perrywood Garden Centre won a GOLD award for the category ‘Newbies’ at the 2018 FreeFrom Eating Out Awards.

These national awards, now in their fifth year, not only raise awareness of ‘free from eating’ within food service but also set a standard for excellence to which free from eateries can aspire.

All winners were visited by one of the expert secret diner-judges, all of whom are coeliac or food intolerant themselves.

The FFEAO judge described the food at Perrywood as ‘delicious’, ‘loved the menu’ and said the Coffee Shop was a ‘hidden gem nestled within a beautiful garden centre’.

The judge ordered a gluten free sandwich and commented it had "lots of filling and the bread was nice and fresh". The judge said the gluten and dairy free scone "literally melted in the mouth – one of the best I’ve had" and said the gluten free coffee cake had "perfect taste and texture".

An unprecedented 220 exhibiting companies – from the biggest to the newest names serving the UK’s restaurants, pubs and bars, are preparing to showcase 1000s of innovations at Casual Dining, when it opens at ExCeL London on 27-28 February.

The only dedicated event for the sector, Casual Dining’s 5,000+ attendees will be able to see and sample more on-trend products and services than ever before – from ingredients to food and drink, from smart kitchen kit and front of house, to payment solutions and catering tech.

Event manager Eva Ellis explains: “Casual Dining has proved itself year after year to be an essential visit to see what’s new and compare the latest products from leading and emerging suppliers.

“Now for 2019, at its new home of ExCeL London, it’ll showcase its biggest and most eclectic exhibitor line-up yet.  Around one in three are new to the show, including big names like Scotland Food & Drink (who are hosting a new pavilion), Diageo, Honest Drinks by Coca-Cola European Partners, Hellman’s, Deloitte, and Epson UK.

“Then there’s 100+ returning exhibitors adding their latest NPD: Reynolds, Lamb Weston/Meijer, Nestlé Professional, Kraft Heinz Foodservice, McCain Foodservice, Harri, Schweppes, UCC Coffee UK & Ireland, Fentimans, 3S POS, Ascentia FSE, JJ Food Service, Arla PRO, Yumpingo, The FoodFellas, AAK Foodservice, Pidy, and Panasonic, for example.

“Plus, we’ve also expanded multiple product categories this year – so look out for more plant-based alternatives, meat, fish, ingredients, desserts, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, foodservice software and apps.

“Everything that casual dining operators need to run their businesses successfully will be on show at Casual Dining.  That’s why the biggest, most influential buyers and decision makers in the business annually attend, and that’s why they say: it’s unmissable.”

“Casual Dining unites our industry in a truly powerful way – I am sure it will continue to be unmissable as it moves to ExCeL in 2019,” says Zoe Bowley, managing director UK & Ireland at PizzaExpress.

The show’s pre-registered visitor list, to date, includes key decision makers from AccorHotels UK & Ireland, Admiral Taverns, Aramark, Azzurri Group, BaxterStorey, Be At One, Bourne Leisure Group, Brewhouse and Kitchen, Carluccio's, Casual Dining Group, Center Parcs, Daniel Thwaites, Domino's Pizza Group, Ei Group, Elior UK, Fuller’s, Glendola Leisure, Greene King, Hall & Woodhouse, Hollywood Bowl Group, ISS Facility Services, Jamie Oliver Restaurant, Las Iguanas, Mitchells & Butlers, PizzaExpress, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, Prezzo, Punch Taverns, Revolution Bars Group, Roadchef, Sodexo, Star Pubs & Bars, TGI Fridays UK, The New World Trading Company, The Restaurant Group, Tortilla, wagamama, Warner Leisure Hotels, and Whitbread, among many others.

New venue, new trends

Visitors can now view the show’s initial exhibitor list at www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/exhibitor-list

With exhibition space filling up fast for Commercial Kitchen 2019, organiser Diversified Communications UK has released its first preview of some of the big names already on board for next year’s show at the NEC Birmingham (4-5 June).

Among those recently confirmed – and new to the show for 2019 – are catering display and counter experts Victor Manufacturing (UK distributor for Duke Manufacturing's portfolio of hot holding platforms), Florigo Frying Solutions, Klipspringer, Plasma Clean, Ramco UK, Fosse Liquitrol, Medem UK, and Greener Kitchen Standards (Soil Association).

The ever-growing exhibitor list covers everything required to run, refurbish or build a commercial kitchen, including cooking equipment, refrigeration, kitchen gadgets, storage, warewashing, waste management, ventilation, fit out and design.  Returning exhibitors include: Aco Building Drainage, Aqua Cure, CCE Group, Commercial Catering Spares, Clifton Food Range, DC Warewashing & Icemaking Systems, Gamble Foodservice Solutions, ETI, MCS Technical Products, Meiko UK, Oxford Hardware, Purified Air, Regale Microwave Ovens, Retigo, Robot Coupe, Roller Grill, Space Group, Target Catering Equipment, Univent Systems, Unox UK, Valentine Equipment, Viessmann Refrigeration Systems, Wexiodisk, and more.

Many other returning suppliers have also opted to increase their stand space.  Trak/Hupfer, True Refrigeration UK, S&S Northern, Jestic Foodservice Equipment, and Kingspan are among the companies to have almost doubled their stand presence.  Altro and Synergy Grill have also gone ‘bigger’ to build on their success at the last show, which welcomed over 1,700 attendees.

Katie Tyler, Commercial Kitchen’s event manager, explains: “In just three years, Commercial Kitchen has established itself as the two days a year where the industry meets, launches innovations and does business.  What makes it truly unique is that it brings together senior equipment buyers and key decision makers from every vertical sector, from all types of kitchens – from top-end Michelin starred restaurants to pubs, bars, branded restaurant chains, cafés, schools and hospitals.  That’s also what makes it such an exciting proposition for our exhibitors.

“The 2019 show is already off to a flying start and is on track to sell-out well in advance.  We’ve received tremendous support from across the industry and it’s clear that Commercial Kitchen is seen as the key event for 2019.  We’ve had lots of interest from new suppliers looking to reach this important market and look forward to announcing further details soon.”

Your industry survey

Other announcements from the show this week include the introduction of a new industry survey aimed at foodservice industry professionals who buy or use catering equipment in their kitchens.

The results, to be released in early 2019, will provide a unique snapshot into the leading brands, must-have products, gadgets, smart tech and services available on the catering equipment market.

To take part in the survey, please visit: https://diversifiedfeedback.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uj7JYPJtONubRj.

Your industry show

Commercial Kitchen returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 June 2019.  Show features include a free two-day seminar programme, the Innovation Challenge Awards and ceda Awards Gallery.

As in previous years, the show’s expert seminar content will cover key themes that focus specifically on the kitchen or back of house, including equipment innovations, technology, procurement, design, efficiency, and best practices.  There will also be dedicated sessions hosted by ceda and the FCSI (the show’s lead partner and partner respectively).

Visitor registration will open in January.  Top-level buyers from many of the country’s biggest foodservice operators, consultants, contract caterers, equipment distributors, and design and project houses are planning to visit again; including Bartlett Mitchell, Bourne Leisure, Burger King, Casual Dining Group, Drake and Morgan, EI Group, Fuller’s, Greene King, Kew Green Hotels, Las Iguanas, Loungers, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers, PizzaExpress, Pizza Hut Restaurants, Punch Taverns, Sainsbury's, SSP, Tesco, TGI Fridays, Tortilla, Virgin Trains, Whitbread, YO!, and many more.

“Commercial Kitchen is the best show out there for sourcing quality innovations,” says Paul Dickinson, director of food at Fuller’s.

For further information, please visit www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk