“Rushing into things is dangerous. But doing nothing is more dangerous.” So says Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett Nurseries in St Albans in GTN's Sustainability Directory 2020, published last week.

“It's a moving target, this sustainability thing but customers expect it. Financially, it makes sense. It works, recycling, waste reduction. Those things actually make efficiencies and even in situations where things are slightly more expensive actually, customers are normally happy to pay the difference, or you have to absorb a bit of it.”

Aylett Nurseries have been on the sustainability journey now for many years and are main sponsors of the annual St Albans Sustainability Week.  “I've been banging on about it for a while but if you only did one thing it would be by yourself a bailer and bail your plastic, bale your cardboard and bale your shrink and take it out of your waste stream.”

“When we show our customers what we do (they have massive displays of their waste management and sustainable products etc in store during St Albans Sustainability Week and at other times) they all say, ‘I didn't realize you were doing so much.’ That’s why we must tell people about it.”

Adam’s staff at Aylett’s play a big part in their sustainability journey.  “How many people work in garden centres who aren't enthusiastic about the environment? This is not a difficult sell. When we started on the sustainability kick, we had a management meeting: I said there are two ways to look at this, there are those of you who are the eco warriors, you're going to love this and then there are those of you who aren't and you're interested in your pay packet. All of you are going to benefit from this because we're going to reduce the amount we send to landfill, we're going to reduce our costs. We're going to sell our cardboard and our plastic, we're going to reduce the waste bill. So everyone succeeds and customers love it.”

“That's why I like being in this industry was their reaction. That doesn't mean we're green. It doesn't mean we don't have plastic pots. It doesn't mean we don't use heating but we certainly need to adapt and change and keep moving forward. We've got to do our best. I feel very, very passionately about it.  Customers are not asking us to completely rip up our business model and change it. There's a huge following, particularly in St Albans from customers to know what we're doing.  And when we tell them what we're doing, it is such a positive saying and we're not doing nearly enough.”

“I suspect loads of people have done L.E.D. lights. I've changed every single light in the garden centre. It cost £60k with a very helpful carbon trust grant of 10%. I'm saving just over 20 percent a year on my energy bill so the payback for me is three years. They've got a warranty of five years and over their lifetime that’s 30 tons of carbon we’ve saved just by putting in LED lights.”

Aylett Nurseries have also been involved in wider sustainability initiatives. “A few years ago we signed up to the Refill App (www.refill.org.uk) for free water bottle re-fills and currently we get at least a dozen people a day calling in for free water.  What’s not to like about that!”

“At the end of the day you've got to do this for the right reason. And the right reason is for the environment. Everything else is a benefit. If you're only doing this to be seen to be green that's the wrong reason.”

Read more about garden centre sustainability in the on-line version of GTN's Sustainability Directory 2020 using this link and see the sustainability listings of over 80 garden centre suppliers.

We have a limited number of extra hard copies of the Sustainability Directory available.  Please contact trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk for details.

With January 2020 covering a five week reporting period we can now confirm that it has been a record start to the year, beating the previous high set in 2019 by 16%.

Whilst that is a great omen for the rest of the year we should remember that January sales only account for 6% of the years total sales, so we should be careful about making predictions for the rest of Spring just yet.

The really good thing, however, is that with volume sales being so high more people have been choosing to visit and spend money in garden centres during the first five weeks of the year than ever before.  If that continues… watch this space!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 5):

• Garden Products - up 30%
• Growing Media - up 14%
• Wild Bird Care - down 21%
• Veg-2-Gro - up 38%
• All Plants Index - up 99%
• All Items Index - up 46%

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

Fordingbridge, the garden centre engineering and construction contractor, are taking part in the mammoth challenge to raise funds for their local hospitals. A group of staff from the company are taking part in the 60+ mile challenge to run, cycle (or stagger!) from their West Sussex factory to Fordingbridge town in the New Forest.

Fundraising for Love Your Hospital, the company’s nominated charity this year, the small team of designers, project managers, sales technicians and the Managing Director, will be splitting into pairs to each complete a section of the 100km route, before handing the baton to the next pair. The Fordingbridge staff will then regroup for the ‘final hurdle’ in the New Forest, to cross the finish line as a team.

“The idea to take part in some sort of challenge started with a few of us trying to lose a spot of holiday weight,” jokes Fraser Dixon, Business Development Manager at the firm. 

“The thought quickly evolved into a team relay and the distance just grew. There are now nine of us taking part, all of varying abilities, so we are all genuinely going to be pushed to our limits. 100,000 metres is definitely going to test us!”

Love Your Hospital is the official charity of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which looks after St Richards Hospital and Worthing Hospital in West Sussex. 

“Every member of Fordingbridge staff relies on the NHS and being able to directly support our local hospitals was incredibly important to us, hence the decision to support the charity this year,” Fraser explains. “We have taken part in a number of fundraising schemes so far, including Joan, our Sales Administrator, scaling the O2 last year, but this will be a really satisfying mass effort with plenty of opportunity to cheer each other on.”

The staff are encouraging donations through their official sponsorship page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fordingbridge

The event will take place on Saturday February 15th…come rain or shine.

Gardeners in the UK can now manage weeds in an organic, natural way with the launch of an innovative new weed prevention product from Westland. 

‘Resolva Weed Preventer’ is a first in the UK marketplace, offering gardeners an organic, timesaving, preventative solution to weeds. The highly effective new product is made from 100% plant based natural ingredients and is safe for both children and pets.

Research shows that whilst gardeners enjoy a certain amount of weeding, it can be frustrating if it gets too much.  Resolva Weed Preventer is proven to stop weeds before they start, reducing the need for hand weeding in beds, borders and vegetable patches by preventing weeds’ seed development and establishment.   The product is simply sprinkled on bare soil then watered in to provide six weeks of protection after application.   It does not damage established plants.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland commented: “Westland is delighted to bring this innovative new product to market which offers gardeners an organic solution to the management of weeds. With gardeners becoming more environmentally conscious and keen to cut down on the use of chemicals, this offers a practical and proven solution which stops weeds appearing in the first place. Resolva Weed Preventer will be of particular interest to gardeners with children or pets, as the formulation is safe for both.  It will also tick a box for gardeners who want to take control of weeds in the garden and free up more time for other gardening tasks.”

Resolva Weed Preventer comes in a 2.5kg environmentally friendly tub with scatter scoop.  For further information please visit www.gardenhealth.com.

Click to view Glee at Spring Fair 2020 highlights video.

Exhibitors kick-started the 2020 spring sales season in style at Glee at Spring Fair on 2nd – 6th February, with suppliers reporting strong levels of enquiries from UK and overseas visitors – and healthy order books as the show got underway.

Buyers from independents and retail chains flocked to the NEC in Birmingham to see the latest innovation from the garden trade, and snap-up stock of new products for 2020 that offer the highest levels of potential to drive retail sales this season.

At Laurica Plants from Belgium, which specialises in the cultivation of bay trees, Manager Elie Devisch praised the quality of visitors, pointing out that he had made seven new contacts in the space of a day. He said: “I have seen old and potential customers and met with visitors from the USA and Canada – as well as from Ireland, which is important for our market.”

An upbeat mood was evident on the stand of Riverco Trading, supplier of British-made wooden garden furniture, which returned to Glee at Spring Fair for the third year. Riverco Trading Owner, Peter Wootton, said: “It’s a good show with lots of potential. We’ve taken orders and secured several new accounts.” The company reported that its flat-packed bench pallets, which contain nine benches on a pallet with free delivery, had been a star seller at the show, with strong interest also reported in Frogsuit, a wood protection product that has been in the best-sellers list on TV shopping channel QVC.

It was a successful show for Creative Products, providing the company with a platform to showcase its Creative TV services – instore merchandising solutions with built-in screens that inspire consumers and drive impulse sales. Creative Products Director,Mark Hall, said one of the highest levels of enquiries had centred around its new product that won best in show at Glee at Spring Fair: double-sided, ultra-strong, reusable and waterproof Nano Gel Tape that sticks to wood, metal, plastic and glass, while its Dickie Birds Fat Ball Garland, a ‘highly commended’ new product at the show which allows fat balls for birds to be hung individually or joined together to create an attractive garland, was the centre of attention, too.

Mark added that the company’s dead head ‘snipz’ – deadheading snippers that retail for £2.99, are fast becoming a key driver of sales for retailers – having received a strong level of interest at the show. Mark said: “It’s an old line that’s reinvigorating sales usingTV marketing. One garden centre said they had sold 450 in just three weeks, and that was out of season”.

First time exhibitor www.potterypots.com, distributed by My Gifts Trade, aimed to inspire buyers by staging dramatic “retail theatre” with a range of container designs on its stand. My Gifts Trade Purchasing Manager, David Homer, said the company’s new-for-2020 Zayn bamboo containers, which feature fibrestone interiors for year-round rigidity and tap into the current trend for sustainable gardening solutions, attracted the highest level of interest from buyers, with orders for the company’s container portfolio secured as well.

Fargro returned to Glee at Spring Fair for the second time, with the company’s representatives reporting buoyant trade throughout the exhibition. Fargro Product Manager, Kieran Daly, said: “It has been a good show for us. We were very busy on Sunday, while Monday and Tuesday were good, too. We’ve seen a lot of more retail buyers and florists this year, who we may not necessarily have met with at Glee in September.”

Kieran reported healthy levels of interest from buyers in Fargro’s Lamela Eco range of pots, which tick the boxes for environmentally conscious retailers as they’re made from woodchip and recycled plastic and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. “Interest in sustainable pots is being driven by the indoor plant market,” Kieran explained. Other star performers on the stand included the Boskke Sky Planter, a novel upside-down hanging planter that can keep plants watered for up to two weeks, and Boskke Till Planter, which helps consumers to successfully grow kitchen herbs and houseplants with its integrated irrigation system that only requires refilling once a fortnight.

At iTip, supplier of British-made iTip Handles that allow wheelbarrows to be emptied with safety and ease, the company’s Andy Hill said Glee at Spring Fair had allowed him to meet with a “good cross-section of buyers” – from garden centres to gift shops and online retailers. Andy added: “We’ve experienced a good quality rather than quantity of visitors, who have all been looking for something really different for their retail outlets.” The handles launched last year, come in 11 colours and are already making big inroads into the gardening, equestrian and construction markets.

Finally, the timing of Glee at Spring Fair was right on cue for Joseph Noblett, supplier of Christmas trees and accessories, which has exhibited for the last three years. Proprietor, Joseph Noblett said: “We were pleased with the first two days – the show works for us. It’s at the right time of year, as Christmas is still fresh in everyone’s minds.” Joseph said the show had helped his business target “high end landscapers from central London” who were looking for big impact specimen trees in wooden barrels.

The Nano Gel Tape by Creative Products has picked up the top prize in this year's Glee at Spring Fair New Products Showcase Awards, run In association with Garden Trade News.

This double-sided, super sticky gel tape has many uses around the garden, garage, shed and home.  It’s waterproof, incredibly adhesive and can be washed and  re-used if it gets dirty.

It's a repeat of last year's success for Creative Products, who won with Fly Away in 2019... 

Creative Products received their award on the opening day of Glee at Spring Fair.

Highly Commended:

• 
• Bellevue Armchair by Innovators International, 7C60-D61. A rocking and reclining armchair incorporating a gas lift leg support in zero maintenance rattan and aluminium.
• 
• Fat Ball Garland by Creative Products, 7C50-D51.  A bird feeding kit for fat balls.  The balls can be joined together to form a garland or hung separately.

Special mentions:

• 
• Till Planter by Fargro, 7B51. A self irrigating planter that is perfect for pot herbs.
• 
• Wentworth Two Seater Arbour by Charles Taylor, 7D70-E51.  A two-seater arbour with removable roof and versatile seating.
• 
• Baby Reindeer by Dizmezs, 7F43. Ecological Baby Reindeer wood decoration.
• 
• Mini Plant Stakes by Travellers Finds, 7C73.  Indoor or outdoor handmade decorative plant stakes.

The judges were:

Steve Myatt, Garden Centre advisor and consultant, Managing Director Kiwiosity.

Roger Crookes, garden centre guru, Senior Manager at Pughs Garden Centres.

James Ducker, Managing Director Langland’s Garden Centres.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, HTA President and Communications Director at British Garden Centres.

Chairman of the judges and organiser:  Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News who are Glee’s Official Media Partner for 2020.

Plant sales for the first 5 weeks of the year were up by 23% on last year with primulas leading the way, up 25% on 2019 volumes.

• Pre-planted Tulips were the biggest mover up the GTN Chart last week, up from No 27 to No 7.
• Narcissus in the green outsold Cyclamen to move up one place to be the second most popular plant of the week.
• Tillandsia air plants re-entered the Top 50 at No 26.

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

Kelkay have announced that they have recently won new listings for their market-leading aggregates range in the seven-strong Great Western Partnership (GWP). The win comes after the successful launch of the new look range at Glee in September when Fiona Newton, buyer for GWP, met with the Kelkay sales team.

New orders are being processed and merchandising is underway in Castle Gardens, Brimsmore Gardens, Poundbury Gardens, Plymouth Garden Centre, Bernaville Nurseries, Monkton Elm Garden Centre and Merry Harriers Garden Centre. The new category set up will be ready for the expected upturn in demand for landscaping products in the Spring.

Speaking about the change, Fiona Newton commented “I actually dropped on to the Kelkay stand at GLEE on the recommendation of a colleague, with no real expectations. But when I saw the aggregate offer and the new merchandising and point of sale, I was keen to bring the proposition to the whole group. We are very pleased with the way the Kelkay range fits into our offer and the service we’ve enjoyed from Scott McCabe and the rest of the team.”

Kelkay expect their business with GWP to grow significantly as a result of the new category listing.

The Gardenex export association has been successful in securing cash grants for eligible exhibitors at the National Hardware Show (NHS), which takes place in Las Vegas, on 5-7 May 2020.

The funding is available to small-to-medium-enterprises (SMEs) that qualify under the Department for International Trade Tradeshow Access Scheme. It will enable British companies to exhibit their products at the National Hardware Show in a cost effective way, while also benefiting from the wide range of practical research, logistical and promotional support offered by Gardenex, before, during and after the event.

Eligible SMEs looking to exhibit at the National Hardware Show can apply for cash grants of £2,000.

NHS is North America’s key trade show for all-things hardware, with lawn and garden being the largest product section at the exhibition as it occupies all of the North Hall at Las Vegas Convention Centre.

A total of 21% of the buyer attendees in 2019 came from international markets outside the US, including all leading Canadian chains such as Canadian Tire, Peavey, Lee Valley Tools and Home Hardware, as well as Bunnings from Australia and Sodimac form South America. NHS also attracts many leading wholesalers/distributors that service North American and other international markets. 

American buyer attendees typically include some of the bigger garden centre chains such as Armstrong/Pikes, English Gardens and Petitti and big home centre chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards.

Online giants Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, Wayfair and Gardener’s Supply also attend the show along with shopping channel QVC. 

The Gardenex team provides a comprehensive show support package for exhibitors at this event, from organising space and stand build if required to excellent PR coverage before, during and after the events, plus help to maximise sales leads and guidance regarding converting these to new export sales. 

Only a few stand packages remain at this show so interested companies should contact Katie-Mai Smith immediately at Katie-mai@gardenex.com to check on space availability and eligibility for funding and to ask for an application form.

To apply for membership of Gardenex:

Tel:  +44 (0) 44 1959 565995

Fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

Email: info@gardenex.com

Website: www.gardenex.com

A concept image of the planned reflective materials to be used in the creation of the new Maggie’s Centre Southampton.

Hillier is proud to be supporting charity partner Maggie’s as they create a brand-new Maggie’s Centre in Southampton, adjacent to the hospital.

Fitting with the Maggie’s ethos, the centre will have cutting edge architectural design and beautifully landscaped surrounding gardens. Hillier is providing more than 100 British-grown trees from the company’s nurseries in Hampshire at no profit to the company. Long-running friends of Hillier, MJT Landscapes and Hillier Landscapes, will support with hard and soft landscaping, also at no profit. Together, this will create a major saving for the charity, allowing them to direct more money into the day-to-day running of the Centre. 

Maggie’s is a national cancer support charity with 26 centres across the UK and abroad. Built in the grounds of NHS hospitals, these centres provide free practical, emotional and social support to anyone with any type of cancer – and to their family and friends too. Their new centre in Southampton will be the first Maggie’s centre in the South of England. 

The Centre is being created in partnership between award-wining architects AL_A, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Sarah Price, one of the country’s most sought-after garden designers. The design is intended to create an oasis in the grounds of the hospital’s suburban campus. Almost three quarters of the 1,470m²site is being given over to four distinct gardens that are inspired by the ecology of the nearby New Forest. The intention is for the garden to look as if it has always been there, providing seclusion from the outside world. Reflective materials and surfaces in the design further the sensation of a building vanishing into the woodlands.

A concept image demonstrates the idea of the Centre vanishing into its surroundings

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Maggie’s is the official charity partner of Hillier in 2019-20. Having viewed plans for the new Centre, Hillier saw how they could use their horticultural expertise to offer support towards it through the supply of trees. In keeping with Sarah Price’s design ethos, the tree selection includes species that will create a natural, woodland look and feel; offer a colour palette that blends with the striking architectural design and provide year-round interest. Following a number of visits to Hillier Trees field and container tree nurseries in Hampshire, individual container and root-ball trees have been selected. These include birch, elder, multi-stems and fruit trees, many at semi-mature sizes to create instant impact. They are now marked for Maggie’s, ready to be lifted or called off for delivery when planting begins in early spring. 

Trees growing on Hillier Field Nursery at Andlers Ash, near Liss, Hampshire

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Hillier also contacted a number of long-running friends and partners to get even more support for Maggie’s and is now co-ordinated the team response. MJT Landscapes, who have contributed to a number of gold-medal winning Hillier exhibits at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will be responsible for the hard landscaping element of the build, which includes creation of planting bunds requiring nearly 1,500 tons of sub and top soil. Hillier Landscapes, whose origins go back as far as Hillier to 1864, are offering invaluable support with the planting of all trees, shrubs and perennials, together with associated landscape works.     

“MJT Landscapes are thrilled to be working with the Hillier Team on the project for Maggie’s at Southampton,” says Mark Tomlinson, Director of MJT Landscapes. “We are looking forward to starting this interesting project and hope the finished garden will bring comfort to those who visit.”

“Hillier Landscapes are very pleased to be involved with the Maggie’s Centre garden in Southampton — Maggie’s is also our chosen company charity for 2020,” comments Andy Penn, Contracts Manager at Hillier Landscapes. “We look forward to working on planting elements and landscape works and seeing the finished garden.”

Ground was broken on the site exactly a year ago, 4^th February 2019 and the Centre is hoped to be open by late autumn 2020. 

“Maggie's are delighted to be working closely with Hillier to realise Sarah Price's landscape at University Hospital Southampton,” says Siobhan Wyatt, Property Projects Lead at Maggie’s. “Our New Forest oasis will be a haven for all centre visitors while they receive support from our staff.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer support to our charity partner Maggie’s in the creation of this incredible new Centre in Southampton,” comments George Hillier, Director of Property at Hillier Nurseries. “We know what therapeutic benefits gardens can provide and the designs for this are really special. We look forward to seeing it all take shape.”

Visit hillier.co.uk to find out more about Hillier Garden Centres  

A special themed party night at the Garden Centre Association conference saw delegates dressed in all types of fancy dress.

The winners of the Best Fancy Dress Award were King Canute & The Jellyfish (pictured above).

The second and third placed delegates are pictured below, along with a gallery of other suitably attired guests. 

Zest 4 Leisure has announced that Macmillan Cancer Support will be its chosen charity for 2020. Employees will undertake a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the year to raise much needed funds for the organisation.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support to people diagnosed with cancer, from the moment they have been diagnosed through treatment and beyond.

Commenting on the charity, Steve Morgan, Zest 4 Leisure’s Managing Director said: “In Wales alone, 19,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year – a shocking figure – but Macmillan is there to support people, helping them to live as full a life as possible. From the moment they are diagnosed, cancer patients can call on a wealth of resources from the charity, including help with work, emotional and financial support.

“We’re aiming to raise £10,000 which could be used to help fund the Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialists. It costs £29 for a Macmillan nurse for an hour, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support. If we reach and exceed our target, we’ll be able to fund many hours of these vital nurses.”

Over the coming months employees from Zest 4 Leisure will be taking part in a variety of fundraising events. From Llangollen Canal and Snowdon walks to a Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Liverpool to a Tough Mudder challenge, there’s something for everyone, no matter the fitness level! Two female colleagues have even committed to ‘Braving The Shave’ and will be shortly be shaving their heads to raise money for Macmillan.

Rebecca Parke, Macmillan Cancer Support Senior Fundraising Manager – Wales, said: “We are really excited to be working with everyone at Zest 4 Leisure in 2020. They have done some incredible fundraising over the years and we can’t wait to see what they achieve for Macmillan Cancer Support this year. We rely almost entirely on donations so every penny that they raise over the next 12 months will make a huge difference to the support we can provide and the lives of local people living with cancer.”

A family run business which is committed to supporting the local community, Zest 4 Leisure is a leading supplier of high-quality, sustainably sourced timber garden furniture, fencing, trellis, gazebos, arches and a wide range of planters.

Over the last nine years, Zest 4 Leisure has raised almost £100,000 for various chosen charities. In 2019 alone, company employees, supported by suppliers, customers, friends and family, raised a staggering £22,132.55 for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

Pictured, from left to right: Hazel Bainbridge (Zest HR Director), Steve Morgan (Zest Managing Director), Rebecca Parke (Macmillan Cancer Support Senior Fundraising Manager), Andrew Baker (Zest Financial Director), Paul Booth (Zest Operations Director).

Dobbies has been presented with the ‘Best Multiple Garden Retailer’ Award at this year’s Houseware Innovation Awards. 

The Housewares Innovation Awards is organised by Housewares magazine publisher, Datateam Business Media. The Awards celebrate the collective achievements of the housewares sector, recognising and rewarding innovative manufacturers and creative retailers helping the industry thrive. The awards are run in partnership with the UK’s number one home and gift show for the retail industry, Spring Fair.

With 69 centres across the UK, the accolade cements Dobbies award-winning status, having been presented the highest accolade and overall ‘Best Trade Stand’ at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019. Dobbies will be returning to Chelsea in 2020 with exciting plans.

Dobbies Chief Executive, Graeme Jenkins said, ‘We are delighted to have won this particular award at this year’s Housewares Innovation Awards as it is the ultimate recognition by industry experts within a tough category. The award really is testament to the hard work and dedication by the wider team, and a positive start to a busy and exciting Spring. Congratulations to our fellow award-winners and a huge thank you to the judges.’

The awards are run in partnership with the UK’s number one home and gift show for the retail industry, Spring Fair and took place at the NCC, Birmingham where comedian Tom Ward hosted the show. 

To see a full list of the winners, please visit housewaresinnovationawards.com.

To find your nearest Dobbies, or to hear the latest news and announcements, visit Dobbies.com or join the conversation on social, @DobbiesGC

TV presenters Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Steph McGovern enlisted the help of staff at Gordale Garden and Home Centre, Burton, South Wirral, for the new BBC One series Easy Ways to Live Well (8pm Wednesday), which focuses on looking for new ways to improve people’s overall health, by examining diet, fitness and mental health and wellbeing.

Episode two of the series documented the journey of two groups of Gordale staff, each embarking on alternative and unorthodox strategies, to evaluate what health improvements might be discovered.  

Steph’s group was challenged with unlocking the healing power of group singing. The Gordale singers sang together every day, for 15 minutes, over a 3-month period, whilst Hugh’s group was required to take a placebo pill twice a day for the duration of the trial.

At the end of the group experiments, it was revealed that a significant number from each group had experienced improved physical health and needed to take less painkillers to relieve their aches and pains. The experience was also excellent for team morale.

Said Karen, Gordale’s horticulturalist and singer, “I could not believe it. I have suffered from severe pain in my foot for some time, with no sign of improvement or healing. Yet by the end of our singing regime, the pain had completely gone. Amazing!”

The programme is available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Image: Group shot of Gordale staff with TV presenters, Steph McGovern and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Clothing was a big seller at garden centres across the country during Decembe,  according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales were up 9.22% compared to the same month in 2018. Other non-traditional categories that also did well were catering at 6.04% up and gifts 5.48% up.

Iain Wylie (above), GCA Chief Executive explained: “Christmas sales during the month were down -2.46%, but this could be a case of customers getting organised prior to December and already having purchased their decorations and accessories as the previous month’s Christmas sales looked a lot healthier.

“Many other categories across garden centres sell items that make perfect Christmas gifts, in particular clothing and houseplants. Sales in houseplants were up 8.64% for the month.

“Hard landscaping sales were up 11.85%, outdoor plant sales were up 1.06% and pets and aquatics sales were up 9.35%.”

Sales in seeds and bulbs were down -2.36%, garden sundries were up 4.66% and furniture and barbecue sales were down -4.55%. Food hall and farm shop sales were up 3.67%.

Overall sales for the month were up 2.07% with a year to date change of 5.71%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

A Cumbrian businesswoman who makes eco garden compost from Herdwick wool and bracken has been granted the Freedom of the City of London.

Professor Jane Barker, who runs Dalefoot Composts with her husband Simon Bland at Heltondale near Penrith, was awarded the honour in a special ceremony at London’s Guildhall. Jane was also officially ‘clothed’ as a member of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City tracing its roots to 1180. 

The double honours are in recognition of her work to promote the sustainable benefits of wool. Dalefoot Composts, a significant local employer, makes a range of premium peat-free garden composts using ingredients harvested from the local fells – lower grade hill sheep wool that farmers find difficult to sell and invasive bracken. The composts are used by champion growers and stocked in garden centres across the UK.

“As a young girl growing up in the Eden Valley, this is something that I would never have dreamt happening! I joined four other Woolmen at the Guildhall in London to receive our parchment certificates, swear an oath and sign the Freeman’s Declaration Book - Lord Nelson had been there before me. The Livery Companies raise £70 million a year for charity, an incredible amount. I feel privileged to play a part in this tradition and delighted that Simon and our daughter Arabella were there too to watch,” Jane said.

And although officially Jane can now drive her sheep across London Bridge without taxation, she will be keeping her flock of Whitefaced Woodlands safely at home. Champions of peat-free and climate change gardening, Jane also runs with her husband the parent company Barker & Bland Ltd which restores large areas of damaged peatbogs from the Cairngorms to Dartmoor for organisations like Natural England and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Jane is a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria – Centre for National Parks & Protected Areas, Department of Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies.

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LeisureGrow continues to go from strength to strength, with more investment being made in its sales team as it welcomes Ken Davies to the business as Head of Field Sales.

Ken has 30 years’ experience of working in the pet retail and distribution space from his time heading up the multi-channel sales team at leading pet superstore and distributor Kennelpak.  This latest hire from LeisureGrow clearly shows its commitment to the pet and garden marketplace.

Reflecting the growth of the company, Mark Nickerson has been promoted to Key Accounts Sales Director at LeisureGrow where he will continue to work closely with the garden centre groups.

Jody Grimmer, managing director of LeisureGrow said:  “We’re starting 2020 with big aspirations for all of our brands, and we want to ensure all our existing customers get the great service and reliability they expect from LeisureGrow, whilst exploring all of those new opportunities in the marketplace and finding new partners to work with.”

Garden product sales continued their resurgence during January, ending up on last year by 2% but still 7% below the high for garden products set in 2015.

Back in 2015 the volume of orchid drip feeders sold during January was 330% higher than this year. Have drip feeders had their day or are we not making the most of the sales opportunities? If you have a
view please let us know: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

High;lights of the week were: 

• Decorative solar lights grab the top 2 places in the GTN Chart this week: Smart Solar Funky Fruit Orange Light at No 1 and the Funky Fruit Red Apple Light at No 2.
• Fito Drip Feeder For Orchids 32ml climb 8 places to No 3.
• Kent & Stowe’s Stainless Steel Hand Trowel is the highest chart climber up from No 42 to No 10.

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

Vitax has recruited a garden centre retail specialist to bolster its sales team as the company appoints a new area sales manager to cover Avon, Wilts, Hants and Dorset.

Ross Baldock joins from Woodcote Green Garden Centre where he has spent the past 14 years as a senior manager responsible for managing the horticulture and pet care divisions.

Working within and managing a large team, Ross has worked in garden retail for the whole of his career and understands first-hand the challenges the sector faces and the need to diversify products to meet consumer demand.

Ross’s industry knowledge coupled with his garden retail experience was key to his appointment as Vitax’s national sales manager, Mark Butler, explains: “The horticulture industry is changing to meet the on-going demands of traditional and online gardeners and Ross’s appointment will add a new dimension to the team.

“Ross will not only be responsible for growing Vitax’s brands with existing customers, but also sourcing new business across Avon, Wilts, Hants and Dorset.

“A key element of this will be utilising the knowledge and skills Ross has learned throughout his time in garden retail, which will prove essential to the sales team as we look at how we further support garden centres with their marketing needs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ross to the team and we know he will be integral to our future growth plans.”

Ross joined Woodcote Green Garden Centre in 2006 straight out of college and has worked across multiple gardening divisions, building relationships with both suppliers and fellow garden retail managers.

“Working at Woodcote has been fantastic, but joining Vitax will bring new challenges and enable me to utilise the skills I already have whilst learning new ones along the way. It is an exciting time to join Vitax as the new season is about to get underway,” says Ross Baldock, Vitax’s new area sales manager.

Pictured (left to right): Ross Baldock with Vitax’s national sales manager – Mark Butler.

Has the wet weather in January been the main reason for the drop in Growing Media sales volumes?  Or is there a reluctance to buy peat based growing media products?  Or have there been less Early Bird discount growing media offers this January? 

As the No 1 Bestselling line in our chart is Evergreen Garden Care Levington Essential Multi Purpose 50 litres it is probably a mix of the weather and less promotions.  Westlands New Horizon All Purpose Peat Free compost sits at No 11.

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multi Purpose with John Innes 40 litres is the highest new entry for the week at No 2.
• Westland The Gardener's Multipurpose Compost 50 litres was the highest chart re-entry at No 29.
• Westland New Horizon Veg Compost 50 litres increased sales by 375% to re-enter at No 45.

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

PlantWorks UK, which produces biological solutions for gardening and horticulture, specialising in mycorrhizal fungi, has expanded its UK team ready for a busy 2020.

Neil Acton joins the team as field sales manager for the Empathy brand in the North of the UK, his strong background in garden centre merchandising and sales makes him a great choice for working with new and existing customers, delivering advice, training and support to maximise sales opportunities for the product range.

Speaking about the new role Neil said: “I am pleased to join Plantworks, the company has a fantastic range of products which have been developed and refined by the team of in-house experts in mycorrhizal fungi. I plan to draw on this wealth of knowledge and add my own garden retail experience to build strong bonds with customers and help maximise in store sales by providing advice on link sale opportunities, as well as educating them on our wide range of products.”

Plantworks’ director, Simon Taylor said: “As we expand, first rate service and customer support remains a top priority. With his background in garden centre retail Neil has a good understanding of how things 'tick' and we're excited to welcome him to the Empathy team"

Empathy by Plantworks products feature rootgrow the UK’s leading brand of mycorrhizal fungi. The company is the UK’s only mass producer of mycorrhizal fungi and is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers.

For more information visit www.rootgrow.co.uk

The lack of a lengthy cold period has resulted in Wild Bird Care sales being down by 11% on last year but better than the start of 2018 by 15%.

• Westland Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 50 +20% Free hold onto the No 1 Bestselling Wild Bird care product slot for another week with Gardman Fat Snax dropping to No 4.
• Smart Garden’s 30cm Supreme Seed Feeder was the highest chart climber, up 32 places to No 12.
• Honeyfields Prefilled Easy Seed Feeder is a new entry at No 50.

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

Flymo has announced that family gardening TV presenter, podcaster host and author Lee Connelly, aka Skinny Jean Gardener, will be its brand Ambassador for 2020.

Skinny Jean Gardener will assist Flymo with a wide range of marketing activities across the year including the launch of its TV advert and brand campaign ‘Flymo your life easy’. As part of the partnership, Flymo are also sponsoring Lee’s gardening podcast this year, which attracts 100,000 monthly listeners.

Lee will support the brand with various activities such as public events, product launches, feature blogs, digital content as well as being involved in its annual social media campaigns, ‘First Cut Sunday’ and ‘Hover Week’.

Family brand, Flymo and Skinny Jean Gardener together aim to highlight the importance of looking after your lawn as well as getting parents and children outside in the garden.

Howard Scott, UK Sales Director for Flymo, said: “We’re delighted to have Skinny Jean Gardener as our 2020 Ambassador. Lee is the perfect fit for us as a brand, he links with Flymo’s brand DNA of innovation, fresh new ideas, making gardening easier and connecting with families. It’s a very exciting year for Flymo with the launch of a brand-new TV advert and brand campaign plus lots of innovations including a new robotic lawnmower range. We look forward to Lee working alongside the Flymo team as well as being involved in lots of marketing activities.”

Lee Connelly, aka Skinny Jean Gardener, said: “I’m really excited to be working with Flymo in 2020. A brand that has been in my family since I was young, and still is today which makes me very proud to be an ambassador as The Skinny Jean Gardener. I’ve always believed that gardening should be accessible and affordable for everyone to get involved and get outside. Gardening doesn’t have to be difficult and having the right tools really does help. Flymo brings all of this to the family household which makes it so easy to get outside gardening together.

"When I was younger, I always remember popping to my Nan’s to see her busy in the garden cutting the grass with her Flymo, and before I was even born Mum and Dad got a Flymo for their first garden. Years later my nan got another lawnmower for Christmas, which had to be returned because it wasn’t a Flymo. When I moved into my first home the first gift I received for the garden from my Dad was a Flymo, and when my daughter gets a home, I’ll do the same - that said she’s only 4, so maybe I’m looking too far in the future.

Lee added: "The Flymo brand has been part of my family gardening experience since my nan first had her garden, which only confirms to me even more that as a product and a brand, the Skinny Jean Gardener is partnering up with not only a quality product, but a brand that has family at the heart of everything it does, making it easy for first time gardeners to get out there and create a place to enjoy together with their family.”

Lee started gardening at the age of 26 when he took on an allotment growing his own veg with his brother. He soon was asked to start growing at local Jimmy’s Farm by Jimmy Doherty before creating a kitchen garden that supplied veg to the onsite restaurant.

Lee then went on to work with Jamie Oliver on his Food Revolution, and created a garden taxi for Kew Gardens which travelled around getting families to garden whilst contributing as a garden expert on Radio 1 and Sunday Brunch. 

In 2014, Lee became the CBBC Blue Peter Gardener, inspiring children to get outside and getting their hands messy with various gardening makes to attract wildlife and GYO plus started the first allotment in the Blue Peter Garden at Media City. 

During his time on Blue Peter, he become a father to daughter Olive, at which time he decided to concentrate on family gardening and get kids and parents out in the garden, with Olive growing her first wildflowers at the age of 2 months. 

The Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast started in 2017 bringing something new to garden audio, and now it’s in the Top 20 of gardening podcasts in the world with 100,000 listeners every month. It’s one of the most successful podcasts attracting some of the garden industry biggest names including Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh and Carol Klein. 

His new book, ‘How to get Kids Gardening’ launched in 2020 with gardening makes and ideas of which together with his daughter Olive (age 4) has been tried and tested to get the whole family outside creating real memories in the garden. 

Skinny Jean Podcast, sponsored by Flymo, can be listened to here: http://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/

Veg 2 Gro sales look promising for the season ahead reaching the highest level during the first 5 weeks of the year since 2016.

• Taylors Onion Sets Red Baron are at No 1 with Kapiteyn Onion Sets Red Baron at No 6.
• Taylors Seed Potatoes Pink Fir Apple 2.5kg are the Bestselling Seed Potato line at the moment, at No 8 for another week.
• Thompson & Morgan Courgette Defender F1 Hybrid are the highest placed veg seed pack at No 9.

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

MSPs have voted to keep the Universal Business Rate in Scotland, much to the relief of HTA member businesses.

A proposed amendment to scrap the Universal Business Rate across Scotland had passed in November 2019 at Stage 2 of the vote on the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill but was defeated at Stage 3 today.

Holyrood’s Local Government and Communities Committee had backed the Green Party Amendment which would have seen the £2.8 billion tax handed to the 32 local authorities enabling them to set their own poundage rate, rates relief and any local rates supplements.

Commenting on this, HTA Chairman, James Barnes said: “It is reassuring that MSPs have taken heed and seen sense in voting to keep Universal Business Rates for Scottish businesses. Whilst far from perfect Universal Business Rates do provide businesses with some consistency and predictability and any changes would have brought unnecessary burden. We thank our members for playing their part in contacting MSPs to influence this decision.”

Business rates have increased substantially over the last ten years, with significant disparities - garden centres in Scotland are paying a significantly higher rate per square foot, than in England. Uniform Business Rates allows those businesses with multiple locations across different authorities in Scotland and across the whole of the UK, to plan a financial year. A pan-Scotland poundage/tax rate means businesses have some predictability for their business rates in Scotland.

The HTA was one of 27 business representative groups and sectoral trade associations that joined forces with the Scottish Retail Consortium to write a joint letter to MSPs urging them to vote to retain the Uniform Business Rate.

The Association also mobilised its members to write to their local and regional MSPs making a strong case for why they should vote in favour of Universal Business Rates.

Although overall sales dipped again week on week, we’ve now had four consecutive weeks of total garden centre sales volumes that are up on all of the past three years.  Even better news for the season ahead is that plant sales are driving those January gardening sales increases.

The GTN Bestsellers weekly sales indexes show that Plants are the only gardening category that is up year to date, by 9.5% currently.

Away from gardening related products the GTN Bestsellers Epos database has seen a huge number of kitchenware sales made in January. Perhaps the link between growing food (the indicators are good for Veg 2 Gro sales this year) and cooking is one that customers really get and are therefore more than happy to choose garden centres as their place to buy new cookware and other kitchen and home items.

Congratulations to all the winners at the GCA Conference this week, but special congratulations to Barton Grange and Fron Goch the Garden Centre of the Year winners and both past gold award winners in GTN’s Greatest Awards.  With GCA garden centres of excellence leading the way it’s no wonder garden centres continue to shine through an overall bleak picture for retail in the UK.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 4

Garden Products Top 50 – down 2%

Growing Media Top 50 – down 43

Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 17%

Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 17% 

All Plants index – up 20%

All Items index – up 13%

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

Glee at Spring Fair opened today (Sunday 2nd February) at the NEC. Glee at Spring Fair is an oasis of exhibitors that are a must visit for all visitors to Spring Fair who have gardening and leisure on their mind...

GTN have been organising the Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase which will be judged during Sunday with the winner announced at 4:00pm.  See all the results and other news from Glee @ Spring Fair in Glee Daily News using this link.

Here's our photographic preview of Glee at Spring Fair and other Spring Fair exhibitors that are close by as build up comes to a close on Saturday evening.  Glee at Spring Fair is in Hall 7 this year between cookware and Christmas Floral.

See you at the NEC.

Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA), a group designed to bring together the under 35s of ornamental horticulture to facilitate collaboration, education and innovation, has been launched. 

The group will maintain regular contact through social media, but also aim to arrange a select number of events throughout the year- each of which will be structured to be enjoyable yet educational. 

Each person who joins the group will develop their own set of industry contacts, and will have the opportunity to share thoughts and inspiration with likeminded individuals. The group’s primary focus will be to consider how the industry might evolve to appeal to a younger demographic than has previously been the case- both in terms of future horticultural employees and future garden centre customers. 

Anybody who wishes to find out more about the group is invited to contact yphassociation@outlook.com

The Lubera team are proud to announce that they have won the award for Best Novelty Bedding Plant at IPM Essen Trade Show.  At the IPM the team wowed the judges with their brand new, and let's be honest, jolly exciting new peanut plant, Justmore!

Compared to other peanut varieties Justmore has pods that are really huge, about 50% longer, and at the same time, they are relatively profound. The nuts themselves are also big, and thus belong to the larger varieties in our assortment. The colour of the seed coat is dark red and it resembles the variety Justblack, which again is from our range,  a little bit.

While in almost all varieties the number of nuts per pod tends towards two on average, either slightly more or less (as there are also one-nut pods), in Justmore the number is almost always three.  Of course, there are also 2-piece pods, but most of them have three nuts and there are also a significant number of 4-piece pods, which you hard;y ever see in other peanut varieties.

Advantages of the Justmore peanut variety: 

• Large pods with an average of three nuts
• Attractive, long peanut pods, “snake nuts”
• Particularly robust against moist and cold weather

Short description of the peanut plant Justmore:

• Pods and nuts: Very large pods, usually 3 nuts, but also can have 4 nuts; the seed coat of the nuts is dark red.
• Yield: The yield is slightly lower than Justpink®, but when planted in early May, you can expect 60+ pods per plant in September/early October, which yields almost 180 nuts. Truly not a bad harvest for a Central European peanut crop.
• Planting: Early to mid-May; as this variety can also be harvested a little later in October, Justmore can also be planted until early June; initially upright, sparse growth, later branching.
• Harvest: From mid-September for early planting, early October for late planting.

Special features: Justmore shows an above-average tolerance to late harvesting and humid weather. The foliage is still 50% green even at the late harvest date around 20 October, while most other varieties already have quite brown and grey foliage at this time.

These plants will be available from www.lubera.co.uk from May 2020.

The Government introduced its Environment Bill to Parliament on Thursday and the Horticultural Trades Association has issue its response.

James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA, said: “Horticulture and green infrastructure have such a huge role to play in mitigating climate change, delivering the Government’s ambitious aim of being net-zero by 2050 and creating a greener Britain.

“The introduction of the Environment Bill signifies the importance that Government is placing on the environment by putting the 25-year Environment Plan on a statutory footing.  A strong and vibrant horticulture sector is key to delivering many of the policy targets outlined in the Bill and we will be highlighting to Government how the industry can contribute.

“On recycling, it is paramount that there is a consistent approach across all local authorities. If all local authorities collected and recycled plant pots this would prevent 8,000 tonnes a year going to landfill. When developing plans around increased producer responsibility for waste it will be important that the Government engages with business to ensure that changes do not result in excessive burden, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

“Finally, horticulture makes a significant contribution to improving air quality. Increased planting of trees and shrubs in public and private spaces, especially in towns and cities, will reduce the impact of poor air quality. In order to fulfil increased demand for UK grown plants and trees, the UK nursery production sector will require investment in infrastructure.”

The HTA also issued a comment regarding the UK’s exit from the EU which took place on Friday.

James Clark said: “Following the UK’s exit from the EU the delivery of a viable and realistic trade deal over the next 11 months will be challenging but critical. There are so many areas impacting on horticulture – from alignment on customs and excise, trade with Northern Ireland, biosecurity, environmental standards and immigration. It is important that a sensible and pragmatic approach is taken which allows for seamless trading without additional burden for horticultural businesses.

“Horticulture plays such an important role in the UK’s future from an environmental and economic perspective. With a new landscape ahead of us there will be opportunities presented such as the repurposing of EU monies for wider environment initiatives. We will be making sure that the voice of horticulture is heard in the discussions over the coming months.”

With plant sales running at almost 10% up so far through January this year it’s a potentially very good omen for gardening in 2020. After the uncertainly of last year and a very wet winter our customers appear to be looking for as much cheer as possible to brighten their gardens, patios and balconies.

The January increase is even greater when compared with the previous two years, up 19% on 2018 and up 57% on 2017.  

The weather will be a contributory factor to this numbers but the fact that when conditions are favourable plants are being purchased in good volumes is fantastic news for all.

• Primula sales are growing every week to keep that as the No 1 Bestselling plant of the month.
• Cyclamen sales have started to dip, but they remain the No 2 Bestseller ahead of both planted Narcissus and Hyacinths.
• Kalanchoe are the highest chart mover of the week, up 20 places to No 22.  A great purchase for instant colour in a container.
• Viburnum, a great shrub for winter colour, were the highest re-entry to the GTN Plants chart at No 20.

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

Gardenex has announced that Joe Denham, CEO of VegTrug Limited, has taken over as chairman of the Federation. 

“After 10 years in the industry I am delighted to be taking on the chairmanship to assist Amanda Sizer Barrett and her team in any way I can, helping businesses to improve their exports from the UK,” said Joe.

“We are living through exciting times with challenges which have never been faced before. Every business needs all the help and advice it can get, and the team at Gardenex do a fantastic job for our industry.”

Joe founded VegTrug in 2009 and the company now operates in many countries – including Germany, America, Australia, India and Japan – as well as the UK.

Before setting up VegTrug Joe had a varied career as a serial entrepreneur, having founded and then sold his Dubai-based IT training company CBT Systems in 1997 under a NASDAQ merger with Smartforce. 

He went on to start a TV shopping supply company and had his own show on the ‘Ideal World’ channel for many years in the late 1990s before running a specialist horse feed business from his farm in Brittany. He returned to the UK and started VegTrug with business partner Paul Owen, and the company is now the largest supplier of raised garden beds worldwide, having sold around 600,000 units of its iconic product globally. 

Joe was appointed to the Board in 2016. He has taken over as Gardenex chairman from Richard Matthews, of the Summerfield Consultancy. Richard had been actively involved in the Federation for many years: first working in one of the firms in membership, then from 1982 as a committee member and non executive director, following this in the role of vice chair and then chair twice; then taking on the role of full time chair of the federation when it was decided to appoint one in 2008. 

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of the federation says: “In his role as chairman, Richard supported the team as it delivered the highest standards of services, benefits and expert specialist advice and sales leads to member companies.  He also encouraged the federation to use its expertise to help support the pet product market and the commercial horticultural sector as well as taking on the secretariat for the home gardening market association, GIMA.  

“Representing a much broader spectrum of suppliers has brought the Federation additional clout with government and more opportunities to bid for funding for its member companies and the Federation now represents the wide gardening and leisure sector on several government committees which has enhanced further its reputation and influence.”

Amanda concluded: “On a personal note, Richard has been scrupulous in carrying out his duties and responsibilities as chairman, being loyal and supportive. I will miss his contribution as colleague and chairman but understand that after 40 years, he definitely deserves a happy and fulfilling retirement! 

“We are now looking forward to working closely with Joe Denham, who has always been an enthusiastic and active user and supporter of Gardenex services.”

Always keen to share his knowledge, new Chairman Joe Denham has advised many start-up businesses within the industry and helped them particularly with sales organisation and exports. 

“Gardenex was so helpful to us in the first few years with VegTrug. I had good business experience but very little knowledge of the lawn and garden industry. I am now delighted to be able to offer something back,” confirms Joe.

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 2017 as well as 2018 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 Wild Bird Care Products chart for this week are here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With visitor pre-registrations tracking well ahead and over 200 companies preparing to exhibit, it promises to be another big year for Casual Dining – the industry’s favourite restaurant, pub and bar event, returning to ExCeL London on 25-26 March.

No stranger to breaking records – since its launch in 2014 it’s reported significant year-on-year growth in attendance and floor space – it’s just enjoyed its best January stand sales ever, with over 30 exhibitors (its highest in one month) coming on board.  That’s great news for its visitors (who annually include some of the most influential leaders and buyers in the business), as they’ll have even more new innovations to discover next month.

Many of the latest signings were new companies (to the show): Nespresso Professional, Mission Foods, Vita Mojo, MOJU Drinks, SASSY Cidre, Freddie’s Flowers, Ruby Food Products, and Lumea.  They’ll be making their debut alongside returning exhibitors like Arla Pro, Eurilait, Destiny Foods, Frobisher’s, TouchBistro, and Slingsby Gin (all recently confirmed).

There’s also just one stand remaining in the newly launched wine pavilion – ‘The Vineyard’; which is conveniently located next to the new Pub & Bar Keynote Theatre.  New names there include Broadland Wineries and Unity Wines.

Notably, yet perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s been a big uptake by vegan/plant-based brands for Casual Dining 2020.  To quote Mark Wogan, co-founder and creative director of Homeslice[1]: “Anyone ignoring the plant-based revolution that is going on is mad!”

Exhibitors to look out for include Joe Delucci's, Food Heaven, Mademoiselle Desserts, and Aulds Delicious Desserts – sampling their latest free-from and vegan sweets; Rude Health – showcasing its dairy-free and organic Barista Almond and Barista Oat drinks; and AAK Foodservice – it’s launching a Whirl Vegan Sweetened Whipping Cream that can be used hot, cold or frozen.

For meat alternatives, there’s: vegan fast food brand Biff’s Kitchen, with its jackfruit-based ‘junk’ food; LoveSeitan – launching a new vegan pepperoni that’s supplied frozen or chilled in sausage or sliced format; Loughnane’s of Galway sampling its new vegan VEEF range of burgers and mince; Moving Mountains Foods showcasing its plant-based Sausage Burger made from oyster mushrooms, and pea and wheat protein; and The Vegetarian Butcher – launching its NoChicken Chunks into foodservice.

To date, there’s also more low-and-no alcohol companies (another growing trend[2]) booked in than in previous years.  To search the exhibitor list, please visit: www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/exhibitor-list.

New product preview

2020 is already shaping up to be a bumper year for new product launches.  Scores of exhibitors have been busy sharing details of what’s new from them (with many launching at the show).  Here’s some of the food and drink highlights:

• Wild Beer Co is adding Kalamansification – a tropical sour beer made using Hibiscus and Kalamansi, to its diverse canned range of beers.
• GCL Food Ingredients is introducing Prawn and Lemon Grass Dumplings – a new Italian/Asian mash up that provides consumers with an innovative pasta alternative.
• Kepak’s new ‘Burgers with a Blend’ – the Beefroot Burger and Moo-shroom Burger – are made with grass-fed quality beef and vegetables, such as beetroot, quinoa and mushroom.
• The Sausage Man is introducing the Volkswagen Currywurst – a sausage being dubbed the most iconic in the world and, most recently, featured in Richard Hammond’s new Discovery Channel show Big.
• Sea Products International’s latest innovation – the Blazing Shrimp, features hand-prepared King Prawns enrobed in a light, hot and spicy, Southern fried style batter.
• Karimix UK’s new Korean Bulgogi Sauce can be used for dipping or grilling, as a stir fry/marinade, or a glaze just before serving.
• Glebe Farm Foods’ new PureOaty oat drink is made using only four natural ingredients: British gluten free oats, water, sunflower oil and salt.
• Climpson & Sons recently launched its After Hours range, including espresso martini (ready to serve from the tap or shaken) and small-batch Midnight Oil coffee liqueur.
• Consistent Shred™ – available as a premium Soft Melt Mozzarella & Cheddar blend, is the latest addition to the Spinneyfields pizza topper range from Ornua Ingredients Europe.
• Sustainable water provider EauVation is launching the Table Top Acqua 20, providing pure, chilled and sparkling drinking water instantly on demand.
• Tails Cocktails is launching its Garden Cocktail.  Made with a mix of gin and elderflower, with notes of cucumber and basil, it can be served on ice and topped with soda water.
• FrieslandCampina is launching Yazoo No Added Sugar Strawberry Flavoured Milk with the category’s first bendable paper straw.

And that’s just from a dozen of the show’s 200+ exhibiting companies (offering everything from ingredients to food and drink, from smart kitchen kit and front of house, to payment solutions and catering tech).  Over 100 are also expected to enter this year’s much-sought-after Casual Dining Innovation Challenge awards (more details, including the stellar line-up of judges, will be released next month).

It is this continued focus on new innovations and promoting the best choice of suppliers from across the sector, that has won Casual Dining a legion of repeat visitors - from multi-site restaurant, pub and bar groups, to hotels, contract caterers and the nation’s best independents.

“Casual Dining 2019 provided a great opportunity to engage with innovative new suppliers and network with existing contacts.  It’s a great event and one I look forward to returning to in 2020,” says Mark Carter, head of drinks category management at Marston’s Pubs & Bars.

“Casual Dining is the ‘must attend’ event for our sector.  With all suppliers under one roof, it’s an efficient way of seeing new product innovations from businesses you know well, plus some great supply alternatives from businesses you know less about,” says Tracey Brown, food & beverage director at Jupiter Hotels.

“Casual Dining is a great show that brings hospitality leaders, new talent, tech and exciting new trends under one roof,” says Sameer Shetty, operations director at Hubbox.

Free trade registration

Over 5,000 attendees will attend Casual Dining 2020 at ExCeL London over 25-26 March.  For further information and to register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk and use priority code CD10 (alternatively, use direct link: https://eventdata.uk/VISITOR/CasualDining2020.aspx?TrackingCode=CD10).

[1] Source: www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/qas/speaker-qa-mark-wogan-homeslice

[2] Source: www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/news/food-drink-trends-for-2020