Timber outdoor entertaining, furniture and structures specialist, Zest has entered a dynamic new phase of growth and progress under the leadership of Andrew Baker, who took on the role of Managing Director a year ago following a 16-year career with Zest including 10years as Finance Director. 

The last year has seen an increasingly focused, collaborative, and customer-driven way of working – one that is already delivering new products and strong results. 

Now celebrating its 20th year, Zest has innovation, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement at the heart of the business.  It is also advancing its commitment to positive environmental and social impact, including the pursuit of B Corp accreditation as part of a broader, purpose-led approach.  With more new products, and research into a younger and more diverse target consumer, alongside continued commitment to its heartland of core garden enthusiast consumers and stockists, Zest is back at Solex with a showcase of retail opportunities.  

The company is showing its outdoor cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining collection at the show, following huge success in the 2024 season, adding more modular products and ‘sets’ to the popular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen concept which has been enhanced, as well as a new pergola and a garden shelter.  

New Product Development and B Corp

In the last year Zest has appointed Reza Yaghoubi as its new product development manager.  Reza has already been with the company for two years via Zest’s commitment to its KTP Knowledge Transfer Programme.  Zest has also taken the time to commit to achieving B Corp certification which it hopes to secure this year.  Certified B Corporations are companies verified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability and with the planet to be considered as well as profit.   Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  

Zest’s Solex launches include:

• The Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Island Set.  
  • A wider selection of Zest Terraza modular units including singles and open-fronted double units. The range has been redesigned and the new models feature a sturdier frame, pre-hung doors, for simplified assembly and adjustable shelving.
• The Zest Terraza Egg BBQ range, a choice of outdoor kitchen units designed for use with popular Egg BBQs.
• The Zest Truro 2.4m Garden Shelter complete with back
• The Zest Ludlow Corner Pergola with optional Back
• The Zest Jersey Arbour and a new Lara Bench, both adding to Zest’s popular darker wood, dipped range.

Charity Commitments

Solex will also see Zest showcase commitment to its 2025 nominated charities, Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru and North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR) to mark Zest’s 20th anniversary.  So far, the company has raised over half of its £24,000 target from numerous employee events.  These have included Zest’s annual charity yard sale, participation in marathons and half marathons including London  and Chester, The Survivor endurance event, and the completion of the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in which a Zest team led by Andrew Baker tackled Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan all in a single day.

Promotional Support for Stockists

As in previous years, Zest will be promoting the complete cooking and entertaining collection in national consumer magazines in its Spring and Summer 2026 campaign as well as in digital media to build brand awareness and signpost customers to stockists, and online retailers.

Commenting on Zest’s Solex presence, Andrew said, “Zest is continuing its journey into a consumer-focussed era, and we know we are on the right path.  The ‘entertain, relax’ outdoor concept has been well researched with consumers and is also proven in terms of sales, so we adding to this exciting retail offer with even more appealing kitchen sets and modular options.

“I am also delighted in our 20th year to see so much progress on charity fundraising, which is not only good for the charities the company supports, but equally good for employee mental health.”

In his Zest career, Andrew has been a lead on chosen charity initiatives ensuring the company is looking to raise over £200,000 by the end of 2025.  He is a keen marathon runner, and health and wellbeing is a key factor for the whole company. 

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2025 or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk