Ten of the 40-strong group of UK garden and leisure product suppliers that will be exhibiting as part of the British exhibitor group at spoga+gafa in Cologne in 2014 will be exhibiting in Germany for the first time.
The group, organised by the Gardenex export federation, will be aiming to emulate the long-term business successes of previous exhibitors. The major international trade event has been a regular highlight of the federation’s overseas initiatives for over 40 years, and in 2013 many exhibitors in the group secured orders in excess of £100,000 for each company.
Many of the suppliers in the British group at spoga+gafa this year (31 August to 2 September 2014) have been awarded £1,500 UKTI government cash grants towards stand space and fitting costs under an arrangement secured by Gardenex.
The British firms will be displaying an array of new products in ten garden related sectors. Among some of the more interesting displays will be: a gazebo that has been wind tested up to hurricane force; weather responsive solar powered automatic watering systems; new indoor planter covers from a recipient company of this year’s Queen’s Award for International Trade; new Royal Horticultural gifts for gardeners; and vegetable cages from a product winner at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In addition to the product suppliers’ stands within the UK pavilion and other halls, international buyers can visit the UK garden industry information stand which is being organised and manned by the Gardenex federation’s team of multi-lingual staff, who have extensive experience of the UK gardening industry and exporting. The stand is recognised by overseas buyers as being the focal point from which to receive information about all the exhibitors’ products and also on garden and leisure products from hundreds of British firms not exhibiting at the show.
The British product sectors are:
1. Garden Care & Practical Garden Accessories
Bosmere Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D33) is renowned for its ranges of protective furniture covers, bags and garden sundries. Celebrating 35 years in the industry, Bosmere will be launching a new SimplyCover range of next generation furniture/barbecue covers in three subtle shades of bramble, blackberry and barley colours with contrasting piping on the seams. All of the covers are made from wipe-clean PEVA fabric and have reinforced tension points and a built-in cord plus cord lock.
Faulks & Cox Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D38) will be displaying its colourful flexible two-handled tubs, including a new miniature “Tubtrug® Micro”. The miniature Tubtrug can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from the growing of chillies to acting as a pen holder or a party snacks holder. The “Tubtrug® Micro” is available in a counter-top Profit Pack™, making it an ideal impulse purchase item.
Garland Products/Worth Gardening Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C30) will be addingfifty new products to the Garland/Worth Gardening range as part of the Garland Group’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The major presentation of practical items to the garden, leisure and hardware trade will comprise three new product ranges, five new clip strip promotions, twenty-one new promotion bins and fourteen new pallet deals. New for 2015 are ‘grow your own’ products, trug planters, kneeling mats, lawn care products, garden tidying tools and Christmas tree items.
Haws Watering Cans (Hall 9.1, Stand C34)is renowned in the UK and overseas markets for its quality metal and plastic indoor and outdoor watering cans. The full range of Haws’ cans will be on show at spoga+gafa, and includes a hand painted Union Jack design traditional 4.5 litre can, together with a new range of hand tools, quality-made leatherware, gift products and various jugs and vases.
Laura Ashley/Treadstone Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C33) will be displaying a new range of Laura Ashley garden and outdoor products as well as new styles of existing patterns. The range is designed in the UK and all of the fabrics are now made in the UK. New materials such as goatskin leather are being utilised in the production of the glove range.
Nether Wallop Trading (Hall 9.1, Stand D31a) is complementing its range of innovative practical tools and imaginative garden gifts with the introduction of a Tool Track Rack designed to appeal to practical gardeners. The rack is very strong, extendable up to 38”/965mm and holds up to 15 tools. Supplied with fixings for wood or brick, the British-made Tool Track Rack will be of interest to anyone wishing to maximise storage space in the potting shed.
Nutscene (1922) Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D36) will be displaying its range of high quality twines and raffia for use in the garden. The colourful collection of biodegradable branded twines and gifts provide a new concept that will add an explosion of colour to garden settings.
Parasene (Hall 9.1, Stand C38) will be showing its various ranges of greenhouses accessories, wheelbarrows, propagation and ‘grow your own’ items. The company will also be showing a new range of brightly coloured galvanized mini bins ideal for use in the kitchen, greenhouse or garden, to store kitchen waste, compost, seeds and pet food. Another new item is a mini patio incinerator for disposing of important documents or small amounts of garden waste.
Straight PLC (Hall 9.1, Stand D32) is a leading UKmanufacturer of environmental products and associated services. On show will be the company’s award-winning BeGreen and Harcostar ranges of home and garden products that includes water butts, compost bins and recycling containers. The items are produced from recycled materials and renewable energy in order to meet the environmental credentials of the products.
2. Garden Furniture & Outdoor Leisure
Bambrella (Hall 3.2, Stand H1) produces some of the strongest parasols available on the market. The company’s new design of gazebo was voted the ‘Best New Product for 2014’ at the Solex Exhibition, which is the main outdoor living trade show held in the UK in July. The Alize gazebo is made from laminated bamboo and has been wind tunnel tested up to 126mph, which is hurricane force.
Blastcool (Hall 5.1, Stand C79) will be showing its new range of electrical safety approved outdoor refrigerators. The refrigerators cool drinks five times faster than an ordinary household fridge and their stainless steel finish adds a professional appearance to outdoor kitchen projects.
Bramblecrest (Hall 2.2, Stand F30) will be exhibiting its ranges of finest teak, cast aluminium, woven and granite garden furniture. All of the products are designed in-house and distributed from the company’s UK warehouse. High stock levels are maintained to ensure that a fast delivery service is provided throughout the year, especially at the peak of the summer season when demand is at its greatest.
Garden Games Ltd (Hall 5.2, Stand G38) is adding seven new items to its ranges of large outdoor games, toys and playtents. The new products that will provide fun for all age groups are a jumping Joey, racing water slide, party sports day set, parachute game, target toss, tin can alley and giant dominoes in a bag.
3. Plants, Planters & Plant Care
Gardenskill Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand E35) will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of crop protection products including the Build a Ball system of crop cages, as well as innovative ranges of netted, polythene, fleece and insect deterrent mesh pop-up cages, tunnels and cloches. The GardenSkill range also includes stackable raised beds, drawstring fleece jackets and bamboo cloches.
G Plants Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D39) is a manufacturer and supplier of gardening products, gifts and ornaments, and this year has launched several new products including Snails Pace™ grass seed and Rooster™ Organic Fertiliser. The products will be on show together with the company’s latest Ultra Basket™; a complete mixture of trailing seeds, coir, watering crystals and fertiliser.
Harrod Horticultural (Hall 9.1, Stand D37) manufactures fruit cages, arches, pergolas and plant support frames. The Harrod Horticultural Slot & Lock vegetable cage range, which won the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Product of the Year in 2014, will be launched internationally at spoga+gafa. They feature connectors with an innovative screw locking system to keep the framework rigid, plus ‘frame saver clips’ that detach the netting from the framework to prevent damage in hurricanes and snow, and to enable easy year-round access.
Hydrogarden Wholesale Supplies Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D35) will be exhibitinga complete, modern range of products for propagation including new Root!t rooting gel which helps natural root development of cuttings, replacing the need for hormone rooting powder. Also on show will be Root!t First Feed, the only proprietary feed for young plants and cuttings.
Pennine Manufacturing (Hall 9.1, Stand D38a) will be exhibiting its EasyFill Pro ® range of plant baskets that are particularly easy to side plant. Other products on show will be: 1-level, 2-level and 3-level plant stands; a flat-pack rust-proof EasyFill hanging basket bracket; a new vertical wall garden system incorporating the patented EasyFill pro features; and ground mats and underground water storage/attenuation crates.
Strata Products (Hall 10.1, Stand G58) will be launching the Sankey by Strata range of planters and propagators at spoga+Gafa 2014, having recently acquired the brand and product range. These new items will enhance the existing Strata Products garden product portfolio and will complement the popular Ward by Strata range of watering items, planters and garden sundries.
UPI Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D31) will be showing its water-efficient hanging and vertical planters, including the first-time showing of “The Unique Hydra” Buoyancy Operated Planter’ (iBOP). The planter eliminates the worry of being away during hot weather conditions. Invented and produced in the UK, the 1.7L easy-fill visible reserve reservoir enables water to be delivered automatically on demand, thereby allowing plants to receive a consistent moisture level.
Suttons (Hall 9.1, Stand C36) will be showing its extensive range of flower, vegetable and herb seeds that are suitable for all ages and abilities. For 2015, Suttons new ‘Small Spaces’ range has eye-catching packaging and features the latest compact-growing and easy-to-grow varieties for windowsills, pots, baskets, beds and borders. The extended range of Suttons Seed Tapes has new packaging, and includes Successional Harvest Collections for year-round crops as well as Seasonal Tape Collections. There will also be over 100 exciting new flower varieties as well as eye-catching ‘Floral Fusions’ ‘shaker’ pots.
What More UK Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand A29) will be launching a new range of ‘Studio’ indoor planter covers that will complement the extensive ranges of outdoor planter, garden furniture and other related plastic garden items produced by the company. In 2014, What More UK was presented with the Queens Award for International Trade.
VegTrug (Hall 9.1, Stand D30) will be exhibiting its iconic V-shaped raised vegetable garden range. VegTrugs are available in a range of sizes, formats and materials, all providing raised areas for growing anything from herbs to strawberries to root crops. They make a fashionable and stylish statement, popular with city gardeners attracted by their need for minimal space. They are also a practical option for traditional gardeners, providing an easy working height. Fun for children, the V-shape also ensures easy access for elderly or disabled users.
4. Garden Lighting & Decoration
Smart Solar (Hall 9.1, Stand C39) will be extending its range with the addition of a number of new solar powered lighting and water feature products. A new collection of battery powered lighting under the Smart Garden brand will also be on show. Providing a complete all year round lighting solution, the new battery range consists of 32 products including string lights, lanterns, utility, decor and trees.
The Solar Centre Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D34a) will be showing a range of solar home and garden lighting products that have been designed in the UK using the latest technology to maximise efficiency, performance and reliability. Six new home and garden products that utilise the practicality of remote energy through solar will be launched at the show.
Home2Garden (Hall 9.1, C32) will be exhibiting its ranges ofgarden sculptures, wind spinners and solar ornaments. As one of the UK’s leading online luxury garden decoration providers, the company specialises in manufacturing and supplying wind spinners, wind chimes, hand- blown glass and innovative solar lighting products. Over 50,000 units of the company’s latest design, a Solar Flower Crackle Ball, have been sold into Germany, France, the USA and the UK to date.
5. Garden Tools
Crest (Hall 9.1, Stand E33) is showing its traditional, quality cultivating tools and modern cutting tools that offer widespread appeal to European and international buyers. The company is also launching a new watering range that comprises quality hosepipe, hose carts, sprinklers, guns and connectors plus a new range of blackened chrome fittings and hose reels. Also on show will be various propagation units.
Burgon & Ball (Hall 9.1, Stand E31) is exhibiting a new range of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) practical gardener’s gifts that are suitable for both men and women. The range includes various trowels and forks, secateurs, kneelers, gloves and gardener’s handkerchiefs. The company’s hand tools, large tools and cutting tools, designed to exceed both British Standards and performance expectations, are all now endorsed by the RHS. The company is at the leading edge of garden tool and accessory innovation and design, and in recent years has launched some of the best received new products in the industry.
Darlac (Hall 9.1, Stand E39) is adding new Ergo pruners, snips, cut and hold secateurs, a left-handed pruner, perennial shears and sleek Expert topiary shears to its garden tool range. The company specialises in quality lightweight tools and unusual implements for gardening. Also on show will be Darlac’s Swop-Top system that comprises telescopic poles and various accessories for pruning and cleaning, and the latest Expert Range that includes pruners, shears and loppers.
Greenman Garden Tools (Hall 9.1, Stand D36a) will be extending its traditional English style garden tools selection with the addition of a new range of natural and ergonomic tools featuring a traditionally steam- bent extra-long ash wood handle with a longer lipped socket for superior strength that results in a beautiful useable tool.
6. Garden Clothing
Briers (Hall 10.1, Stand A51) will be launching its Historic Royal Palace Product Collection, sales of which provide a contribution to support five of the most iconic palaces belonging to the Queen. The collection includes rubber clogs and boots, gloves, umbrellas and garden product collections. Briers is also the licensee behind the award-winning Gruffalo® range of children’s gardening clothes and accessories, and has also teamed up with HemingwayDesign to create ranges of garden Wellington boots, gloves and raincoats.
7. Water Technology
Irrigatia (Hall 9.1, Stand C36a) will be exhibiting its weather responsive solar automatic watering system that is ideal for small to medium gardens or allotments, and can be used for pots, raised beds, hanging baskets, vegetables and greenhouses. The kits use solar power to pump water and feed from water barrels without the necessity of wires, hose pipes or watering cans. The kits are easy to install and set up and will provide water automatically every three hours during the day and apply more water during sunny conditions.
Porous Pipe (Hall 9.1, Stand E30), the UK manufacturer of soaker hose irrigation products, is introducing new Porous Pipe branding and display units at spoga+gafa. New products on show will include Porous Pipe Tree Soaker Ring Kits and Micro Bore Patio Kits.
8. Garden Buildings
Nordic Garden Buildings (Hall6.1, Stand A58) has a number of innovative free-standing PVC garden buildings for 2014, including a new Pergoda Pavilion. The company’s pavilions, orangeries and greenhouses are inspired by Scandinavian design and quality and are available in 4,000 combinations of style, size, roof type and colour. The products are insulated, double-glazed, maintenance-free and offer affordable luxury. Nordic exports to over 10 different countries and was winner of the coveted Glee "Retailers Choice Award" in 2013.
Trimetals Limited (Hall 6.1, Stand C51) will be launching a new range of metal garden sheds. The sheds will feature a combination of contemporary design, precision engineering and the highest quality components. Also on show for the first time will be a new metal Patio / Decking box. The new products have a 25 year panel guarantee.
Yardmaster (Hall 6.1, Stand A43) is a leading European manufacturer of flat-packed DIY metal garden buildings. The company will be exhibiting its four product ranges, which are pent-roof sheds suitable for smaller gardens or balconies; apex-roof models in three styles ranging in floor area from 2 sq m to 11 sq m; ship-lap models in pastel green colours; and imitation wood-grain models, which do not require the maintenance associated with wood.
Vitavia Garden Products Ltd (Hall 6.1, Stand A48/B49) will be introducing two new hobby greenhouses called the Phoenix and Apollo, which each have low threshold doorways enabling easy access for wheelchairs or wheelbarrows. Vitavia manufactures twelve greenhouse models, each in up to five sizes and three colour finishes, which are anodized aluminium, powder coated green and black.
9. Pest Control
Catwatch (Hall 9.1, Stand D34) is manufactured by Concept Research Ltd, which has been selling its animal deterrent products throughout the world for the past twenty years. The company’s entire range of animal deterrents is now produced in the UK following the transfer of its indoor mouse deterrent pest controller manufacture. The move will ensure total quality control and shorter lead times for its customers.
STV International Ltd (Hall 7.1, Stand E11) will be unveiling a number of new pest control products for home and garden use. These include Defenders, which is a three-step attack on moles that identifies mole-runs and assists the successful placement of mole traps. There is also a new-look Zero In range of insect sprays, powders and baits for the control of household pests such as flies and ants. The products are colour coded for easy and successful product selection.
10. Other Products
Envira Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C38a) will be focusing on the selling and developing of its trademarked brand of de-icing products throughout Europe. The range comprises a granular de-icer and two new developments, which are a deep freeze granular de-icer that freezes down to minus 40 degrees and an environmentally friendly liquid de-icer. The products are safe for people, animals, plants, paths and structures.
