GTN Xtra - GTN Xtra - Issue 23 2016

The garden industry got behind the Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016 in a big way on Friday with hundreds of innovative and exciting fund-raising events in aid of Greenfingers. 24 hour Plantathons took place at Alton's, Byrkley, Fryers, Squires and Studley Garden Centres...

See Pictures of the Plantathons

The garden industry got behind the Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016 in a big way on Friday with hundreds of innovative and exciting fund-raising events in aid of Greenfingers. 24 hour plantathons took place at Aton's, Byrkley, Fryers, Squires and Studley Garden Centres.

Industry leaders, celebrity gardeners and garden centre staff planted pots for 24 hours on Garden Re-Leaf Day, raising thousands of pounds for their endurance efforts and from the sales of the planted pots over the weekend.

Bob Hewitt at Byrkley Park Garden Centre completed his 24 hour marathon with 700 pots planted, of which 200 had been sold by the time he completed his 24 hour stint.

At Alton Garden Centre, Andy Bunker planted on his own during Thursday night but had the company of Southend United FC's manager Phil Brown and gardening great Peter Seabrook for the final hour on Friday.

Dennis Espley, MD of Squires Garden Centres was joined by Chelsea Gold Medallist Andy MacIndoe and Andrew Gill, President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture to add to the planting fun.

At Hillviews Studley Garden Store, manager Tom Cook planted alongside CEO Boyd Douglas Davies during the night, sustained by You Tube videos of Kylie playing on a big screen they rigged up in the centre. By 9pm they had already filled their first trolley of planters to go off to one of the other centres at Billing.

GTN offers full congratulations to all of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Plantathon participators. This is a great idea that many more centres could adopt to gain local publicity and raise money for Greenfingers in a very gardening way.

If you've not had a chance to donate and help raise funds to enable Greenfingers to build more gardens at Childrens Hospices here are the Plantathon fundraising links:

Squires:https://www.justgiving.com/squires-24-hour-plant-athon

Alton's: https://www.justgiving.com/pete-lowis/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=pete-lowis&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Hillview Studley: https://www.justgiving.com/Boyd-Douglas-Davies/>

Byrkley: https://www.justgiving.com/Bob-Hewitt1

Fryers: https://www.justgiving.com/BlueDiamond

Second Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk is a stroll through the country

The second Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk, through the Berkshire countryside, starting and finishing at the HTA Offices in Theale raised over £10,000...

See GTN Xtra's pictures from the walk

The second Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk, through the Berkshire countryside, starting and finishing at the HTA Offices in Theale raised over £10,000.

Staff from The HTA, Cadix, GIMA, Kelkay, The Great British Card Company, Briers, Hozelock, Hornby Whitefoot PR, i2i Events, DLF Trifolium and GCA Inspector Alyson Haywood completed the 20 mile walk in record time with the final group reaching the pub next to the HTA offices at 4:00pm.

The walk was organised by the Greenfingers team and Fundraisind Manager Linda Petrons told GTN Xtra; "this years walk is on target to raise over £10,000. Thank you for a fantatsic effort."

Support on the route was provided by GTN's Trevor and Karen Pfeiffer, ably assisted by Olly and Floyd. "Walking the puppies along about a third of the route helped me acheive my sposored slim target too."

Stop Press: It's rumoured that Robbie Cumming of Horbny Whitefoot PR took a step too far after the walk as he lept into the Avon and Kennet canal to give his fundraising a boost. We've still to see the pictures yet.

Weight loss target acheived - thank you for all your help and support
Pounds 4 Greenfingers update from Trevor Pfeiffer

GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer used the Garden Re-Leaf Day sponsored walk as part of his final push to loose 1 stone in weight during the six weeks between the GCA Conference in Brighton and Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016...

GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer used the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk as part of his final push to loose 1 stone in weight during the six weeks between the GCA Conference in Brighton and Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016.

"On the morning of Garden Re-Leaf Day I was still 1 pound away from my target, so having our puppies Olly and Floyd with us as part of the support team for the Sponsored Walk meant I had plenty of opportunity to work off those extra ounces. The result on weighing in yesterday morning was more than I'd expected at 14 stone 3 pounds. Mission accomplished!

"Thank you for all the messages of support I've had over the past few weeks, that has been a great motivation. If you are able to make a donation to Greenfingers via my Just Giving page that would be wonderful: https://www.justgiving.com/Trevor-Pfeiffer

"Immediately after conference I went down with a bout of man flu, so I was only able to get the diet up and running on Wednesday 3rd February. My start weight was registered as 15 stone 4 pounds.

"On that plan I can eat normally on non-fast days but only a maximum of 600 calories on fast days.

"Your donation to Greenfingers via https://www.justgiving.com/Trevor-Pfeiffer will give me all the extra motivation I need to make sure I get there.

"I'm now going to continue on with the 5:2 diet to acheive my overall target of getting to 13:04 by Chelsea Flower Show. I'm looking forward to raising even more money for Greenfingers when I reach that target from all the kind people who've also said they would support me."

Next year I wonder how many pounds of lost weight can the UK gardening industry convert into £'s cash for Greenfingers by Garden Re-Leaf Day?

Easter deal on the the UK’s bestselling growbag sundry

With the earliest Easter, since 2008, just a week away, it’s still not too late to make the most of an egg-stra special deal on the the UK’s bestselling growbag sundry, the Growpot® - from Garden Innovations.

Not only are they holding the price for their ‘Award Winning’ product for yet another year, if you order within the next few days they can provide carriage-paid delivery in time for the Easter Weekend…but you’d better get cracking!

Unlike other growbag sundries which have been diluted into large supplier sundry ranges, the Growpot® is proud to remain a standalone and standout product.

It’s recognised brand name and superior design maintains its greater ‘perceived value’ in the eyes of the consumer. Not only has it has it won numerous industry awards for its technical and environmental qualities, the Growpot® was a recent ‘Winner’ of the ‘Best Buy’ product for a grow bag, conducted by ‘Garden News’. In the independent and impartial test the magazine said: “The Growpots produce the best results and their neck fits snugly inside the bag so no water is lost”.

This is proof positive that the Growpot® is the best ring culture system available: they produce stronger, healthier plants and bigger fruit yields - up to 40% with tomato plants. They fit all types and size of grow bag, and use 30% less water than traditional growing methods.

Growpots® are available in full and half-pallet size weather-proof correx displays, complete with full colour point-of-sale header. Each set of pots comes with a peelable waterproof vinyl instruction label and a winter storage clip,

Growpots® continue to represent great value compared to other grow bag sundries and with Garden Innovations offering free delivery on any top-up orders throughout the season, Easter is the time to secure those early Spring sales.

For more information call 01903 859100, email info@garden-innovations.co.uk or visit www.garden-innovations.co.uk

Stewart invest £400k to boost decorative planters output

Stewart has invested £400,000 in new rotational moulding machinery to boost manufacturing capacity in its fast-growing decorative pots and planters category...

Stewart has invested £400,000 in new rotational moulding machinery to boost manufacturing capacity for its textured decorative pots and planters.

The new machine is expected to increase output by 27% within a year to meet rapidly increasing demand for the families of stone, metal and wood ‘lookalike’ products in the Stewart range. “Roto-moulded products have become some of our fastest-growing lines – we can’t make enough of them,” MD Andy Burns (pictured) told GTN Xtra this week.

Output from the new Ferry RotoSpeed RS-3000 rotational moulding machine at the manufacturer’s state-of-the art factory in Banbury is equivalent to three of the existing ones.

“It will help us realise our growth potential and enhance our reputation for quality, timely and accurate production,” Burns said. “Our analysis shows that the payback period for this investment will be relatively short. This is a sizeable investment that proves once again that Stewart is a committed market leader.”

Stewart Garden’s customer base of around 1,600 outlets in the UK and Ireland includes more than 600 independent garden centres as well as garden centre and DIY chains.

Edward Boult makes it 3 for Grovewell Garden Centres

Grovewell Garden Centres has acquired their third Centre at Hawkinge, near Folkestone and on target to be open for business by May...

Grovewell Garden Centres has acquired their third Centre at Hawkinge, near Folkestone and on target to be open for business by May.

Re-developing the 17 acre site, previously home to MacFarlanes Garden & Butterfly Nursery, Director Edward Boult says, “We are very excited by this acquisition. After three very strong trading years it’s great to add a third Centre to the mix.”

Operation Manager Paul Dye added, “We have a lot of work ahead of us but we will have the first phase of the Plant Area at the new Folkestone Garden Centre open to the public in just over a month”.

Centre Manager Paul Smith will be driving the Folkestone Centre forwards with plans for an Aquatic Centre & Groves Coffee Shop & Restaurant. He says, “We aim to build on the success and reputation of Canterbury and Tenterden Garden Centres. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from staff and locals so far and I’m really looking forward to building a Centre we can all be proud of.”

Grovewell Garden Centres will now comprise the new Folkestone Garden Centre at Hawkinge, Canterbury Garden Centre & Tenterden. The latter, a family owned business, has been trading under Director Edward Boult and his team since April 1999. Purpose built Canterbury Garden Centre ( pictured above) opened Easter 2009.

Will Garden Re-Leaf Day spark sales at garden centres?

Garden Re-Leaf Day and a weather forecast that is set fair for the weekend is just what’s required to make sure the sales volumes line for 2016 goes up in the right direction.

Garden Re-Leaf Day and a weather forecast that is set fair for the weekend is just what’s required to make sure the sales volumes line for 2016 goes up in the right direction.

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

Garden Products - down 10%
Veg-2-Gro - down 23%
Growing Media - down 6%
All Items Index - down 10%

We’ve been doing some development work in the background for GTN Bestsellers looking at different ways we can bring you the sales charts and other analysis from the EPoS data we receive every week.

One of the areas we are exploring is a combined chart of all products that are purchased for use in the garden or indoor gardening.

Below is the Top 20 from that analysis for last week. How does it match your own bestsellers?

Over the coming weeks we will be contacting as many GTN Bestsellers readers as possible to discuss the alternative ways we could deliver the charts and other ideas we have for more useful analysis. We look forward to hearing your views.

British Garden Centres acquires its 10th store

East Durham Garden Centre – formerly Plants R Ross – in Easington, Co. Durham, has been acquired by British Garden Centres, which now has a total of 10 stores in its portfolio...

East Durham Garden Centre – formerly Plants R Ross – in Easington, Co. Durham, has been acquired by British Garden Centres, which now has a total of 10 stores in its portfolio.

According to the garden centre group, East Durham will be developed in the near future.

East Durham will join British Garden Centres existing group, which contains: Arcadia Garden Centre, Brigg Garden Centre, Chapel Garden Centre, Gilberdyke Garden Centre, Irton Garden Centre, Roxton Garden Centre, Spring Garden Centre, Towneley Garden Centre, and Woodthorpe Garden Centre.

Rising Stars Masterclass held at Barton Grange

The Northern Masterclass of the Rising Stars programme took place at Barton Grange Garden Centre on Thursday (March 17)...

The Northern Masterclass of the Rising Stars programme took place at Barton Grange Garden Centre on Thursday (March 17). A record number of entries from garden centre staff are taking part this year.

The programme, run by Westland Horticulture and the Garden Centre Association (GCA) is now in its eighth year and has been hugely successful to date, welcomed by the industry and participants alike.

This year a total of 33 people signed up for the programme and ultimately one will achieve the title of Rising Star of 2016.

The Southern Masterclass kicked off at Squires Garden Centre in Shepperton on March 1, where Ian Boardman, IBBIS (UK) Director and Rising Stars facilitator put the entrants through their paces. Ian gave hints and tips on how to increase sales and profits from every square metre in their garden centres and more importantly, how to ensure that customers have a great experience each time they visit.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland Horticulture said: “This year we made the decision to have a North and South first masterclass to make travelling easier for candidates. The industry is thriving and more and more are pursuing and gaining success in horticultural careers. This has, and will continue to be, helped by initiatives such as the Rising Stars.”

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA said: “The top 5 candidates will deliver their presentations at the next GCA Conference which will be held in January in St Andrews, Scotland. Each finalist will be voted on by their peers and the ultimate winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner. Best of luck to all those taking part!”

Over 90% of planned spoga+gafa exhibition space already booked

Over 90% of the planned exhibition space is already booked at spoga+gafa – a 10% increase compared to the number of applications at the same point in time last year...

The leading international garden trade fair, spoga+gafa, opens its doors in Cologne from 4 to 6 September. After achieving very good results during the first early bird period last October, this was plenty of reason for the organisers to draw a mid-term balance now just under six months before the trade fair begins.

And the outcome is very positive: The status in mid-March is that over 90% of the planned exhibition space is already booked. That corresponds to a 10% increase compared to the number of applications at the same point in time last year. With current applications from 49 countries, the international garden fair is also well on course in terms of internationality.

But not only the figures are convincing, the quality of the applications is also very impressive. There are numerous top companies from home and abroad among the exhibitors of this year's spoga+gafa, which will once again ensure that it is going to be a high-quality product show.

The suppliers of garden furniture are traditionally represented. Among others, Dekovries, Glatz, Hartman, Kettler, Nardi, Scancom, Sieger and Zebra will be presenting their new products at spoga+gafa. The Decoration section constitutes a constantly expanding offer of products.

With participations by Edelman (EFSA), Emsa, Elho, Esschert Design (EFSA), Kaemingk (EFSA), Keter, Lechuza, Scheurich and Soendgen, to mention just a few exhibitors, the number of exhibitors in this product group is correspondingly high. At spoga+gafa 2016, participants such as Barbecook, Landmann, Napoleon, Outdoorchef, Rösle or Weber, will once again ensure that the trade visitors can experience the largest coherent offer of Grill and BBQ products worldwide. In the form of the Landgard Plant Ordering Days, Dieter Denzer Staudenvertrieb, Patzer, Romberg and Selecta-Klemm, living green and new products from the biochemicals and soils segment are also represented at the international garden trade fair from 4 to 6 September.

The current applications from the garden tools segment are also very satisfying. For example, the following have already confirmed their participation at spoga+gafa: Birchmeier, Briggs&Stratton, Freund-Victoria, Gloria, Mesto/Felco, Solo and Tielbürger. GGP, Mogatec/Ikra, MTD//Wolf-Garten/CubCadet and SABO will be represented in the scope of a joint stand, the 'IVG Power Place'. The extensive offer at the international garden trade fair 2016 is rounded off by the product sections Water Technology, Garden Equipment and Sports & Games, including Bestway, Biohort, BM-Massivholz, fitt, Happy People, Hozelock or INTEX.

The spoga+gafa 2016 is open to trade visitors on 4 and 5 September from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on 6 September from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For further information visit www.spogagafa.com.

Cycling, walking, potting, raffling and quizzing - it's all been happening on Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016

Planting, quizzing, afternoon tea, raffles, scarecrow competitions and many more activities have been happening this week as the gardening industry got right behind Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day. Here’s just a flavour of what’s been taking place...

Starting at the HTA headquarters in Theale, 33 intrepid walkers and two dogs challenged themselves to a 20 mile walk across the Berkshire countryside.

Robbie Cumming of Horny Whitefoot PR took a step too far after the walk as he lept into the Avon and Kennet canal to give his fundraising a boost.

Customers and staff were encouraged to support Garden Re-Leaf Day as Old Railway Line, Monkton Elm and Haskins Garden Centres had some fabulous prizes to be won.

Staff at Coolings Garden Centre were sponsored to cycle from Buckingham Palace to Sandringham and didn’t even leave the building in their quest to reach their 220 mile target.

Gardman’s specially designed doormats and Briers gloves and kids tool set were being sold in many centres across the country with a donation from each product sold helping to make a difference.

MDs and CEOs and plant managers, along with very special planting guests and experts donned their gardening #gluvies and planted pots to upsell with a percentage from each sale going to Greenfingers.

And it’s not over yet there’s much more happening in Garden Centres as they gear up to kick start the gardening season, and led by Richard Jackson, Founder of Greenfingers Charity, QVC suppliers will be supporting Garden Re-Leaf Day on special shows this weekend.

However you have or are supporting Garden Re-Leaf Day, you will be helping Greenfingers to bring the precious gift of a garden to more children, and their families, who spend time in hospices right across the UK.

Baby Bio signs up to help Air Ambulance gardening project

The well-known Baby Bio brand has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust to support the Charity’s new ‘Summer of Open Gardens’ fundraising initiative...

The well-known Baby Bio brand has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust to support the Charity’s new ‘Summer of Open Gardens’ fundraising initiative.

Baby Bio has pledged £3,000 to kick-start this year’s Open Gardens project. The announcement was made by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust on 18 March, to coincide with what many consider the start of the gardening year. The initiative aims to encourage all keen gardeners in Essex and Hertfordshire to open their gardens to family, friends and neighbours this summer – all in exchange for donations towards the counties’ life-saving Air Ambulance charity.

Catherine Dorman, Campaign Planner for Baby Bio® said: “Everyone wants hanging baskets overflowing with beautiful plants, patio containers packed with vibrant flowers and lush greenery through to the very end of the season. But we’re often disappointed because most of us forget to feed our plants. Baby Bio® Outdoor is the perfect solution. A balanced feed with added bio-stimulants to help plants take up and use the nutrients to the absolute max, it’s incredibly easy to use.

“Joining forces with Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust is a great way to get people feeding their plants so they get more out of their garden and help a very worthwhile charity along the way.”

Project Ambassador, Ken Crowther – who has presented BBC Essex’s Saturday morning gardening programme for almost 30 years and also runs the country’s only online gardening radio show at WorldRadioGardening.com was at the launch. Ken said: “I've met many gardeners over the years who have opened their gardens and they tell me how much satisfaction they get through letting people enjoy the labours of their love and being inspired, not forgetting usually partaking in some tea and cake.

“It’s hard to believe that such an important resource as the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is not government funded, considering how many lives are saved by this amazing service. So I’m keen to inspire as many gardeners as possible to get involved. For me it’s not about creating the perfect garden but simply about sharing the joy of gardening – and doing some good along the way.”

Summer of Open Gardens takes place across Essex and Hertfordshire from April to September 2016 – participants simply register the date of their Open Garden event with the Charity and encourage their visitors to make a donation on the day.

Jen Wall, Project Coordinator said: “We are a nation of garden lovers and so many of us enjoy spending time making our gardens beautiful. We are so pleased to have both Baby Bio® and Ken Crowther on board and we’ll be making the most of their expertise to help all our green fingered supporters create a garden to be proud of this summer – and all for a great cause.”

In 2015, the Charity piloted its first Summer of Open Gardens in Hertfordshire. Eleven gardens were opened, including the campaign’s flagship garden Bride Hall in Ayot St Lawrence, near Wheathampstead. The pilot project raised over £6,000.

Everyone who signs up before 30 June to open their gardens for the Air Ambulance will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a hamper of Baby Bio® Outdoor products worth £50. The hamper includes a range of products to nourish plants, keep destructive slugs at bay and tackle weeds throughout your garden, including on paths and patios.

Catherine added: “New this season, Baby Bio® Outdoor is the perfect partner for the Open Gardens project. With the launch of BabyBio® Outdoor Flowers & Shrubs and Baby Bio Outdoor Fruit & Vegetables this year, the UK’s favourite houseplant food moved outside.”

The Summer of Open Gardens Fundraising Pack is available now: visit EHAAT.uk.com to download, email: opengardens@ehaat.uk.com or call 0345 2417 690. For ‘Summer of Open Gardens’ gardening and fundraising tips from Ken Crowther and Baby Bio® go to the Herts Air Ambulance or Essex Air Ambulance Facebook pages.

Crowders renamed Wolds View by Wyevale Garden Centres

The former Crowders Garden Centre has been given a new name following voting by 2,000 members of the local community. It will be now called Wolds View, a Wyevale Garden Centre...

The former Crowders Garden Centre has been given a new name, following voting by 2,000 members of the local community.

Members of the Crowders Garden Centre team, alongside key local figures and members of the Horncastle community, gathered this morning (March 16) for the official unveiling of Centre’s new name: Wolds View.

Mayor Coun Angela Birchall revealed the Centre’s new sign, with help from Frank Hayes, Wyevale Garden Centre Commercial Director and Ken Dawson, Garden Centre Manager.

The new name was sought from the community following its acquisition by Wyevale Garden Centres in January, with three shortlisted options - Wolds View, Banovallum, and Horncastle - put to the public vote.

Coun Birchall said: “It was fantastic to be a part of the unveiling of Wolds View, a Wyevale Garden Centre, today.

“The initiative is a leading example of community spirit that is ever-present in Horncastle. It is clear from the number of people present today and the buzz around the voting that the Centre is a pillar of the community, and I know the Centre team will continue to foster this.”

Ken Dawson, Garden Centre Manager at Wolds View, said that close to 2,000 people cast a vote, which shows how important the Centre is in their local community. “We are so pleased to share our new name, Wolds View with the community today, the number of voters confirms the special place our Centre has in Horncastle and beyond. It was fantastic to see everyone get behind the initiative and we’re very happy with the result – a name that we believe strongly reflects our community surroundings.

“We hope to see everyone at Wolds View this weekend to check out the ‘view’ for themselves and enjoy free, family fun to celebrate – our way of saying thank you for your support.”

Simon Nagle, a long serving member of staff at Crowders Garden Centre, said: “Not only am I happy my suggestion won the community’s vote, but along with my colleagues, I’m very proud to have played a part in shaping the future of our Centre through the renaming.”

Wyevale Garden Centres also presented a cheque for £500 to local voluntary emergency services charity Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES), in recognition of the community’s support for the renaming initiative.

LIVES Marketing Manager Steve Hyde says: “Thanks to Wolds View, a Wyevale Garden Centre, LIVES volunteers can continue to dedicate their time to the community with this generous donation – thank you for the support and making us a part of your special day.”

Crowders Garden Centre has for many years supported LIVES, and Wolds View is delighted to continue to support the local initiative.

To continue to shape Wolds View’s new identity, the Centre is challenging schools in the region to design a fourth flag that will join the existing three flying at the Centre’s entrance. The winning design will best portray Wolds View and will become a key part of the Centre’s image.

Entries close on Friday April 22, when the designs will be judged and the winner announced shortly after.

Gordale's Mark says cheese for Swiss experience

The Garden Centre Association Trust has announced that Mark Scott, from Gordale Garden Centre, is its first successful candidate to join the Study Tour Group at the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress...

The Garden Centre Association Trust has announced this month (March, 2016) its first successful candidate to join the Study Tour Group at the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress.

Mark Scott from Gordale Garden Centre has won the Dick Allen Award funding for a UK garden centre employee to attend the event in Switzerland in August 2016.

Sue Allen, Trust Chairman said: “The Study Tour is aimed at younger family members of family-run garden centres and the staff of centres from 19 countries.

“During the six-day annual Congress, the delegates work together analysing the retailers they visit and discussing a huge range of issues common to all of them, from improving profit, reducing staff turnover, dealing with stress to any other points anyone wishes to raise. Valuable contacts and firm friendships are made.

“Seven excellent applications were considered by the Trustees, who found it very hard to select only one lucky recipient for the award.

“Interestingly, all of those applicants work for garden centres that already understand and appreciate the value of the IGCA Congress. It is hoped that in future years far more centres will support this initiative and realise the benefits for their staff and themselves.

“Mark is absolutely delighted with the opportunity to attend and we’re all really looking forward to hearing about the event when he returns.”

The object of the Trust is to advance among the general public and, in particular among horticultural students, education in horticulture, and particularly garden centres, by the provision and administration of scholarships and bursaries, including prizes to foster such education.

In his application, Mark said: “I am hungry for more. More ideas, more inspiration, more opportunities to expand my knowledge, to indulge my passion for garden centre retailing and to strive towards excellence.”

The Trust aims to assist horticultural students to study, research into and gain experience of horticulture and landscaping.

Sue added: “We have every confidence that Mark’s trip will provide the inspiration and greater knowledge he is looking for, in fact all of that and more.”

For further information, please call the GCA on 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.

Photograph caption: (Left to right) Peter and Jill Nicholson, owners of Gordale Garden Centre and regular IGCA Congress attendees, and GCA Trust funding winner Mark Scott.

Show-stopping turn out for Flower Show Forum

Changing attitudes towards growing, dwindling membership and effective communication with a younger audience were among the concerns shared by more than 120 people from gardening clubs across Dorset and Somerset, who gathered at Castle Gardens in Sherborne on Thursday 17 March.

The Flower Show Forum was chaired by Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, who was joined by a panel of experts including Susie Corr from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Affiliated Societies team, Britain’s largest network of gardening clubs and horticultural societies.

Mike Burks explains; “In the lead up to the Flower Show Forum, I was contacted by people from all over the UK expressing their concerns about the plight of the traditional flower show and the challenges faced by people trying to get involved with gardening clubs. During the forum it was clear that many shows are experiencing similar barriers and the panel did a wonderful job in offering advice, sharing stories and directing them to useful tools and resources. I would like to thank all participants for bringing their knowledge, ideas and experience to the floor.”

The discussions, tips and sharing of ideas will continue in an online forum, which The Gardens Group has created at www.thegardeneronline.co.uk/forum. A second Flower Show Forum will take place on Thursday 15 September at Castle Gardens, where those who have attended will be invited back to share how they have implemented some of the ideas discussed.

Picture caption: Flower Show Forum panel (L-R) Dennis Hewitson from Dorset Judges Guild and National Vegetable Society, Tom Crabbe from Motcombe Gardening Club, Ron Benfield, national prize winner for Chrysanthemums from Iwerne Minster Horticultural Society, Aly Pinnock from Charing Garden Society in Kent and Susie Corr from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Affiliated Societies team.

Sales of houseplants grow in February

Houseplants were the best performing traditional category at Garden Centre Association member garden centres during February, according to the organisation's Barometer of Trade report...

Houseplants were the best performing traditional category at Garden Centre Association member garden centres during February (2016).

Sales were 29.83% up compared to the same month last year (2015) according to the GCA’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) report. Other good performers were furniture and barbecues up 29.22% and the best performing non-traditional category, clothing, was up 57.94%.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explained: “After a couple of months of good performances in clothing and gifts, it’s great to see the houseplants category now having its moment. When the winter weather is properly set in it is always nice to be able to bring some much needed colour into the home and one of the best ways to do this is with houseplants, particularly cyclamen and orchids. February was a particularly popular time for houseplants due to Valentine’s Day.

“Other good performers during the month were outdoor plants with sales up 12.1%, garden sundries up 12.8% and hard landscaping up 10.12%.”

Sales in pets and aquatics were 16.55% up, gifts up 25.34% and food hall and farm shop sales up 26.92%.

Iain added: “Sales in catering were also impressive at 17.9% up but seeds and bulbs sales were just 3.76% up, however this is expected to pick up in the following months when more people get out into their gardens.”

For the month of February the overall garden centre performance and Year to Date change was 20.92%.

Jean Nixon, Managing Director at Thetford Garden Centre, said: “At Thetford Garden Centre we have always been strong and committed to retailing houseplants. They are now positioned right at the front of the garden centre and are going from strength to strength.

“We also sense that after several years of lacklustre performance in many garden centres, houseplants are starting to gain some real momentum, winning sales back from the supermarkets.”

The BoT results are the only official GCA trading figures to be released.

Ben Thompson, Director at Garsons Garden Centre, Esher, which has recently opened a new restaurant, said: “Garsons Esher catering traded 115% up year-on-year for the month of February, 2016.

“Our new restaurant facility and menu offer has proved a hit with customers, and has led to overall garden centre visitor numbers and spend increases. Our spring menu is being launched very soon, and the outdoor dining terrace will also open, providing further capacity.”

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.

Wyevale Garden Centres wins 'Best One Stop Shop' award

Wyevale Garden Centres has won GOLD at the highly-coveted Grow Your Own Great British Growing Awards 2016 for ‘Best One Stop Shop’ category...

Wyevale Garden Centres has won GOLD at the highly-coveted Grow Your Own Great British Growing Awards 2016 for ‘Best One Stop Shop’ category. The award presentation was held at a special ceremony at the Edible Garden Show on Friday 11th March.

Nominated and voted for entirely by readers and online visitors of Grow Your Own magazine, the Great British Growing Awards recognises the cream of the crop in horticulture and gardening. The awards reward leading brands, places, garden heroes, books, resources and shops across the growing industry. This year also saw categories judged by the esteemed Chris Beardshaw and Christine Walkden.

A spokesperson at Wyevale Garden Centres said: "We would like to thank the readers of Grow Your Own for their support in winning this award. It is a testament of our efforts to cater to all, under one roof and support the nation in growing their own. This award shines a spotlight on outstanding gardening retailers, for ensuring that the end user, the consumer, gets the service, quality and range of products they expect and we are proud to be chosen for this achievement.”

Pictured: Mark Sage, Plants Buyer (Bedding) accepts award for ‘Best One Stop Shop’ on behalf of Wyevale Garden Centres.

Tribute for Paul Daniels from Greenfingers supporters

Greenfingers #Gluvie supporter Paul Daniels who died last week...

Supporters of Greenfingers have expressed their regret at the passing of Paul Daniels last week. "Paul was a great supporter of Greenfingers and the #Gluvie campaign last year," Briers MD Jackie Eades told GTN Xtra. "Our thanks and our thoughts go to his family. He was a really good man."

Merchandiser/Area Representative
Salary: £20,000 per year

Job Description: Merchandiser/ Area Representative.

Area: Scotland and N East

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £20,000 per year

We are currently seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to look after our accounts across Scotland and the North East, merchandising our dedicated display stands. Previous merchandising experience is preferable, as is some experience of customer service, although full training will be given and the ideal candidate would be located in the North East of England, or southern Scotland.

You will be responsible for approximately 60 customers who will need visiting every 4-6 weeks. These customers are a mixture of garden centres, High Street retailers and out of town retailers.

The work can be physical.

This vacancy would suit a person with experience of FMCG.

Sales or merchandising experience in the Garden Centre retail sector a distinct advantage.

You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships.

The candidate should hold a full clean driving licence. Some overnight stays will be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks.

Company van, telephone and laptop provided. Company Pension Scheme also offered.

Starting salary in the region of £20,000 with an increase after completion of successful 3 month trial period.

Contact Mark Hall, Managing Director, Creative Products by email mark@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

New Business Manager, Glee

Due to the strong growth in Glee, an opportunity has arisen for an exceptional New Business Manager to win completely new business on the UK’s leading garden retail event.

The role focus is on achieving new business growth for Glee, across a range of categories, as well as commercial objectives agreed with the Event Director. These include:

Hitting and exceeding the new business revenue target
Delivering new revenue streams
Increasing average order value and customer growth year on year
Delivering on set KPIs and agreed measurable targets
Increasing conversion rate customer retention and activity to deliver expected new business revenue

Rigorous sales planning ability and exceptional customer skills are vital alongside ‘hunter’ mentality to win the sale and a dogged determination to unearth new business opportunities.

Experience required:

2-3 years sales experience, preferably in an exhibition sales role
Effective sales planning skills
Proven new business hunter skills and target-driven approach
Evident of developing impressive new business from scratch
Strong understanding of effective pipeline management
Strong interpersonal skills
Customer focus
Current clean driving license

Email your CV to: jobs@i2ieventsgroup.com (Reference No. i2i – 220)

Junior Buyer: Garden Care
Competitive salary

Junior Buyer: Garden Care

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Notcutts team as a Junior Buyer for the Gardening category covering all things gardening except Plants at our offices in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Notcutts has a rich history in horticulture with 18 Notcutts Garden Centres across the UK has its own character and we are currently investing heavily in developing our sites further.

The Junior Buyer will take responsibility for selecting and developing the Gardening ranges for our business.

The ideal candidate will understand both the category and customers, possess strong communication and negotiation skills and have a passion and enthusiasm for customers and products.
They should an excellent team player focused on driving sales and profitability.

You can expect a competitive salary plus benefits including pension contributions and a generous company discount.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please forward an up to date CV and covering letter to: recruitment@notcutts.co.uk.

Garden Centre Supervisor
Competitive salary

Assistant Shop Manager
Competitive salary

An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic team player to join Bristol’s Largest Independent Garden Centre as our Shop Assistant Manager.

The Ideal Candidate will possess excellent people management skills, Great Communication Skills and be able to lead and organise your team whilst maintaining excellent customer service sales and service.

The role requires an outstanding merchandiser standards and have a proven track record in motivating teams to exceptional achievements.

In return, we provide a competitive salary, a friendly working environment, staff discount scheme, subsidised social events and a benefits package commensurate with a progressive company.

To apply, please download the application form by clicking here and submit the completed form to info@almondsbury.co.uk.

Please include your current CV and a covering letter explaining why you would be an excellent recruit for this role, including examples of how you could be an asset to our business.

For more information, please email info@almondsbury.co.uk

National Sales Manager Amenity and Landscaping Sector
Salary: Excellent

National Sales Manager Amenity and Landscaping Sector (ref:DS8170)

Location: South West England
Salary: Excellent
Date: 04 Mar
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is the world's leading biochar company, promoting the responsible production and use of biochar products. Biochar is a form of charcoal used for horticulture. Biochar improves the physical and biological dynamics of the soil and is proven to deliver increased productivity, health and vigour in plants, trees and shrubs. Our client produces a range of branded biochar-based blends for commercial horticulture, tree care specialists and hobby gardeners. They are currently seeing a dynamic individual to cover national sales of their products through to the Landscape, Amenity and Tree Care Sector.

The Role

The company has established a solid customer base in its core markets and is now looking for an individual who can support and grow the sales effort, increasing company turnover and profit margin. The role is accountable to the CEO and Commercial Development Manager who will support, guide and work alongside to advise and meet the company's objectives and strategic priorities.
The role will involve the following:

Relationship building with sales prospects and influencers in target markets.
Increase sales to existing customer base.
Identify and secure new customers in the target market.
Set up and manage network of distributors in target markets.
Research and identify new sales and market opportunities.
Present the company and its products face-to-face at trade shows and sales presentations.
Negotiating terms of agreement and closing sales.
Active participation in the development of company sales strategy.

The Candidate

The candidate will have a positive 'can do' attitude.
An inquisitiveness to learn and be challenged.
A warm personality and sense of humour.
Willingness to work hard and beyond the remit when necessary.
A grasp of 'green' principles and understanding of the importance of sustainability.
A proven track record in taking new products to market.

The successful candidate will have autonomy to ensure the sales objectives are met, so will need to be a self-starter, driven to build customer acquisition. They will also contribute to the creation of annual strategic sales plans and supply regular detailed feedback and analysis to inform future planning direction. A proven track record that demonstrates understanding of the sales process from prospect identification to close of sale.

This role demands an ability to think strategically, combined with the ability to multi task. A thoroughly organised individual who can tactically deliver and implement is essential.
Having a sound grasp of what makes this company 'special' and believing in the principles of organic production are essential.

Location: Based in central Bristol (BS1) but required to travel across the UK and Europe for meetings.

Salary and terms: £tbc + commission or performance-based bonus. 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays. Company mobile phone and laptop provided.

To apply for this role click here

Customer Service Assistant
Langlands Garden Centre - Leeds

Plant Area Manager (Full time, including alternate weekends)
West Horsley KT24 6AR

Plant Area Manager (Full time, including alternate weekends)

West Horsley KT24 6AR

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centre’s based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticultural retailing. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment.

West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead. An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at West Horsley.

You will be responsible for managing the outdoor plant department which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.
You must have experience and/or horticultural qualifications and garden centre retail experience.
You will be able to manage your department to achieve sales and profit targets whilst motivating your team to maximise all sales opportunities and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of customer service.
You must have the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for plants, be highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic, inspirational displays.

Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Garden Centre Assistant Manager
Salary: £18,000 - £21,000

Garden Centre Assistant Manager (ref:DS8156)

Location: East Sussex
Salary: £18,000 - £21,000
Date: 02 Mar
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a lovely family run plant and garden centre with great café and farm shop who are based near Brighton. They are currently looking for an Assistant Manager.

The Role

As Assistant Manager you will be responsible for the centre in the absence of the Manager and Owners. This is a hands on role within a close team and offers great potential for someone who is driven and keen to develop their retail career.

The Candidate

The candidate will have great retail background who ideally has an interest or some horticultural experience. The role would suit someone from a garden centre, DIY or supermarket background who is looking to further their career and take a step towards Garden Centre Management in the future.

To apply for this role click here

Bedding Department Head (Full time, including alternate weekends)
West Horsley KT24 6AR

Bedding Department Head (Full time, including alternate weekends)

West Horsley KT24 6AR

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.

You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our West Horsley Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.
You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification.
A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential.
You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays.

Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Grounds Maintenance Team Leader / Supervisor
Salary: £16,000 - £18,000 - dependent on experience

Grounds Maintenance Team Leader / Supervisor (ref:DS7832)

Location: Cheshire
Salary: £16,000 - £18,000 - dependent on experience
Date: 11 Mar
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a leading Grounds Maintenance Company based in East Anglia who carry out a wide range of commercial contracts throughout the UK. They are currently seeking to recruit a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader / Supervisor for their Cheshire Contract.

The Role

Reporting to the Contracts Manager, the ideal candidate will currently be employed in a similar role in the grounds maintenance sector and have great team and supervisory management experience.

Be able to deliver the level of grounds care demanded by the client within the strict deadlines and budgets of the contract.
Liaise with clients when needed.
Be aware of health & safety and quality procedures on site.
Supervision of Teams

The Candidate

The successful candidate should hold a relevant horticultural or landscape qualification.
A full driving license is essential.They should also have good grounds maintenance or landscaping skills and be able to give superb customer service to clients.

Ideal candidate should be based in the Nantwich Area.

Salary range: £16,000 -£18,000 - dependent on experience

To apply for this role click here

Plant Area Sales Assistant (Full time, including alternate weekends)
Twickenham TW2 5PA

Plant Area Sales Assistant (Full time, including alternate weekends)

Twickenham TW2 5PA

Squire’s oldest site with a new centre built in 1993, and is about to undergo a significant facelift. A garden centre that takes a very high turnover for its size, with a strong horticultural focus in plants and sundries, often winning GCA category awards, with the recent addition of new Pets & Aquatics and Craft areas.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is quick and willing to learn and who sees customer service as their main priority.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and energetic, have a passion for plants and an eye for creating exciting detailed displays.
Horticultural experience or equivalent qualifications desirable.
The role will involve bending and lifting some heavy items therefore applicants must be physically fit.

Free parking on site.

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Area Sales Manager / Garden Centre & DIY
Salary: Attractive

Area Sales Manager / Garden Centre & DIY (ref:DS8169)

Location: Yorkshire and the Humber
Salary: Attractive
Date: 11 Mar
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a small but growing provider of wild bird care products supplying the retail, pet and garden centre sectors in the UK Market. Working with recognised high street names and offering a nationally respected and recognised brand name.

The Role

The role will be split between managing existing national retail customers and working with the existing management team to identify and secure new business in line with business strategy. The role is home-based but will involve national travel for several days each month. The position will be offered with an attractive salary, pension, car allowance, laptop, mobile phone and profit share scheme. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to the right individual to help shape a growing company and benefit from that growth through career progression.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated Account Manager with a proven track record in B2B sales or account management with national retail accounts and will work to grow sales by winning new business and developing strong relationships with new and existing retail customers. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential as is the ability to work unsupervised. A self-starter with the passion to persuade retail buyers with a compelling offer and balance sales growth with customer retention.

To apply for this role click here

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Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005

Garden product sales rise from previous week

There are signs in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart that gardeners are itching to get outdoors and work on their plots, and volume sales are over 31% higher than the previous week...

There are signs in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart that gardeners are itching to get outdoors and work on their plots, and volume sales are over 31% higher than the previous week, although down on the same week of the previous two years (-9.15% on 2015 and -15% on 2014.

Here are the highlights of this week’s Garden Products chart:

Bayer Toprose (1kg) is the highest climber, moving up 31 places to No 13.
Smart Solar Eureka! Lightbulb Lantern has jumped from No 25 to the top spot.
The highest re-entry is Woodlodge Spang Pot (4-inch) at No 16.
Gardman Moulton Mill Stainless Steel Hand Trowel is the highest new entry at No 28.

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

Rosemary plants make their Veg-2-Gro mark

Veg-2-Gro sales are higher than the previous week but down on 2015 (-22.5%) and 2014 (-34.3%) but rosemary plants have become the stand-out products in the GTN Bestsellers...

Veg-2-Gro sales are higher than the previous week but down on 2015 (-22.5%) and 2014 (-34.3%) but rosemary plants have become the stand-out products in the GTN Bestsellers.

This week’s Veg-2-Gro star performers are:

Allensmore Rosemary Bush is the highest re-entry, returning to the chart at No 5. Two places behind is Allensmore Thyme.
Bridgen Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis is the highest new entry at No 14.
The highest climber is Mr Fothergills Beetroot Boltardy, jumping 26 places to No 8.
Forty items in the Top 50 have seen increases in volume sales from the previous week.

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

Growing media sales witnessing slight slow down

Growing media sales this week have dropped below levels for the same period of the past two years (-5.8% in 2015 and 11.8% in 2014), a clear indication that gardeners have been stocking up on compost over the past few months. However, volumes are still higher than the previous week, so there is still some buying activity going on.

This week’s star performers include:

Westland Gro-Sure Lawn Seeding Soil (30 litres) is the highest climber, jumping 24 places to No 24.
The highest re-entry is Westland Multipurpose + John Innes (40 litres) at No 18.
Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) takes over top spot.

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

Pictures from The Greatest Christmas Gold-winning Teams

Garden centre teams excelled with their Christmas displays in 2015. Click on any of the gold-winning teams (below) to see a gallery of pictures from each centre. The galleries are sponsored by Kaemingk...

Shakespeare’s New Place chooses nurseries for heritage landmark plants

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is transforming the site where he had his family home for 19 years with help from Wyevale Nurseries...

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is transforming the site where he had his family home for 19 years with help from one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries in Hereford.

Wyevale Nurseries is supplying 4,500 plants to the independent charity to restore the Knot Garden, part of the historic Grade II listed Park and Garden surrounding the site of Shakespeare’s family home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in the creation of this major new heritage landmark, Shakespeare’s New Place, as a key part of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s legacy.

“We have worked closely with Christopher Cunningham, Garden’s Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. We were particularly pleased with his selection of Euonymous japonica ‘Green Rocket’ for the Knot Garden instead of the traditional Buxus because of concerns over pest and disease associated with Buxus.

“Using Euonymous as a replacement is something we are keen to promote to our customers as it is not susceptible to the same problems common box is currently experiencing, but provides the same upright, compact growth, which is easily trimmed to shape. The Euonymous japonica ‘Green Rocket’ also grows fast and as Shakespeare’s New Place plans to open in July it also suited the time frame.”

The Knot Garden is the first part of the historic garden in the grounds of Shakespeare’s New Place to be restored to its former glory. It was set out nearly 100 years ago by Ernest Law, a leading exponent of the Tudor knot garden revival in the early 20th century, and this is its first major renovation in a century.

The new planting scheme is based on the original designs which in turn were based on those found in the Gardeners’ Labyrinth, the popular gardening book by Thomas Hill, which dates back to 1577.

The entire garden – the greatest surviving part of Shakespeare’s estate – is being transformed with architectural landscaping, full accessibility, specially commissioned artworks and new planting schemes.

Christopher Cunningham, Garden’s Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, explained: “The re-presentation of Shakespeare’s New Place is enabling us to transform these gardens from a horticultural point of view, and Wyevale Nurseries has been instrumental in this transformation.

“The new contemporary garden on the footprint of the Shakespeare’s family home has increased planting space by nearly 30%. Walkways are softened by planting designed to be walked over, beds are bursting with colour and smell, and the stone we are using adds its own artistry and offsets our planting. By every measure this is a gardener’s dream, a magical town garden, which can transport visitors into the mind and imagination of Shakespeare.”

The project at New Place is a retelling, rather than a rebuilding, of Shakespeare’s personal home, which was demolished three centuries ago, and the plot has been conserved as a garden in honour of Shakespeare ever since.

The reopening of Shakespeare’s New Place in July 2016 will be a key highlight of the worldwide celebrations of the playwright’s 400 year legacy this year.

Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1930 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.

The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.

The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.

100th candidate awarded Certificate in Water Conservation

Since its launch a year ago, 100 professionals have now completed the ‘Water Conservation Course’ developed through a joint initiative by horticultural and landscape industry trade associations in partnership with a number of UK water companies...

The horticulture sector is now officially awash with water saving specialists, thanks to the success of an online course that has recently reached a major milestone.

Since its launch a year ago, 100 professionals have now completed the ‘Water Conservation Course’ developed through a joint initiative by horticultural and landscape industry trade associations in partnership with a number of UK water companies. The aim is to reduce the demand for water in areas labelled by the Environment Agency as “serious water stressed”.

It requires horticulture professionals to demonstrate high standards of sustainable, cost effective and environmentally sensitive use of water in gardens, parks, sports grounds and other amenity areas.

The certificate enables holders, and the companies they work for, to take a leading role in demonstrating and promoting best water management practice to the public. And, since all new homes and all commercial properties have metered water supplies, those individuals and companies have a potential competitive advantage in helping clients control their water charges, whilst enjoying the benefits of their new garden or landscaping.

Tim Mudge, Chief Executive at the Turfgrass Growers Association, said: “The e-learning course is an important step forward for the industry. It is the first time water companies and trade associations have co-operated so closely for the benefit of the environment. We would urge everyone to take advantage of this course to help manage water in the garden, which is such a precious resource.”

Paul Cowell, Managing director of PC Landscapes Ltd added: “When we learnt about this course we immediately made it company policy that all operatives would take part. Our company ethos is one of sustainability where we design, construct and maintain the landscapes we plan. The online test reflected this perfectly.

“The course not only highlighted the knowledge needed to undertake specialist landscape projects, but also gave clients greater confidence that we were the right company as all our operatives could demonstrate awareness of how water plays a vital role in their landscape projects. This is a must-do course for anybody dealing with the external environment.”

The hour-long course comprises four modules focusing on planning, constructing, establishing and maintaining gardens, grounds and landscapes in ways which use minimal water. It costs £10 plus VAT and can be accessed online by visiting www.htalearning.org.uk

Matthew Walker from Thames Water’s water efficiency team said: “It’s brilliant to see horticulturists taking the subject of water conservation seriously. The last thing we want is to stop people designing and enjoying beautiful gardens but its important they do it in a way that protects precious water resources. If professionals know all about reducing water use in the garden they can pass this knowledge on to their customers so they’re the perfect people for us to be working with.”

Garden retailers criticised for wasted opportunities

British garden retailers are missing out on huge sums of extra revenue by failing to understand – and maximise – their online advertising, a new report has found...

British garden retailers are missing out on huge sums of extra revenue by failing to understand – and maximise – their online advertising, a new report has found.

Leading Google Shopping specialists Dream Agility, whose expertise has been confirmed with an invite into an exclusive Google beta trial for the next generation of online shopping adverts, analysed online garden retailers during the last three months of 2015.

They discovered poorly performing adverts, little optimisation, and a general ignorance about some of the major ways to secure better placed – and potentially cheaper – Google Shopping adverts.

Dream Agility chief executive Elizabeth Clark said: “Garden retailers have got to wake up – they’re throwing away thousands and thousands of pounds in lost revenue through sloppy online advertising.

“In fact, if any garden retailer did get on top of their Google Shopping campaigns, then there’s a substantial opportunity for them to completely dominate gardening shopping online.

“The amount of irrelevant products showing against high-volume search queries shows the size of saving available if retailers had adequate search-term strategies in place – and the uplifts available with the advent of cheaper, more relevant ads, would be magnified even more in the forthcoming months.”

Despite search queries for garden equipment and furniture growing by 14 per cent year-on-year, no single retailer has managed to fully optimise their adverts on the Google Shopping platform.

A lack of understanding around how to title their Google Shopping adverts – known as Product Listing Ads (PLAs) – is seeing most retailers accrue higher costs and lower conversions, while only three out of 53 retailers were running Google promotions on their products, despite this approach typically gaining more sales and more traffic.

Only a quarter of the retailers were making use of every attribute on their PLAs, and ineffective search term strategies are evident for most retailers, leading to increased pay-per-click (PPC) costs and poorer product ranks.

Google Shopping specialists Dream Agility analysed garden retailers during Q4 of 2015. Click here to download the full report.

Roundup launches most effective concentrate yet

RoundupOptima+® Roundup’s newest weedkiller to hit the shelves, is its most effective concentrate formula yet, offering even better performance and value for money...

RoundupOptima+® Roundup’s newest weedkiller to hit the shelves, is its most effective concentrate formula yet, offering even better performance and value for money.

Roundup Optima+ will treat 50% more weeds than its predecessor, Roundup GC, of the same size. It can be used to treat quick growing annual weeds and especially deep-rooted perennial weeds, killing most weeds with a single application.

Absorbed through the leaf and stem, killing right down to the root, Roundup Optima+ will not affect surrounding soil and non-target plants so is safe to use to treat weeds in and around fences, trees, driveways and flowerbeds. It can also be used for lawn renovation and vegetable bed preparation.

Perfect for weed control all around the garden, Roundup Optima+ is the best value concentrate weedkiller for widespread problems. It is available in 140ml, 280ml, 540ml and 1000ml packs, all of which feature a new easy-to-read label design and a no mess child-proof measuring cap.

For further information visit roundup-garden.com.

Roundup Optima+ 140ml RRP: £9.99

Roundup® is a registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

Zest 4 Leisure expand online management team

Zest 4 Leisure has appointed Simon Davison as Business 2 Business Online Manager to strengthen its online presence and new product development...

Zest 4 Leisure has appointed Simon Davison as Business 2 Business Online Manager to strengthen its online presence and new product development.

In this newly-created role Simon reports to Managing Director Steve Morgan and will head up the B2B online strand of Zest 4 Leisure. Simon will be developing the sales of Zest 4 Leisure’s market leading range of timber garden products, through online retailers, focusing on developing relationships with existing and new customers.

Simon comes with a wealth of experience in both high street and online retailing with over 20 years of senior retail Management experience with major high street brands including HMV and Arcadia Group.

Simon was Regional Manager for Waterstones which was part of the HMV group as well as being a senior manager at BHS. Simon has experienced online retail growth in this fast growing sector and sees the opportunities of e-commerce – making him the ideal person for the new job.

Prior to joining Zest, Simon also worked for a technology business that specialised in a range of IT solutions. This new role will support the strategic growth of Zest 4 Leisure and enhance online sales through internet retailers.

Commenting on Simon’s arrival and the creation of the new role, Alwyn Williams, Zest 4 Leisure Sales Manager said, “We are pleased to welcome Simon to the team and look forward to growing the online side of the business. At Zest 4 Leisure we are dedicated to customer satisfaction and we have a commitment to become supplier of choice, and Simon’s role will be a key part of delivering our ambitious plans over the next 3-5 years.”

Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers

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

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

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

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

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

All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

Natural Food Show previews its exhibitor show highlights for 2016

The Natural Food Show – the UK’s biggest trade event for natural and organic food and drink – has released its latest preview of new innovations for 2016.

Part of Natural & Organic Products Europe, which takes place next month at ExCeL London, on 17-18 April, the event has firmly established itself as an essential visit for thousands of local and international buyers, retailers, and press representatives to meet natural and organic product innovators and pioneers from around the world. The following is just a taste of the new natural, organic, fair trade, sustainable, vegan, vegetarian, free-from, and special diet food and drink being exhibited this year.

The Raw Chocolate Company (Vegan Pavilion, stand L30–23) is previewing its new range of products (featuring a complete packaging makeover), including Raw Chocolate Ginger Lemon Bar, Salted Vanoffe Hazelnut Bar, Raw Chocolate Ginger, and Raw Chocolate Almonds. (UK)

Pulsin' (stand M63) is launching Pulsin’ Kids’ Fruity Oat Bars, available in Strawberry, Blackcurrant & Apple, and Orange Choc Chip flavours, targeting parents looking for healthier snacks for lunchboxes. Available in 6x25g multipacks. (UK)

Agrobolivia Superfoods (stand H30), a novel foods approved supplier for chia seeds, chia oil and soft gels, is launching its Pronto Superfoods range to the UK. The new product range uses Chia Seed by-products as a core component, which are mixed with classic supplements to take advantage of the combined nutritional benefits. (New exhibitor, UK)

Follow Your Heart UK (Vegan Pavilion, stand L30-13) is introducing VeganEgg, a new egg replacer that is allergen free, cholesterol free, kosher, shelf stable, preservative free and non-GM. VeganEggs can be used to bake cookies, muffins, cakes, and even cook up fluffy scrambled vegan eggs and omelettes. (New exhibitor, UK)

New to the UK, Paleo Treats™ Europe (stand P44) is launching three new chilled sweet snack products at the show. The Brownie Bomb, Cacoa Now and the Mustang Bar are gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. (New exhibitor, US)

Nuto Nuts (stand P36) is adding a new Maple & Smoked Paprika flavour to its range of popped fox nut snacks, which offer a nutritious alternative to popcorn. Also available in Salt & Pepper flavour. (New exhibitor, UK)

Zootfoods (stand N10) is extending its range with Zoot Zero – a new, no added sugar chocolate bar, made with dark chocolate (70% cocoa), milk chocolate and sweetened with Stevia. The Dark Chocolate comes in three styles: Smooth Dark, Zesty Orange and Hint of Mint. Creamy Milk flavour (with minimum cocoa solids of 43%) is also available. All bars are twin packs featuring 2x20g bars. (UK)

Pukka Herbs (stand J50) is launching The Green Revolution range and The Turmeric Revolution range of herbal teas at the show. Products in the new turmeric range include: Turmeric Active, Wholistic Turmeric, Turmeric Lifekind and Active 35 oil. The Green Revolution range includes a quartet of Matcha green teas. (UK)

SAF Raw (stand S54) is showcasing its ambient impulse buy snacks, including new activated crackers, coconut chips, Nutty Nori, fruity coconut pastilles, kale crisps, cereal bites and activated nuts. They come in convenient grab-and-go recyclable tubes and pouches in 30g-60g ranges. (New exhibitor, UK)

Granny's Secret UK (stand R52) is launching its range of natural cold pressed 100% fruit juices in 14 flavours, including raspberry, sour cherry, wild berry and apricot. These award winning juices are full bodied, with 18 months shelf life. (UK)

Superfood Aronia Drinks (stand R11) is introducing its new range of drinks in Raspberry & Aronia, Blackberry & Aronia, and Aronia – made with cold pressed real fruit, and high in vitamin C and iodine. Suitable for diabetics, Aronia is known as a world class superberry, and has more antioxidant power than acai berries, blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates. (New exhibitor, UK)

BodyMe (stand L62) is launching its organic protein bars, available in three flavours – cacao orange, cacao mint and chia vanilla. The bars contain 16g of plant-fuelled protein, and are handmade, raw processed, vegan, gluten, dairy, soy, and bake free. (UK)

Good Health Naturally (stand G30) is sampling its new organic, gluten free legume Really Healthy Pasta, available in Chickpea, Red Lentil, MungBean, BlackBean, Buckwheat & Golden Flaxseed variants. Ready in 5mins, they are high in protein, Iron, fibre, and low GI. (UK)

Bounce Foods (stand K2) is launching new Coconut Lemon Protein Crush flavour to its Energy Ball range – a chewy mix of coconut, nuts and whey protein, high in antioxidants and vitamin E. (UK)

Healthy Baker (stand R15) is launching its gluten free brownies and gluten free flapjacks – in fruit and multi-seed flavours. Products are made with honey, coconut oil, and zero palm oil. (New exhibitor, UK)

Zealong Tea Estate (stand M65) is introducing its award-winning tea. Its five varieties, including Green, Pure, Aromatic, Dark, and Black, along with a brand new Zealong product (its first ever tea bag), will make its debut at the show. (New exhibitor, New Zealand)

A range of dairy free yogurt alternativesby Koko Dairy Free (stand K40) is making its debut at the show. Soya and allergen free, it is made with freshly pressed coconut cream for a smooth creamy texture, and fermented with live dairy free yogurt cultures for the true taste of yogurt. The fruit variants contain perfectly ripe fruit pieces and natural flavours. (UK)

Helios Ingredients (stand P20) is launching a complete range of gluten-free, vegan coconut based products, including organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, coconut chips, coconut cream and milk, coconut butter (creamed coconut), coconut water, organic coconut sugar, and desiccated coconut. All products are raw, natural and available in both conventional and organic varieties, with low MOQs. (New exhibitor, UK)

Chosan Drinks (stand M65) is launching its Baobab Superfruit drink, made with hibiscus flowers and baobab fruit. Also showcasing: Pure Hibiscus, Hibiscus with Refreshing Mint, and Hibiscus with Fiery Ginger. (New exhibitor, UK)

Breakfast Boost by Naturya (stand J25) is an un-milled superfood breakfast topping. Launching at the show, the cereal is available in three flavours – Seed Crunch, Cacao Crunch, and Superberries. (New exhibitor, UK)

Nuttarin Coconut Oil (Thailand Pavilion, stand N48E) is launching its Coconut Nectar Syrup and Coconut Sugar, which are handcrafted in Bangkok, Thailand. They are free from chemicals, with no preservatives, and also suitable for diabetics. (New exhibitor, Thailand)

Rebel Kitchen (stand L17) is introducing its new range organic coconut yogurts at the show, made from the meat of young green coconuts, grown wild in the Philippines. They contain live vegan yogurt cultures, zero refined sugars, additives or preservatives, and are free from dairy, gluten, nut and soy. (UK)

K-tea Taiwan Organic Tea (standQ12) is launching its organic tea to the UK. Produced in Taiwan’s high mountain area, it is EU, USDA, JAS, and CAS organic certified. (New exhibitor, Taiwan)

Yuyo (stand N13) is unveiling an award-winning rebrand of its six infusions of drinks, inspired by South American super herb yerba mate. Flavours include Pure Yerba, Yerba Zing – organic yerba mate with citrus peels and grapefruit essential oil, Yerba Mint, Yerba Spice, Rooibos Restore, and Rooibos Rewind – organic green rooibos with lavender, chamomile, elderflower and hops. (New exhibitor, UK)

Suma Wholefoods (stand H20) is introducing its Suma organic sunflower spread and organic soya spread in 500g packs – which includes fats from coconuts and palm fruit. The organic palm is RSPO certified from sustainable forests in Colombia and Brazil. (UK)

The Coconut Company (stand R24) is launching The Three Amino's sauce range in three flavours, including All Purpose, Teriyaki and Barbeque. Packed with aminos, the range is a low sodium, gluten and soy free alternative to soy sauce, made from naturally fermented coconut sap. (New exhibitor, UK)

Gusto Organic (stand R10) is launching a new 250ml version of its Gusto Cola: the only Fairtrade low calorie cola in Europe. With new botanical green packaging, the highly pocketable 250ml can packs a blend of spices, essential oils and African cola nut. (UK)

SAF Raw (stand S52) is launching a range of activated crackers, coconut chips, nutty nori, fruity coconut pastilles, kale crisps, cereal bites and activated nuts at the show. The packaging format is innovative and available in grab and go single servings. Products are raw, vegan, and gluten free. (New exhibitor, UK)

CocoNuts Nice Cream (stand P40) is launching its Creamy Coconut dairy-free ‘nice cream’ at the show, made using Sri Lankan coconut cream, and sweetened only with unrefined coconut sugar and coconut flakes. CocoNuts is allergen free, with no nuts, no soya, unbleached, unrefined and no artificial flavourings or preservatives. Other flavours in the range include raw cacao, peppermint oil & spirulina, fresh strawberries, and Tahitian vanilla. (UK)

GoFigure (stand R56) is introducing its new range of natural meal replacement shakes and snack bars for the weight loss market. Shakes include 14 individual meal sachet sticks in Lush Banana, Cocoa Choc and Vanilla Bean shakes – all containing the scientifically formulated and patented Slimbiome. The range contains no added sugar and is packed with greens, probiotics, superfoods, and good oils. (New exhibitors, UK)

Pili Pushers (stand S4) is introducing its pili nuts – a wild pre-sprouted superfood. Available in 45g bags, including Unsalted; Cinnamon & Raw Honey; and Ginger & Turmeric and Cayenne Peppers. (New exhibitor, UK)

Launching for the first time in the UK, Sambazon (stand M30) is sampling its Sambazon Original Smoothie Packs in authentic Açai Bowls. Packed with antioxidants and omegas – the bowls contain Sambazon smoothie, topped with variations of fruit, granola and peanut butter. Its GMO-free ingredients are sustainably sourced in the Brazilian Amazon. (New exhibitor, UK)

Creative Nature Superfood (stand M61) is launching its Chia & Cacao Brownie and Chia & Mulberry Muffin superfood mixes, which are free from gluten, dairy, wheat, soya, nuts and refined sugars, and have a vegan recipe on the back of the pack. Also showcasing: nutrient-rich, free-from powders, ethically sourced from the finest regions in the world, and its range of cold-pressed superfood snacks. (UK)

Eterno Naturals (stand D10) is launching an array of new products from around the world, including new Matcha Teas from Kissa Teas. Flavours include Supermodels Secret, Skinny Matcha Tea, and Focus Matcha Tea. (New exhibitor, UK)

Natasha Living Food (stand K23) is introducing its new raw, vegan, hand-crafted confectionary at the show. New products include: Raw Healthy Bars (Raw Power Bar, Raw Passion Bar, and Raw Energy Bar), Sprouted Cluster’s (Apple Spice and Banana Bomb), Kale Crunchies (Spicy Tomato Kale and Raw Lemon & Pepper Kale), Raw Dessert Pots (Mint Ganache Tart and Orange Ganache Tart), and Raw Confectionary Boxes (Dark Collection, Superfood, Mint & Barleygrass, and Fudge). (UK)

Crunchtime – bite sized chunks of granola is a new snack format by Cereal lovers (stand S23), which is launching at the show. Cereal Lovers bake all their ingredients together, making for healthier digestion, fuller flavours, more ingredients and less sugars. Crunchtime is stored in a unique pouch to aid portion control. (New exhibitor, UK)

MightyBee (Soil Association and OTB Pavilion, stand L10) is releasing its exclusive range of raw, organic, vegan jerky, made purely from young Thai coconuts. The jerky comes in three distinct flavours: Chocolate & Hazelnut, Teriyaki and Spicy BBQ. (UK)

Mrs O’s Fuss Free Mixes (stand S56) is launching its new fuss free mixes, including Mrs O's Gluten Free & Egg Free Yummy Vanilla Cake Mix, Egg Free Yummy Vanilla Cake Mix, and Egg Free Scrumptious Gingerbread Mix. Available in 450g pouches, and 4.5kg and 9kg weights. (New exhibitor, UK)

Booja-Booja (Soil Association and OTB Pavilion, stand M11)is introducing its recently launched truffle packs, which include two chocolate truffles wrapped in foil packaging for on-the-go snacking. Also showcasing: its dairy free ice cream range, which combines new flavours and innovative tub designs. (UK)

New brand Fresko (stand S68) is promoting organic Cypriot halloumi and yogurt made from pure goat and sheep milk, plus organic goat milk Kefir. (New exhibitor, Cyprus)

Artisan food export company, Esta Rico (stand R36) is representing a range of producers at the show, offering organic wine, meats, cheese, canned prepared dishes, and more. (New exhibitor, Spain)

Nom Foods (stand N35) is promoting its new organic and coconut oil popped popcorn. It is free from gluten, dairy and refined sugars, and sweetened with maple syrup. (UK)

Conscious Chocolate (Vegan Pavilion, stand L30-8A) is promoting its range of mini bites. The 15g bars are available in a selection of flavours, including The Dark Side, Essential Orange, Goji & Coconut, Liens Raw and Mint Hint. (UK)

Solaris.Tea (stand S9) is showcasing its range of seven whole-leaf organic teas and herbal infusions, created to complement the properties of each Chakra. Brought to life by a fusion of passions for herbal medicine and yoga, from Rooibos to Green Tea Chai, there is a blend to suit all tastes. (New exhibitor, UK)

Norfolk Punch (stand Q6) is promoting its two new flavours – Cranberry, which contains pure cranberry juice for a softer taste, and Apple, which contains crushed apples and reduced sugar. (New exhibitor, UK)

Iswari Ireland (stand N55) is serving its Buddha's Awakening superfood breakfast range at its all-day breakfast bar at the show. Products in the new snack range (designed to sprinkle on as toppings) include Supersprouts, Fruits of Love, Exotica, Incan Trail and Seeds of Wisdom. (UK)

Probios “GoVegan” (Vegan Pavilion, L30-7) is launching the GoVegan range to the UK for the first time. Products include GoVegan Croissants, condiments, and snacks’ plus vegan sauces from Il Nutrimento. (New exhibitor, Italy)

Yogi Tea (stand K27) is introducing two new blends at the show: Yogi Tea Green Tea Matcha Lemon and Yogi Tea Immune Support. Also sampling its Yogi Chai Latte made using its original classic recipe. (Germany)

Delightful Organic (Soil Association and OTB Pavilion, stand L11)is launching a new range of vegan sauces, relishes and pestos at the show. Their development Chef has drawn on his experience from working in Michelin starred restaurants to create an innovative range, with flavours including Spiced Apple, Onion & Treacle, Beetroot, and Tomato & Chilli. (New exhibitor, UK)

Cashew M*lk by Plenish (Soil Association Chiller, stand J10B) is launching at the show. It is made with just three simple ingredients – organic cashews, filtered water, and Himalayan salt, with no additives, preservatives or sweeteners. Also promoting: Plenish Almond Mi*k, and its eight cold pressed juice range. (UK)

Tropica Beauty (stand E40) is launching Coco Dip (Coconut Dip) which features virgin coconut oil as its main ingredient. It can be used as spread, salad dressing, pasta sauce or even for nacho dipping. The dip comes in four different flavours: Garlic, Cinnamon, Clove and Pandan (Pandanus) – in 300ml and 500ml bottles. (New exhibitor, Malaysia)

The new Hemp & Nib bar from Pana Chocolate (Vegan Pavilion, stand L30-17) combines the wonders of 53% raw cacao with hemp and a hint of vanilla. Smooth yet crunchy, sweet yet salty and a little bit nutty. (New exhibitor, UK)

enJoy! Raw Chocolate (stand S3) is promoting seven raw chocolate bars at the show, including Mild 65%, Plain 75%, Intense 85%, Orange, Raspberry, and Fruit & Nut. They are all organic, vegan and free from dairy, gluten, soya and refined sugars. Supplied in 41g/80g bar sizes. (New exhibitor, UK)

TA Foods (stand L80) is promoting its milled flaxseed products, including flax cooking oil, ground flax and whole flax. TA flax has a nutty taste, and is high in dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. (New exhibitor, Canada)

The Groovy Food Company (Soil Association and OTB Pavilion, stand M13) is showcasing Organic Coconut Flour (500g), the latest addition to its range. Coconut flour – a nutrient dense 'power flour' is gluten-free, high in fibre and protein, but with a low GI level and naturally low carbohydrate content. (New exhibitor, UK)

ACAIA extra virgin olive oil (stand S33) is promoting its all-natural flavoured olive oils, including Oregano, Lemon and Oregano, and Grapefruit and Bergamot, which are made from hand-picked Kolovi olives that grow on the Aegean island of Lesbos. Also showcasing: three gourmet olive pastes that blend black or green Kolovi olives, with fresh Mediterranean flavours. (New exhibitor, Greece)

The Good Chocolate Company (stand L63) is promoting its latest range additions, including LAVLÉ – a 200mg rich Belgian dark chocolate made with naturally occurring flavanols, and Goodbeanz – fine flavoured cacao beans in three variants: pure raw beans, raw beans covered in Belgian dark chocolate, and raw cacao beans covered in sugar free dark Belgian chocolate, and sweetened with stevia. (New exhibitor, Belgium)

Bio-tiful Dairy (Soil Association Chiller, stand J10C) is unveiling its brand new packaging and brand identity at the show, with an emphasis on taste appeal, quality and shelf standout. Its award-winning Kefir super smoothies are available to sample, in Honey & Mint and Morello Cherry. (UK)

For more information and to register for a free trade only pass, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk and quote priority code NPPR22, (direct link https://registration.n200.com/survey/1x8mta7p0nbu6?actioncode=NPPR22).

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