As the doors opened on another annual Glee exhibition, the GIMA team was busy crowning this year’s winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF) – Germie.   

The supplier of innovative seed starting kit, Germie impressed the judges with its passion for ‘revolutionising the gardening experience’ with reusable, innovative and ultra-compact solutions that hold environmental and sustainable practices at their heart. Already a bestseller within the French market, Germie is expected to repeat this success within the UK.

The Germie collection currently features three grow kits, ranging from 13-41 plants, and is suitable for all types of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Each kit is supplied in an easy grab bag, complete with the reusable ‘grow cells’, with prices ranging from RRP £16.90 - £24.90. Made from locally sourced recycled plastic, fully recyclable and guaranteed for 10-years, the grow cells can be assembled within 60 seconds and filled with seed starter mix and selected seed. From here, seedlings can be encouraged and, once planting out is required, the kit really comes into its own thanks to a unique and patented process. As Germie grow cells do not have a bottom, the plants are not limited and, therefore, the roots continue to grow according to the needs of the seed. As a result, the roots are numerous and well-oxygenated. This, in turn, allows for young plants to be easily released without putting undue stress or damage on the roots during transplantation. Thinning out is also eliminated, as plants can be transplanted directly to the right spot.

Germie also encourages quicker germination, as the seeds are buried at the thickness of the seed, allowing them access to light, water, and nutrients. What’s more, the ultra-compact kits provide the ideal conditions for seed development, making it possible to repeat the germination process multiple times throughout the year.

Germie is now the eighth recipient of the GISCF, which was first introduced in 2014. The team will receive an incredible prize fund package, comprising a grant of up to £6,000 which includes a year’s full GIMA membership, plus a wide range of business support tools including free exhibition space at Glee and free PR support during the event. In addition, the winners package also includes design, development and manufacturing or marketing cost support up to the value of £3,000; access to an industry business consultant; one-year ACID (Anti Copying in Design) membership; and an advert in the next GIMA Product Digest.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “Congratulations to Germie for scooping this year’s GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. The team is bringing to market a concept that is proven in other markets and is set to open up new sales opportunities for UK garden retailers. 

“The approach to growing is clearly very considered, whilst the environmental impact of the material innovation is heartening to see. It’s a strong proposition that offers a complete, easy-to-follow process that will increase consumer confidence with gardening.”

To find out more about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund please join GIMA on-stand in the heart of Hall 6 at the GIMA Buyer Lounge.

Germie can be found at Glee within Hall 7 Stand 7F85.