Nine, ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2014.

Selected from more than 270 entries on the afternoon before Glee opened (14th – 16th September, NEC Birmingham), the winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, the media and international suppliers.

Entries were submitted into nine key garden retail categories, comprising Garden Care – Accessories; Garden Care – Chemicals; Fertilisers & Composts; Leisure Products; Machinery & Tools; Home, Gift & Clothing; Landscape & Construction; Plants, Seeds & Bulbs; Pet & Wildlife Products; and Catering & Speciality Foods. Relevant entries from each category were also considered for the additional Best of British, and Green awards.

Judges considered each entry on a challenging range of criteria, including innovation, design, quality, environmental credentials, pricing and retail potential – resulting in some hot debates and close Highly Commended in a number of categories.

On the judging panel were:
Allan Wilson, Group Sundries Buyer at Klondyke Group
Sharon McNair, Group Buyer at Armitage Garden Centre
Moira Peterson, Commercial Manager for Greenfingers.com
Rachel Doyle, from Arboretum Garden Centres and President of the IGCA
Carlos Bisbe from Digebis, Barcelona
Trevor Pfeiffer, MD of The Garden Communication and Media Company
Simon McDaniel, Garden Sundries Buyer at The Range
Roger Wale, general manager at Palmers Garden Centre.

Buyers visiting Glee can see all of the winning and highly commended products, as well as the hundreds of other entries, on convenient display in the ‘Visitor Hub’ area of the show from 14^th  – 16^th September (Hall 20, stand G10).

Winners’ round-up (in alphabetical order of categories)

Catering & Speciality Foods

Winner:                        Retro Collection, by Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd

Judges’ comments:    Sharon McNair said: “Fabulous gift idea for everyone! Brings back childhood memories.”

Garden Care – Accessories

Winner:                        Haxnicks – EasyPath

Highly Commended:   Garland Products – Jumbo Kneeling Pad

Judges’ comments:    Moira Peterson said: “This is a truly innovative product, which can be easily packed away, and with a good price point.”

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers & Composts

Winner:                        Westland – Gro-Sure Tomato

Highly Commended:   Bord-Na-Mona - Chelsea Mix Compost

Judges’ comments:    Roger Wale said: “A great, innovative product for the new gardener.”

Garden Leisure

Winner:                        La Hacienda – Bakerstone Pizza Box Pizza Oven

Highly Commended:   Nest for Nature – Birch Candles (indoor & outdoor)

Judges’ comments:    Rachel Doyle said: “Can’t wait to buy this one! It is a great product that is well priced.”

Home, Gift & Clothing

Winner:                        Briers – Historic Palaces garden accessory range of wellies and gloves

Highly Commended:   Burgon & Ball – Sophie Conran Raspberry Collection

Judges’ comments:    Sharon McNair said: “This is a really nice product, well-designed and good quality. It would certainly tell a story on the shopfloor.  It’s also got great gift potential.”

Landscaping & Construction

Winner:                        Apta – GlazeLite Planters

Highly Commended:   Woodlodge – National Trust range of pots

Judges’ comments:    Trevor Pfeiffer said: “Apta GlazeLite might be lightweight but will be a heavyweight garden centre bestseller – provided it is merchandised in a way that accentuates its lightweight design.  Customers will love that they look just like ceramic.”

Machinery & Tools

Winner:                        Burgon & Ball – RHS Cutting Tools

Highly Commended:   Burgon & Ball – Weed Slice

Judges’ comments:    Sharon McNair said:  “This is a really comprehensive range, which features good packaging, and is offered at a good price point too.”

Pet & Wildlife Products

Winner:                        Wildlife World – Bee & Bug Biome

Highly Commended:   Wildlife World – Bee Mug

Judges’ comments:    Roger Wale said:  “This is an on-trend product, that is well-priced and has great gift potential.”

Plants, Seeds & Bulbs

Winner:                        Garden On a Roll – Garden On a Roll Gift Box

Highly Commended:   Channel Island Plants (UK) Ltd – Petunia Happy Magic Black Charcoal

Judges’ comments:    Trevor Pfeiffer said: “This would make a great border or basket plant, a real ‘thriller’.”

Best of British

Winner:                        Apta - Glazelite Planters

Highly Commended:   Burgon & Ball – RHS endorsed cutting tools

Judges’ comments:    Trevor Pfeiffer said: “A brilliant British design and functionality.  At last we have a lightweight pot that really looks and feels like a glazed terracotta pot. Top of the pots for sure.”

Green Award

Winner:                        Nest for Nature – Birch Candles (indoor & outdoor)

Highly Commended:   Funky Laundry – Funky Laundry Bags

Judges’ comments:    Rachel Doyle said: “I love these natural looking candles. A great product.”

The Glee Award 2014

This award is given to the product that stood out from all the others; the best of the best. Glee is proud to confirm that this year the award goes to Briers, with the Historic Palaces Garden Accessory range.

One further award – the Retailers Choice Award – will be announced on the third day of Glee.  Retailers visiting the Glee New Product display are invited to vote for their favourite product after viewing the entries on display. 

i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager confirmed: “We were delighted that so many superb, new products were entered for this year’s Glee New Products, and offer many congratulations to the worthy winners.  Our thanks also go to the judges who so kindly lent their valuable time and expertise.”

Find out more

More news from Glee 2014 will be available soon.  To find out more log onto www.gleebirmingham.com.  For details on exhibiting at Glee 2015, call 0203 033 2160

Gardman (19E30G31, 20D50) have invested heavily this year in the top-selling Cole & Bright solar lighting range, with significant new features and 10 new products.

Key objectives for 2015 are more choice and differentiation in the category.

The new lines include features like motion sensors with increased night-time visibility, Colour Select and Set, allowing users to choose a single colour from the light’s changing rainbow spectrum, and Dual Power, which has a back-up battery so the lights can be enjoyed all year round.

Merchandisers promoting the theme of ‘Bright Ideas for Nights Outside’ are also offered.

Another host of new lines is evident in the new season’s line-up for Gardman’s Moulton Mill premium tools range.

The brand offers competitively-priced stainless steel, heritage-styled tools with a 15-year guarantee. New lines include forks, spades, lawn rake, long-handled hand tools, hand tools and cutting tools, offered in merchandised wall stands or island stands if required.
  

Kelkay, the market leading manufacturer and distributor of aggregates, is launching new lines to its core product range at Glee 2014.

These include the Mediterranean aggregates collection comprising of premium products in materials sourced from across Europe. Spanish Corn, Italian Rose, Swiss Glacier and French Pearl, named after their origins, add a new twist of colours and styles to the market leading aggregates range.  

To help retailers maximise the launch opportunity, the Mediterranean collection comes with new dynamic packaging and specially designed point of sale boards that fits within Kelkay's aggregate modular merchandising system. The POS boards promote impulse buys increasing sales

The Kelkay Mediterranean aggregates, with a recommended retail price (RRP) of £7.99 each or 2 for £15.00, sees this type of product made available at garden centres for the first time. These products are also available in Bulk Bags for Home Delivery.

Anthony Harker, managing director at Kelkay said: "Kelkay works hard to maintain its reputation for supplying top quality aggregates. We're delighted to be reinforcing our market-leading position in this sector and giving retailers new revenue sources and sales opportunities."

Kelkay's brand portfolio includes Gardenstone®, Borderstone®, Build Mate, easyfountain® and Henri® providing retailers with single source of supply for a wide range of garden products.

By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories.

Kelkay is exhibiting on stands 19A10-C11 and 20F06-E07.  Kelkay is also showcasing their new products in the entrance to Hall 19, they have Gabions, new aggregates and new paving on display

For more information, visit http://www.kelkay.co.uk/.

Brushware specialists Charles Bentley (18J53A) reckon they’re onto to something big with their new range of brushes and brooms developed in collaboration with the National Trust...

The brushes have been designed from the ground up to appeal to discriminating end users who appreciate the ultimate in quality, distinctive design detail and user benefits at an affordable price.

Account manager Glynn Abbott says there are brushes to suit every job around the home and garden, offering quality, performance and durability not found elsewhere. They cost only marginally more than some mid-market alternatives.

Details like sculpted wooden stocks, castellated bristles, double-locking handle brackets and lime-green handles with soft grips will give this new plenty of impact at point of sale.

Left: Glynn Abbot demonstrates the new Charles Bentley National Trust platform brush. 

Winners of the Glee new product award for plants seeds and bulbs, the Garden On A Roll team are extremely pleased with the reception to their gift box concept.

The gift pack contains everything that would be needed to plant a complete new border plus something special ‘goodies ‘ to treat the recipient now- chocolates, luxury biscuits or even Champagne.

The team explain, " the concept itself is quite simple, a bio-degradable roll already marked with spacings for the chosen garden design,  instructional dvd and basic planting tools".  The ‘package’ includes the pre-purchase of the plants too, which will only be delivered when the customer is ready, allowing time for the happy couple to get back from honeymoon or prepare the garden if newly moved in.

The gift box concept extends the reach of the gardening season and provides a garden related gift solution that is applicable all year round. Garden On A Roll are in Hall 19G58.

Gardenonaroll have been successfully working with Homebase delivering borders nationwide since 2013. As well as working in partnership with Digswell nurseries, a community project, who provide training and work-based skills for vulnerable people. Many of the plants supplied are grown by Gardenonaroll and in other UK based nurseries.

NEW PRODUCTS for 2015

This year we have been testing our 2 new additions to the range…

1. The Gift Box - This enables anyone to give a gift of a garden border at any time of the year ! Gardenonaroll have designed an attractive, easy to give box containing all the usual Gardenonaroll ingredients apart from the plants. When the recipient of the gift is ready to plant, they just choose the garden style they like, contact Gardenonaroll to order their plants and to arrange delivery (which is included in the gift price), then the plants are delivered to their door. Perfect as a Wedding or Anniversary gift so the happy couple can get the plants when they are ready!

2. Gardenonaroll paper impregnated with organic feed  - Gardenonaroll have been testing this new product and are pleased to announce that they now have organic feed impregnated into the paper. It still acts as a planting guide and weed suppressant but now has the added benefit of releasing nutrients as the paper bio-degrades!

Gardenonaroll is on Stand 19G58.

You’ve got to hand it to Globus (19G51)… they’re demonstrating Showa gloves with performance features that make a real difference.

For example, their 281 Termes gloves, like all Showa products, are made from 100% virgin materials for strength and longer life, and are not only totally waterproof but totally breathable, wicking moisture away from the skin to leave hands perspiration-free. They’ll prove it to you on the stand but putting a glove on a wet hand and withdrawing it a few seconds later as dry as a bone.

There are eight different Showa lines in all, to meet a host of end user needs, with all gloves made in factories owned by Showa themselves.

Bespoke retail and POS solutions are available.

The latest all-round grass seed from the world renowned experts at Johnsons Lawn Seed, is the first off the mark when it comes to speed of germination and establishment, thanks to a brand new variety of grass seed.

‘The 1’ is a new addition to the current fleet of quality lawn seed products from Johnsons that include ‘Any Time’, ‘Luxury Lawn’ and ‘Tuffgrass’. Featuring unique branding and packaging, ‘The 1’ will be available in two sizes – 500g and 1.5kg boxes – with prices ranging from RRP £7.99 - £17.99.  Another ground breaking development in grass seed technology from Johnsons’ dedicated research laboratories, ‘The 1’ features a hardy, quick growing new strain of lawn perennial ryegrass that has a unique point of difference.

Johnsons Lawn Seed expert Guy Jenkins explains the benefits for consumers: “The seeds themselves are a great deal larger than normal, allowing them to draw far more energy and nutrients - meaning quicker and more successful germination rates. The time between sowing and mowing has never been shorter, ensuring luscious lawns are easier to obtain than ever before.”

‘The 1’ is not just quick off the mark, it also has greater endurance and drought resistance – essential for well used family lawns, and for withstanding dry spells in the summer. 

Find out more

To find out more about ‘The 1’ and all of Johnsons other high quality lawn seed products, please visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com or telephone (01386) 791113.  From the website, consumers can also access the easy to use ‘Product Selector’ to find the exact blend of seed for their soil and situation.

 Formula 1 Racing at Glee!

To celebrate the launch of ‘The 1’, the Johnsons Lawn Seed/DLF stand (H26-K25) in Hall 18 will host an immersive F1 racing competition.  Visitors will be able to hop inside a real F1 car and attempt to get the fastest lap on the racing simulator.  Whoever has the fastest lap each day will win a special prize!  Could you be ‘The 1’?

And the winner is...

For Sunday 14th September, the winner is: Rick from Hellyers. Time of 1min 26 seconds.  Congratulations Rick.

DLF Trifolium - Johnsons Lawn Seeds at Glee 2014. Stand 18H26-K25

Whitefurze Ltd, UK manufacturer of plastic garden and housewares products, are showcasing a number of new products across their range of Pots & Planters, Propagation Lines, Water Butts, Watering Cans and Garden Accessories at this year’s Glee exhibition.

‘As a proud UK manufacturer we believe in progression’ explains Whitefurze Managing Director Philip Lanni.  

Easy to fit Water Butts are now available in four sizes to suit all potential end consumer needs. The 100L space saver is available in an extra-large 250L capacity and the barrel shaped 230L is available in a smaller 150L capacity.

Visitors to the Whitefurze stand will see Watering Cans in a comprehensive range of designs and sizes with the addition of a 5L Outdoor Can and two Indoor Watering Cans to the current range.

Also launching at the show is a Mini Seed Tray for windowsill propagation and Kids Propagator.

As well as additions to the existing product portfolio, a new 220L Compost Bin will be showcased as well as a brand new range of hardwearing Flexible Tubs in four sizes from 14L – 75L.

Retailers will benefit from a wider selection of products across the Whitefurze garden range as well as the quality, competitive prices and excellent customer service that the company is committed to delivering.

The complete Whitefurze garden rage will feature in the company’s new garden category catalogue which will be available at the show.

Visit Whitefurze in Hall 18 Stand K20 to find out more!

A new range of  planters in a unique lightweight material that replicates the look of glazed ceramics earned Apta (19C12) two coveted Glee New Product Awards today.

It was judged best launch in the landscaping and construction category and went on to win the Best of British award for best British product at Glee.

The planters attracted the attention of visitors from the moment the show opened, impressing buyers with their authentic look and stylish finish.

Trevor Pfeiffer, MD of The Garden Communication & Media Company (publishers of Garden Trade News and GTN Xtra), who was one of the awards judges, said: “Apta GlazeLite might be lightweight but will be a heavyweight garden centre bestseller – provided it is merchandised in a way that accentuates its lightweight design.  Customers will love that they look just like ceramic.”

These planters, in two designs and four colours, are almost impossible to distinguish from traditional products when planted up, whilst also being ultra lightweight, robust and environmentally friendly. The material is a combination of clay and re-cycled plastic.

SRPs are £14.99 to £16.99.

GlazeLite also scooped a second award - the Best of British

 For Neil Biltcliffe of  IT and epos providers G7 Swan, Glee 2014 is the 28^th he has attended in a row…and his last, because he’s retiring at the end of 2014. Customers and fellow Glee exhibitors wish him a long and happy retirement.

On Monday 15^th September, Iron Man will make his debut at Glee 2014.

Following twelve months of intense training, managing director of Zest 4 Leisure Steve Morgan successfully completed the gruelling Iron Man Wales challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Having conquered one of the world’s toughest distance triathlons, which comprised a 2.4 mile sea swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, Steveis now travelling to join his team exhibiting at Glee, the UK’s largest garden trade show!

Steve entered Iron Man Wales to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society. He and his company are hoping to raise £10,000 for this worthy cause, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Steve explains why Alzheimer’s Society was selected as the company’s chosen charity for 2014:

“There are so many people within our society that live with this progressive and life-changing condition. We actively support charitable and community initiatives and, having known people dealing with this condition, Alzheimer’s Society was an obvious choice. Everyone within our company feels privileged to be able to help this charity in the fight against dementia. I hope my efforts yesterday will encourage others to get involved by donating or raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society, enabling it to continue investing in its research programme and providing essential support and resources.”

When he arrives at the NEC in Birmingham, come and meet him along with the Zest 4 Leisure sales managers in Hall/Stand 20J30-K31 where they are exhibiting their new range of high quality timber garden furniture and outdoor living products.

If you would like to pledge your support for Steve and the team at Zest 4 Leisure, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/P-A-Fencing-and-Sheds-Ltd3.

Visitors to Glee will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a full day’s design consultancy courtesy of Catering Design Group (Hall 17, Stand U26-V25).

Catering Design Group is one of the UK’s leading restaurant and commercial catering design companies, and the winner will enjoy a day with either a kitchen or interiors specialist, with a site survey, design layout and mood board included.

Catering Design Group’s principal Interior design consultant Abi Perry-Jones will be at Glee in the Food & Catering zone on September 14, sharing the latest design trends and giving advice on how to transform a café or restaurant space.

The following day, Red Mist managing director Mark Robson will be at the show offering advice on how to deliver a fresh, seasonal and local experience for customers.

Phillip Howard, managing director of Catering Deign Group said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Glee and will be bringing along our team of experts to give visitors advice and answer any questions they may have.”  

Technical waterproof clothing brand DexShell will be at Glee (17 U61) with a range of 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable hats, socks and gloves ideal for gardeners and nursery workers alike.

Made with a three-layer construction, a durable outer protects a waterproof and breathable membrane, while a comfortable liner helps to wick moisture away from the body. Products look and feel like normal accessories.

Mark Press, managing director of Fordville, UK distributors for DexShell, aid: “By focussing solely on hats, socks and gloves, the engineering team has crafted a range that will protect the most vulnerable parts of the body in cold, wet and windy weather – something we know  keen gardeners have to face on a regular basis. Rigorously tested and precision made, no other products come close to offering the same level of comfort and protection offered by DexShell.”

DexShell socks are dust-proof and suitable to be worn with sandals, shoes, trainers and boots; they’re available in a range of lengths and weights. The layered construction also helps to prevent rubbing and blisters.

DexShell waterproof gloves stretch lengthways and widthways, offering a close and comfortable fit with excellent dexterity. The palms feature rubberised anti-slip dots to aid grip in wet weather and are completely dust proof. The breathable membrane ensures hands stay dry and warm.

The uniquely constructed waterproof hats are the first of their kind without a bag lining. As a result, they feel like a normal cotton beanie, with virtually no rustle when worn over the ears. There are four styles in a variety of colours, including a version with dropped ears and one with a peak.

Mark Press added: “We are committed to ensuring the success of the DexShell brand within the horticulture and outdoor market, and have a full programme of marketing activity planned along with excellent retailer support packages. While there are similar products on the market, DexShell waterproof accessories have been engineered with the latest global-patent-pending technology, offering superior performance and fit. The products are also competitively priced to appeal to a wider range of wearers. In short, we have the best product at the best price.”

SRPs start at £18.95.

The most powerful and fastest recharging battery powered range of garden products in the world will be launched at Glee tomorrow under the EGO brand (19/D56)

The company say they go head-to-head with petrol models for performance. With a promise that they are as powerful as petrol equivalents but without the noise, fuss or fumes, EGO will unveil its 56-volt lithium-ion battery powered lawnmower, hedge cutter, line trimmer, chain saw and blower, taking cordless technology to a new, higher level.

In less than six months, sales in the United States have established EGO as one of the fastest selling cordless garden product brands in the country and now the 56-volt lithium ion powered range will be available to UK users. EGO is ideal for all UK garden conditions, regardless of size, location and weather.

The EGO range delivers the most powerful cordless range of garden equipment. The 4.0Ah battery, when used with the lawnmower, has an average operating time of 45 minutes, enough time to cover 800m2, and is fully recharged from empty in just 30 minutes. With two batteries – one in use and the other on charge – EGO offers limitless and effortless gardening. The same battery and charger powers all the products across the entire EGO range.

Running costs are approximately one tenth of that for petrol powered equivalents which,allied to reduced noise, vibration and an absence of operating emissions, is a compelling environmental argument in favour of EGO.

“We describe EGO as ‘Power Beyond Belief’ and it really does have to be experienced to fully appreciate what we are saying,” says EGO Europe’s ,arketing director, Steve Roskell.  “This is a direct challenge to petrol, electric and existing cordless garden products.  We have re written the powered garden products rule book.

“It is the first ever range of cordless outdoor powered equipment capable of matching or surpassing the performance of petrol powered machines without any of the noise, fuss or fumes.  EGO products are powerful, quiet and easy to use,” he adds.

The lawnmower is sold complete with battery and charger whilst the other products in the range are sold without them (although they can be purchased separately) which means really attractive retail prices.

EGO dealers will be offered full technical training in addition to full support.

Information www.egopowerplus.com

Home2Garden (19G01) is one the UK’s leading online luxury garden providers, specialising in manufacturing and supplying Wind Spinner, Wind Chimes, Hand Blown Glass and innovative Solar Lights.

Home2Garden works with a number of European and USA customers, including mayor mail order and TV companies.

They are happy to work on exclusive designs for your market needs.

Catering Design Group are a sponsor of the Food and Catering Zone at Glee this weekend.

Here’s a spotlight on the company...

About Us

CDG is a family run business which has grown organically over the past 24 years to become one of the UK’s leading hospitality design companies.  We offer a full design service to our clients within garden centres and farm shops, together with those in the retail, leisure, business and education sectors.

We are more than just a design company.  We are a great team of talented and creative people who are passionate about every project we undertake. Over the years we’ve continually strengthened our team and now each arm of the business is headed up by experienced and highly qualified individuals, whose specialisms include: Design Consultancy, Conceptual Design, Kitchen Design, Interior Design, Retailing, Equipment, Fixtures & Furnishing, Project Management and Construction & Fit-out.  And, to ensure we’re always in the know, we take real pride and enjoyment in following and researching design and eating out trends so that we can also share these with you.

Our unique in-house skills base and knowledge of the hospitality industry has led to us being highly respected in the fields of kitchen and interior design.  Such diversity within our team enables us to deliver every project seamlessly, ensuring that our clients receive prompt, professional, accurate and constructive responses, every step of the way.

Family Run Culture

Our family orientated culture and values mean that we take a personal approach to every project.  We work hand-in-hand with our clients as part of their team to nurture and care for every aspect of their project, applying these values to everything from a simple modification to a complete design and build project.  We don’t have a ‘house’ style, preferring instead to create something special that will work for you now and in the future.  So we’ll take time to get to know you and immerse ourselves in your culture and values.  We’ll stand back and listen to what’s important to you and incorporate these themes and our own research into our concepts.  It’s our job to turn your vision into reality.

Inspiring environments

Our responsibility is to create a great experience for your customers.  We do this by ensuring that there is synergy between front and back of house which is vital to enable your staff to deliver outstanding customer service.  Attention to detail is critical and a trait that sets us apart from the competition.   Those ‘little touches’ make all the difference and can transform your café or restaurant into a destination venue.

With an impressive and diverse skills base, a wealth of experience and a real understanding of how a restaurant or kitchen should look, feel and operate – we will create an inspiring environment for you that your customers will love

Catering Design Group at Glee 2014.  Stand 17U26-V25

With the Food & Catering Zone making its third consecutive appearance at this year’s show, Glee welcomes onboard Blue Cap Coffee as one of the official sponsors.

The internationally acclaimed brand will be on hand to provide garden retailers an unrivalled opportunity to gather best practice examples, advice, contacts and products to help them initiate or improve their catering offering.  GTN Food Xtra caught up with the connoisseurs of the perfect Italian espresso’s MD, John Williams, to find out more about them and their much anticipated presence at this year’s show.

Can you give us a short overview of your business and general offering?

Blue Cap Coffee is a recognised supplier of the Lavazza BLUE Concept, an exclusive system which enables garden centre cafes and restaurants to offer an authentic Italian coffee experience.  Lavazza BLUE consists of a series of machines and capsules, both created from Lavazza’s century of passion for espresso. The innovative extraction method and sealed single-dose capsules guarantee a real Italian espresso anytime, anywhere to deliver creamy, fragrant perfection.

What can people expect to see from you during the show?

Over the past year, we’ve increased the number of garden centres we supply. We’ve discovered that the capsule concept is particularly successful in an environment that doesn’t require a specialist barista but still demands a quality offering. There’s already significant interest in the Blue Cap offering which we’re hoping to build on. Feedback from our first, Hillview Garden Centre Group, has been overwhelmingly positive and our experience with other garden centres means we should be able to generate even more interest.  

At Glee 2014, we’ll have our machines on display at the stands and one machine producing coffee in the Food & Catering Zone. I will be giving a presentation on “How Garden Centres win the Coffee Shop War” which will be a must-see for all garden retailers who want to find out how to maximise their café culture in-store..

What words of advice do you have for any garden retailers wanting to add catering and or a coffee shop to their centre?

In speaking to our existing customers, the two words that crop up time and time again are quality and consistency. There are a myriad of factors that contribute to success – friendly staff, comfortable seating and good décor, for example. Regular customers like to feel ‘ownership’ of their favourite coffee shop – the space should reflect the same qualities that they value in their garden centre. Great, healthy looking plants, guaranteed quality and professional advice easily translate to food and drink that is attractive, consistently good quality and service from helpful people.

What are the biggest challenges for retailers adding a coffee shop to their business? What are the common mistakes made?

Firstly, make sure you choose the location carefully – the space should be attractive, easily accessible, light and welcoming. Don’t spend so much on construction and décor that there’s nothing left when it comes to stocking quality drinks and food.

Secondly, if you are anticipating young families visiting, it may be worth having a seating area with a selection of toys or a books area to make your coffee shop family friendly, without alienating other customers who may prefer a quieter, child-free experience.

Thirdly, establish how many customers per hour you want to serve at your top capacity – then check that your staff and coffee machines are able to manage that.

Fourthly, hire staff that have the right approach to customer service, are enthusiastic, willing and able to be trained.

I’d also suggest using a number of part-time workers so you can offer flexible job shifts to tie in with busy times in the café. On an added note, don’t have long, very complicated menus. Keep it simpler by focusing on quality and consistency of products.    

Are there any particular trends that you’ve noticed regarding coffee shops within garden centres? Fair trade or locally sourced for example?

In terms of ethically sourced products, these are expected as standard by customers nowadays, who also expect a great taste and quality of coffee served quickly and consistently. This however isn’t always the case and is often an area of concern for both restaurant managers and customers.  

It’s fair to say that the trend for coffee shops in garden centres in general has dramatically shifted over the past few years. Garden centres are now becoming destinations and leisure attractions in their own right for old and young consumers alike – it’s not just a place to purchase plants from anymore. Typically, just 40% of floor space is now dedicated to plants and garden related items, with successful cafes and restaurants contributing up to 50% of turnover. Allegra forecasts the total UK coffee shop market will exceed 20,500 outlets with a turnover of £8.7 billion by 2018, with 4.5% annual outlet growth over the five-year period. That’s incredible!   

To find out the latest show news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com or see The Glee Daily News

Blue Cap Coffee at Glee 2014.  Stand 17U51.

Norfolk Leisure (17R10-T11, R16-T17) will provide a a touch of glitter and sparkle amongst the garden leisure stands in Hall 17.

Their partnership with the National Tree Company has opened up access to an exceptional artificial tree range. This year for the first time, you can walk through a selection of finely crafted trees and order for immediate delivery.

“It’s the best opportunity garden centres and other outlets will have to test the well-known National Tree Company brand” said MD Nick Anderson. “We are hoping that our customers will come along and just see the quality and maybe try a selection for Christmas 2014.”

Norfolk Leisure will also have the adjacent stand full of the favourite and new items from their other brands, including the popular LOTUS parasol (pictured below), which enjoyed such a positive reaction at its launch earlier in the year.

Information: www.norfolkleisure.co.uk

Westland Horticulture launched their new 2015 range at Glee on Sunday and within hours one of them had won a Glee New Product Award.

The Gro-Sure Tomato Gro-Pack won the Award for best New Garden Care Product.  Along with Easy Feed, both are ideal for first time growers. Each Gro-Pack is designed for one tomato plant and comes with six weeks’ feed to guarantee success. The Easy Feed contains easy to use sticks that sit either side of the plant; giving them enough feed for the whole season with no measuring or mess necessary.

It's a really easy option for people wanting to grow just one or two tomato plants on their patio.  It also makes the option of being able to move the Gro-Pack and plant much easier as opposed to the difficulty of trying to move a planter with three plants in.

"They are both welcome product innovations that will help increase sales in a very popular grow your own category" commented one of the Glee New Products judges.

As well as the Awards winning Gro-Sure Tomato Pack and Easy Feed the Westland Team have spent a busy Sunday showing buyers around the rest of the new range in detail on Stand 19G20-H21

• Gro-Sure Easy Containers Compost – Unique water storing pockets, enriched with Westland’s unique West+ and 6 months feed make it easy to get great results in pots and containers
• Resolva Liquid Shots – Pre-dosed with just the right amount of weedkiller for a 10L watering can, it gives you the perfect dose every time – guaranteed
• Resolva 24H Power Pump – With 5 minutes continual spray, a dual action trigger and an easy store wand and hose, it makes weed-killing even easier!
• Jack’s Magic Garden Fertiliser – Building on the popularity of its compost, Jack’s Magic is introducing a nutrient rich garden fertiliser to its range in 2015
• Seramis Orchid Care range – Europe’s leading orchid range is coming to the UK. The range includes Seramis Orchid Potting Mix with a unique blend of Seramis granules and pine bark which absorb and release water and nutrients exactly where the orchid needs it.
• Gro-Sure Lawn Seed rebrand – Featuring a bespoke built-in seed applicator and clever bird repellent coating to guarantee results!

In addition to all this, Gro-Sure Planting Magic will be back on TV screens for 2015 with increased investment of a £1.5 million communications campaign.

Westland at Glee 2014 Stand 19G20-21.

The VegTrug stand (Hall 17 Q30) are showing a wide range of new products building on their success and reputation. Newly added are a special kids planter, designed to be the perfect working height for younger participants, this is complemented by a kids workbench, with space to store their own compost or tools. Both are manufactured from FSC timber.

The colourful Poppy range has also seen additions, most notably the Poppy Flower with special side planting pockets-ideal for trailing plants, The colour continues with the introduction of a vertical garden system- making the most of walls. The beauty of this system is the modular design allowing for adjustment of planter height on the frame and of course a choice of colours allowing the gardener to customise the look. The team feel there is a strong future for these planters for either herbs or for cascading ornamental plants and no doubt sales will benefit from in-store demonstrations.

When you visit the Panacea Products stand (20C25), spare a thought for the 350 blacksmiths in their production facilities hammering out their magnificent forged range of decorative garden products.

Panacea are one of the best-known brands in the category back in their native US, and have now set up a UK company to market more than 600 products new to this country – including that magnificent forged range.

You’ll find hanging basket brackets, shepherd hooks, hanging baskets, plants stands and metal fencing products in a huge range of attractively different designs. Ask about their heavy-duty obelisks, which deserve to find a ready market here.

Panaceas are committed to a rolling programme of some 75 new products every season – so creative director Bernie Paniccia, the founder’s son, suggests you watch this space…

Pictured: Bernie Paniccia with Panacea’s unique hanging ‘Welcome log basket’

Natural gardening brand Neudorff  (19D50) today launched three new products consisting of pure mycorrhizal fungi, which dramatically stimulate plant root development..

 The formulas include a general-purpose option for all plant types, which is available in both soluble and non soluble, plus a version for ericaceous plants.

 Neudorff has been producing products containing mycorrhiza for more than 20 years within its solid fertiliser range; this brand new range is their first selection of ‘pure’ products.

 Highly effective and permanent, they boost the surface area of the rootball by up to 150 times, allowing plants to draw even more essential nutrients and water, which the plants turn into valuable carbohydrates in the form of sugar, encouraging vigorous and healthy growt.  Treated plants are more resilient to disease, frost, drought and unfavourable pH values.

 Jude Beharall, Neudorff’s UK & ROI sales director, said: “The aim of the new range is to offer gardeners a simple and highly effective solution for achieving fantastic growing results. We already have a number of products that contain Mycorrhiza fungi, these have proved very successful and the benefits of this natural ingredient are fantastic.”

SRP £6.99  (treats about 25 plants in pots)

Pictured: Jude Beharall and Neudorf press manager Katrin Rütt launch the new mycorrhiza range.

First-time Glee exhibitors Sgaravatti Trend from Italy (20G50) are offering a world first – the patented KalaMitica magnetic pot.

The product’s unique feature is its integrated magnet, which allows the pot to be attached to any metal surface, enabling the creation of fascinating plant displays on furniture surfaces, work tops and so on. An optional range of metal plates are also offered in various shapes – and there is even a ‘picture frame’ style product with built-in LED light, making a truly original wall display.

The range has been a popular success in Europe since its launch three years ago, particularly in France, where it is stocked by Jardilands, Botanic and Truffaut.

UK agent Mark Smith is on the stand to demonstrate the system, which can be supplied complete with soil-free air plants.

Above: Laura Creuso and Matteo Menin of Sgaravatti with items from the KalaMitica range, including feature frames on the wall.

Its always lovely to see people take the lighter side to a day at GLEE. These folk seem to have found a way to stand out from the crowd

The team from Dee Ree UK ltd are certainly hard to miss and have turn heads from the moment they all stepped out of the taxi at the NEC. The suits have certainly been a talking point, and if that is not enough, check out their bulb themed shoes too. Make sure you stop at stand 19H51 to get the full effect.




Petface Ltd (18M30) have got into the spirit with some giant ‘pets’ who are happy to greet you on their stand. 

Not to be outdone, a giant chicken helps to welcome the return of Rooster Booster to garden centres.

Of course if we are looking for outfits the new range of see-through raincoats available from Town & Country (Hall 20 B06) are a must and can be seen being modelled around the show. (Rumour has it Derek Bunker is wearing a very plain outfit this year).