Garden industry professionals, including garden, home and DIY retailers, landscapers, and other key buyers, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming edition of Glee (27-29 June, NEC Birmingham). The International Festival for Garden, Leisure and Pet will showcase the latest innovations from hundreds of garden industry suppliers in one convenient location...
Garden industry professionals, including garden, home and DIY retailers, landscapers, and other key buyers, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming edition of Glee (27-29 June, NEC Birmingham).
The International Festival for Garden, Leisure and Pet will showcase the latest innovations from hundreds of garden industry suppliers in one convenient location.
As the 2023 show approaches, Event Director, Matthew Mein, outlines the show highlights and what attendees can expect from this year’s offering.
Looking for the latest innovations or core best sellers for the upcoming year? With ten dedicated product sectors, Glee is a must-attend event for any retail buyer.
Highlights for 2023
Buyers can peruse the freshest, most exciting brands and amazing new products, pick up inspiring garden retail insights and make the most of exceptional face-to-face trading, networking, and the growth of new ideas in this truly innovative industry.
We are thrilled that a brand-new exhibit, the Talent Store, will debut at Glee in 2023. This exciting live project in conjunction with the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and renowned horticultural influencer, Michael Perry (also known as Mr Plant Geek) and Deborah Flowerday will showcase emerging talents in the industry. Featuring inspiring indoor and outdoor plant displays from up-and-coming merchandisers from garden centres, the pop-up displays will demonstrate how various designs can be used to showcase products and trends in creative and eye-catching ways.
The Stage will once again host a raft of live presentations designed to help you improve and grow your business for the year ahead, with the theatre being the perfect place to relax and learn. Visitors can gain valuable tips and tricks on how to market, sell and propel their business from industry experts TrendBible, the HTA and Michael Perry – this is a must-visit for attendees who can take away ideas and inspiration to help implement successful strategies in store.
Glee Green Heart will make a comeback in 2023, situated at the entrance of the show in the NEC's atrium area. Horticulture will be brought to the forefront with over 50 benches showcasing British and internationally grown plants.
The new area will be complemented by a fresh new exhibit, led by Glee Ambassador Michael Perry, that highlights Future Plants which won't be available for retail for another 18-24 months,
For the newest and most cutting-edge products at Glee, check out the New Product Showcase as your first port of call. This popular feature allows exhibitors to unveil brand-new innovations and products. All Glee exhibitors have the chance to win a coveted industry award, with winners chosen by a panel of experts based on criteria like innovation, design, promotion, and sales potential.
The Innovators Zone is a dedicated area specifically created for start-up companies to transform their pre-commercial product concepts into market-ready product releases. The Innovators Zone aims to nurture innovative grassroots product development and unique design ideas, whilst bridging the gap between market-ready new product launches from established companies and pre-commercial product ideas.
The Fire, Grill & Chill outdoor demonstration area will showcase a range of Outdoor Entertaining exhibitors who will demonstrate their products while serving mouth-watering food.
Exciting show sectors
Spread over four halls with 400 exhibitors, the event is split into ten show sectors:
Landscaping and Garden Decoration
Garden Care
Outdoor Entertaining
Plants
Home, Gift, and Clothing
Retail Experience and Services
Food and Catering
Pets
Sourcing at Glee
DIY
Giving at Glee
Glee believes in giving back to the community through the Giving at Glee initiatives. The show is dedicated to supporting the Greenfingers Charity, which builds enchanting gardens for children's hospices. On Floral Thursday (29th June), visitors and exhibitors are invited to dress in their most vibrant floral apparel to support this worthy cause.
Retailers and suppliers are also urged to participate in the Power of One by taking small actions towards a sustainable future for the retail industry which includes promoting environmentally friendly materials and fair treatment of workers to make a positive impact on the world collectively.
Register today
Entry to Glee is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors. Simply register via the Glee website at www.gleebirmingham.com/register
Online registration for Glee is live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket for the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition...
Online registration for Glee is live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket for the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition.
As the industry gears up for the festival of garden, leisure and pet – Glee 2023 – the team at AMES UK is busy making final preparations for what is set to a shining showcase for all things outdoor...
As the industry gears up for the festival of garden, leisure and pet – Glee 2023 – the team at AMES UK is busy making final preparations for what is set to a shining showcase for all things outdoor.
Together, under the banner of AMES UK, there will be one of the most impressive line-ups of brands and represented product categories including some of the garden retail sectors’ most-beloved brands, including Kelkay, La Hacienda and Apta. Alongside these will sit Woodshaw, AMES UK’s timber furniture, structure and essentials range, and Easy Fountain collections.
More value for retailers
A visit to AMES UK’s stand at the heart of Glee (6C40-F41) will offer multiple benefits for retailers and category buyers. Not only will the stand be full of the latest innovations to join the company’s aggregate, paving, outdoor heating, water feature, garden décor and pots offerings from the Kelkay, La Hacienda and Apta brands, but it will provide visitors with a wealth of tangible business advice and merchandising best practice. Look out for new merchandising concepts that will increase the average basket spend and increase brand awareness instore. Cross merchandising and trend-led displays will also grab the attention and inspire retailers to think differently about how they engage with outdoor living essentials within the retail environment.
Disrupting the marketplace
Whilst full details are firmly under wraps, AMES UK has confirmed that Glee 2023 will also mark the debut of a very exciting new brand, one that will shake up the marketplace and get retailers asking more questions about a bestselling product category. Talking about the launch, AMES UK Managing Director, Paul North said: “Our vision for AMES as a one-stop-shop for all things outdoors is set to take a step closer to reality with this new launch. Highly considered, researched and backed by decades of experience, this new product offering will open up new opportunities for not just retailers but for consumers who want to garden with confidence.”
Garden centre exclusives
As if bringing a new brand to market wasn’t enough, Glee 2023 will also set the stage for buyers to see exciting new garden centre ‘exclusives’ from the Apta portfolio. To top it off, Apta will also be announcing details of its new manufacturing partnership with a leading brand, supported by an exciting new range of pots launching that look set to elevate Apta’s overall offering and set a new tone for the brand.
Don’t miss out
With so much on offer, a visit to the AMES UK stand is a must for any buyers wanting to add value to their 2024 offering. Find out more by visiting the team on stand in hall 6, stand C40-F41.
To find out more about the AMES UK family of brands please visit https://ames-uk.com/
Evergreen Garden Care is moving rapidly towards becoming 100% peat-free within growing media, making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers...
Evergreen Garden Care is moving rapidly towards becoming 100% peat-free within growing media, making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers.
This Glee, EGC is excited to provide hands-on peat-free education opportunities to its customers, as well as showcasing current - and new - must-stocks.
Evergreen Garden Care will be exhibiting at Glee – Hall 20 Stand C40-D41 - and looking forward to welcoming all its customers and visitors.
Meadow View Stone, leaders in product innovation in the decorative aggregate category, will be unveiling a selection of new products and merchandising solutions on stand – 20C20-D21...
Meadow View Stone, leaders in product innovation in the decorative aggregate category, will be unveiling a selection of new products and merchandising solutions on stand – 20C20-D21.
Having launched a series of highly successful decorative aggregate blends over the past five years and having seen a high proportion of these products feature in the top ten sellers, the company continues to expand and enhance its product offering. Exclusive products make up an impressive 35% of their range and have been the main element in facilitating the company’s rapid growth over the past 2 years.
Having been voted the GCA supplier of the year for two consecutive years and scooping the GLEE New Product Award for their Large Bag Alpine Range last year, the company continues to lead the market in product innovation and customer service. New products and new merchandising concepts will be on display and will include:
Zebra Pebbles
An attractive, stark contrasting pebble in 15-25mm will be launched following the NPD team witnessing an increase in Google searches for Black and White stones. Black also seemed to be the on-trend colour, featuring heavily in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens this year.
Savannah Pebbles and Chippings
The Savannah pebbles in 20-50mm and chippings in 14-20mm instantly elevate garden design with their brightening tones of peach and cream, once again an on-trend colour choice heavily featured at Chelsea this year.
Stepping Stones
The company’s paving range is further enhanced by the introduction of a selection of new stepping stones, including Natural Stone in two colour options of Black Limestone and Fossil Buff. A new range of large Oriental stepping stones in Olive, Ash and Sienna also offer a distinct point of difference for customers.
Trend Gardens
All social media channels confirm when starting a gardening project most people search for inspiration by themes. Recognising this as a natural way to shop, Meadow View Stone have designed a selection of “themed” POS depicting the most searched for terms. Retailers can create inspirational bespoke display areas in front of these lifestyle Vinyl’s to feature multiple products and increase cross selling opportunities.
See the team for more information on Stand 20C20-D21.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Osprey Charging is actively seeking locations for rapid EV charging sites. Here's why partnering with us will put your customers' needs first and set you apart from the competition...
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Osprey Charging is actively seeking locations for rapid EV charging sites. Here's why partnering with us will put your customers' needs first and set you apart from the competition:
Boost Revenue, No Extra Costs: With Osprey Charging, you can generate additional revenue effortlessly. There is no need for capital expenditure or ongoing operational costs because our turnkey solution is fully funded, from installation to operation. Instead, earn a share of the charging profit.
Drive Footfall and Attract New Customers: By offering rapid EV charging at your stores, you'll provide an essential service for your current customers while attracting new ones. EV drivers are actively choosing businesses with charging facilities, giving you a significant advantage in driving footfall and expanding your customer base.
Future-Proof Your Business: Stay ahead of the curve by securing grid capacity for EV charging ahead of your competitors. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, having charging infrastructure in place will future-proof your business and ensure you're ready for the growing demand.
Meet Planning Requirements with Ease: Many regions and local authorities now require businesses to include EV charging infrastructure. By teaming up with Osprey Charging, you can easily meet these planning requirements and stay compliant with evolving regulations.
Evolution, the ‘gradual development of something’, has underpinned everything that Primeur has achieved since bursting onto the garden retail scene in 2019. Now, as the team prepares to exhibit at Glee 2023, the next stage in the company’s evolution is about to take place...
Evolution, the ‘gradual development of something’, has underpinned everything that Primeur has achieved since bursting onto the garden retail scene in 2019. Now, as the team prepares to exhibit at Glee 2023, the next stage in the company’s evolution is about to take place.
Next generation of material innovation
With sustainability wholly at its heart, it comes as no surprise that Glee 2023 will see Primeur add even more to its environmentally friendly product portfolio. Carefully curated to use only waste material – recycled rubber tyres – the multi-award-winning offering made up of Tierra Verde self-watering planters, Eco Way Stepping-Stones, EZ Borders and Easy Tile decking solutions, will welcome a new generation of material innovation. Offering new colour ways and further developing the conversation on why sustainable solutions are not just an earth-saving imperative but also a commercial necessity, these latest introductions will provide retailers with a wealth of new options for the new wave of ethical consumers.
Meet the team
One of Primeur’s greatest strengths is its people. Passionate, dedicated and personable, the family-run business has recently welcomed a new management team following an exciting MBO. With this new generation steering the ship, backed by a team that has been in-house for decades, the knowledge that the team can share is unrivalled.
The full Primeur ‘family’ will be out in force at Glee (Hall 20, stand B22-C33) to talk retailers and buyers through the complete 2024 offering, and to wax lyrical about the many benefits that recycled rubber tyre crumb provides for all products in the portfolio.
Be inspired with market-leading merchandising solutions
Primeur not only curates a product offering that meets the needs of shoppers, but it has also created merchandising solutions that provide flexible and personalised stocking opportunities for retailers. From ‘plug and play’ designs to interchangeable POS, let the Primeur team create a solution that best reflects the needs of your store. Find out more on-stand at Glee 2023.
Primeur at Glee 2023 – our aim
At Glee 2023, Primeur wants its customers to know that it is dedicated to:
Bringing eco-friendly, recycled garden products to the market
Supporting customers with dedicated account managers
Showcasing innovation
Creating bespoke displays that work hard within the retail environment
Providing product when it’s needed most with short-lead times in every season
Building on the family values that underpin everything it does to create the ‘Primeur difference’
Don’t forget – Thursday 29th June will be Floral Thursday, helping to raise much needed funds for the Greenfingers Charity. Avid supporters of the charity and the work it undertakes in children’s hospices gardens across the country, this year the team at Primeur will be donning their best floral apparel to support this special one-day initiative. Will you be joining them?
Find out more
To find out more about Primeur’s 2024 offering, please make a beeline for the team at Glee 2023. You can find them on stand in Hall 20, stand B22 – C33. To get in touch with the team before Glee please call 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.uk, or visit www.primeur.co.uk
Woodmansterne are gearing up for the best Glee yet with a stunning Emma Bridgewater themed stand, a host of new products, and plenty to celebrate! The third-generation family business marks its 70th birthday this year, so along with the usual range of beautiful greeting cards, you can expect birthday cake, a daily prize draw, and corks to be popping over on their stand!
Woodmansterne are gearing up for the best Glee yet with a stunning Emma Bridgewater themed stand, a host of new products, and plenty to celebrate!
The third-generation family business marks its 70th birthday this year, so along with the usual range of beautiful greeting cards, you can expect birthday cake, a daily prize draw, and corks to be popping over on their stand!
Visit them to explore a curated range of the best new product from Greenfingers, National Trust, Emma Bridgewater, and Quentin Blake, as well as over 20 of the UK’s best publishers as part of their W-Select category management.
Along with their commitment to best-in-class design, Woodmansterne are committed to using sustainable materials and practices wherever possible. They understand the importance of protecting our environment and safeguarding it for the future.
All their cards are printed by them in Croxley, Hertfordshire.
They print with vegetable inks on paper from FSC sustainable forests.
Their beautiful envelope paper is made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste.
They pack their cards with a simple Smart Seal that saves up to half a million pieces of throw-away plastic being sent to landfill every week.
UK manufacturing and distribution keeps their carbon footprint low.
Why not visit them for a coffee and a chat and discover how they can help you grow your greeting card sales!
Timber garden furniture, GYO and decorative structure specialist, Zest has launched a selection of products ahead of Glee, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable outdoor living.
Timber garden furniture, GYO and decorative structure specialist, Zest has launched a selection of products ahead of Glee, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable outdoor living. Highlights are previewable on the Glee portal https://rb.gy/x6y5h ahead of the opportunity to view on stand 20D30-E31.
Combining relaxation, entertaining, and being close to nature, with sustainability, Zest’s 2024 range includes the Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range, which complements the award-winning, Garden Bar and Two Stool Set and Garden Pizza Oven Table, launched to consumers this spring. The Terraza range is a collection perfect for outdoor entertaining and alfresco cooking - at a very affordable price! All items can also be purchased individually.
The new Zest Compact Botanical Greenhouse, a glazed Perspex small space greenhouse, ideal for nurturing young plants is accompanied by the Tall Botanical Greenhouse. This combines stunning looks with functionality, ideal for positioning against the wall of the house or outbuilding.
The Zest Eco Hive Composter is both practical and attractive. Shaped like a traditional beehive, it has a 405-litre capacity and an open base helping to produce internal heat and make compost faster.
For relaxation, the new Zest Stirling Arbour offers covered seating for four people to enjoy dining, or coffee and conversation. Zest is also showing new and improved versions of existing best sellers, adding up to be one of the largest eco-friendly outdoor living range on the market. All products are made from slow grown softwood sourced from PEFC forestscertified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.
Glee’s new buyer services have been introduced to ensure that everything from pre-show planning to time onsite will maximise every minute...
Glee’s new buyer services have been introduced to ensure that everything from pre-show planning to time onsite will maximise every minute.
Plus, with more than 400 exhibitors across ten show sectors - including over 100 that are new to the show this year - occupying five halls of the NEC, it is vital that buyers are armed with everything they need to know to source exciting new supply partners that will differentiate the retail offering in 2024 and beyond.
New Glee Look Books
New for the event this year is Glee Look Books, an inspirational visual guide that will provide a snapshot of new exhibitors and top suppliers in each of the ten show sectors. Once buyers have registered, the Look Book will be sent straight to their inbox two weeks ahead of the show, providing plenty of time to gather inspiration and a wish list of brands to visit when onsite at Glee 2023.
Glee’s Buyer Lounge
The Glee Buyer Lounge in Hall 20 will be available for buyers to use throughout their time at the show, with a cloakroom and charging points as well as complimentary food and refreshments to help sustain them during a busy buying trip to the NEC.
New Product Finder Service
Buyers who register for the New Product Finder Service need only tell the Glee team what products and services they are looking to seek, to receive in return a curated list of relevant exhibitor recommendations.
Glee Connect Party
No great exhibition is complete without a social occasion and the Glee Party never fails to disappoint, thanks to the close-knit and friendly nature of the garden retail industry. This year’s party will be held on Tuesday 27June from 6-8pm within the Fire, Grill & Chill area - which this year has been relocated to the entrance of hall 6-8 and hall 20. The Glee Connect Party will be complete with entertainment, drinks and canapes. Everyone is welcome!
The horticultural hub of Glee, Green Heart is THE place to be seen amongst a range of leading growers. An integral part of the show each year, the central atrium location makes Glee Green Heart a high-profile hub to draw some of the best attendance in the show...
The horticultural hub of Glee, Green Heart is THE place to be seen amongst a range of leading growers. An integral part of the show each year, the central atrium location makes Glee Green Heart a high-profile hub to draw some of the best attendance in the show.
This year the area is about to experience even higher prominence as an exciting new show feature – the Glee Talent Store – will be located alongside Green Heart.
The new show highlight, coupled with Green Heart, will place indoor and outdoor plants front and centre, whilst demonstrating the power of visual merchandising.
Here we find out more about why Green Heart should be on everyone’s to-do list this Glee (27th – 29th June, NEC Birmingham).
Linked sales and cross-merchandising inspiration – Exhibitors within Green Heart always passionately use the area to demonstrate how to link sales and create successful cross-merchandising opportunities that can be quickly and easily implemented instore. This theme will be elevated within the all-new Talent Store, where exciting new talent from across the sector will be constructing live retail sets, each demonstrating how collaboration and fresh ideas can create a new way of merchandising indoor and outdoor plants within the retail environment. Meanwhile, Fire, Grill & Chill, Glee’s dedicated outdoor entertaining demonstration area, will be relocated to the front of the NEC near the Hall 6-8 and Hall 20 entrances, directly adjacent to Green Heart. This means even more traffic will pass by Green Heart, bringing with it new buyers and helping to forge new retail relationships.
Learn more about the plants of the future – Join Glee’s new ambassador, Michael Perry as he showcases the plants of the future, drawing from the latest varieties launching at Green Heart ahead of the 23/24 season. Whether you’re looking to gather inspiration or want to launch new varieties, this will be a must-see for future-facing brands and retailers.
See, smell & touch – Exhibiting within Green Heart provides growers with the opportunity to inspire plant buyers and retailers alike by allowing them the chance to get up close and personal with the plants themselves. From new varieties and bestselling blooms to exciting merchandising ideas, this thriving part of Glee is a must for growers, whilst for garden retailers it’s the perfect place to come if they want to step up their game when it comes to plant retailing. Additionally, Green Heart’s location within the NEC Atrium provides a unique ‘greenhouse’ setting, flooded with natural light to present plants at their best, plus with a choice of benches, growers can select the best option to suit their ranges.
Optimise profit potential of seasonal plants now - With seasonal plants being more topical than ever, Green Heart represents an opportunity to not just showcase these high-impact lines but also enables retailers to place orders ahead of peak sales periods, safe in the knowledge that they’ll be prepped to meet consumer demand.
Secure autumn sales – Glee’s late June timing provides the perfect platform for growers to showcase autumn varieties. Buyers will be looking out for ‘show only’ deals, to gain extra margin and impulse sales potential for autumn and beyond.
New networking opportunities – This year, in a new move, Glee’s Green Heart exhibitors will benefit from a Key Buyers Day. A special networking reception will bring growers and plant buyers together, with growers able to provide a wish list of buyers they’d like to meet.
View complementary products – Glee’s 400+ exhibitors and thousands of new product launches makes it the perfect place for growers to source new supply partners for collaborations and linked sales opportunities. For retailers, the opportunity to ‘shop’ all products needed to create the most comprehensive plant area is right there for the taking at Glee 2023, with everything from pots and planters, compost, fertilisers and tools all represented.
Green Heart – key benefits for growers
Whether a grower or nursery, Glee’s Green Heart has been set up to offer a uniquely cost-effective and highly beneficial exhibiting package to ensure that plants remain at the very heart of the show. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, Green Heart exhibitors can also enjoy:
Free access to the Glee Exhibitors Toolkit including Glee Show Preview and Show Guide entry, customer invites and online profile
Entry into Glee New Product Awards
Inclusion in our feature display of new plants and recent launches and introductions to your range
Limitless ‘pop up’ opportunities to promote your plants through podium displays
Main stage presentations on plant retailing and trends
Still not sure? Let Will Blake from St Peter’s Garden Centre offer some more wise words. He said of Green Heart: “With plants being at the very core of the garden centre industry, it is incredibly important that they are showcased and centre at our biggest horticultural trade event of the year!”
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, including within the Green Heart, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
GIMA is encouraging new business and innovators to consider entering the 2023 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, with this year’s winner being unveiled at Glee.
GIMA is encouraging new business and innovators to consider entering the 2023 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, with this year’s winner being unveiled at Glee.
Introduced in 2014 – and supported by Glee ever since - the fund offers the winner an unrivalled prize package, including 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.
Since its inauguration, seven highly deserving winners have been crowned, all of which have gone on to witness significant core growth including Green Digit (SeedCell), Natural Grower, PotMate™, Vivagreen, Bloomin Amazing and Qwickhose, who scooped the award in 2022. Since their win, Qwickhose has had a busy time building new retail relationships and promoting Qwickhose’s unique wing-lock system which is changing the game when it comes to hose connectors. Made entirely in the UK, Qwickhose’s original connector is seeing its family expand with new designs on the horizon, including a set of mini spray heads, a multi-spray gun, a double-ended wing lock hose joiner and a double male hose coupler. A first look at these new products can be seen at Glee 2023 where the company will return one year after being crowned GISCF winners 2022.
Talking about the value of the win, Qwickhose’s Michelle Doughty said: “Winning the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund was a huge confidence boost for us. It is no mean feat completely redesigning a product that has existed for as long as anyone can remember! The award provided us with an invaluable sales pitch, which assisted in generating sales. We know we have a fantastic product; we just need to educate people on this and mentioning the GISCF award gets people’s attention and instils a confidence in them to make the purchase.”
As GIMA make preparations to crown the 2023 winner on the first day of Glee 2023 (Tuesday 27th June) - GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “Armed with just an idea and a prototype, or a product that represents the investment of a lifetime, each year we see an influx of brands keen to break into the garden retail market. Wanting to support and celebrate this grassroot development, the GISCF is there to help these inventors and small businesses navigate a new marketplace and to, hopefully, accelerate their growth. We’re excited to see this year’s entries and to revealing our winner next month.”
Businesses interested in entering the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund in 2023 are invited to do so by visiting the GIMA website and completing the online application form ahead of the closing date of May 31st, 2023. The full criteria on eligibility to enter can also be found here.
For further information about GIMA, please call (01959) 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk
This year the focus will not just be on the great outdoors, as a brand new Home, Gift & Clothing sector is about to take shape on the exhibition floor...
This year the focus will not just be on the great outdoors, as a brand new Home, Gift & Clothing sector is about to take shape on the exhibition floor.
Whilst Glee has long hosted key exhibitors in these categories, the 2023 show will be the first time that such a strong focus has been placed upon gifting, homeware, fashion accessories and apparel. This is testament to garden centres’ success in extending their instore offerings, and also offers a significant opportunity for other retailers.
As the first trade exhibition taking place in the second half of the year, Glee offers a golden opportunity for gift shops to get ahead of the curve and secure orders before Christmas. Visitors will be able to source from top-flight suppliers offering products that range from candles, toys and crafting kits to greetings cards, giftwrap and stationery, whilst specialists in hats, scarves, gloves, boots and other winter woolies will help retailers get set for the festive season.
Meet the Exhibitors Some of the biggest names in the greetings card industry will showcase their latest collections and merchandise solutions at Glee, including UK Greetings, Woodmansterne Publications, Noel Tatt Group, Giftwrap UK and Museums & Galleries.
Joining them on the show floor will be fabulous British companies exhibiting a wide variety of gift and homeware product, much of which has a sustainable angle or is made here in the UK. These include The Candle Brand, The Crafty Kit Company, Playpress Toys, The Wheat Bag Company, Out of the Kiln (Pam Peters Designs), Alex Sharp Photography, Robert Frederick, Kushboo Soaps, Tilnar Art, New English Teas, Ivy & Twine Candles, Jarapa, Hippychick, Playmonster UK, Seedball, Art on Scarves, Victoria Eggs, Freckleface Designs, Rainbow Designs, Naked Shells, Brass Bee and Soake.
One of the new exhibitors in this sector, Christina Brand, founder of The Candle Brand, said: "We are a multi award winning company having won Gift of the Year in three categories, yet this will be our first Glee show. Our awards were won based on our plantable seeded labels on our candles and diffusers, as well as our flower fragrance diffusers. We are excited to be exhibiting at a show to connect with buyers for gift and garden centres.
"We will soon be launching a new selling concept for our pick and mix wax melts, where we will now be offering them unpackaged with POS as well as packaged. As well as our brand new product 'Scented Ceramics' for use in cars, wardrobes, and drawers. Glee will be the first physical show to have these exhibited and for sale. At the stand we will be giving away promotional bags which will include our brochures, as well as first order offers, existing customer offers and a free wax melt".
Also participating in Glee 2023 within the Home, Gift & Clothing sector are major overseas manufacturers such as Pantherella International Group, Maison Bel, Bachmann Europe, Fountasia, Biohort, Hellmann-Versand and Burstenhaus Redecker.
First come, first served!
With its late June exhibition dateline, Glee takes place at the prime time for pre-Christmas buying, enabling retailers to get an angle on the hottest seasonal trends and plan their merchandise ahead of the main trading period. Glee 2022 saw retailers come out in force to do their ‘Christmas shopping’ and this year’s Home, Gift & Clothing sector has grown as a result.
Glee Director, Matthew Mein comments: “Home, Gift & Clothing is an exciting new sector for Glee, and we’re thrilled that such an exceptional mix of companies will be joining us at this year’s show, many of them for the first time. As well as inspiring garden centres to further diversify into lucrative new categories, we also want to show traditional home and gift retailers how to integrate gardening into their lifestyle merchandise mix.
“Millions of British consumers are out in their gardens digging, planting up containers on balconies or cultivating houseplants. The upsurge of interest in nature and desire to be more sustainable is driving huge interest in certain sectors – pots and planters, gardening tools, outdoor clothing and seeds, for example – and we want to show gift and home retailers how they can benefit from these vital growth areas.
“Not only can buyers take steps to break new ground at Glee, but they can also stock up on the crucial staple products which will keep tills ringing in the run up to Christmas - whether it’s home fragrances or giftwrap, flower vases or gardening gloves, wall art or woolly socks, Glee is the show which addresses all angles of the consumer lifestyle shifts that are shaping retail.”
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
The team from the Garden Centre Association have a stand at Glee this month where existing members and those interested in finding out more about the organisation can drop by....
The team from the Garden Centre Association have a stand at Glee this month where existing members and those interested in finding out more about the organisation can drop by.
The GCA will be at the event at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham in Hall 8, Stand 8C70-D71 from June 27 until 29.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive at the GCA, says: “Glee is the largest horticultural industry exhibition and most of our members will be attending, so it’s a great opportunity to invite them over to our stand to have a good catch up face-to-face. It’s one of the most important trading events in the gardening industry calendar.
“Not only is it the perfect show for garden centre staff to find out the latest horticultural news, see the newest products on offer, meet suppliers old and new and source exciting new supply partners, but it is also a chance to catch up with other GCA members and to network.
“I will be attending and I look forward to catching up with as many members as possible during the course of the event. We’ve a lounge area with tables and chairs that’s perfect for anyone keen to come and have a sit down and to chat with us.”
More than 400 brands will be at Glee this year including new suppliers and some never before seen at the show.
Thousands of new products launch exclusively there every year, from new compost compositions to decorative aggregates, the latest plant varieties, decking, fencing, garden décor, pots, sculptures and statues.
Peter continues: “We’re also looking forward to seeing the Glee Talent Store finalists’ pop-up store designs, which will be at the show too. This was a joint initiative we hosted with the Glee Talent Store team. Congratulations to everyone from all the garden centres who took part and to those who have been selected to have their designs displayed at Glee. It’s a fantastic achievement.”
Glee is also the place to see the latest trends and has a dedicated New Product Showcase area that features innovation and new product development.
Peter adds: “Education has always been a key aspect of Glee’s overall offering with ‘The Stage’ the place to learn more about the key trends and topics that are shaping the future of gardening. There’s a three-day agenda with topics including issues surrounding sustainability and ethical consumers and how we can futureproof our industry, which are all things we’re discussing too.
“We’re also looking forward to chatting to anyone who would like to find out more about our association and we’ll be able to provide information for garden centres and suppliers interested in joining us.”
The GCA represents garden centres nationwide.
Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
Summer is fast approaching and as homeowners around the UK start planning for social gatherings and alfresco dining, Glee - the International Festival for Garden, Leisure, and Pet will be embracing the outdoor living trend with ideas and inspiration for 2024...
Summer is fast approaching and as homeowners around the UK start planning for social gatherings and alfresco dining, Glee - the International Festival for Garden, Leisure, and Pet will be embracing the outdoor living trend with ideas and inspiration for 2024.
Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from the 27th to 29th of June, the halls at Glee will once again be home to exhibitors showcasing the latest designs in BBQs, inspirational furniture styles, and material and outdoor lifestyle influences within the dedicated Outdoor Entertaining sector. Glee's late June timing is designed to offer significant benefits to buyers, with thousands of existing and new products exclusively launching at the show together providing the perfect opportunity for buyers to preview the latest collections and place orders for the upcoming gardening season. With summer right around the corner, Glee is also the first opportunity within the 2023 buying calendar to source outdoor furniture, garden heaters, and decorative items or finalise top-up orders for immediate delivery into store.
The power of the outdoors
There is no doubt that the outdoor living movement has exploded recently as outdoor spaces have been embraced with new interests. Gardens have become, more than ever, a place to relax, escape, work, eat, exercise, and play. Recent research by YouGov for the HTA (2021) revealed that nearly half of UK households (42%) use their gardens to entertain family or friends with garden parties and barbecues. The HTA also showed that sales in the outdoor living department at garden centres were 19.88% up in 2022 compared to 2021, indicating that this momentum is showing no signs of stopping.
Indoor and outdoor merged rooms
Furniture and accessories have blurred the lines between indoors and out, adding comfort and style by effectively creating zones while maintaining an open look and uninterrupted view of the garden and beyond.
Emotive design forms the foundations of Glee exhibitor Bizzotto’s brand philosophy and furniture collections. With a commitment to high quality, sustainability, and beauty, its three furniture brands, “Yes”, “Bizzotto Outdoor” and “Homemotion” will take centre stage. Tramontina has all retailers need to sell the stylish and versatile al fresco dining dream, from beautifully understated bistro sets to loungers which create individual and comfortable areas to relax in. Hex Living will also be creating the perfect outdoor room with its contemporary garden furniture ranging from loungers to storage solutions.
Social hotspots
Fire pits, chimineas, log burners and patio heaters have proven to be the must-have garden accessory and that trend is set to continue into next year as people enjoy their gardens for longer. According to an Amazon survey, 32% of people plan to buy a fire pit in 2023, making it a popular outdoor cooking and heating appliance.
Pinnacle Agri is a newcomer to Glee and its showstopping product is the Firestorm Patio Heaters which use eco-friendly wood pellets to create a dazzling, smokeless flame within a glass tube, perfect for those that like the modern aesthetic. Fandango Products will be bringing back its safe and easy-to-use Kindling Cracker firewood splitters. They are also the UK distributor for Espegard's fire pans and accessories, which with their simple and functional design for warmth and cooking will win over fire pit lovers everywhere.
Al fresco dining
The overall barbecue and alfresco eating market in 2021 were worth just over £2.2 billion, with the UK hosting around 165 million barbecues in the same year. And with the cost-of-living crisis affecting many, garden dining and cooking remains a fashionable and cheaper alternative to a visit to the local pub or restaurant. Campingaz has enhanced outdoor cooking experiences throughout the UK and beyond and will continue to inspire both retailers and consumers through its barbecue range at the show. Blackstone Europe will give retailers the opportunity to sell outdoor cooking experiences for large groups or families with its griddles and barbecue accessories. Elsewhere, household names such as Kamado Joe, Landmann and Primo Grills can all be found within Glee Outdoor Entertaining, featuring what the latest innovations from these market leaders.
Dudley-based Midtherm and Glee newcomers Gozney will also be bringing their ranges of pizza ovens to capitalise on the soar in popularity of outdoor cooking.
Garden Decor
Poppy Forge is bringing its British-designed and made garden products to the Outdoor Living sector including plant supports, arches, obelisks, garden art and boot care products.
Primus will be returning to the show to showcase its leading homeware, gifting, and garden décor brand. From its Wallace & Gromit sculpture range to wind chimes and hangers, outdoor clocks, and metal wall art they will offer customers garden decor with quality pieces that draw the eye and elevate an outdoor space.
Illuminated spaces
The craze for solar garden lights has seen consumers extend their garden time after the sun goes down. Solar lighting can enhance a garden or outdoor space, giving it a wonderful, cosy ambience as well as practical illumination for outdoor areas that need a lift. Nordlux’s range of lights can be used beyond the garden to illuminate the front door, driveway, and garage, as well as balconies and terraces. Forum Lighting Solutions is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of lighting and radiant heaters are an energy-saving solution to keep the garden warm after dark.
Eco-Friendly
The sustainable garden industry has seen a huge boom - with more and more eco-savvy consumers opting for eco-friendly materials for their outdoor living accessories. Dr Heat will showcase its eco-friendly firelighters produced exclusively from recycled candle wax and shredded Miscanthus grass, grown in the South West of England. BCB’s International’s FireDragon - Eco-Friendly Fire Lighters, made from rotten vegetable matter, will appeal to fire and flame lovers who don’t want to harm the planet.
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said: “Consumers are increasingly focusing on improving their outside spaces, with recent statistics supporting the growth of the outdoor living industry. Increasing choices, a newfound love of the garden and budget-friendly options made available by retailers are making outdoor entertainment more affordable and accessible for consumers. At Glee 2023 those exhibitors that make up the Outdoor Entertaining sector will together showcase the latest trends and products that will help to drive growth in the industry this year and beyond, whilst enabling buyers to better plan their buying and merchandising strategies ahead of the peak summer season.”
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
Don’t miss Glee Fire, Grill & Chill
For the second year in a row, many of these outdoor heating solutions, barbeques and firepits will be in action within Glee’s dedicated Fire, Grill and Chill area. Relocated to a prime location at the front of the NEC near the Hall 6-8 and Hall 20 entrances, this area will be the go-to place for leisure buyers to source 2024 ranges, as well as provide the backdrop to the Glee Party on Tuesday 27th June, to which all exhibitors and visitors are invited.
The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News..
The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.
After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:
Preview - 21st June
Build-up - 26th June
Day 1 - 27th June
Day 2 - 28th June
Day 3 - 29th June
Omnibus - 28th July
Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details.
The Greenfingers Charity and the team at the garden retail’s leading exhibition, Glee, are asking exhibitors at this year’s show to consider supporting the children’s hospice garden charity with a special product promotion...
The Greenfingers Charity and the team at the garden retail’s leading exhibition, Glee, are asking exhibitors at this year’s show to consider supporting the children’s hospice garden charity with a special product promotion.
Many Glee exhibitors have supported Greenfingers in the past, with the likes of Vivid Arts, Primeur, Woodmansterne, Evergreen Garden Care, Woodlodge, Zest for Leisure and Deco-Pak, supporting the charity with everything from rabbit ornaments, doormats, greetings cards, compost, planters and play sand. And now, as the industry gets ready for the 2023 edition of Glee, the charity is hoping that at least 25 brands will consider supporting the charity throughout the 2024 season.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers said: “We’re grateful for every penny raised but recognise that not every business has the time to allocate to fundraising challenges. Product promotions are a superbly simple yet effective way to make a financial contribution to the charity. Previous companies have enjoyed great commercial success for their ‘Greenfingers ranges’ and we hope that many more Glee exhibitors will be open to the possibilities it offers.”
Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, added: “At Glee we are proud to support the Greenfingers Charity and we hope that many of our 400+ exhibitors will look to support via product promotions ahead of the 2024 season. It’s a great way to create some buzz on stand and to offer something unique to retailers, whilst also supporting the continuation of Greenfingers’ exceptional work in children’s hospices across the country.”
How does it work
Product promotions are an incredibly easy way for brands to fundraise for Greenfingers. Whether a product is specifically created for the charity or allocated from an existing product range, all companies have to do is commit to donating an agreed sum from the sale of each item. The Greenfingers team will also work with suppliers to ensure product packaging highlights their support of the charity’s work, extending its vital messaging to consumers within the retail environment. Donations can be allocated to the supplier’s annual budget forecast, making it a simple but very effective way to show their support.
Jenny Douthwaite, Director of Primeur, which donated over £4,000 to Greenfingers in 2020 said: “Running a product promotion for Greenfingers was so easy and such a great way to support the charity. Not only could we raise vital funds but the brand awareness it created on the shop floor opened up the charity to a whole new audience. It was certainly a hugely worthwhile approach to fundraising that we would highly recommend to others.”
To discuss this with Linda in person and to find out more about the Greenfingers charity, you can visit their stand at Glee (27-29 June, NEC Birmingham) in Hall 6J72.
Find out more
Any brands interested in launching a Greenfingers product promotion is asked to contact Linda Petrons directly by emailing Linda@Greenfingerscharity.org.uk.
You can also join in the conversation by following Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Glee will once again be celebrating the best buyers of garden, leisure, and pet products in the Glee Buyers Power List at the NEC in June...
Glee will once again be celebrating the best buyers of garden, leisure, and pet products in the Glee Buyers Power List at the NEC in June.
To acknowledge the high levels of professionalism across the wide range of products which feature in garden, leisure, and pet retailing there are twelve Glee Buyers Power List categories this year and nominations can be made in any of the categories for buyers from independent garden centres and retailers, buyers of high street and DIY retailers and buyers from on-line retailers.
Nominations are now being sought from growers, suppliers, agents, wholesalers, and retailers for the following categories of buyers and buying teams:
Plants buyer/buying team of the Year
Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year
Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year
Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year
Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year
Pet buyer/buying team of the Year
Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year
Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year
Online buyer/ buying team of the year
Overall Multiple Retailer Buying Team of the Year – (hardware, DIY, high street)
Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more
Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores
Nominations close on Tuesday 6th June 2023 after which voting will commence to decide the winners of the Glee Buyers Power List for 2023. Nominations can be made using this form or by e-mail to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk. All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence.
The Glee Buyers Power List has celebrated the excellence of buying in the Garden, Leisure and Pet markets annually since 2015. Last year’s winners included:
The Bourne family @ Perrywood - Matt Shorter @ Longacres - Nigel Gates @ Gates Garden Centre - Andy Wrightson @ Webbs - Kati Taylor @ Fron Goch - The Old Railway Line - St Peters Worcester - Squires Badshot Lea – Crocus - Dani Loftus @ Marie Curie - British Garden Centres - The Mercer family @ Hillmount
The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List 2023 will be announced live at Glee 2023 on Tuesday 27th June 2023 at 5:00pm, just before the Glee party!
Nomination Form:
I nominate the following buyers/buying teams for the Glee Buyers Power List 2023:
All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence
Send your completed nomination form to Glee Buyers Power List c/o GTN, Potting Shed Press, Dairy Drove, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0TX or e-mail your nominations to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk by 6th June 2022.
All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence.
Twelve candidates from this year’s Glee Talent Store have been selected to showcase their designs at Glee. Clare Baker and Nathan Evans from Bents Garden & Home (pictured) are among the finalists...
Twelve candidates from this year’s Glee Talent Store have been selected to showcase their designs at Glee (May 2023). Clare Baker and Nathan Evans from Bents Garden & Home (pictured) are among the finalists.
They were selected from 24 garden centre staff members, who took part in a visual merchandising training day and submitted ideas for a pop-up store concept based on either houseplants or outdoor plants.
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: “During a training day in March, the 24 individuals learnt all about visual merchandising from some of the very best, including Talent Store mentor, Debbie Flowerday, a Visual Merchandising Consultant, TrendBible’s Home & Interiors Trend Editor, Wendy Lowe and Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek.
“They were then placed into groups and tasked to come up with a pop-up store concept and design based on houseplants or outdoor plants. These designs were submitted and we’re thrilled to announce that the following individuals have made it to the finals and will be showcasing their designs at Glee 2023.”
The finalists are:
Outdoor plants:
Freya Markwood from Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury
Louisa Power from Ongar Garden Centre – British Garden Centres
Amber Dowsett from Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
Katherine Davies from Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
Nathan Evans from Bents Garden & Home
Damian Walker from Harrogate Garden Centre – British Garden Centres.
Houseplants:
Clare Forster from Braintree Garden Centre – British Garden Centres
Hazel Woodward from Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst
Alison Smith from Chessington Garden Centre
Clare Baker from Bents Garden & Home
Matthew Bone from Thurrock Garden Centre
Wendy Jones from Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe.
The finalist’s pop-up store designs will be showcased at Glee, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from June 27 until 29, 2023.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive at the GCA, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Glee Talent Store and to those who have been selected to have their designs showcased at Glee. It is a fantastic achievement as Glee is one of the most important trading events in the gardening industry calendar.”
Watch the Glee TV Peat-Free Roundtable discussions held late last year with Catherine Dawson, Steve Harper, Mark Portman and Toby Thomas...
Watch the Glee TV Peat-Free Roundtable discussions held late last year with Catherine Dawson, Steve Harper, Mark Portman and Toby Thomas, hosetd by GTN Editor Trevor Pfeiffer.
Every year hundreds of new products are entered into the highly coveted Glee New Product Showcase with just fifteen gaining triumph after a fiercely fought pitching process and judges’ deliberation. Nine months have now passed since the 2022 winners were crowned; here Glee catches up with a some of those winners to find out how their latest trophy has impacted their business and what they have planned for Glee 2023...
Every year hundreds of new products are entered into the highly coveted Glee New Product Showcase with just fifteen gaining triumph after a fiercely fought pitching process and judges’ deliberation. Nine months have now passed since the 2022 winners were crowned; here Glee catches up with a some of those winners to find out how their latest trophy has impacted their business and what they have planned for Glee 2023.
2022 Glee New Product winner: Planters - Woodlodge
Woodlodge is one of the leading gardenware suppliers in the UK, and as consumers become more environmentally aware of what they buy and how they garden, there has been a boom in consumer demand for more sustainable products from their suppliers.
Garden Planter winners, Woodlodge, which scooped the win with its EcoMade planters made from 97% ocean-reclaimed material, reported an uplift in sales since launching at Glee and winning the New Product Award. Michael Wooldridge, Director at Woodlodge said: “Sales have picked up for EcoMade since the launch and we’re forecasting these to continue increasing as sustainability moves up the agenda for retailers. It was fantastic to have the product recognised by the judges and we are delighted to win. The award showcases Woodlodge’s outstanding product development and our ability to tap into the consumers’ mindset and demands.”
Looking to Glee 2023 Michael added: “Being the main garden trade event of the year we feel it is important to exhibit at Glee every year to reach as many buyers as possible. We will be launching our new catalogue at the June show which is full of new ideas that are exciting to retailers and consumers. Our range of products is our best yet, with innovation, trend-led pieces and sustainability continuing to stimulate ongoing interest and conversation in the industry. “
2022 Glee New Product winner: Garden Plants, Seeds & Bulbs – Golden Grove Nursery
With planters come plants and the 2022 Glee Garden Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Award went to Golden Grove Nursery with Cryptomeria jap. 'Kyara Gold’. Talking about the win, Golden Groves’ Roger Ward said: “The award was a great boost of moral to the management and staff at the nursery and it is good to have a plant in development appreciated by the industry. Someone quipped to me at the time - “Fancy a conifer winning a best plant in show” - so it gives some positive publicity to the plant group after some recent lacklustre coverage. The nursery also gains positive publicity and perhaps gives it greater credibility and introduction to new customers who perhaps are unaware of its products. These benefits take some time to reach fruition.”
Come June, Golden Grove will be returning to Glee’s plant hub – the Green Heart – it has been confirmed that the team will be showcasing not just the standard ranges but also new varieties and will be highlighting how their plants lock up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the work they have been doing to reduce their own carbon footprint.
2022 Glee New Product winner: Landscaping & Garden Buildings – Meadow View Stone
The value of credibility that a Glee New Product award can offer was noted by 2022 Landscaping & Garden Buildings winners, Meadow View Stone. Sarah Hill, MD at Meadow View Stone said: “Winning the award against some very strong competition gave all our team a huge morale boost. In what is considered a very competitive product category, it gave the business greater credibility and further cemented the Company’s strength - as innovators within the decorative aggregate category.”
Sarah added: “We have always been great supporters of the industry event, so will once again be exhibiting our products and new collections alongside our many merchandising solutions. We continually study trends, evaluate sales data and collaborate with customers and key industry influences to identify gaps in the market or our product range. This is what drives our NPD along with new or improved operating solutions, some of which will be evident at Glee.
As a growing business we also recognise the need to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious, so Glee will be a platform to showcase the environmental benefits of some of our existing products, together with potentially new products and merchandising solutions, that improve or negate the impact on our environment.”
Meadow View’s thoughts were echoed by Zest, which scooped the Garden Leisure & Entertaining award in 2022. “Not only is it motivational for the new product development and marketing teams, particularly because of all the hard work that is involved, a Glee New Product Award is a great asset for the sales team in driving next season’s business in terms of exposure and confidence. An award attracts significant attention from the trade and is a great support when reaching out to garden centre buyers. This is especially true in today’s uncertain times when a clear point of difference and peer group acknowledgement that a product is truly ‘on trend’ is a persuasive message for the garden trade,” said Zest’s Head of Commercial Development, Simon Davison.
Zest is confirmed to be exhibiting at Glee 2023 and will be taking a proactive approach to on trend product development, which reflects the massive changes in consumer attitudes and needs in terms of outdoor living and acknowledges consumers’ concerns for the future. Simon explained: “The company’s natural advantages are its use of slow-grown timber sourced from FSC® certified forests (FSC®-C114990), combined with quality manufacturing methods and a handcrafted finish with an absolute focus on desirability, durability, and sustainability. Over and above that, the design team is focusing on products that reflect current trends such as outdoor modular cooking, wellness, relaxation and being close to nature. Our design team are also focusing on the use of the garden all year round and late into the evenings as well as during the day, grow your own self-sufficiency, and easy access products”.
2022 Glee New Product winner: Growing Materials – Sipcam Home & Gift
Sipcam Home & Garden scooped its first Glee New Product award in 2022, topping the Growing Materials category with its Peat Free Compost Booster & Organic Superfood. Talking about the win Sipcam MD Matt Jones said: “Since the Glee award many customers have been impressed with the Organic Superfood concept, which provides a multi-action 6-in-1 booster for plants and an organic feed solution that reduces carbon footprint. With Organic Superfood in stock this month, it represents an exciting time for the Sipcam team, with the biggest product launch since ecofective® was introduced to the market in 2018.
The product has gained hundreds of stockists and we are continuing to invest in the range to ensure we are meeting the increasing demand.
“Winning the award created heightened extra reach for the launch of Organic Superfood, positioning it as a ‘must view’ proposition for garden care buyers. From a brand recognition perspective, winning such a prestigious category upheld the growing reputation of the ecofective® brand within the gardening industry, something that the Sipcam team have been working hard towards over the last five years.
“We would definitely encourage suppliers to enter the awards. Even being shortlisted offers a useful platform to highlight your product range… If you win, it’s not only an amazing feeling but is an game-changing springboard for a new product launch.”
Glee New Product winner: Best of British - Airflow
Celebrating British manufacturing, the Best of British award was awarded to Airflow in 2022 for its “Bertie” Christmas tree stand. Talking about the win Airflow’s Managing Director, Lionel Huish said: “We created our Christmas tree stand based on the feedback we received from British Christmas tree growers who were frustrated with the quality of tree stands that were available in the marketplace. We worked tirelessly, over two years, to develop an innovative design and solution to the problem, thus felt entering Bertie into the New Product Awards at Glee was an ideal opportunity to present our British designed and manufactured product to a mass audience.
“The move by the Glee organisers to hold the exhibition in June suited us perfectly, as it was well timed for buyers looking to place orders for the winter season. By winning The Best of British Award at Glee, we saw an immediate increase in enquiries and sales, particularly from Garden Centres and Wholesalers. We even saw Bertie showcased on Glee TV.
“The process of entering The Glee New Product Award was extremely straightforward, as the form could be completed through Glee’s online portal. Having been shortlisted, at the exhibition, Managing Director, Lionel Huish was required to present a two minute “elevator pitch” which was a great chance to unveil our product, while also gaining feedback from industry experts. This led to a huge increase in footfall to our stand from buyers who had seen our presentation and were keen to learn more about Bertie.”
Enter the Glee New Product Showcase in 2023
Entry into the Glee New Products Showcase is now open and is completely free of charge to all Glee exhibitors. The showcase will feature entries from twelve different product categories: Plants, Seeds and Bulbs, Growing Materials, Growing Accessories, Garden Growing Containers, Garden Decoration, Garden Tools & Machinery, Landscaping, Garden Leisure & Entertaining, Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products, Gifts, Body & Bath, Christmas, Greeting Cards, Toys and Games, Homewares, Clothing and Fashion Accessories, Pet Products, Retail Services & Experiences, and DIY Products.
To enter, simply download the entry form from the Exhibitor Zone (online at www.gleebirmingham.com)
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
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Glee Birmingham is brought to you by Hyve Group plc, 2 Kingdom Street, Paddington W2 6JG. Company number 01927339 (England and Wales)
The International Festival for Garden, Leisure and Pet will showcase the latest innovations from hundreds of garden industry suppliers in one convenient location.
We are thrilled that a brand-new exhibit, the Talent Store, will debut at Glee in 2023. This exciting live project in conjunction with the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and renowned horticultural influencer, Michael Perry (also known as Mr Plant Geek) and Deborah Flowerday will showcase emerging talents in the industry. Featuring inspiring indoor and outdoor plant displays from up-and-coming merchandisers from garden centres, the pop-up displays will demonstrate how various designs can be used to showcase products and trends in creative and eye-catching ways.
Visit them to explore a curated range of the best new product from Greenfingers, National Trust, Emma Bridgewater, and Quentin Blake, as well as over 20 of the UK’s best publishers as part of their W-Select category management. 
Nomination Form:
