Former Gardman boss Stuart Hainsworth (above left) was at Glee yesterday in his new role as managing director of drinks giant Halewood International (17W54) – to promote the sales opportunities for garden centres in the drinks category.

Halewood owns a clutch of high-profile brands, including Crabbie’s, Red Square Vodka, Whitley Neill Gin, Willow Spring Water and Eisberg Alcohol Free Wine.

James Wright (above right), the company’s head of spirits and agency brands, believes its products are a good match for the UK’s garden centre demographic.

The company has developed a Festive Drinks offering to present to garden centre food and drinks buyers in a special leaflet. It contains a number of lines exclusive to garden centres in the run-up to Christmas, including some attractive gift packaging.

As well as its brands, Halewood owns a vineyard in Romania and produces a range of premium wines not available on the UK high street.