Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 118)

84 containers, which feature fibrestone interiors for year-round rigidity, tap into the current trend for sustainable gardening solutions and attracted the highest level of interest from buyers, with orders for the container portfolio secured too.. Fargro returned to Glee at Spring Fair for the second time, with the company’s representatives reporting buoyant trade throughout the exhibition. Fargro product manager, Kieran Daly, said: “It has been a good show for us. We were very busy on Sunday, while Monday and Tuesday were good, too. We’ve seen a lot of more retail buyers and florists this year, who we may not necessarily have met with at Glee in September.” Kieran reported healthy levels of interest from buyers in Fargro’s Lamela Eco range of pots, which tick the boxes for environmentally conscious retailers as they’re made from woodchip and recycled plastic and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. “Interest in sustainable pots is being driven by the indoor plant market,” Kieran explained. Finally, the timing of Glee at Spring Fair was right on cue for Joseph Noblett, supplier of Christmas trees and accessories, which has exhibited for the last three years. Proprietor, Joseph Noblett commented: “We were pleased with the first two days – the show works for us. It’s at the right time of year, as Christmas is still fresh in everyone’s minds.” Joseph said the show had helped his business target, “high end landscapers from central London,” who were looking for big impact specimen trees in wooden barrels. And the winners are…. The third annual Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase Awards took place at the show – in association with Garden Trade News – and was the centre of much industry buzz as the ‘best in show’ were selected by a panel of industry experts, with the winners being celebrated in a special awards ceremony. This year’s judging panel was made up of Trevor Pfeiffer of Garden Trade News; Boyd Douglas Davies, communications director at British Garden Centres; Steve Myatt, MD of Kiwiosity and garden centre consultant; garden retail guru and part of the Pughs Garden Centre senior management team, Roger Crookes; and James Ducker, managing director of Longlands Garden Centre. Together the judges selected three outstanding products from a record- breaking number of entries, each recognised for their unique design, saleability and innovative approach to bringing to market products that will drive profits in the coming seasons. First prize The product that scooped first prize and was awarded the ‘best in show’ was Nano Tape from Creative Products. This innovative traceless, waterproof and reusable tape makes it easy to complete a range of interior and exterior DIY projects such as hanging photos and frames, as well as fixing rugs and table legs, whilst providing the ultimate strength and durability. Highly commended Two highly commended products were also selected by the judges. The first highly commended was the Bellevue Rocking/ Reclining Set from Innovators International. This grey rattan collection combines the ultimate in comfort with the classic ‘tea for two’ style of outdoor living. Incorporating gas lift technology for the smoothest possible recline with zero maintenance rattan and aluminium the Bellevue Rocking/Reclining Set is a great update for the outdoor living category. The second highly commended product and taking its 2020 Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase win total to two, was Creative Products with its Fat Ball Garland. This update to the best-selling wild bird food product was praised for its ability to drive sales further, whilst providing consumers with the ability to create flexible and creative feeding solutions. Finally, the judges requested special mention for four additional products. Those products are: • Fargro – Till Planter: a self-irrigating planter, which is perfect for potted herbs. • Charles Taylor – Wentworth Two- Seater Arbour: a two-seater Arbour with removable roof and versatile seating. • Dizmezs – Baby Reindeer: an ecological wooden reindeer decoration. • Travellers Finds – Mini Plant Stakes: handmade decorative plant stakes perfect for indoor and outdoor usage. Glee and now, Glee at Spring Fair, is the UK’s leading garden retail show. Both events focus on building year-round profits within core product categories including garden care, landscaping, outdoor living, garden design, pet, speciality food and catering, home, gift and clothing, and plants. To keep up-to-date on all the latest news visit gleebirmingham.com or for details on exhibiting at Glee 2020 or Glee at Spring Fair 2021, telephone +44 (0)203 3545 9752 .