Garden Centre Retail October/November 2022

Welcome

Alot can happen in two months. In September alone we welcomed not only a new Prime Minister but also a new Monarch as we mourned the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and a Bank Holiday was announced for the day of the funeral.

Typically, an extra Bank Holiday would equal the sound of ringing tills, but garden centres across the UK including Notcutts, Hillier and Dobbies chose to close their doors as a mark of respect. It was a reminder, perhaps, of the role retailers now play beyond making a profit; they’re expected to have a wider positive impact too.

You could argue their virtuousness was rewarded a couple of weeks later in the MiniBudget. New chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng revealed a raft of measures to help businesses,

including cancelling the rise in National Insurance for both employees and employers and freezing corporation tax at 19% and beer, cider, wine and spirit duties.

It wasn’t all good news. Business rates, for instance, didn’t get a mention, suggesting these will not be frozen – or even cut – as hoped.

And the £45bn in unfunded tax cuts sparked uncertainty from investors; the pound fell to a record low against the dollar, and the Bank of England announced emergency action to help stabilise the market.

And this was all less than a month into Liz Truss taking over from Boris Johnson. Will her spend happy government prove beneficial in the long run? With a cost-of-living crisis to resolve, we have no choice but to put our faith in the unknown and hope for the best.

Nina Mason

Nina Mason Head of content

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Making DIY a doddle!

News

And the winner is…

Winners revealed for Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards 2022

The second annual Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards took place on 5 September at Olympia London, with inspirational retailers, sustainability champions, innovative products and an outstanding industry champion celebrated on the Food for Thought Stage.

Six category winners were announced, including The Westmorland Family as The Outstanding Industry Champion. specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk

HTA announces winners of Ornamental Grower of the Year Awards

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Ornamental Grower of the Year Awards. Chairman of the HTA James Barnes and newly elected President Alan Down presented 10 awards across five categories. Allensmore Nurseries was named Best Finished Plants Grower, while Ball Colegrave was named Best Young Plants Grower. hta.org.uk

Autumn Fair announces Gift of the Year winners

Autumn Fair featured a dedicated Gift of the Year 2022 Winner’s Product Showcase, created with the Giftware Association, which offered visitors the chance this year’s next bestsellers. It featured displays from winners across 22 categories. The Overall Judge’s Choice Winner was The Plantable Children’s Book by Willsow. autumnfair.com

Glee crowns its first ever ESG Initiative Award winner

Following the first-ever June edition of the Glee exhibition, the show’s organisers have added a new initiative as part of its ‘Power of One’ campaign, introducing the Glee ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Initiative Award, with this year’s winner confirmed as Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery Project CIC. gleebirmingham.com

Peat sales to be banned by 2024

The UK Government has announced its intention to ban the sale of peat to amateur gardeners by 2024. It is understood that this ban will apply to bagged peat compost, but it not yet clear whether peat-containing products, such as plants, will also be subject to a 2024 ban. The ban follows a public consultation and marks the first occasion that any UK government has considered legislative action to tackle the use of peat in horticulture.

The Wildlife Trusts, alongside key nature charities, has campaigned for an end to the destruction of peatlands since the 1990s. Peatlands have a global cooling effect when they are in their naturally wet state, and lock away

carbon from dead plants for hundreds or even thousands of years. However, when peatlands are drained and dug up for use in gardens and greenhouses, stored carbon is released as CO 2

The Wildlife Trusts estimates that peat extraction for horticulture has caused up to 31 million tonnes of CO2 to be released since 1990. Ailis Watt, peat policy officer at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “The ban is expected to apply to around two-thirds of peat currently sold in England.

“What we need to see now is the Government taking action towards a total ban on peat extraction and its use in horticulture.” gov.uk wildlifetrusts.org

Dobbies’ partnerships continue to grow

Garden centre giant Dobbies has opened its second Waitrose foodhall, with Brighton being the latest store to feature the new offering.

Customers to the Warren Road store can now find a selection of the upmarket supermarket’s offering, from its Essential Waitrose range to its premium Waitrose No.1 range.

The Waitrose foodhall is one of more than 50 that are to be launched at Dobbies’ stores across the UK and which will bring the supermarket

brand to 20 new towns and cities. The first Waitrose to open in Dobbies was in Edinburgh.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, says: “As we continue to build on the success of our foodhalls, Waitrose was the natural grocery partner as they share our commitment to great value, quality and sustainability.

He continues: “We look forward to welcoming shoppers in Brighton to our new-look foodhall.” dobbies.com

British Garden Centres invests in EV charging

Family-owned garden centre group British Garden Centres has selected Osprey Charging to provide rapid electric vehicle charging at its UK stores.

The British Garden Centre in Carmarthen, Wales, will be the first to offer an Osprey rapid charge to its customers, at a hub with 8 ultra-rapid (150kW) chargers opening later this year. The Carmarthen hub will be followed by high-power hubs planned in Wimborne in Dorset, Carr Gate in Yorkshire, Braintree in Essex and Harrow in London.

A total of 11 further sites are confirmed with a mix of these larger hubs and some smaller installations depending on the size of the site and availability of power.

The chain also unveiled its biggest Christmas department recently at Tarporley Garden Centre. Phillippa Stubbs, group director, says: “Christmas is one of our busiest seasons and we know that people are planning a celebration this year but also want to spread the cost over a number of months.

britishgardencentres.com

Cardwell Garden Centre achievements recognised by Scottish Parliament

AMember of Scottish Parliament has recognised Cardwell Garden Centre’s achievements by lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament about its 60th anniversary.

Labour’s Paul O’Kane, a West of Scotland List MSP, has visited Cardwell to present two directors of the garden centre, Drew and Kieran Gallagher, with a framed copy of the motion, which received wide crossparty support. The motion describes Cardwell as a “thriving institution for locals and a must-visit spot for tourists” and that it retains “a great care for serving the local community”.

Cardwell was started in 1962 by the late Eric Gallagher, who began with a small nursery, in Gourock. The success of the business meant it had to move to a bigger site and that’s where Cardwell is just now at Lunderston Bay.

Paul O’Kane said: “The garden centre is an institution, and it has become a must-go-to place for locals as well as tourists who are visiting the area….It was pleasure to raise the anniversary with a parliamentary motion and I hope that, if it ends up on a wall, many of the centre’s visitors will notice it and as a result appreciate the length of time the business has been serving the local community.

“The Gallagher family should be very proud of what they’ve built over 60 years and it’s only right that more people find out and take notice of the family’s achievements.”

cardwellgardencentre.co.uk

News Flash

Furniture and barbecue sales continued to sizzle in August Furniture and barbecue sales remained positive throughout August according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade. Sales in the outdoor entertainment department were up 26.93% compared to the same month last year, despite other areas flagging in the heat.

A few categories struggled, though. Sales in traditional categories such as outdoor plants were down -24.69%, seed and bulb sales were down -6.67% and houseplants sales were down -15.89%. Overall sales for the month were down -8.89% with a year-to-date variance of -1.46%. gca.org.uk

Brits to have a more considered Christmas as inflation takes its toll eBay Ads UK’s latest Christmas Spend Trends research report finds that the impact of inflation means consumers will be prioritising value for money and thoughtful gifting this festive season. The research, which surveyed 2,010 UK consumers who celebrate Christmas, found that a third (32%) of consumers are planning to start their Christmas shopping earlier than last year, with three in 10 (29%) shoppers planning to start before the end of August. 30% credit this early start to the impact of inflation on Christmas shopping. Six in 10 consumers report that good value for money is the most important factor when it comes to shopping for Christmas goods this year. ebayads.com

Notcutts looks ahead after a strong performance in 2021/22

Following the easing of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the return of consumer confidence and a surging interest in gardening, Notcutts delivered a strong trading performance during the year ending February 2022. Turnover at £79.6m was up 23.8% on the prior year. Operating profits grew strongly to £8.42m underpinned by additional sales, strong gross margin and close cost control. The 2021/22 financial year saw Notcutts resume its capital development programme with projects in Woodbridge, Solihull, Dukeries (Worksop), Ashton Park (Aston Under Lyne) and Oxford. notcutts.co.uk

Retail Trends5 Food

WHICH MOVEMENTS AND LEGISLATION ARE SHAPING THE WAY WE SELL FOOD?

02

01The removal of best before dates changing

A raft of UK supermarkets are hoping to reduce food waste by taking the ‘best before date’ off the packaging of a range of fresh produce. A WRAP report recently revealed that by removing these labels from the most wasted food – which includes apples, bananas, potatoes, cucumbers and broccoli – it would reduce waste by an estimate 50,000t a year. Pressure is mounting on all retailers selling fresh produce to follow suit.

Single-used plastic being reduced

The removal of plastic is nothing new, but it continues to be ramped up by manufacturers – and government, which has launched the last of eight competitions to fund efforts to make the supply chain of plastics “more circular”. Fifty-seven projects have been funded to date through the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge (SSPPC), and the latest round has £2.5m up for grabs for projects. The UK is potentially falling behind other countries, though, when it comes to reducing its plastic usage. One year after other European countries banned the worst offenders in single-use plastic, England has announced no such plans.

03Plant based options growing Vegan foods continue to appear on shelves and big brands are seeing the opportunity. Cathedral City, for instance, has now launched its first vegan range; Terry’s Chocolate Orange is now available in a Plant-Based Bar; and Ben & Jerry’s has unveiled a vegan version of its Phish Food flavoured ice cream. Whilst there’s no sign in innovation slowing, sales of plant-based meats are. According to Kantar, they have climbed just 2.5% in the 36 weeks to September, compared to 40% in 2020.

04Food apps tackling food waste

Removing best before dates isn’t the only way in which retailers can reduce their food waste. Apps which allow people to purchase surplus food and drink from stores and restaurants can help. Take Too Good To Go, which Dobbies partnered with last year. The food waste app has so far saved 16 million ‘magic bags’ of surplus food from being thrown away. And it’s not the only one working with businesses. Karma, for instance, is similar to Too Good To Go, and Olio offers excess food for free but also allows people to sell homemade items, and Karma too.

05Cracking down on food and drink which is High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS)

Legislation was due to come in later this year that would restrict the placement and promotion of products through a High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) classification. Plans included a ban on online advertising and TV advertising of HFSS products to be allowed only after the watershed at 9pm. The government might be backtracking on this legislation under new Prime Minister Liz Truss, but 70 health charities, medical organisations and health professionals have sent an open letter to Truss to change her mind and keep the legislation on track to help address childhood obesity.

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see the sculptures

An Interview With Hillier

FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF ITS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME, WE SPEAK TO HILLIER ABOUT ITS FOCUS ON STAFF TRAINING AND HOW THE CHAIN HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXPANDING

For the most part, a key topic when it comes to GCR’s big interview tends to be the garden centre offer itself. That could of course mean the products on the shelves or what’s on display in the plant area. It could also mean marketing or community-related activities, designed to provide extra value to those who visit the site and/or who live nearby. In the majority of cases, in other words, this section, at least in a sense, tends to be very ‘customer’ focused.

With that in mind, in this issue we are doing something a bit different by concentrating primarily on staff – or more specifically, staff training. As anyone who has ever run a business will know after all, retaining capable, customer-centred people is absolutely crucial for

success. It is also necessary to develop those people at every reasonable opportunity, not just to make them more effective in their current role but to ultimately help them with their own careers.

In order to examine this topic, we’re going to be focusing on recent developments at Hillier, which has instigated an innovative apprenticeship scheme. The aim of this scheme is to not only help upskill its own people, but also to make the business an attractive destination for those who have left formal education and

wish to make a career for themselves in horticultural retail.

Business expansion

Hillier is more than 155 years old, having started as a nursery in 1864 by Edwin Hillier. Today, it remains a family business with over 800 staff, and with the fifthgeneration family actively involved as it continues to grow.

Since 2019, Hillier has added seven new garden centres and an online shop to its portfolio and the Hampshire based nursery now grows over one million plants a year, as well as being the largest grower of semi-mature trees in the UK.

Instilling values

Having grown to a total of 19 sites, Hillier has not only become an increasingly profitable business, but also a more complex one. It is therefore essential to make sure that training is as comprehensive as possible, enabling staff to become conversant with as many areas of the operation as they can.

This was one of the key drivers in the decision to launch a new apprenticeship scheme, in conjunction with the business becoming a government-accredited employer training provider. Hillier has also opened a new ‘learning and development’ department as part of this drive.

Discussing the origins of the move, head of learning and development at Hillier, Emma Fell, says: “It’s actually been a fairly lengthy process, starting around five years ago when I was working on the nursery side of the business. During this time, I was responsible for training within that department, and this heightened my belief in the advantages of apprenticeships.”

She continues: “At this time, our strategy in terms of training wasn’t necessarily adaptable

As well as giving students a background in the topics themselves, the aim has also been to steep them in the culture of the company.

“We’re a family business, and we want to keep those values running through everything we do,” says Emma. “Needless to say, they’re at the heart of all our new apprenticeship curriculums as well.”

“Our values as a business are honesty, innovation, listening, loyalty, empowerment, and respect, and through our teachings, we bed that in. Actually, the first unit that’s always taught is about the business and the brand itself. How we demonstrate those values to the customer, to the environment, and so on.”

She continues: “Once a month, the students join us at the ‘learning hub’ at head office, which is a purpose-built setting, where either myself or my colleague John will teach.”

to each area of the business, so I always had to assure that what I was teaching was adding value, both to Hillier and to the person undertaking the training. We desire to have apprenticeships and training schemes which are bespoke rather than following a format of tickbox exercises.”

As reported in GCR back in August, the new scheme will offer students the opportunity to specialise in a particular field. This could include horticulture, hospitality, supply chain, retail, customer service, management, and more.

“The students can then put their new knowledge into practise when they return to the workplace. Ultimately, it’s about managing the pipeline, which in turn gives us an edge when it comes to the recruitment piece. At the same time, we’re giving something very important back to the community – and the students – which is again, core to our values as a company.”

Hillier has always been an expansive, innovative business, and this new apprenticeship scheme is the next logical stage in its development.

WE’RE A FAMILY BUSINESS, AND WE WANT TO KEEP THOSE VALUES RUNNING THROUGH EVERYTHING WE DO

Growth through Giftware?

BURTON

WHY GARDEN CENTRES HOMEWARE AND GIFT RANGES CAN INSPIRE THEIR AUDIENCE

The growth throughout the garden centre sector has been extremely positive over the past couple of years; however, we have seen mixed results across homeware departments compared to the pre-COVID period. Changes in customer needs and expectations, alongside the continuing growth of online sales from both established and new businesses, has seen competition for homeware grow, with customers shopping more often, and choosing various ways of doing so.

Garden centres often have the environment, the space, and the opportunity to create a homeware range and theme. They also have the flexibility, creativity and the will within their teams to display items in a way that can really ‘wow’ the customer. When we consider what a garden centre actually offers, it is often so much more than other shops, hosted within an environment and experience that the internet cannot match.

A garden centre’s environment is different to the high street, with a diverse product range and a personal service that many other

industries would be proud to have. The fusing of departments and products are essential, and when we consider products such as kitchenware next to food, or candles close to houseplants, the departments can work really well together, ultimately to drive sales.

Space is important when creating a homeware range, so let us not hide from the fact many garden centres and nurseries simply do not have the necessary space to sell a strong range of homeware goods. However, it is just a case of reconsidering a product offering and recognising its gift potential.

We often talk about extending the inside of the home outside, and this psychology should be emphasised when customers are considering how to improve their homes or what to give as gifts. Garden centres have a unique point of difference and when it comes to gardening demographics, with around 27 million people enjoying gardening in the UK –where else would a consumer need to look for gift inspiration?

Garden centres can maximise their gardening ranges, by highlighting them throughout the year as gifts. Centres that

display such products and plants and tools as gifts over Christmas often see strong sales.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and by creating striking displays that inspire the customer, seemingly everyday products such as garden tools, wellies, garden clocks, statues and trugs can all become great gift ideas. Be it a bird table for a nature enthusiast, a gardening gift voucher for the gardener who has everything, or a stash of gardening gloves or plant labels to use as stocking fillers, every garden centre has the ability to be transformed into a treasure trove of gift ideas if it knows how best to position them!

About Andrew Burton Andrew works for garden centre and farm shop business strategy and rural planning specialists Malcolm Scott Consultants.

Andrew provides commercial, operational and business development experience and commercial advice to clients in the retail and catering sectors.

Andrew now sits on the Farm Retail Association Council, having previously been on the Garden Centre Association Board. andrewb@malcolmscott.co.uk

The (Quiet) Rise

of the QR Code

FROM OCCASIONAL USE TO BECOMING PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE QR COULD CONTINUE TO PROVE USEFUL TO RETAILERS BEYOND NHS TRACK AND TRACE

For some companies, the pandemic was arguably a gamechanger. A number of technologies which had previously been overlooked then shot to stardom. And whilst the growth of video call platform Zoom was widely spoken about, the humble QR code quietly became part of our everyday lives, as we scanned them for the NHS Track and Trace app, to view menus and order food in restaurants, or to log the results of our COVID test at home.

Video calls remain a constant, even with people returning to the office; but what about the QR code?

According to digital retail specialist Sherwen Studios, awareness of the QR code is at an all-time high and it could be used by retailers to increase sales.

“Before COVID, I wondered if people were actually going to use QR codes; but now, everyone knows what they are and how to use them. They’ve become a lot more relevant, and they’re easy to generate,” says Rachel Morris, marketing manager at Sherwen Studios, which earlier this year

published a whitepaper looking at how garden centres could improve e-commerce platforms and physical stores by linking these offerings. Two thousand consumers were questioned about shopping habits and preferences for the whitepaper, which found that more than 40% of shoppers would actively increase their purchasing if QR codes were used to help them through the sales funnel or provided added value. Those aged between 16 and 24 were most likely, with 63% saying QR codes becoming mainstream would actively improve their instore purchasing. This didn’t drop as drastically as some might assume with older consumers, with a quarter of those aged 55 also seeing the benefit.

Rachel says this might be because QR codes

were used by many throughout the pandemic, regardless of age, and so more understand what they are and how they can be beneficial. Phone cameras can also now be used to scan QR codes, whereas previously a separate scanning app was required – and would typically be deleted, says Rachel.

Sherwen Studios’ recommendations for using QR codes in your store

• Checking in-store stock levels without relying on help from a staff member.

• Requesting additional information about a product (e.g., usage suggestions, video demonstrations, highlighting additional relevant products).

• Enabling customers to log into online accounts, make use of ‘wish list’ technology or share product details with friends or family.

• Syncing with wider digital and content marketing activities.

Find out more about Sherwen Studios’ research by downloading the ‘Bricks and mortar vs. online retail. How to combine online and offline experiences to improve shopping for your customers’ whitepaper.

With QR codes being so easy to use and a wide customer base interested in using them in-store, there are a number of ways in which garden centres could introduce them. They could feature below a product on the shelf, for instance, to take a customer to a page where they can learn more about the product – or they could be included in the packaging to lead the customer to this information once they’ve purchased the product. For plants, this could be aftercare information or advice on where to plant it such as in the sun or shade. It’s about linking the online and offline offering with QR codes, says Rachel.

“You want the QR codes to be driving customers to your website so that you can track the success; you can see who is scanning the codes and what they are using them for. It will help to give you customer data to understand why people are using QR codes. You could even have them in store with garden furniture, linking the customer to a VR tool so they can see what the product would look like in their garden.”

For instance, Sherwen Studios has ScS as a customer and has worked with the furniture store to allow customers to virtually place its sofas into their homes.

QR codes could also be used to help customers identify additional complementary products for certain plants, such as compost; or to allow customers to collect loyalty points. They could also help customers to keep track of products they have seen and liked in store but did not purchase at the time. These products could be added to a digital wishlist by scanning the QR code.

Sherwen Studios can help retailers engage with this technology, and others, by helping them to understand all the touch points for where technology could be used.

“Retail has changed massively over the past couple of decades, especially in the past couple of years with COVID. It’s sped up the digital transformation and even bigger companies weren’t prepared for the level of technology they would need to keep up with it. We help to build that evolution of retail,” says Rachel, who noticed a surge in demand from the home improvement industries for a better online presence throughout the pandemic.

“Quite often, it can be more difficult for bigger companies to implement this because retail giants have lots of hoops to jump through; whereas smaller companies can be more agile and act a lot quicker. We work as quickly as we can to implement things and do a continuous improvement plan, so we’re always thinking of new ways to improve the digital landscape of that company.”

Rachel recommends retailers introduce

new technologies gradually to better track their success. “We want to make sure that whatever technology has been implemented is actually serving the purpose that we want it to, and so a staged approach would be the best way to do this.”

Following the mass introduction of QR codes in 2020, now is arguably the best time to explore how these can be used in-store, and to explore the other technologies which can continue to improve the customer experience both in-store and online.

YOU WANT THE QR CODES TO BE DRIVING CUSTOMERS TO YOUR WEBSITE SO THAT YOU CAN TRACK THE SUCCESS

Merchandising poinsettias for maximum impact

season has

and for those who miss being out in their gardens or allotments, these festive favourites are a way to enjoy fresh flowers and plants in the dark winter months. The gifting potential is also strong, with poinsettias offering an attractive and affordable solution for

cash-strapped consumers.

Tip:Ifpoinsettiashavebeengrown locally,letpeopleknow.Theymight liketosupport.localhorticultural businesses,gardencentresand florists.

Go colour Crazy!

With such a broad colour palette available, versatile poinsettias have appeal throughout autumn as well as Advent. Extend your selling season with alternative colours that evoke autumn–orange, peach, pink, amber or yellow - and share beautiful images on social media to inspire shoppers.

Give customers care advice at the point of purchase: Poinsettias need light to thrive and don’t like cold and draughts. Situate plants in a bright, warm spot protected from draughts and temperatures below 15°C. Don’t leave them in dark corners. Poinsettias shouldn’t be allowed to either dry out completely or become soggy. Too much water can cause lasting damage.

To ensure poinsettias survive the journey to their new home in winter they will need to be well wrapped. Inform customers that they shouldn’t allow poinsettias to get chilled during transit.

Tip:Withyoungergenerations embracinggreenliving,houseplants arebooming.Itwillpaytoget intothemindsetofGenZto maximisepoinsettiasales.

In Store Inspiration

Tablescaping is an important part of Christmas preparations and an ideal way to create stunning in-store displays which incorporate poinsettias alongside Christmas decorations and other merchandise. Let customers know that cut poinsettias have a very long vase life. Their

stunning bracts will stay fresh for about two weeks if you stop the milky sap from oozing out of stems immediately after cutting. To do this, first immerse stems in hot water of around 60°C for five seconds, then plunge into cold water.

To access the incredible Stars for Europe library of advice and aspirational images visit: www.starsuniteeurope. eu/en/

What’s in a label?

BEST BEFORE DATES ARE THE LATEST TARGET IN THE UK’S DRIVE TO BECOMING MORE SUSTAINABLE

Throwing away perfectly edible food isn’t just wasteful, but it’s actually contributing to climate change.

That’s according to food waste charity WRAP, which says up to 40% of food produced globally ends up as waste, and this makes up 8-10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. In its report published earlier this year, one of its recommendations for reducing food waste is for stores to remove date labels from uncut produce. WRAP put the removal of Best

Before dates as a ‘priority action’, and it seems supermarkets are taking note.

One of the more recent pledges comes from Waitrose, which announced that from September it will remove best before dates on nearly 500 fresh products, including root vegetables, fruits and indoor plants, encouraging customers to use ‘their own judgement’.

Marija Rompani, director of sustainability & ethics at John Lewis Partnership, said: “UK households throw away 4.5 million tonnes of

edible food every year, meaning that all the energy and resources used in food production is wasted. By removing best before dates, we want customers to use their own judgement to decide whether a product is good to eat or not, which in turn, will increase its chances of being eaten and not becoming waste.”

It’s not just supermarkets which are taking action though. “We pride ourselves on stocking fresh, Yorkshire produce, which is why all our fruit and vegetables can be bought

ALL OUR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES CAN BE BOUGHT LOOSE, WITHOUT SELL-BY DATES OR EVEN PACKAGING

loose, without sell-by dates or even packaging at all. This means customers can save money and waste by just buying what they need. As a business, we rely on taste, sight and smell to clearly see when food is past its best, as we all should,” says Joanna Pacey, marketing manager at Crimple, a garden centre in Harrogate which has also partnered with local food bank Harrogate Neighbours and app Too Good To Go to reduce food waste.

By removing best before dates on fruit and vegetables, WRAP reckons the equivalent of seven million shopping baskets of food could

be saved from going to waste.

Removing date labels from apples, potatoes, bananas, cucumbers and broccoli alone could save 50,000t of food from going to waste in the home every year. ‘Use-by’ dates, though, should remain as these relate to food safety.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) states on its website: “The difference between best before and use-by dates is really important. Some foods deteriorate over time in a way that may present a safety risk; for instance, meat or dairy products...Never eat food

after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells okay, as it could make you very ill.”

The ‘best before’ date relates to the quality of food; it will still be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best, says the FSA.

WRAP has announced its third annual Food Waste Action Week will be taking place 6-12 March, with a theme of ‘Win. Don’t bin’. Catherine David, director of collaboration and change at WRAP, says: “The cost-of-living crisis is putting many households under increased budgetary pressures and reducing the amount of food we waste is a simple way we can save money and time. Using leftovers is a win-win solution for both our pockets and the planet.”

Removing dates is just one step, but it could a significant one to reducing food waste in the UK.

Rocky Road to Success

AMIDST CONTINUOUS OBSTACLES, FATHERSON BAKERY IS REMAINING RESILIENT AS IT GEARS UP TO LAUNCH ITS FESTIVE RANGE, WITH MORE

Afounded 15 years ago. It was set up to deliver premium, high quality, hand decorated cakes in 2007, just before the global financial crisis hit. More recently, it has had to battle Brexit coming into effect, the impact of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis.

“The business has had to remain pretty resilient through all those different challenges,” says owner Laurence Smith, who purchased the business in 2019 having worked for larger, bluechip businesses previously such as Unilever and United Biscuits. “We were actively looking to buy a business with a really nice customer base, great quality products and a really good ethos, so we completed on the purchase nearly four years ago and haven’t looked back, despite Brexit, COVID-19 and the Ukraine crisis.”

Obstacles haven’t held back the Alcesterbased business from growing. It quickly started to secure key listings in its first year, with the now disbanded Wyevale Group being one of its earliest customers, along with Budgens’ owner Musgrave and the Co-op. Since, it has gained listings in leading garden centre groups such as Hillier, Squires, Blue Diamond and Dobbies, as well as well-known independent stores including

It also supplies farm shops, grocery/convenience stores and forecourts.

“Because of our premium-ness and uniqueness, being handmade and handdecorated, the brand fits as a nice ethos, as something garden centres can offer which is different to Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose, for example. And we offer support with merchandising units, point of sale and literature.”

Fatherson Bakery offers a core range of products, with traditional large and demi sponges such as Victoria, chocolate, lemon and coffee. It also produces

loaf cakes, including its award-winning lemon drizzle cake, rich fruit loaf, chocolate indulgence loaf and cherry madeira. It’s the more traditional flavours such as

these which Laurence says customers have been demanding as a result of recent crises. “There is a real nostalgia with the UK consumer, so they’re buying a Victoria sponge or a lemon drizzle cake because it’s that reassurance of times gone by when there was stability. We’ve certainly seen growth in those areas.”

That’s not the only area seeing a spike in demand. The bakery’s range of snack bars – or ‘2 Go Bars’ – are growing in popularity. With flavours from Salted Caramel and Fruity Granola to Chocolate Rocky Road and Chocolate Honeycomb Tiffin, these bars are great for impulse purchases and as part of ‘meal deals’, says Laurence. They’re also all gluten free and two are vegan, tapping into two other markets which have been increasing over the last few years; the free from sector soared 17.6% in the four weeks leading up to 16 May 2020, compared to the same period in the previous year, according to Nielsen.

“It’s an area which is starting to develop and grow. It’s still not the lion’s share, but there are consumers who are choosing a vegan lifestyle or being

vegan just one day a week, so are opting for products which fit their dietary requirements for that day. All of our mince pie range is vegan and has been for many years, so we do have a number of products in our ranges that lend themselves well to a vegan diet.”

Its Great Taste Award-winning mince pies are, of course, part of Fatherson Bakery’s festive offering, which this year also includes a number of fruit cakes and apple and mincemeat pies. It produces a variety of seasonal ranges of products throughout the year, for special occasions such as Valentine’s and Mother’s Day to Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

Laurence says the bakery is also looking to bolster its summer range. “Having experienced nine weeks with such hot summer weather, and looking like that’s probably going to be recurring, something we are looking at is how we can support our customers with appropriate summer recipes and summer products. What that looks like, we don’t know yet, but it’s certainly an area that we’re going to be exploring and we will continue to develop this part of the seasonal range.

Fatherson Bakery is currently in the process of relaunching its traybake range, which Laurence says is another growth area in the market, arguably because of their ease for sharing and their longer shelf life. It has reformulated its

millionaire shortbread, rocky road, traditional bakewell and chocolate crispie traybakes, though Laurence says it always puts its products through consumer testing when looking to change a recipe to ensure its popular products will remain a hit with consumers and the products maintain their premium quality.

These were also factors when Fatherson Bakery underwent a rebrand after Laurence and his partners bought the business. “We took the opportunity to revitalise the brand. We worked very hard on it, and there were a number of reiterations in the earlier stage until we found something that really reflected the premium-ness and the quality; and the way in which we utilised the colours that had become synonymous with the brand just worked really well and lifted it.”

Now, the bakery is working closely with its packaging partners to ensure its range – which also

includes cupcakes, butterfly cakes and fruit pies – not only appeals to customers for its taste but also its sustainability credentials. Everything it sources, where possible, is made from recycled materials, and it is part of Happily Transparent which allows consumers to see the provenance of its ingredients.

“Rather than overpackaging the product, we let the product speak for itself on the shelf, so we use flow wrappers with no box to keep it simple. Because we have a fleet of vehicles delivering direct to our customers every day and the products can go straight onto the shelf, we can have less packaging; whereas when you start to go through wholesalers and cash & carries, the products need to be better protected as there are multiple touchpoints.”

Becoming more sustainable, alongside tackling labour shortages caused by Brexit and the pandemic, are all challenges Fatherson Bakery is choosing to take in its stride, though supply chain issues are unfortunately having to be passed onto the customer. “The more recent situation with regards to Russia and the Ukraine has put a new pressure on the bakery industry.

Our raw ingredients – flour, sugar, fruit, rapeseed oil, glycerine – have gone up in price, with some more than doubling.

“Because we use a fleet of vehicles ourselves and all our suppliers use vehicles, the cost of fuel has been passed onto us too, which we’ve subsequently had to pass onto our customers, and ultimately to the end consumer.”

With adversity being nothing new to Fatherson Bakery, the company will likely continue to innovate and aim for an even bigger slice of the market.

OUR RAW INGREDIENTS – FLOUR, SUGAR, FRUIT, RAPESEED OIL, GLYCERINE –HAVE GONE UP IN PRICE

Sowing the seeds OF SUCCESS

at the Klondyke Group

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COFFEE – AND SUPPLIER –CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE, AS KLONDYKE FOUND OUT WITH RINGTONS

garden centres located in Scotland, Wales and Northern England. Each site includes a plant centre, craft and gift retailing plus a restaurant and coffee shop, both counter-service operated.

In 2021, the Klondyke Group decided to review the company’s hot beverage offer as catering and food sales director Keren Feeney explains: “I’d read an industry report which said 77% of consumers agreed that poor coffee quality is more discouraging than poor service. It made me realise how coffee savvy the public had become in a relatively short space of time.”

As is the case with many garden centres, the Klondyke Group is a food and beverage destination, and in that respect, it is competing with not only the high street but also other leisure operators in the area who likely offer a great standard of food and drink.

getting the coffee offer just right for our particular customer base and the type of business we operate.

“With online reviews and word of mouth so important these days, we knew that if a customer liked the coffee, they would spread the word and promote the coffee shop and garden centre at the same time.

“We opted for an ‘all-rounder’, a Ringtons speciality grade Arabica blend with broad appeal that we felt customers would enjoy and come back for time and time again.”

John Broad, who heads up the Beverages for Business team at Ringtons, impressed on Keren the importance of the ‘whole package’. In terms of perfecting the offer, it’s not just about the choice

When it comes to coffee, consumer expectations have never been higher. At one point, speciality coffee was almost exclusively consumed in niche, artisan cafes and only enjoyed by enthusiasts.

But coffee has become a big part of our culture and lifestyle in the UK (we drink more than 95 million cups of coffee a day) and now high-grade coffee is routinely available in ‘non specialist outlets’ where the focus is usually on the food offer, such as hotels, supermarkets, pubs and, of course, garden centres.

With demand for quality coffee showing no sign of slowing down right now, there is great scope for garden centre operators to turn a healthy profit from the speciality drinks menu, if managed correctly.

One business that has capitalised on the coffee revolution is the Klondyke Group, an independent and family-owned chain of 22

“Competition is fierce and because we need to be on a level playing field if we are to compete, it was time to look at ways of improving the whole customer experience, coffee included.”

Keren brought in coffee and tea specialist, Ringtons, which operates a BRC AA*

THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE PROFIT POTENTIAL WAS GETTING THE COFFEE OFFER JUST RIGHT

accredited roastery in the north of England, to undergo a comprehensive review.

“Right from the start, it was clear that the key to unlocking the profit potential was

The equipment, staff training, machine cleaning and maintenance, and after-sales care are all in the mix too.

With latte and cappuccino being the most popular espresso-based drinks sold in coffee

shops, the ability to deliver perfectly foamed milk is also important. “This was something that concerned me as like others in the industry we have a lot of part-time and casual staff and inevitably barista skills are not always as we would like them to be.”

Whilst at Ringtons showroom, Keren was able to try out a lot of coffee equipment to find a manufacturer and machine that she felt comfortable with.

“We were very pleasantly surprised. Technology has certainly moved on. Our new Cimbali M26 traditional espresso machines and Elective Grinder-Dosers incorporate smart technologies that take the guess work out of the whole brewing cycle. The result is perfectly brewed espresso every time, regardless of the skills of the barista.”

The milk management systems cater for dairy and plant-based milks and deliver

THE ROLLOUT WAS SMOOTH, AND ALL SITES RECEIVED THEIR MACHINES ON THE DAYS ARRANGED

perfectly foamed milk to a consistent standard which is ideal for lattes and cappuccinos and the all-important latte art.

The rollout was smooth, and all sites received their machines on the days arranged. “We lost no business during the installations due to the great work which went into the planning by John and his team.

“Staff training was given over two days and feedback from the catering managers on the training was 100% positive. Sam and John were engaging, humorous and helped even our very young or shy staff feel confident in making drinks on the new machines.”

With the rollout across all sites completed in August, how have customers reacted to the new hot beverage menu?

“Things are going incredibly well. It’s reassuring to know that we have Ringtons as our safety net. But, as we approach the start of the ‘hot drink’ season, I’m also delighted to report that sales are increasing and, more importantly, customers are buying additional coffees after a meal, which is something they would not have done before.”

John Broad, head of Ringtons Beverages for Business team offers advice for operators looking to maximise sales from the hot beverage menu

1. Get to know the machine and make the most of free on-site training

A new coffee machine is an expensive investment for most businesses, and it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

A trusted brand is supported with excellent after sales service including maintenance agreements, technical support and regular training which all helps keep service levels high and the machine in tip top condition.

Encourage your barista team to dive into the free training on installation day and you will soon start to see a return on your investment.

2. Don’t overlook the importance of perfectly foamed milk Espresso based drinks with hot milk are a popular choice on the menu so it is really important that the barista can deliver a good standard of foamed milk.

In this respect, it’s good to know that quality machines are designed by baristas for baristas.

Most features, including milk management systems, are ergonomically designed to make the job as easy as possible for the barista so the margin of error is reduced to a minimum, even when the pressure is on during periods of peak demand.

Take advice when choosing a coffee machine and avoid long queues at the till by ensuring that the performance and features match your business needs.

3. Create a routine for regular cleaning and maintenance

Around 75% of coffee machine breakdowns are caused by poor cleaning and maintenance.

It is vital that the barista team get into the habit of regular end of day cleaning and occasional ‘deep cleans’ in order to keep the machine free from mineral deposits, tannin and stale milk that can build up over time and affect the taste and aroma of the finished drink.

Whether operating a traditional or a bean to cup machine, a specialist cleaner is recommended for key areas, such as the steam wand, milk lines, tannin removal etc. If in doubt, ask your machine supplier for details.

About Ringtons Beverages

Ringtons Beverages for Business review provides actionable insight for clients looking to improve commercial performance and elevate the customer experience. With an in house BRC AA* accredited roastery and award-winning specialty coffees, teas and infusions, plus cakes, biscuits and other edibles, and training and equipment, the service delivers consistency, quality and flexibility across the menu. Founded in 1907, Ringtons is an independent, family-owned business based in Newcastle upon Tyne. ringtons.co.uk

Heating up profits in autumn

WITH THE RIGHT RANGES ON SHELF, GARDEN RETAILERS CAN ENSURE THEIR CUSTOMERS COME BACK TIME AND TIME AGAIN THROUGHOUT THE QUIETER AUTUMN MONTHS. HERE, GIMA MEMBERS TELL US MORE ABOUT THE INNOVATIONS THEY HAVE CREATED TO HELP DRIVE SALES THROUGHOUT THE LOW SEASON.

Gifting

As winter creeps ever closer, the focus for many retailers shifts to the festive season and the gifting lines that will keep tills ringing. Taylors Bulbs is one such brand that has created ranges to fit this need by evolving its bulb added-value gift collection ahead of autumn/winter 2022. Comprising more than 30 different products, the range features brand new additions this year, including the Ceramic Indoor Amaryllis Planters, an Indoor Hyacinth Bowl, Indoor Tulip and Narcissus Ceramic Planters, plus an Outdoor Narcissus & Tulip Combination planter.

Keeping things tidy Autumn is the perfect time to undertake a deep clean of the garden; a job that will pay dividends come spring. GIMA members offer a huge range of products that are perfect for helping consumers complete their autumn tidying tasks, such as the durable, natural, organic doormats from the coir experts, Coco

HEX Living. Available in a range of sizes, all stores come with a lifetime guarantee, are completely maintenance free, manufactured in the UK, and are suitable for a range of garden and outdoor areas.

On the topic of machinery, Handy has announced a raft of promotional offers across a substantial range of garden machinery, including leaf blowers, log splitters, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers. Over at GARDENA, the Leaf and Grass Collector makes raking up fallen leaves and cut grass easier than ever.

Outdoor living

Colder days and nights don’t have to mean months spent indoors. Many consumers are still looking for ways to extend their time in the garden, with fire pits and outdoor heating top of their wish-list. For many retailers, the go-to brand is La Hacienda – part of the AMES UK family of brands. Ahead of this season, La Hacienda has added has six new designs to its portfolio, drawing upon current interior aesthetics to create an offering that seamlessly blends the indoors and outdoors. Sleek new designs further enhance the La Hacienda better/best offering.

more birds to the garden this autumn.

The plastic-free, paper packaging is also the only kerbside recyclable packaging available in the bird care market.

Pamper the lawn

& Coir or the game changing PotMate™ pot feet alternative, which helps to prevent pots from becoming waterlogged throughout autumn downpours.

Garden storage solutions – ideal for storing machinery, garden décor, etc – are offered by

Look after the wildlife Autumn often sees sales of wild bird food peak, as the country looks to nurture our feathered friends during the chillier months. One of the best-known names in bird food, Peckish, has seen its ‘Complete’ range updated with a new, improved recipe, which contains a no-mess, 12 seed blend, with more seeds to attract

An average lawn will always need some TLC after a long summer spent being enjoyed but, this year, after period of drought and record-breaking temperatures, lawns will be crying out for some additional pampering. Look out for products that provide great opportunities in this category, such as Westland Child and Pet Friendly Lawn Revive, a natural lawn thickener that is the perfect solution for sparce and tired lawns. DJ Turfcare’s RHS-endorsed Recovery is another

must-have autumn lawn care product. This organicbased fertiliser contains several effective ingredients, including nitrogen 8, phosphate 6, potash 13 and magnesium 3, all mixed with Humifirst, a unique ingredient that creates biological activity in the soil and acts as a plant growth stimulant.

Give gardens the edge

Another way to keep lawns looking their best is to add lawn edging. Multi-award winning manufacturer, Primeur has added more designs to its EZ Border range, made exclusively from recycled rubber tyre crumb. New for 2023 is the Mower Edge, which makes mowing lawn edges easier than ever, thanks to the innovative L-shaped design that allows a mower to run right up against the border of the lawn, negating the need for a strimmer to trim up to the edge. Elsewhere, Straightcurve’s garden edging solutions offer a high-quality finish that can be assembled and installed easily. Manufactured from amber weathered steel, the range also includes flex garden edging, rigid garden edging, raised garden beds and planter boxes.

Innovation

Any retailer wanting to differentiate their offering or those that actively look to support

grassroots brands will not want to miss out on stocking Qwickhose – this year’s winner of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. Self-dubbed as ‘the new era of hose connectors’ Qwickhose features a unique winged clamping system for quick and easy, leak-free connection, and is made in the UK from premium grade plastics for longlasting assurance.

About GIMA

Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation of around 150 members representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers in the UK gardening industry. Formed in 1999, its goal is to promote commercial, trading and industrial interests of UK and EU based companies. GIMA is run by a small team of dedicated professionals and governed by a council of members. gima.org.uk

Products Home and Interior

FROM HOUSEPLANT MUST-HAVES TO HOME DÉCOR, WHY NOT TRY A VARIED RANGE OF INTERIOR PRODUCTS?

PULA Ivyline

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the PULA range is already tipped to be a star performer throughout the 2023 season thanks to its eco-credentials.

Available in three colours and a multitude of sizes, PULA remains an affordable option, and one that is perfect for those retailers that want to place sustainability front and centre in their stores without having to compromise on style or design.

RRP £11.99 to £29.99

ivylinegb.co.uk

Baby Bio® Leaf Shine

Baby Bio®

Baby Bio® Leaf Shine is an easy-to-use aerosol spray that gives houseplants a long-lasting, natural looking shine. By keeping dust off leaves, it helps to maximise the amount of light reaching plants which will help with overall growth. It also helps to unblock the microscopic pores in leaves, allowing houseplants to breathe more effectively.

Cath Kidston Mews Ditsy Beeswax Wrap

One Metre Roll

The Beeswax Wrap Co

A household name renowned for its handdrawn prints and quintessential style, the new and exclusive Cath Kidston Beeswax Wrap One Metre rolls are inspired by vintage designs and feature one of Cath Kidston’s most wellknown prints, Mews Ditsy. Reusable for up to a year, the wraps can be simply cleaned by hand washing with dish soap.

Eco Braided Baskets

Weaver Green

Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, these useful, eco-friendly braided baskets can be used to house different sized plant pots to create a more decorative look both instore and for your customer. They are water and stain resistant, resistant to mould and critters, UV stable and machine washable. They can be used outdoors and well as indoors and are available in a range of colours and sizes.

RRP From £15

weavergreen.com

Baby Bio® Organic Houseplant Food

Baby Bio®

Baby Bio® Organic Houseplant Food is a seaweed-infused natural fertiliser which contains all of the key nutrients to stimulate growth and keep houseplants healthy, organically. Its high potassium value promotes brighter blooms whilst helping to build natural disease resistance; nitrogen encourages healthy foliage development; and added seaweed aids stronger roots. OF&G certified, Baby Bio® Organic Houseplant Food is suitable for all houseplant varieties and is available in 175ml bottles.

RRP

Ministry of Soap Silhouette Pattern

200g Soap Pomegranate Oud

The Somerset Toiletry Company

Made in Somerset, this exquisitely designed and deeply considered range uses RSPO-certified ‘segregated’ sustainable palm oil, 100% traceable from locations where endangered species such as orangutans are never at threat. Take a walk on the wild side with this naturally coloured triple-milled soap bar. Indulge in the sweet, vibrant berry scent of pomegranate, known to detoxify skin and promote collagen production.

RRP

Emma Bridgewater Reusable Food Storage XL Waxed Bag

The Beeswax Wrap Co

The Extra Large Reusable Beeswax Food Storage Bagis now available in the iconic Black Toast print from Emma Bridgewater. Hand crafted from the same organic cotton and beeswax blend as the awardwinning beeswax wraps, the Extra Large bag measures 40cm x 34cm. Handmade in the British countryside, these waxed food storage bags are crafted from hand sewn organic cotton, locally sourced British beeswax, pine resin and organic jojoba oil.

RRP £22

SLE150

Solution Fires

With a realistic flame effect fire, the SLE150 can be fitted as a corner, front facing or panoramic appliance. Featuring itronic flame effect technology and a high definition, hand crafted ceramic log fuel bed, the SLE150 is available with volume controlled crackling fire audio for an authentic experience. Users can customise the flame, fuel bed and downlight colour and brightness, and choose between Forest Logs or Silver Birch fuel bed.

RRP £2,079 solutionfires.co.uk

SLE42s Solution Fires

The SLE42s features etronic 3D effect technology for an ultra-realistic flame pattern, and a three-dimensional, glowing log fuel bed – cleverly tapered to give the illusion of a deeper fire. Thermostatically controlled (900-1800w) with an ultra-quiet fan heater, the SLE42s is also supplied with an infrared remote control, enabling the user to set the desired temperature and adjust the brightness of the flames and fuel bed.

RRP £1,099 solutionfires.co.uk

Tough Guy Coir Doormat

Coco & Coir

An extra-thick 30mm coir doormat featuring a beautiful geometric pattern made from natural, durable coconut coir, this Tough Guy Coir Doormat is sturdy against smooth flooring with an anti-slip rubber backing, including holes in the backing for drainage of excess water. Coir fibres are naturally absorbent and hold dirt, small stones, and water with ease. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use.

RRP £13.99 cocoandcoir.com

‘My Monstera’ Coir Doormat

Coco & Coir

Thick, durable, and long-lasting – this 15mm coir doormat is designed to show off the homeowner’s love of the monstera with a vibrant green print on natural brown coir. Made with organic coir fibres that naturally absorb water and deter insects with natural coconut oils, the doormat has anti-slip PVC backing for a secure, safe doorway.

RRP £12.99 cocoandcoir.com

Products Alcoholic Spirits

LOOKING TO STOCK A MORE UNIQUE SPIRIT? TAKE A SHOT WITH THESE PICKS.

Seven Crofts

Highland Liquor Company

Seven Crofts is a handcrafted dry gin from Ullapool. Distilled and bottled in the northwest, Highlands of Scotland features seven botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, pink peppercorn, cubeb, cardamom and fresh lemon peel.

RRP £40 highlandliquorcompany.com

Beeble Original Honey Whisky

Beeble

Brighton Gin Pavilion Strength 40% ABV

Brighton Spirits Company

Brighton Gin was founded in 2012 and epitomises the spirit of Brighton: unusual, fun-loving, fiercely independent and ethically conscious. At the city’s first (legal) distillery, the friends-and-family team produce multiaward-winning Brighton Gin just a stone’s throw from the sea. Every bottle of Brighton Gin is made, filled, waxed and labelled by hand.

RRP £39 - £42 (70cl) brightongin.com

Beeble is a bee business that specialises in creating world class honey spirits from leftover honey that gets stuck to the frames of hives. With one eye always on sustainability and building a better future for our bee communities. To make each bottle of Beeble it takes one bee, 115 lifetimes, covering 459 miles and pollinating 1,380,000 flowers.

RRP £6 (5cl), £16 (20cl), £32 (50cl)

beeble.buzz

KEEPR’s Honey Infused Spiced Rum

KEEPR’s British Honey Infused Spirits

Made to a new recipe for 2022, KEEPR’s Honey Infused Spiced Rum is an exquisite blend of aged Caribbean rums enriched with warming spices before being finished at its UK distillery with an infusion of 100% pure British Honey. A 2022 IWSC award winner, this spirit makes a unique gift for rum fans.

RRP £34 britishhoney.com

MEET BEEBLE

The team at Beeble tells us the story behind its successful honey spirits.

Tell us about Beeble

Beeble is a bee business that specialises in creating world-class honey spirits from leftover honey that gets stuck to the frames of hives. With one eye always on sustainability and building a better future for our bee communities.

How was it founded?

Beeble began with one hive hidden away in the Cotswolds. From this first colony we just about made enough honey to give some jars to friends, with a bit left over for our breakfast. However, we soon realised it was difficult to avoid wasting the honey stuck to the frames taken from the hive. To avoid this waste, we soaked the frames into whisky. This turned out to be the first ever batch of Beeble Honey Whisky.

Why whisky?

Whisky was Nicola’s favourite drink and in which she had the idea to soak the frames of the hives for the first time.

Does Beeble supply products other than whisky?

As our main line products, Beeble also supplies Honey Vodka and Honey Rum. In addition, we have our British raw honey and our range of cosmetics (lip balm, face scrub and hand cream).

What’s next for Beeble?

As a bee business, we aim to spread the importance of the bees for the world’s sustainability. Soon, we will be happy to announce the opening of our Beekeeping School. On the top of that, we aim to grow as a business and start exporting our British Honey Whisky worldwide.

Products

Pet

EVERYDAY FOOD, TREATS AND TOYS – THERE’S PLENTY AVAILABLE TO BOOST YOUR PET RANGE

Ultimate Doggy Baking Mix Bundle

Doggy Baking Co.

This ultimate bundle offers three different flavours for customers’ dogs to try.

Pumpkin Seed & Banana Biscuit Mix is a crunchy and nutritious quick treat for your dog which bakes up to 76 treats. Linseed, Oregano & Parsley Baking Mix is the “essential for a healthy dog”, complete with natural fats, immune-supporting antioxidants and breath-freshening parsley. It also bakes up to 76 treats. The Carrot Cake Mix is packed with beta-carotene; these high-fibre bakes contribute to a dog’s normal, healthy digestion.

RRP £32.00 bottledbaking.co.uk

Gift Boxes for Dogs

Goodchap’s

There are two unique gift boxes containing a selection of Goodchap’s products, great for introducing customers to the brand. Both come in eco-friendly, plastic-free and biodegradable packaging. The Pup’s 1st Gift Box contains a set of handmade pup’s 1st fetch and tug rope toys, puppy friendly training treats and handy pocket-sized treat tin. The Dog’s Gift Box is perfect for adult dogs, with healthy fish skin chews, training treats and a handmade eco-friendly rope toy. RRP £14.50

Natural Dog Food Natural Instinct

The Natural Dog Food range is packed full of 100% British meats with the freshest fruit and vegetables. This range offers specialised recipes for the different needs and life stages of a dog. With no need for supplements, the Natural range provides a dog with a complete balanced and healthy BARF diet.

RRP From £1.95 (Natural Puppy – 1 x 500g) naturalinstinct.com

PARK LiFE Bix Range

PARK LiFE Pet Limited

PARK LiFE’s wholesome dog biscuits are made with a unique seed-based recipe in a range of varieties: frisbee-shaped biscuits Fris-Bix, which won Glee’s Best New Pet Product 2022 award; heart-shaped cookies Love-Bix; and star-shaped biscuits Chill-Bix. RRP £5.99 (300g box) parklife.dog

Training Treats

Goodchap’s

Goodchap’s sustainably sourced Training Treats are made from 80% gently steam cooked salmon, trout and white fish. The fish-shaped treats are perfect for training both puppies and dogs. They are highly digestible,

high in Omega 3 and 6, with no artificial additives. They come in eco-friendly packaging and are made in Britain. Available in 200g bags, 500g value boxes, pocket sized treat tins (available in a CDU) and refillable 1200g jars.

RRP From £2.20 per 100g goodchaps.co.uk

PARK LiFE Milk Bones Range

PARK LiFE Pet Limited

These long-lasting bone-shaped chews help to keep pets occupied whilst cleaning teeth and supporting strong muscles and bones.

They are high in protein, calcium rich and lactose free.

RRP £3.99 (small), £5.99 (large) parklife.dog

Go Green WITH MER

CENTRES CAN EASILY INTRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE POINTS WITH THE HELP OF MER

Support the Green Transition at Your Garden Centre

The Royal Horticultural Society notes how important gardens are for acting as ‘refuges for biodiversity’ and the role of urban garden plants and trees play in helping to cool the air in towns and cities and reducing the impact of urban heat waves. With an estimated 1,800 garden centres in the UK, according to the Horticultural Trade Association (2018), garden centres and retail nurseries are a vital part of protecting Britain’s horticulture and advancing the fight against environmental degradation.

The number of EVs on UK roads is rising, and commercial landowners are beginning to invest time and energy in considering how they can maximise the potential of their site by installing EV charging. The 2030 ban on new ICE cars and vans is on the horizon, and landlords are making moves today to accommodate for this shift.

Your garden centre can elevate its sustainability credentials by powering the shift towards electric transportation. Earlier this year, Mer signed a project with Blue Diamond, one of the largest garden centre retailers in the UK, to install more than 300 electric vehicle charge points across its 39 garden centres. With our expertise and experience, your centre could be the next to improve its corporate social responsibility record with EV charging.

Generate Revenue and Increase Dwell Time

Visitors spend a significant amount of time at garden centres. With the opportunity to shop, enjoy a meal, have a coffee with a friend and explore the site, they are the perfect location for drivers to charge their vehicles. As well as extending their stay, you can expect drivers to return to your site time and time again for a comfortable experience.

As well as encouraging visitors to stay at your centre for longer, you can generate revenue through your chargers depending on the financial model you choose with your charge point operator (CPO). Mer offers models that can cover the cost of the hardware, installation, and maintenance, with mitigated risk and assurances that your infrastructure will be protected by our dedicated operations team.

A Charge Point Operator You Can Trust

Rather than over installing and risk straining the grid or leaving chargers unused, Mer will thoroughly analyse the demand for EV charging at your centre, so we install the right number of chargers and hardware for you. We believe a scale-up approach is more effective and better for the sustainable potential of the infrastructure.

Customer-centricity is one of Mer’s core values. We want drivers to walk away from your

garden centre feeling satisfied with the service they have received. Our hardware is highly functional and accessible, meaning drivers can enjoy a simple, hassle-free service when charging their vehicle.

We are truly invested in the journey towards making transportation greener and environmentally friendly, and that is why sustainability is at the core of what we offer our commercial partners. With Statkraft’s 125-year legacy in renewables to support us, Mer can power your EV chargers with zero carbon, 100% renewable energy, so your charge points will be more sustainable.

Supporting Garden Centres Across the UK Mer is committed in the long-term growth of the EV industry, and you can trust us to bring reliable and high-quality EV charging to your garden centre.

Partner with Mer on EV charging and see your sustainability credentials bloom. uk.mer.eco