Innovation matters

VickyNuttall, Director of GIMA

Atthe time of writing,weare amonth post-Glee, and I’ve been thinking more and moreabout the incredible value that innovation has to play within our industry.

Awalk around the aisles of Glee made it abundantly clear howimportant innovation is, with almost everysingle exhibitor displaying anew product, anew point of sale concept or promoting achange to the way they manufacture, source,deliver or support customers behind the scenes. Witnessing so much innovation taking centrestage and knowing it wasthe main focus of the Glee wish list for many visiting retailers, is aheartening prospect for garden retail.

In fact, I’dgosofar as to say that innovation, mainly that focused on new products, is the lifeblood of our industryand is demonstrativeofthe fact that we refuse to stand still. As our customer demographics continue to evolveand the world around us changes, this ability to adapt is standing us in good stead. Arecent discussion with our members regarding the role of technology is aprime example of this. Technological innovation is not just making products more accessible but it’sstreamlining processes and increasing access to information to improve the customer experience. Whether it’son-pack QR codes or digital trade portals, everyone from retailers to consumers can nowaccess brands 24/7 for uninterrupted servicethat will pay dividends in the long term. Celebrating innovation has always been acrucial partofGIMA’s offering.AtGlee, we havenow crowned eight winners of our annual GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF), the latest being Germie, with its seed starting kit, which boasts reusable and ultracompact solutions that hold environmental and sustainable practices at its heart. Previous winners havegone on to experiencegreat commercial success,with the GISCF often credited for kickstarting this growth.

Preparing for futuretrends

We also ensureopportunities aremade available so our membership can access content that provides insight intofuture trends. Accessing forecasted data through webinars and workshops is an invaluable tool for many,asitenables marketing,product development and merchandise design teams to get ahead of the curve and createplans to deliver content to match futuretrends.

Our next batch of opportunities is in September (see www.gima.org.uk/events for moredetails). Trend expert, Scarlet Opus, will deliver abespokeConsumer and Design Insights+Trends report, focusing on 2025,and howtrends meet consumer desires, attitudes and aesthetics.

Of course, hardwork must be rewarded, and that is whereour annual GIMA Awards come intoplay.The awards gala celebrates all corners of our industry, featuring 13 product, and three marketing categories plus an overall Sustainability Award, the Gardenex Export Achievement Award, the GCA-sponsored Supplier of the Year Award, and the GIMA SwordofExcellence. This year’s event will no different as, following ajudging day in July with plenty of debateand discussion, we onceagain havealist of winners demonstrating howinnovation is driving exciting change. This list remains under wraps for now, but rest assured it’saworthy list of winners.

Sword of Excellence. This event be no erent as, a judging in July with plenty of debate and once again have a list winners how innovation is This list remains wraps for now, rest it’s a worthy list of winners.

We’ve already had a sneak of innovation 2024 season, and it won’t be long until 2025 appears on the horizon. I have no doubts retail will continue to

I, for one, am excited for what lies ahead. We’vealready had asneak peek of innovation for the 2024 season, and it won’tbelong until 2025 appears on the horizon. Ihaveno doubts garden retail suppliers will continue to innovate, and this will translateintoevenmore sales. But for those that want ahelping hand, don’tforget GIMA remains available to assist now, tomorrow and beyond.

GIMA Awards 2003. Book now.

With just shortof500 people, the 2022 event wasone of the biggest yet and this year’s gala dinner is expected to sell out in record time.Asaresult, GIMA is urging interested parties to securetheir tickets nowtoavoid disappointment. Costs include dinner and accommodation.

•GIMAmembers: £339 +VAT per person, or £3,199 +VAT for atable of 10

•Non-members: £409 +VAT per person, or £3,899 + VATfor atable of 10

To book visit: www. gima.org.uk/events