SPRING TROLLEY FAIR

Bord Bia hosted the annual Spring Trolley Fair, supporting the Irish Hardy Nurserystock Association (IHNSA) in conjunction with the IFA on Tuesday March 9th. This annual event marks the start of the nursery season, and this year was hosted on a dedicated platform with 100 attendees at the virtual event. The event was opened by Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy, followed by the presentation of two pieces of research, conducted by The Thinking House; the IPSOS ‘Value of the Garden Market Report 2020’ and a qualitative study, ’Preparing for a Post-Covid19 Horticultural World’, measuring behaviours of new and returning gardeners during Covid restrictions and how to retain them as consumers. This was followed by one to one buyer meetings between visitors and the twelve nursery exhibitors. In advance of the event, training and mentoring sessions were offered to the exhibitors, including guidance on using the specialised platform, video production training with Carr Communications and mentoring with James Burke and Associates on presenting and negotiating in a virtual setting. ✽