With hundreds of entries and innovation creating new conversations ahead of the 2024 season, this year’s GIMA Awards have once again proved to be a fiercely fought competition. With the judging having now taken place and the winners selected, the garden retail industry now holds its breath as it waits to find out who will be crowned winners this year.

Selecting products from across 13 product and three marketing categories, plus the overall Sustainability Award - were a panel of eager judges with their work cut out for them. Coming from all corners of the industry with a wide range of retail experience were Gary Carvosso, Coolings Garden Centre; Shelley Bou Chrouch, Scarlet Opus; Mairi Devlin, B&Q; Ian Hodgson, Garden News; Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News; Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Choice Marketing; Nicola Pugh, Pugh’s Garden Centre; Nicola Seagar, Primrose; and Tristan Sissons, Hillier Garden Centres. 

Two additional Special Achievement awards – the Export Achievement and Supplier of the Year – will be judged by Gardenex and the GCA, respectively.

Speaking following the judging day, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “Every year we see more and more new innovation, each time thinking that it can’t be bettered. But then comes our judging day, and we are quickly humbled as it becomes apparent that the last 12 months have seen product design teams working harder than ever. This year we have seen some truly exciting award entries, and thanks to the expertise of our judges, we have a remarkable list of winners.

“Our thanks must go to the judges for kindly donating their time and knowledge. It was a pleasure to watch them at work and to learn more about what makes the cut. Thanks also to all those that entered and to those that continue to support the annual GIMA Awards. I’ve no doubt this year’s event will be another fabulous night of celebrations”.

On October 19th, the GIMA Awards will return to the Celtic Manor Resort for another five-star night of celebrations and networking. The event will be supported by a wealth of sponsors, including Glee, Ebay, Hozelock, Decco, Primeur, EP Barrus, HTA, GCA, Gardenex, Garden Trade News, Garden Radio, Gardenforum, Horticulture Week, CM Ventures, and Hornby Whitefoot PR with a handful of sponsorship opportunities still up for grabs - please contact GIMA to find out more. 

With just short of 500 people in attendance, the 2022 event was one of the biggest yet and this year’s gala dinner is expected to sell out in record time. Asca result GIMA is urging interested parties to secure their tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Prices for GIMA members: £339 + VAT per person, or £3,199 + VAT for a table of 10, whilst non-member costs are: Non-Members:  £409 + VAT per person, or £3,899 + VAT for a table of 10 (all costs include dinner and accommodation).