Yesterday (3rd February, NEC Birmingham) the second annual Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase Awards – in association with Garden Trade News - 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, Simon Bourne from Perrywood Garden Centre, Romeo Sommers, Glee’s Retail Lab Creative Director, Garden Retail Success’, Steve Myatt, and Cameron Whitworth of Baytree Garden Centre. Together the judges selected five products, all recognised for their unique designs, saleability and innovative approach to bringing to market products that will drive profits in the coming seasons.

The first product selected and taking home ‘fifth place’ was the William Morris range from Woodlodge. This new range was praised for its combination of strong design, as well as it’s additional boost to the pot sales category.

Fourth place was rewarded to the Three-Hour Heat Box from Dizmezs. As the name suggests, this product provides three hours of heat for indoor and exterior spaces. Combining logs and kindling, the all in one cardboard box simply needs the power of a match to light it for up to three hours of heat distribution, and was praised for its convenience and excellent value for money.

Creative Products’ Mighty Little Digger scooped the third-place runner up prize. A simple, yet effective tool, the judges commented that the Mighty Little Digger offered a great price point and strong impulse buy potential. 

Just missing out on the title of ‘winner’ was the Toronto Steak Grill from Tepro.  An ideal Father’s Day gift, or just a great way for urban gardeners with limited space to cook outside, this product was a highly deserving runner-up in 2019. 

But it was Creative Products who scooped this year’s top prize with Fly Away. The judges remarked upon Fly Away’s ability to tap into the al fresco dining trend, and how it will also appeal to the millennial market with its insect friendly credentials.

Matthew Mein, Event Director for Glee, said of the winners: “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2019 Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase.  The quality of product on display are of the highest possible standard and demonstrate the breadth of products on offer from our exhibitors. Congratulations to all those that were recognised as part of this awards programme, and thanks to all those that entered. Finally, thanks to the judges. Their time and input are greatly appreciated.”