association comment Pet care goes wild


Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) members see opportunities in caring for animals, both in the home and in the garden


Historically, garden centres have treated the pet care category as a straightforward bolt on to wildlife ranges. Should they be expanding these ranges, or changing the way they merchandise them? GIMA members share their views, advice and plans for the future.


Chris Wright, managing director at Oase Livingwater UK, who distribute aquatics products including fish tanks, said: “The best way to stock our products is to use a basic range, and get the aquariums out and looking good; we’ve noticed a massive increase in sales from stores who do just that. Garden centres are often viewed as destination sites for our customers - they’re there to spend a day browsing and relaxing in the café - and I think this way of shopping lends itself to the impulse purchase – with good displays adding to this.” When it comes to animal loving customers, GIMA members agree that it makes sense to offer a decent range of eco-friendly products. Vivagreen, GIMA’s Innovator Seed Corn Fund winners 2016, is continuing with its pet and


environmentally friendly 100% biodegradable ranges, with a dog waste bag called GreenSax. Sales and business development manager David Kelly commented: “Greensax features easy to tie handles, but more importantly can be disposed of environmentally. Bags of this kind should be genuinely compostable, and the only way to ensure this is to check if they are EU standard EN13432 compliant.” Think Outside’s environmental credentials are foremost in its business strategy, with products hand-made by artisans in Vietnam and repurposed from recycled 44-gallon oil drums, which makes them an ideal supplier to move into pet care. Creator and owner Aaron Jackson said: “After many years of seeing the industry evolve, now is the perfect time for us to make our mark in the pet arena. People want products that bring joy and are also a stylish addition to the home or garden.”


Craig Hall, marketing manager at Deco-Pak, a company that has made a great deal of headway in the decorative birdhouse market in recent years, said: “I think with the pet product


category, consumers are continuously looking for the best for their beloved feathered or furred friends. But it is important to constantly innovate, whether that be through eco-friendly credentials or the latest fashion trend. A product feature that was a wow factor or special feature yesterday, is expected as a given tomorrow.” • To keep up to date with GIMA news, visit the GIMA website, get in touch with the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk


Carol Paris to move on to new challenges


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced that chief executive Carol Paris is leaving her role at the association


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced that HTA chief executive Carol Paris will be leaving the organisation at the end of April. Carol has served the HTA for seven years in total, as vice president, president and chief executive.


During her tenure as chief executive the HTA has restructured to improve member services, acquired and moved to a new headquarters and restructured the investment portfolio to reduce the risk and volatility of exposure to the stock market.


The HTA has collaborated with many other organisations and was a founding partner of the government Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable, raising the profile of ornamental horticulture in the political sphere. Carol commented: “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the HTA. I am confident that as there is now an established senior team in place and a new HQ, it is time for me to move on to new challenges.”


10 | www.gardencentreupdate.com


HTA president Adam Wigglesworth added: “My thanks go to Carol for her many years of enthusiasm and commitment to the HTA. We wish her much success in the future. The strong team Carol leaves at the HTA are ready and determined to continue driving membership satisfaction, benefits and promoting the garden industry.” • HTA membership covers all aspects of the industry and includes some 1,600 businesses and 2,700 outlets representing retailers, growers, landscapers, service providers, manufacturers and distributors of garden materials. Retail membership includes specialist retail nurseries, the vast majority of independent garden centres, garden centre chains and some DIY and high street multiples


GCU May 2017


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