GLEE NEW PRODUCT AWARDS 2020
Glee New Products 2020 – The winners It was Glee - but not as we know it, Jim. The virtual Glee Gathering was a bold and innovative attempt to overcome the limitations imposed on us by the pandemic but few would disagree that, for buyers and sellers, there’s nothing like face-to-face negotiation. However, technology creates opportunities to experiment - and the Glee Gathering proved that, even without a physical exhibition, the garden industry retains an immense appetite for participation and collaboration. Staging the New Product Awards in a digital format was always going to be extraordinarily challenging. It created a mountain of work for the IT and presentation teams - but it happened nevertheless, and the result drew plenty of plaudits from participants and buyers alike. With GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer in the chair, shortlisted products in the 11 Glee New Product Awards categories were pitched live to the judges in two-minute slots on both days
10 October 2020
of the Glee Gathering. Pitches came in from around the world, including USA, Canada and Finland, making it a truly global event. This year’s judging panel comprised: Andy Bunker - Alton Garden Centre; Roger Crookes - garden centre consultant; Nicola Pugh Pughs Garden Centres; Tom Grinell - Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Mel Livingstone - Fron Goch Garden Centre; and Ian Hodgson Garden News. Mark Pitman, general manager of Wildlife World, who won the Best Bird and Wildlife Care Award for their Hedgehog Barn, was among the participants who were impressed by the format. “The virtual Glee awards were well managed, well hosted and great fun to be a part of,” he said. “We were of course, disappointed that Glee could not physically go ahead, but the award process focussed us on presenting to the judging team in a way that really picked up on the benefits of the product and its appeal to the consumer. The shortlisting process and live presenting was great to be a part of and to be amongst some
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fantastic contenders for the awards.” Zest4Leisure was this year’s most fêted participant, triumphing in three categories and winning the overall Best New Product Award for their 3-Tier Stackable Raised Bed. Woodlodge took two honours.
The winners • Garden Decoration (garden ornaments, garden lighting, plant supports, wall art etc) Peppa Pig & Friends Metal Garden Ornaments - Primus • Best of British Award Peppa Pig & Friends Metal Garden Ornaments - Primus Following a successful run from its Shaun the Sheep licensed products Primus decided to expand its licensing portfolio. When Steve Perry, head of marketing, pitched a proposal to the licensing agency to base a range of home and garden ornament on its ever popular Peppa Pig characters, a deal quickly followed. After a lengthy development stage,