Internationalism on the rise

Staged in Birmingham from 18 to 20 September, the international garden trade fair Glee, along with Petindex, the pet show held at the same time, together attracted the attendance of 25 124 visitors, which is 1.5 per cent more than last year. While the number of British trade visitors was slightly down (-0.3 per cent), there was an enormous increase in interest from abroad. This translated into the registration of 17.4 per cent more foreign visitors over the three days of the fair. Which means the foreign share came to 11.8 per cent this year, compared to 10.2 per cent the last time.
The total number of exhibitors at the duo of trade fairs amounted to 1 689, with almost 300 of the suppliers making up the Petindex contingent. This year again, exhibitors were offered the opportunity to present their new products in separate areas in Halls 2 and 9. Over 300 products were on display there, and the 13 best ones were picked out for awards by a specialist jury. One company, Gardman, received a total of three awards: for their two new products, a self-assembly Christmas tree stand and a set of four rechargeable artificial candles, as well as an additional award for the candles from the British export association Gardenex for the best export potential.
The number of foreign visitors rose by 17.4 per cent to 2 970.
According to the organisers, the programme of seminars held in parallel was given a good reception. It was run by retail adviser John Stanley, who’s presentation evoked the necessity for change in his presentations.