Export boost for exhibitors in Gardenex-organised group at spoga+gafa

Abstract

Exports of British garden products are set for a substantial boost following the success of more than 20 UK companies exhibiting in the Gardenex-organised group at spoga gafa, which returned in impressive style to Cologne, Germany, in June. The British firms were supported before and during the show by the experienced events and research team from Gardenex and early reports confirm that worldwide enquiries have been received, export orders have been won and valuable overseas distributorships secured. The positive outcome brought the following response from Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of Gardenex: "The exhibition proved successful for all the companies participating in the Gardenex exhibitor group. We have already received positive feedback on the excellent business support the federation's team provided throughout, as well as requests to rebook space for 2023 from this year's exhibitors and enquiries from companies wishing to join Gardenex and take part in gafa next year." The British gardening industry information stand hosted by Gardenex attracted unprecedented interest from overseas buyers during the show. Other group participants were also pleased with the show and the Gardenex group support. "Overall, we found the show extremely valuable and are now confident of exceeding pre-Brexit levels of business in Europe," said Damian Cardozo, of Haxnicks. Malcolm Andrews, managing director of Panacea Products Ltd, commented: "We enjoyed a very warm welcome from existing customers on our return to spoga gafa, with many worthwhile new enquiries gained directly by our presence at the exhibition. We look forward now to seeing our European business grow once again, with a view to returning bigger in 2023." Scott Hudspith, export sales co-ordinator at Whitefurze Ltd, said: 'We were really pleased with the connections we made with international buyers at spoga gafa. Being at the exhibition has really galvanised the relationships with buyers, which are showing great promise for exports for the 2023 garden season.