The GIMA awards for the garden retail product supply sector launched last month and today a further three judges were added to the panel.
The awards, which cover eight products, four marketing and two special award categories including export achievement, will be judged by Waitrose's new garden plant buyer Andy Smith, the GCG's gardencare buyer Tristan Sissons and Gareth Evans from Burstons Garden Centre.
The new recruits join the existing line up of QVC's garden, DIY and security buyer Jo Wood, buying director for Haskins Garden Centres Conna Powles, Wilkinson's head of garden buying Simon Moore, the editor of Amateur Gardening magazine Tim Rumbold, and Peter Burks, chairman of the GCA.
Categories for the awards are as follows:
- Tools, Machinery and Implements
- Garden Landscaping
- Garden Care Products
- Growing and Planting Equipment and Sundries
- Outdoor Leisure, Garden Structures and Features
- Plants Seeds and Bulbs
- Garden Retail Related Products
- Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care
- Point of Sale Material
- Consumer Product Packaging
- Marketing Communication
Entry is open to all suppliers of new product or marketing launched between June 2012 and May 2013. The closing date is June 21, and winners will be announced at GIMA's gala dinner and presentation evening at the Queens Hotel, Leeds, on July 18.