Survey values amenity garden products industry at almost €1bn

THE amenity garden products industry is now valued at almost €1 billion, having grown by 71% over the past four years, an awards ceremony has been told in Dublin.

A recent TNS-MRBI survey for Bord Bia found that Irish consumers purchased outdoor plants and flowers on 6.5 million occasions in the year up to April 2006. Females purchased more outdoor plants and flowers, but 60% of purchases of trees, fruit, vegetable and herbs were made by men.

The findings were revealed as Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Centre, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, was named the overall winner for the second successive year of the Bord Bia Garden Centre Quality Award 2006. A number of other awards were also presented.

Minister of State Brendan Smith, who made the presentations, said Horticulture Ireland, under Bord Bia, will continue to support the horticultural business through its many tailored programmes.

The strength of the independent garden centre lies in its knowledge of plants, but customers are increasingly looking for the full garden solution.

“This provides a great area of opportunity for centres to develop gardening landscape services in the future,” he said.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said the industry is growing at a phenomenal rate.

“We are also encouraged by the opportunities for the industry which will come about through innovative new products and services to meet the growing consumer demand for product that maximises the amenity value of their gardens, patios and balconies,” he said.