Innovation driving the Industry forward

A number of new and interesting products have been launched in the nursery industry this year, thwarting claims in the wider marketplace that Innovation has been a victim of recession. Nursery Industry investigates...

Published: 14 December, 2009

In many ways, the Harrogate Nursery Fair kicked off the year for the Industry with a well attended and wholly enjoyable trade show in Harrogate. A number of brands brought new products to market, with the more established names cementing already strong relationships and building new ones.

Covering all products from 0 - 5 years of age, the Harrogate Nursery Fair has increased in strength every year with most of the major companies set to return in 2010. The large number of foreign companies exhibiting at the 2009 fair was an indication of the show’s reputation in Europe as an exhibition to attend, with several booking already for the 2010 exhibition. Retailers would do well to attend the show next year to see a range of new and innovative products.

In September, the Kind + Jugend Innovation Award celebrated its fifth anniversary on the first day of the fair which took place from 17th-20th December in Cologne. The coveted award is considered a recognised seal of approval within the sector, with some 180 companies applying to take part in the competition. The Awards celebrate “...the innovative power of the sector and offers a special boost for both new ideas and the continued development of high quality products,” said organisers. There were some recognisable brands in there, for example the winner in the ‘World of Travelling Baby’ category was the Maxi-Cosi Car Seat family, while the ‘World of Baby Furniture and Accessories’ went to Bloom for the Alma urban cot/crib. Hippychick’s Dream Tubes, The Gro Company’s Gro Clock and The Wean Machine distributed by Cheeky Rascals, were nominated in other categories - a sign that the UK is strong in innovation and making an impact worldwide.

Back in the UK BPA Baby & Child celebrated a range of Innovations at the BACRAS in October. Launched earlier this year, The Wean Machine picked up not one, but two awards. It was overall winner in the best Sucking and Feeding category and also won the highly coveted ‘Must Have’ award 2009. Britax won the BACRA Most Innovative award with the SAFEFIX plus group 1 ISOFIX car seat. Hippychick were shortlisted in no less than six categories, winning ‘Best Debut’ product with the Dusky Moon Dream Tubes. Clevamama, Content&Calm, Chicco and many more were recognised for bringing innovatations successfully to market.

At the Concept & Innovation Awards, winner in the Innovation category was Gavin Reay with his original idea, a Milk Scoop & Counter. And if the Concept Award winners were anything to go by, 2010 looks set to be another year of innovative products making a splash in the marketplace. Watch this space!

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