Catering is big business in UK garden centres, and with a 10% increase in visitors to Glee 2011 expressing a primary interest in catering, this trend shows no sign of abating. In light of this, visitors to Glee 2012 will be able to take advantage of the newly launched Food & Catering Zone.
Catering is big business in UK garden centres, and with a 10% increase in visitors to Glee 2011 expressing a primary interest in catering, this trend shows no sign of abating. In light of this, visitors to Glee 2012 will be able to take advantage of the newly launched Food & Catering Zone.
Developed in partnership with commercial kitchen suppliers, Vision Commercial Kitchens, this new area will be divided into two distinct zones that will provide expert advice on how to develop a catering offering within a garden centre as well as assist those with existing on-site facilities to further develop their potential. A live kitchen will offer hands-on demonstrations of key pieces of equipment as well as play host to an exciting ‘cook-off’ competition. A fully interactive seminar programme relating to commercial kitchens and catering including trends, design, installation and specification ‘top tips’ will also be available. Other topics covered will include financing, expansion and menu and staffing considerations.
The Food & Catering Zone will also be home to a wide range of catering and speciality food exhibitors.
Glee event director, Nick Davison, explains: “Catering now plays a significant role in the garden retail sector, and is something that looks set to continue its rise in popularity. Glee’s own visitor figures are reflective of this growing trend, with 2011’s show seeing a 10% increase in visitors with a primary interest in food and catering. The Food & Catering Zone has been specifically developed in response to this growing demand. The area will not only arm retailers with the tools to maximise the profit boosting potential of catering, but will also offer them the chance to learn new skills and think about design differently. There is also the chance to enjoy some delicious food, made in the Food & Catering Zones own working kitchen as part of a series of helpful practical demonstrations.”
Vision Commercial Kitchen’s marketing manager, Siobhan Teader, added: “We’re really excited about the plans for the Food & Catering Zone. We’ve seen a significant rise in the number of garden retail outlets adding a coffee shop or restaurant to their offering, in fact in 2010/11 alone we transformed over 26 garden centres, helping them to maximise the profit boosting potential that catering can provide. We have no doubt that this new feature at Glee will be an essential part of the show’s offering, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of its development.”
Source: gardenforum – Glee Launches New Food & Catering Zone
