Gardening Sector Overcomes Difficult Trading Conditions
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In 2023, the horticultural sector faced unprecedented weather challenges, yet garden centres exhibited resilience, ending the year with a +2% sales increase. The gardening season saw a delayed start, resulting in an overall -1% decline in garden-related categories, except for notable exceptions like bedding plants (+12%) and catering/food sales (+23%).
December's trade overview revealed a +2% increase in overall garden centre sales, with a substantial +12% growth in indoor plants and +21% in catering sales compared to 2022. Christmas sales, affected by economic factors and COVID-19 impacts, experienced a -7% dip. Real Christmas trees, however, showed a +7% increase in November 2023, suggesting early purchases.
Fran Barnes, HTA CEO, highlighted the sector's adaptability, emphasizing positive growth despite uncertainties. Consumer confidence improved, ending 20 points higher than December 2022. As 2024 begins with a more optimistic outlook, businesses are expected to plan for weather challenges and address pressures on profit margins.
HTA's consumer survey revealed that over 9 in 10 UK adults have outdoor space for gardening, with 78% having private gardens. Stable access trends were observed, but increased living costs may impact homeownership for younger generations, influencing the gardening market. Looking forward, businesses will innovate to meet the evolving needs of renters and homeowners, presenting opportunities for portable solutions and low-cost ideas.