Stewart Garden adds Aztec Planters to 2012 Decorative collection
Stewart Garden, the gardening products division of UK manufacturer, Stewart, has launched the Aztec Planters range to coincide with the release of its 2012 Buyer’s Guide.
Available in three planter sizes - tall, midi and low - and an 80cm trough, Aztec offers a wide range of planting areas. Two colour options, sandstone and dark brown, provide an elegant and sophisticated finish that will complement any garden setting.
The Aztec range, like all Stewart Garden troughs and planters is manufactured in tough plastic, offering consumers many practical advantages over stone alternatives. The lower weight makes them easy to pick up and move around the garden when the seasons change, while the non-crack, non-absorbent material means more water gets to the plant instead of the container.
The Aztec range and suggested retail selling prices (SRSP)
Aztec Tall Planter 45x45x62cm (sandstone, dark brown) £39.99
Aztec Midi Planter 38x38x52cm (sandstone, dark brown) £24.99
Aztec Low Planter 46x38.5cm (sandstone, dark brown) £24.99
Aztec Trough 80x27.5x31cm (sandstone, dark brown) £26.99
The launch of Aztec follows the introduction of the successful Zurbano range in 2010 and, along with the equally popular Wave and Egg Pot Planter ranges, consolidates Stewart Garden’s leading position in the sector.
Honey Pots, Sylvan Planters, Grapes, Ancient Stone, Gothic and Strawberry Pot/Herb Pot complete the Stewart Garden decorative planters range for 2012.
The new Buyer’s Guide is the company’s first major literature release since ECI invested £12 million in Stewart in a BIMBO (buy in / management buy out) in June this year, valuing the business at £17 million. The business has undergone a series of changes to its brand and corporate identity in the months since, including the creation of the Stewart Garden division and striking new packaging design. Features of the new packaging include the Grow with us strapline, reinforcing Stewart Garden’s commitment to grow your own, and subtle yet unmissable red and blue detailing underling Stewart’s position as a quality British manufacturer. Packaging on selected items also incorporates cut-out sections, enabling consumers to engage more closely with the product.
Stewart Garden’s commitment to the gardening sector is stronger than ever, with major investments for new technology, new products and expanded merchandising and POS support for retailers planned. The company also worked closely with the Carbon Trust to maintain high levels of efficiency and social responsibility.
For further information on Stewart Garden visit www.stewart-garden.co.uk.
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For more information contact Sara Tye at redheadPR on 07786 176 617 or email: sara@redheadpr.co.uk
Editors Notes
Stewart
Formed in 1945, Stewart is the UK market leader in the manufacture and supply of technical plastic moulded products for the gardening, home and professional catering sectors. The company offers a large range of products in its portfolio ranging from garden planters and propagators, to food containers and specialist storage products. The company employs 75 people in Croydon and enjoyed a turnover in 2010 of £13 million.
In June 2011 ECI, the mid-market private equity specialist, invested £12 million in the company in a BIMBO (buy-in / management buyout) deal that valued the business at £17 million. A new management structure saw Richard Butler join as Group CEO. Butler has significant knowledge of the advanced technical plastics sector, having worked for leading manufacturers in the aerospace and automotive sector. Lee Mowle, the previous owner and CEO, became Managing Director of the gardening and catering divisions, retaining a substantial shareholding in the company.
In the months following the BIMBO, Stewart made a series of changes to its brand and corporate identity and established discrete divisions for the core sectors it serves.
Stewart Garden produces grow your own products, watering, pots, propagators and garden accessories. These are available in over 1000 outlets across the UK and Eire including major DIY outlets such as Homebase and Wilkinsons and garden centres across the UK such as Dobbies and Klondyke/Strikes, The Garden Centre Group and some 600 plus independent garden centres. Having achieved a dominant position in the domestic market by offering durable, lifestyle-driven value for money products. The company continues to invest heavily in new product development.
Stewart Garden plays a full and active role in the gardening and leisure industry through its membership of:
- GIMA – the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association
- Gardenex – the Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Limited, and
- HTA – the Horticultural Trades Association
Stewart won the House Beautiful Best Product Garden Category in 2005 and the Klondyke Dry Goods Supplier Award in 2010. The company was a GIMA Awards - POS Finalist in 2009, and Best of British Finalist in 2011. Its Heat and Grow Thermostatic Propagator was top in the Which? Gardening Best Buy test on windowsill propagators 2011.
Stewart Home provides food storage and homewares products. These comprise of the Refine, Essentials and Seal Fresh food and drink storage collections, offering hygienic storage in a wide range of colours and shapes.
Stewart Catering supplies the Gastronorm and Seal Fresh food storage ranges to the catering industry and specialist cook shops via wholesale and cash and carry outlets.
Other divisions recently established under the Stewart umbrella are:
Stewart Aerospace
Stewart Automotive
Stewart Medical
Each division of Stewart is BS ISO 9001-2000 accredited and operates from the company’s manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centre in Croydon, Surrey.
For more information visit www.stewartlimited.co.uk
