I had a great day today – I got to visit East Bridgford Garden Centre, one of the Blue Diamond Garden Centres, to see our Treat Kitchen food gifting range which has newly landed in store. Joined by Lydia, our Marketing & Content Executive, it was great to step back and see the range in its natural retail habitat — and we’re delighted with how it’s looking.
If you’re passing by East Bridgford or any of the Blue Diamond branches you will find us in their very lovely food halls, alongside complementary premium gifting and specialist food products. Our products provide shoppers with an easy gifting solution to maybe add to a plant, candle or other gift. The mix of colour, occasion-led messaging and gift-ready packaging really comes into its own in this environment, offering clear solutions for birthdays, thank-yous, celebrations and seasonal moments.
Why Food Gifts Work So Well in Garden Centres
Don’t you think garden centres have evolved into true destination retail, it’s a lovely trip out and an enjoyable shopping experience -usually with free parking. Food gifting plays an increasingly important role in that journey. According to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), over 203 million visits were made to UK garden centres in in the latest full year reported, with 71% of UK adults visiting at least once, and the majority also stopping in cafés or food halls during their visit. [hta.org.uk]
Food halls and farm shops continue to outperform many traditional categories. The Garden Centre Association has consistently reported strong growth in food and catering, with food hall and farm shop sales up 8–15% year-on-year in recent periods, even when plant sales are weather-impacted. [uk.fourth.com], [aiph.org]
From a shopper perspective, food and drink gifting is particularly resilient. Mintel reports that 81% of UK consumers bought food or drink as a gift in 2025, citing affordability, versatility and presentation as key drivers — all strengths of garden centre retail environments. [store.mintel.com]
What We Observed In-Store
Walking the food hall at East Bridgford reinforced why Garden Centres are such a strong fit for Treat Kitchen:
· Shoppers are relaxed and browsing, not rushing
· Gifting is often impulse-led but considered
· Occasion-based products stand out clearly
· Packaging and shelf presence really matter
Our range offers solutions across all occasions, from everyday treats to standout celebration gifts, without overwhelming shelf space — something we know garden centre buyers value. We tick lots of boxes, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
What’s Next: Father’s Day, Halloween & Christmas
With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is a brilliant time for garden centres to lean into food gifting. Beyond that, we’re already taking orders for AW26, with exciting options for Halloween and Christmas, including our ever-popular gingerbread kits, which combine seasonal theatre with family activity and gifting appeal. Then at the end of May we start all over again and release our SS27 catalogue!
Interested in Becoming a Stockist?
If you’re a garden centre or food hall buyer looking to expand your gifting offer, we’d love to talk. Get in touch with Emily or myself to discuss ranging, seasonal opportunities and how Treat Kitchen can work within your store — just in time for Father’s Day and beyond.
