HTA launches updated Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 at the Garden Press Event

18 February 2025

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is pleased to launch the updated Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 stats booklet at this year's Garden Press Event. Designed as an easy-to-use and keep resource, the booklet provides the latest data on the UK’s environmental horticulture sector, highlighting its economic, environmental, and social contributions. The booklet was first launched at the event last year and proved popular as a valuable reference for media professionals, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, offering data-driven insights to inform news and features as well as aid discussions on the future of UK environmental horticulture.

The Garden Press Event, jointly hosted by the HTA and the Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA), is set to be the most engaging yet, featuring 100 exhibitors, including 26 new companies, and welcoming over 475 members of the media—solidifying its place as a key date in the horticultural calendar.

The Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 booklet, available at the HTA stand, delves into key areas such as:

• Economic Impact: The sector contributes £38 billion to the UK economy, projected to grow to £51.2 billion by 2030. It also supports the employment of 722,000 jobs in the UK.
• Consumer Trends: 203 million estimated visits to garden centres in 2024, with 68% of UK adults visiting at least once. Demand for sustainable gardening products is rising, with 61% of consumers avoiding excess packaging and 40% willing to pay more for eco-friendly products.
• Environmental & Health Benefits: 85% of UK adults agree that gardens and green spaces benefit their state of mind and 80% their physical health. Roughly an estimated 50,000 life years are prevented from being lost annually due to nature-provided air pollution removal.
• Policy Recommendations: The booklet outlines 10 key actions for government, including:
• Addressing UK-EU border frictions and implementing a plant health agreement.
• Supporting the peat-free transition with funding and a level playing field for UK growers.
• Developing a national horticulture strategy and an Office for Green Spaces.
• Encouraging water-saving initiatives for businesses.
• Promoting horticulture careers in education to address skills shortages.

 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:

"The Environmental Horticulture and Industry Insights 2025 booklet is an essential tool for anyone looking to understand our industry's scale, significance, and future potential. Environmental horticulture is not only a £38 billion powerhouse of the UK economy but also plays a vital role in sustainability, biodiversity, and public wellbeing. As we navigate key challenges - from the Autumn Budget impacts to border and trade complexities - the insights in this booklet provide a strong foundation for industry professionals, policymakers, and the media to champion the sector’s continued growth and success."

Attendees are encouraged to visit the HTA stand to pick up a copy and explore the valuable insights it provides. The updated digital version will also be available on the HTA website from 10am on 18 February: hta.org.uk/contact-us/media-centre

The event also boasts a dynamic speaker lineup, including:

• 10:30 AM: Michael Perry – Mr. Plant Geek, sharing insights on content creation.
• 11:30 AM: British Garden Centres discussing their growth and opportunities.
• 12:00 PM: BBC Gardeners’ World Events presenting what's new for 2025 and unveiling the YPHA's new Begonia.
• 12:30 PM: David Austin Roses.
• 1:30 PM: The Bronte Heritage Collection is introducing six new products.
• 2:00 PM: Middlechild Productions is discussing the new gardening channel – Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh – launching in April.
• 2:30 PM: Hota presenting a fresh approach to plant design on smartphones.
• 3:00 PM: Lee Connelly – the Skinny Jean Gardener.

For more details on the event and the speaker lineup, please visit www.gardenpressevent.co.uk