You’ve heard me speak highly of Kip Creel of StandPoint Marketing Research, who does some very insightful research on the garden industry. StandPoint’s latest enewsletter, In the Know, offered an interesting summary of four current trends that may affect your business:
Locally Grown Produce. Rising produce costs and recent food safety issues have spurred a boom in the “buy local” movement. Some farmers markets are experiencing an increase of 30% as a result. Chain stores are also getting in on the act. Wal-Mart is now the country’s largest buyer of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Edible Gardens. The same factors fueling the “buy local” movement are driving a major rise in vegetable gardening. The most recent National Gardening Association survey reports a 22% increase in vegetable gardening spending. Greenhouse Grower magazine notes a jump of 40% in vegetable seed and plant sales this year.
Container Gardening. As the baby boomers downsize their homes, they still want to keep their hand in gardening. As a result, container gardening is enjoying new popularity. What’s more, container gardening is moving beyond the decorative to include growing fruits and vegetables as well.
Herb Gardening. The 2007 National Gardening survey reports an amazing 52% increase in herb gardening. Consumers report that they’re planting fewer ornamentals in favor of vegetables and herbs.
I’ve always found StandPoint’s research reports and newsletters to be well worth the time. To subscribe to In The Know, click here.
