Six new categories have been introduced for The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year 2017, which was launched at Autumn Fair on Sunday September 4.
The addition of Food & Drink, Fairtrade, Craft & Handmade, Fine Jewellery, Nursery and Pet reflects the hard work of The GA team which has been talking to exhibitors in these categories at trade shows over the past nine months and raising the profile of the awards.
Says GA chief executive Sarah Ward: “We are exploring every possible opportunity to grow the competition while maintaining its quality and integrity. We must nurture Gift of the Year: it is The Giftware Association’s jewel in the crown. It shows the gift and home industry at its best and provides suppliers with the opportunity to raise their profile and increase revenue and sales.”
The GA has also partnered with the National Association of Jewellers which has increased awareness of Gift of the Year among its members to give them the opportunity to enter the Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, Made in UK, Craft & Handmade and Fine Jewellery categories.
Gift of the Year enjoyed a successful launch at Home & Gift last month when scores of companies entered the competition. New tent cards – displayed by exhibitors on their stands to show buyers that their products had been nominated for the competition – proved particularly successful and were a big hit on social media where Shrieking Violet received more than 1,000 ‘likes’ on Facebook.
Gift of the Year has a strong presence at Autumn Fair and the awards will be presented at Spring Fair next February. The GA is working closely with show organiser i2i Events Group – headline sponsor of the awards – to ensure that suppliers throughout the industry are aware of the competition and the opportunities it gives them.
GA and BATF members pay £35 for a single product entry and £20 each for subsequent entries, while non-members pay £60 for their first entry and £40 for each product thereafter. However, all suppliers can enjoy a 20% early bird discount before September 30.
The competition categories are as follow: Home Accessories; Fashion Jewellery & Accessories; Kitchen & Dining; Home Fragrance; Body, Bath & Spa; Garden & Outdoor Living; Kids & Teens; Seasonal; Occasions; Commemorative & Collectable; Hot Novelty; Branded & Character; Made in UK; Cards, Wrap & Stationery; Under £10; Eco Friendly; Food & Drink; Fairtrade; Craft & Handmade; Fine Jewellery; Nursery, and Pet.
If you wish to enter Gift of the Year 2017, please email enquiries@ga-uk.org or call 0121 237 1104.
