Nine new pet products were confirmed as the winners of the inaugural Pets at Glee New Product Showcase 2019, at a special award presentation at last week’s show.

More than 360 entries were put forward this year – a record number for the competition. All were showcased at Glee, with the winning products chosen by a panel of judges.

Entries were submitted into the following key pet retail categories this year:

• Best Pet Clothing Products
• Best Pet Toys & Entertainment
• Best Pet Accessories
• Best Pet Bedding & Travel
• Best Pet Food & Treats
• Best Pet Health, Grooming & Cleaning
• Best Pet Technology
• Best Eco Initiative Pet Products
• Best Overall Pets @ Glee

The 2019 judging pane comprised:
Ian Hodgson from Garden News; Andy Bunker of Altons Garden Centre; Mel Livingstone from Fron Goch Garden Centre; marketing consultant and GCA inspector Jane Lawler; Blue Diamond head of home Tom Grinnall; Josh Winter of Planters Tamworth; Colin Weatherly-Mein from GIMA/Greenfingers; former GCA inspector Roger Crookes of Pughs Garden Centres; Caroline Linger of Crocus; and Emma Kelly from Bents.

Judges considered each entry on a challenging range of criteria, including innovation, design, quality, environmental credentials, pricing and retail potential. A shortlist was then decided for each category, with the shortlisted suppliers then invited to join the judges in the ‘Pitching Den’.

A roundup of the winners is as follows:

Best Pet Clothing Products
Winner: The House of Paws – Santa Knitted Snood

Best Pet Toys & Entertainment
Winner: Trixie – Dog Activity Flower Tower

Best Pet Accessories
Winner: Dickie Bag – Neoskin Treat Bag

Best Pet Bedding & Travel
Winner: Scruffs – Santa Paws Box Bed & Gift Set

Best Pet Food & Treats
Winner: Henry Bell – Dog Gone Fishing

Best Pet Health, grooming & Cleaning
Winner: Trixie – Cat Litter Tray Sieve Mat

Best Pet Technology
Winner: 101 & Co – Automatic Pet Feeder

Best Eco Initiative Pet Products
Winner: Danish Designs – FatFace Marching Dog’s Deluxe Slumber Bed

An additional award was always awarded to the ‘best in show’ selected from all the entries received.

Best Overall New Product at Pet at Glee 2019
Winner: Dickie Bag – Neoskin Treat Bag
Shortlisted: Dickie Bag, Scruffs, Henry Bell, Trixie and George Barclay

Glee event director Matthew Mein commented: “I’d like to extend my sincerest congratulations to all those that scooped one of the inaugural Pets at Glee New Product Showcase awards. Pet is a huge part of Glee’s offering so being able to celebrate the value and innovation of this thriving sector has been a truly enjoyable experience. Thanks also to our judges for their time and invaluable input – it is greatly appreciated.”

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