Gold at Chelsea for Waitrose for Jubilee-inspired display
A Waitrose ‘Celebration of British Growing’ stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a prestigious gold medal.
For the second year running Waitrose has collaborated with the National Farmers Union for the display with the pair achieving the top accolade on both occasions. The display is one of the largest in the Great Pavilion, and takes inspiration from the Queen’s Jubilee with a look back at the way farming has changed over the past six decades using the best of British flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables.
The stand features cauliflowers against chrysanthemum blooms, cucumbers in a lily arrangement, and an array of farm implements – from old apple picking ladders and bushel baskets to a state-of-the-art weather station, demonstrating the evolving agricultural landscape through the years. The stand uses only seasonal British produce, with everything on the stand available at the moment in Waitrose shops.
Sue Steptoe, buying manager, horticulture, said: “We’re passionate about showcasing British produce – whether it’s British flowers, fruit or vegetables. This award is a tribute to the efforts of all our growers, who go out in all weather to cultivate the best produce for our customers.”
Never Miss a Retail Update!The stand’s designer Penny Riley worked with six other florists on the stand, and the gold medal marks the 16th year in a row that Penny Riley has walked away with the prestigious honour.
Chairman of the NFU board for horticulture and potatoes Sarah Dawson added: “This really is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work that Penny puts in every year. Chelsea Flower Show is an ideal opportunity to showcase the best of British produce on a world stage and we are delighted that the RHS judges have once again awarded us with a gold medal.”
