🎙️  Introducing – The Growers Forum

Over the past 12–18 months, the UK hydroponics retail market has changed. Margins have tightened, growth has slowed, and many retailers are feeling the pressure.

In our conversations with over 300 stores each year, the same issues keep coming up:

• Ongoing price pressure
• Online comparison driving undercutting
• Reduced footfall
• Volume no longer offsetting lower margins

For most, it means working harder for less return.

These are not isolated challenges. They are happening across the market.

Why We’re Building The Growers Forum

Up to now, these conversations have been happening one-to-one.

That works to a point. But when the same issues are being repeated across hundreds of stores, it becomes clear that a different approach is needed.

The Growers Forum is a simple idea.
Bring those conversations into one place.

Instead of speaking individually, we are creating a space where retailers and distributors can talk openly about what is happening in the market and compare real experiences.

Without that shared view, it is difficult to understand what is actually driving change and what can realistically improve.

What The Growers Forum Is

The Growers Forum is a monthly, 60-minute online session.

It is structured to keep things focused, but the purpose is straightforward. Open, practical discussion based on real trade experience.

It is simply a chance to step back from day-to-day trading and look at the bigger picture with others in the same position.

Why It Matters

One of the biggest challenges in the current market is visibility.

Retailers see pricing changes, competitor activity, and shifting demand, but often without the full context behind it.

That lack of clarity leads to reaction rather than decision-making.

By bringing together insight from across the market, The Growers Forum helps build a clearer picture of what is actually happening.

From there, more informed and realistic decisions can be made.

Where It Starts

The first session will focus on Shogun Fertilisers.

It is a relevant starting point given the current market dynamics and distribution structure in the UK.

The aim is not to single out a product or supplier, but to use a real example to explore wider themes such as pricing, visibility, and undercutting, and open up discussion around them.

A More Practical Way Forward

The Growers Forum is not about quick fixes.

It is about creating a consistent space for open conversation. Something the industry has not really had.

With better visibility, shared understanding, and more open discussion, the way they are approached can improve.

Confirm Your Place

If you want to be part of the conversation, confirm your place in our ongoing sessions.
Email: growersforum@edenhorticulture.co.uk