The return of a familiar name to an exhibition can easily be treated as little more than a line on a floorplan.
Look a little closer, however, and the reasons behind that return often reveal much more about the direction of a business and its confidence in the market it serves.
At Glee 2026, a growing group of established suppliers is returning to the show after time away. Their stories are different, but common themes quickly emerge: investment, evolution and a desire to reconnect with garden retail at a moment when products, purchasing models and consumer expectations are all changing.
Among those coming back are Lava Lite, Scheurich, Burton McCall and Jeyes. Together, they span plant and lawn care, pots and planters, cutting tools and outdoor cleaning. Some last exhibited only two years ago, while Jeyes is making its first appearance at Glee for a decade. What unites them is that none is returning with the same proposition it brought before.
More than a return for Lava Lite
For Lava Lite, which last exhibited in 2024, the decision follows a period of significant brand and range development. Its horticulture and pet care offer has become stronger and more focused, with greater investment in sustainability, education and clear in-store communication.
“Coming back in 2026 feels like the natural next step for us,” said Kieron Tompkin, Co-Founder of Lava Lite. “The brand has grown, our range has matured, and Glee is still the place where meaningful retail relationships begin. It is the show where people come ready to discover something new.”
The company will bring Aqua Nuggets, Grass Guard Plus, No Gnats and its wider plant care portfolio to the show, alongside developments focused on soil health, pet-safe lawn care and water clarity.
Yet its return is about more than introducing products. Lava Lite is placing increased emphasis on merchandising, education and sell-through support, reflecting the pressure on retailers to make every fixture work harder and ensure new ideas can be understood quickly by customers.
A fresh UK start for Scheurich
Scheurich’s story is different again. The German family brand has exhibited at Glee previously as part of its wider UK presence, but its 2026 appearance will be the first under a revamped direct-factory supply model introduced in April.
For retailers, the changes include 10-working-day lead times from the company’s Kleinheubach factory, carriage-paid ordering from £500, flexible RRPs and pre-priced pots. Scheurich has also refreshed its packaging, point-of-sale materials and catalogue, while broadening its offer beyond its waterproof ceramics to include indoor and outdoor plastics, premium wicker and watering accessories.
“It is less a return and more a fresh start,” explained Sam Bentham, UK Sales Manager at Scheurich UK. “Glee is the natural place to reintroduce a near 100-year-old family brand to UK buyers on our own terms, with a fresh look to go with the fresh start.”
That fresh start will be hard to miss. Scheurich is planning a large stand, around 200 new SKUs and the launch of its 2027 catalogue.
Highlights will include the artisan styling of Rustica, the deep ombre colours of Avora and new matt colourways for the best-selling Monaco family, all backed by the brand’s 100% waterproof guarantee.
Premium tools back on the show floor
Burton McCall also last exhibited in 2024, when it showcased FELCO and introduced Swiss tool brand ALPEN. Since then, FELCO has continued to build on its reputation for precision, durability, repairability and ergonomic design, while ALPEN has expanded its UK presence and product breadth.
Glee visitors will be able to explore FELCO’s established range of secateurs, pruning tools and accessories alongside ALPEN’s growing portfolio of saws, loppers, hedge shears and manual and battery-powered pruning equipment, including electric pruning shears.
“What stood out most in 2024 was the quality of the conversations with buyers and retailers who were actively looking for innovative, premium products to strengthen their gardening categories,” said Mohamed Hajat, Director of Sales at Burton McCall Ltd. “We want visitors to experience first-hand the quality and innovation behind both brands and understand how premium, long-lasting tools can add value to their offer.”
That emphasis on longevity and demonstrable product performance is timely. As consumers scrutinise value more carefully, premium products increasingly need a clear explanation of why they deserve their place on the shelf. The opportunity to handle, compare and discuss tools in person remains one of the exhibition environment’s greatest strengths.
A heritage name looks to its next chapter
Perhaps the most striking return comes from Jeyes, which last exhibited at Glee in 2016. Since ECS acquired the brand at the end of 2024, it has invested in expanding and revitalising the range while preparing for Jeyes’ 150th anniversary in 2027.
The portfolio now contains more than 20 SKUs, making it the brand’s most comprehensive outdoor cleaning offer for many years. The iconic Jeyes Classic sits alongside ready-to-use formats and specialist solutions designed around the needs of today’s consumers.
“Returning to Glee is the perfect opportunity to share that journey with retailers,” said Farah ElZoheiry from Jeyes. “We want to demonstrate how we are investing in the future of the UK’s oldest outdoor disinfectant brand and how we can help retailers grow sales in the outdoor cleaning category.”
As well as presenting the expanded range and new product developments, Jeyes will use Glee to offer retailers a first look at plans for its milestone anniversary. These will include promotional activity, competitions, marketing support and in-store opportunities planned throughout 2027.
Why the show floor still matters
Across all four businesses, relationship-building sits at the heart of the decision to return.
Lava Lite wants to deepen retailer partnerships and introduce its offer to new buyers. Scheurich is rebuilding direct UK relationships with independents, agents and buying groups. Burton McCall is focused on strengthening existing accounts while widening distribution for FELCO and ALPEN. Jeyes is reconnecting with the garden centres that have known the brand for generations, while introducing its revitalised offer to new customers.
Their plans also demonstrate why a trade show remains particularly valuable for products that benefit from explanation, demonstration or tactile appeal. Waterproof ceramics, pruning tools, treatment products and category-wide cleaning ranges all become easier to understand when buyers can see the full offer, speak directly to the people behind it and explore how it might work in their own retail environment.
As Sam Bentham put it: “It is still the one place in the UK calendar where the whole trade – buyers, agents and press, is in the same room. For a brand doing what we are doing this year, there is no substitute.”
Returning exhibitors are not simply revisiting old ground. They are coming back with changed businesses, stronger propositions and clear commercial ambitions. For retailers walking Glee 2026, these familiar names may therefore provide some of the show’s freshest stories.
Find out more
Glee takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 8th to 10th September 2026, co-located with Autumn Fair on 8th and 9th September to create Europe’s biggest buying moment of the second half of the year. Visit www.gleebirmingham.comfor further information and to register.
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