FOR the second successive year, Alconbury-based Unwins design and packaging has been recognised by winning the Equipment and Sundries category at the Garden Industry Manufacturer s Association (GIMA) awards in Birmingham. The company entered its popular

FOR the second successive year, Alconbury-based Unwins' design and packaging has been recognised by winning the Equipment and Sundries category at the Garden Industry Manufacturer's Association (GIMA) awards in Birmingham.

The company entered its popular potato growing bag, which the judges proclaimed to be "an enticing prospect", great value, cleverly packaged and a simple solution for encouraging people to grow their own produce.

"It capitalised on the grow-your-own explosion and has been designed for growing potatoes even when space is limited," said a spokesman. "The planter, which can be used repeatedly, will accommodate three to five tubers."

At the same event last year the company's seed potato merchandising unit received the GIMA Award of Marketing Excellence and Best Point of Sale Marketing Award.

Keith Nicholson, head of marketing, said: "This is a fantastic time for us. Potato sales have been up 65 per cent in the past two years, and these awards demonstrate the hard work that has been dedicated to the sector, the retailer and the consumer.

"Our seed potato collection and all the merchandise that supports it is one of the strongest in the marketplace. Everything we do is designed to encourage the widest possible consumer base to grow their own potatoes.