With the UK’s nursery industry eagerly anticipating Harrogate International Nursery Fair in October, the Baby Products Association has launched its industry show awards – the Baby and Nursery Trade Awards (BANTAs) – sponsored again by Nursery Today magazine.
The BANTAs are the highlight of the Fair, presenting retailers and buyers with products industry expert judges deem to be the best in the show. Products are judged on several criteria based on what will make them attractive to consumers. This includes safety, functionality, desirability and value for money.
Commenting on the awards is Julie Milne, membership and technical support manager for the Baby Products Association. “The BANTAs are very different from consumer awards, because they take into account specific elements of a product that the judges believe will make them retail effectively – as well as being safe and desirable to the consumer.
“For example, a fabulous new pushchair with an RRP three times higher than similar products might well win a consumer award for outstanding features,” continues Milne. “However, the BANTA judges might consider it less marketable for retailers due to the prohibitive price point. It is because of this that colleagues in the industry place the BANTAs in such high esteem.”
This year there are nine categories to enter: Travel; Tech; Furniture; In the Nursery; Textiles & Soft Accessories; Baby Essentials; Safety; Toys & Educational, and Best New Product.
Entries will only be accepted from companies exhibiting at Harrogate International Nursery Fair on 15-17 October 2023. Entry forms for the Baby and Nursery Trade Awards are available to download here. The deadline is 12.00pm on Monday 25 September 2023.
