The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) joins the wider horticultural community in mourning the loss of Andy Bunker, remembering a trusted colleague, generous mentor and friend whose influence and kindness left a lasting mark on the industry he worked in for nearly 50 years.

GIMA council members were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Bunker, who died on 13th July 2026 at the age of 63, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. A widely respected and much‑loved figure across UK garden retail, Andy’s loss will be felt throughout the industry.

For nearly five decades, Andy was synonymous with Alton Garden Centre, having joined his father Derek in the business at just 15 years old. In his role as plant manager, Andy shaped the centre’s horticultural identity and built a reputation for deep expertise, clear judgement and unwavering commitment to quality.

His knowledge extended far beyond Alton, serving as a buyer for the Tillington Group and, more recently, joining the British Garden Centres plant buying team following the group’s acquisition of Alton in March this year.

Andy’s contribution to the wider industry was equally significant. Over many years he became a familiar and valued presence across the horticultural sector; lending his expertise to RHS Plant Trials, offering thoughtful and fair judgement as part of the GIMA Awards and Glee judging panels, supporting the Greenfingers Charity, speaking at industry events, contributing regularly to garden trade media, and competing enthusiastically in the golf days that brought so many colleagues together.

Warm reflections from the GIMA Council

GIMA Council members shared the following tributes to Andy Bunker:

Mark Butler of Vitax said: “I have known Andy for many years; he was one of the nicest people you could meet – a Greenfingers Charity ambassador and a big supporter of the GIMA golf day. I have many fond memories of visiting him at the garden centre throughout my career but the fondest would be the numerous golf days he organised on behalf of Alton Garden Centre and the fun we had in the evenings as a group of golfers.”

GIMA Vice-President, Nigel Thompson of Sipcam commented: “My main recent dealings with Andy were as a new products judge at Glee. He was a great judge and quite daunting to face, if I’m honest! I remember catching his face once after I answered a question and it was great – a bit of ‘Mona Lisa’ moment in that I couldn’t work out if he was agreeing or disagreeing with my response. He will be missed by our trade and I’m sure his legacy will live on. Thinking of his family and close friends at this time.”

GIMA Director Martin Ward concluded: “Andy embodied everything that is good about our industry – generosity, expertise, humour and a genuine love of plants and people. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside him.”