Monthly News - June
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Hello Koi Lovers,
There wasn’t a Trade News roundup in May. Between magazine deadlines and a few other projects, time simply got away from me. To be fair, it was also one of those months where the industry seemed to be quietly getting on with things rather than producing any major headlines.
June, however, feels a little different. As we launch a new volume of the magazine, there are a few new faces joining us as sponsors and advertisers, the National Koi Show is rapidly approaching, and there are already whispers of a handful of new products making an appearance over the coming weeks. I’ve also been out and about a little more this month, including a visit to a dealer event or two, so I’ve got a few bits to share.
As always, this section is simply a snapshot of what’s been catching my eye around the trade and hobby over the past few weeks. So, grab a brew and have a browse through some of the latest goings-on from around the koi world.
#New Sponsors
One of the real positives of launching a new volume of the magazine is the opportunity to welcome some new businesses on board. Sponsorship and advertising support from within the industry helps keep independent publications like this moving forward, and it also gives us the chance to introduce readers to companies, products and services that they may not have come across before.
Our first new sponsor is JPN Koi, operated by Chris Wall, a familiar face to many within the hobby and someone who has been involved in the koi industry for many years. The business specialises in bringing Japanese koi to hobbyists through its online sales and auction platform, giving koi keepers the opportunity to source fish from a range of respected breeders.
Yasu Koi combines two passions familiar to many in the hobby (koi and clothing) producing a range of koi-inspired apparel and accessories featuring original designs influenced by Japanese koi and culture. The family-run brand also offers bespoke printing and has already built connections within the wider koi community through a number of collaborations.
Aqua Group, based in Lincolnshire, offers a broad range of aquatic products and livestock and has built an impressive koi-only facility with a huge selection of stock. Offering a personal sales touch for those who visit their store, Aqua Group is developing a reputation for supporting hobbyists with practical advice and quality koi.
Although still a relatively new name within the trade, Shinzen Koi has been steadily building its presence, offering quality Japanese koi alongside a wide range of pond supplies and treatments, with a clear focus on supporting hobbyists with top-tier after-sales services. I look forward to following their journey as they continue to develop.
Adam's Koi & Pond Services. Many readers will recognise Adam Walker from his time at Queni Koi, and he has now launched his own venture, offering a range of pond-side services to hobbyists. Adam's focus is on pond maintenance, pond cleans and equipment installations, as well as helping hobbyists diagnose and resolve pond-related issues. Based in the West Midlands, he's happy to travel further afield when required. Contact him here: adam@adamskoiservices.com
#Open Days and Events
It’s been a busy few weeks on the open day front, and I managed to get along to a couple of events that were well worth the visit.
Beautiful Koi held their first open day, opening the doors of what is normally an appointment-only business. It gave hobbyists the opportunity to have a relaxed look around, see what the company is all about and browse the available stock without needing to book. Justin and the team had put out a great selection of koi, along with some attractive deals for visitors. I attended on the Sunday when members of Avon Koi Keepers and the Celtic Koi Club were there, making it a particularly enjoyable day and a great chance to catch up with plenty of familiar faces. Here are a few shots from the weekend.
Meanwhile, Shosha Koi held their first Tosai Event since opening their doors. It was a fantastic opportunity to see the progress Mike and Lee have been making behind the scenes, with the facility expanding at an impressive pace. The place was absolutely packed with koi, and, judging by the conversations I had throughout the day, many visitors were genuinely surprised by both the quantity and variety of stock on site. Mike and Lee are keen to build on the success of these events, so it sounds like there will be plenty more opportunities to visit in the future.
Open days such as these are a hugely positive addition to both the hobby and the industry. They give hobbyists the chance to get out, meet like-minded people, put faces to names and spend a few hours immersed in koi. The atmosphere is almost always friendly and relaxed, and there are often a few bargains to be found along the way.
Both Beautiful Koi and Shosha Koi will also be exhibiting at the National Koi Show at the end of the week, so if you couldn't make it along to either open day, it will be an ideal opportunity to see what both businesses have to offer.
#Koi Telly
Two YouTube videos that may be of interest.
I took part in my first live chat with Anthony Day, Lee Hadfield and Dave Tilbury. The guys are trying to start a new platform that keeps things grounded and focused on positivity within the hobby and industry. I was slightly terrified, as I don't even do FaceTime or Zoom, so doing this was pretty daunting. However, I enjoyed myself, and we covered plenty of topics. If you'd like to hear about my history and ramblings on various subjects, give it a watch and subscribe to their channel.
Last week I released a new video. I've known Ken for over twenty years and, like many hobbyists, have spent countless hours wandering around The Koi Collection's ponds and fish houses. I hope this film brings back a few memories for those who know the place and perhaps introduces others to it for the first time. More importantly, I hope it shows the experience and passion that go into building a life around koi.
#Koi for Sale
Enlarge the image to see which dealer stocks the koi - and be quick getting to their websites!
#The National Koi Show
Koi shows play an important role in our hobby, with their influence trickling down and impacting enthusiasts at every level. They promote good husbandry, showcase some outstanding nishikigoi, support local clubs and help introduce new people to koi keeping.
Kicking off the 2026 UK show season is The National Koi Show, taking place this weekend.
It's set to be an exciting event, bringing together traders and exhibitors from across the country. I've already heard whispers of several new products making their debut at the show.
Absolute Koi will be launching Hikari SP-20 Superior Colour Enhancing & Growth Diet, available in both floating and sinking pellets. Developed by Sakai Fish Farm and produced by Hikari, this premium koi food will be available exclusively through Absolute Koi.
West Midlands Koi will be unveiling a new automatic feeder, the Nishikigoi Feeder. Lee says the units are manufactured from premium 316 stainless steel and have been designed from the ground up with reliability, durability and precise feeding in mind. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see the build quality for themselves and learn more about the feeder's features ahead of its general release.
Beautiful Koi will also launch its own range of koi food, with some attractive show-only discounts available. Justin explains: "Over the past six months, we've worked closely with leading Japanese breeders to develop and refine our recipes, ensuring they meet the highest standards for koi nutrition and health. To keep costs competitive without compromising quality, we've partnered with a European manufacturer, reducing shipping expenses compared to food imported directly from Japan." Again, visitors will be able to get a closer look at the new food range during the show.
Avenue Fisheries is launching a special grow-on contest especially for The National. Visit their stand to see the koi available and check out the great prizes on offer; this is a National Koi Show exclusive. Watch the video below.
And that's not all. I've heard there are a few other companies planning product launches and unveiling redesigns, but for now, they're keeping their cards close to their chests. It sounds like there may be a few surprises in store, so the only way to find out first-hand is to visit the show.
If you'd like to keep up to date with UK koi show coverage and news throughout the season, please join the Facebook group run by myself and a few fellow enthusiasts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/koishows
Volume Nine will also make its first public appearance at The National.
If you're attending, you'll be able to browse the new volume in person, explore The Archive, and pick up copies across the weekend.
You'll find us once again in the Mixed Trade Marquee, a little hidden gem situated at the far end of the showground beside the catering area (see image). The marquee is home to a fantastic mix of businesses this year, including:
JBL | Lisa Koi Art | Conquest Koi | Kusuri | World of Nishikigoi | Nutramare | Pure Blue Aquatics | Zhou Kang Art
Whether you're looking for koi products, fish food, artwork, or simply somewhere to sit down for a few minutes in the shade, with a brew, it's well worth a wander through. We look forward to seeing you there - and don’t forget to bring a friend!
The National Koi Show - 27th & 28th June
Best Wishes & Happy Koi Keeping,
Liam
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