TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL by Forty One Madison

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: January/February 2021

Issue: 6

134

Volume: 142

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Amphora Timeless design that keeps your coffee and tea warm

Amphora vacuum jug - soft white, soft black or soft peach, coffee or tea 1 l. Design: Sebastian Holmbäck Theo cup with coaster - sand. Design: Francis Cayouette Ora vase - powder or midnight blue, small or large. Design: Daniel Debiasi & Federico Sandri Emma electric kettle 1.2 l. Design: HolmbäckNordentoft / To Go Click thermo cup 0,2 l or 0,4 l. Design: Stelton Original flower watering can 1,7 l. Design: Peter Holmblad

The Amphora thermo jugs are named after the ancient Greek earthenware pots which inspired the designer, Sebastian Holmbäck. The round body and distinctive shoulders are a classic design that reaches far into the future.

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Export Director Finn Gram-Jensen fgj@stelton.dk / +45 20914600

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Tableware Team EDITOR MAIREAD WILMOT mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

To subscribe to the magazine email: ROBERT THOMAS robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Published by Lema Publishing Ltd. 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness Berkhamsted Herts HP4 2UB Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930

Front cover supplied by RCR Cristalleria Italiana For more information see the website www.rcrcrystal.com

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

ith the promise of vaccines being rolled out across the globe, are we naïve to think the grip Covid-19 has had on us for the past year might slowly be loosening? There is a small glimmer of hope, certainly in the UK, that light does indeed exist at the end of the tunnel. And frankly, we are happy to cling to that light because it signals the reopening – albeit slowly – of the hospitality industry. What once shone so brightly has bravely suffered through crushing blow upon blow and if the restaurants, bars and hotels are not packed with patrons – the ripple effect, as this industry well knows, is felt far and wide. And yet, we are a resilient bunch, we adapt and move forward. This magazine, too, has had to think on its feet. Typically, this issue is our largest of the year, traditionally it has buzzed with new product, perfect porcelain practically falling from the pages as we previewed our beloved Ambiente. This year that is not to be. Ambiente, and in turn The International Consumer Goods Show which was due to take place in April, will now not physically take place. Nor will the myriad of other trade events we usually take such pride in covering in our Jan/Feb issue. But next year, 2022 – well, next year will be different, we are sure of it. All of our favourite shows will be back in action, glorious new products will be ready to roll out and we will rejoice in bringing them to you. Of course, don’t get us wrong, there IS new product! Plenty of it! We are just bringing it to you over the course of a few issues with our special Collection Preview pages. Turn to page 56 of this issue to get a flavour of the new there is on offer for the SS ’21 season. Of course, before you get to page 56, you’ll have to fight your way through a myriad of fantastic content – the wonderfully engaging Stefanie Hering of Hering Berlin talks to us about her unending devotion to porcelain and why she feels so passionately about products coming from manufactories, it’s an intoxicating read on page 28. We also catch up with Zwiesel Glas’s

marketing director Michael Eichinger. As the company prepares to celebrate 150 years in business in 2022, Michael explains how they are always focused on “the possibilities inherent in glass”. You can read more about how the premium product brand approaches business on page 34. The iconic Waterford has undergone a very chic and considered rebrand. The Waterford team worked with London-based agency Identica on refreshing the brand experience, all the while, Waterford vice president Davy Thomas explains to us, keeping aligned to the core DNA of the brand. See the results on page 44. Meanwhile, Lazzaro’s Sarah Egan talks to us about their rollout plans as they continue to unleash their sought-after collections on retailers across the globe with a key focus, currently, on the US, Europe and the UK. You’ll find that on page 54. Of course, we bring you the latest trends from pieces sporting this year’s Pantone colours – Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Grey + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating, to be precise – that’s yellow and grey to most mere mortals on pages 26 and 27. And, if you’ve not jumped on the charcuterie bandwagon – where have you even been over lockdown?! From page 36 we bring you some really lovely pieces, a personal favourite being the Carrol Boyes offering – check it out. We have also got lots of product spotlights, highlight collections which might not be new but are certainly worth noting, and speaking of new – our new products page is having a trial run at the back of the magazine this month, you’ll find it on page 90. All this, and lots more!

“There is a small glimmer of hope, certainly in the UK, that light does indeed exist at the end of the tunnel ”

Mairead Wilmot Get social with

See our latest news: www.tablewareinternational.com ‘Like’ us: Facebook.com/tablewareintmag ‘Follow’ us on Twitter: @tablewareintmag ‘Love’ us on Instagram: tableware_international

February 2021

News & Trends 16 News A round-up of international stories 20

Viewpoints We asked "does online have the potential to overtake brick and mortar stores?"

22 Category: Multifunctional Pieces Tableware that works hard for you 26 T rend: Pantone Colour options explored

In focus

28 Interview: Hering Berlin

34 Interview: Zwiesel Glas 44 Interview: Waterford 50 Interview: RCR Cristalleria Italiana

30 Category: Outdoor Living Bringing the indoors out

54 Interview: Lazzaro

36 T rend: Charcuterie Getting on board with charcuterie display options

83 Category: Statement plates Express youself!

28 Regulars

40 Interview: Retail Argentinian bazaar Reina Batata 42 Column: Retail Retailing in a pandemic 84 C olumn: HoReCA Valda Goodfellow looks at how we communicate now 86 T he Chef's Table: HoReCA We look at your products in their natural environment The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or Lema Publishing Ltd. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

Welcome to the exotic, every day

general News News in brief Major projects

Despite a turbulent 2020, Rosenthal reported landing some major hospitality projects, such as Palazzo Versace in Macao, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort in Quatar, Four Season Madrid and the VIP lounge of Bundesliga soccer team Eintracht Frankfurt. "Even though we lost sales in the HoReCa area due to the pandemic, we were able to partially compensate for this together with our retail partners. In every crisis lies an opportunity, and our opportunity lies in the renaissance of tableware, which has attracted more customers to our stores this year,” says Tanja-Simone Pigorsch, managing director marketing and sales.

Date changes for IMC IMC has rescheduled the dates for its 2021 Las Vegas Market. Both the winter and summer editions have notable date changes – originally planned in January and July – they will now run April 11-15, 2021, and August 22-26, 2021. IMC’s 2021 markets in Atlanta for Gift & Home and Apparel will run as scheduled. “We have opted to postpone the winter Las Vegas Market in connection with Governor Sisolak’s recent extension of Nevada’s ‘statewide pause’ and in consideration of stay-at-home orders currently impacting travel for key western states,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO.

Financial report Prior to publishing its Annual Report for 2020 on 17 February 2021, Villeroy & Boch’s management board raised its forecast for the 2020 financial year. In view of the very good business development in the current fourth quarter of 2020 and continued stringent cost management, it now expects an operating result (EBIT) of at least EUR 45 million. The company had already raised its forecast in October to an EBIT of EUR 30-35 million.

16 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Lenox acquires Hampton Forge and designs inaugural gifts Lenox Corporation recently announced the acquisition of Hampton Forge, the 30-year-old flatware and cutlery company. The deal covers the entire Hampton Forge portfolio, including the namesake brand, as well as Hampton Forge Signature, Tomodachi by Hampton Forge, Skandia, and Argent Orfèvres. Meanwhile, Lenox also designed the official inaugural gifts for the president and vice president of the United States. This is the ninth consecutive time the Lenox Corporation has had the honour of designing and gifting the official, custommade engraved crystal vases (pictured right). The inspiration for this year’s inaugural gifts comes from archival illustrations and both vases are crafted entirely by hand in Pennsylvania by master craftsman, Peter O’Rourke.

Colour watch “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of colour that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly. A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.” Pantone speaking about their choice for 2021 Colour of the Year, not one but two contrasting shades – Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 130647 Illuminating.

Meissen partners with adidas Two pioneers of German design have joined forces to create a unique piece of history – Meissen has partnered with adidas Originals to create the adidas Originals ZX 10,000 C Meissen sneaker. As part of the collaboration, Meissen also developed a mug with a lavish floral design based on the adidas Originals ZX 10,000 C Meissen sneaker. The opulent floral pattern has been applied to the mug in an elaborate hand-printing process.

Inspired by… tea!

Tea is having a moment. More so than your average cup of builder’s brew, high quality and premium tea accessories are a growing market, with specialist teashops opening at an enormous rate around the globe. Capitalising on the popularity is Dutch teaware company Bredemeijer whose products are a reference point for many tea aficionados. Pictured is the Black Collection.

Jomafe forms UK branch Portuguese ceramics company Jose Maria Ferreira, which trades under the Jomafe brand, has announced the formation of Jomafe (UK) Ltd, which was established on 1 January 2021, to handle all business in the UK. Headed up by Paul Threse, Jomafe (UK) Ltd plans an expansion of the ceramic and cutlery business over the next few months. With headquarters in Guimarães, Portugal, the company manufactures oven-to-tableware, mixing bowls, pudding basins and tableware, while its whollyowned sister company, Iber Cutelarias, produces stainless steel cutlery. The business also distributes other housewares products including cookware, bakeware, tools and gadgets, food storage, knives, wood serving boards and much more.

Daniel Nwaokolo

Zoë Bonser

Abigail Quesnel

Clarion expands retail team Clarion Events, the people behind Top Drawer, Home & Gift, January Furniture Show and Manchester Furniture Show, has announced new appointments within its retail portfolio leadership team. Daniel Nwaokolo expands his role as managing director to encapsulate both Clarion’s enthusiast and retail portfolios. Zoë Bonser further strengthens the team as portfolio director, having previously been event director for Spring and Autumn Fair and, most recently, show director for The Baby Show at Clarion Events. Russell Rule also joins the retail portfolio’s gift events as show manager while Abigail Quesnel has been appointed senior operations manager for the portfolio.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 17

general News Did you know? At any given time, Fiesta Dinnerware has 14 to 16 colours in its spectrum. For 2021, with no retiring colours as of now, there are 16 signature Fiesta shades, after Twilight was introduced.

Wüsthof Americas appoints Tom Fowler Wüsthof has announced the appointment of Tom Fowler to lead the company’s Americas business unit. He will be based out of the company’s Norwalk, CT office and will report to Wüsthof ’s global CEO, JanPatrick Schmitz. Fowler joins Wüsthof from Polar Electro USA. “The role of President of the Americas is pivotal as we execute our strategic growth plan throughout the region,” said Jan-Patrick Schmitz, CEO of Wüsthof. Tom adds: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Wüsthof at such an exciting time in the company’s storied history. The brand has earned an incredible reputation with consumers and professionals alike. We now have an amazing opportunity to innovate our approach and to optimize the business.”

Presenting Virtus One of the newest collections from Rosenthal meets Versace has been inspired by an iconic handbag from the noted design house. Versace’s Virtus handbag influenced the latest gift collection of the same name. A baroque ‘V’ enlivened by accents of acanthus leaves on fine porcelain is the distinctive sign of this new Rosenthal meets Versace collection which is made up of trays, a scented candle and vases in various sizes.

Don’t miss…

glamorous textiles Melody Rose has added a collection of velvet cushions to its range in an exciting extension to its tableware assortments. Customers can choose from signature Melody Rose prints. The collection extension features a combination of on-trend luxe velvet and tassels and have proven a hit with current clients while also introducing new customers to the Melody Rose brand. Made in the UK, the cushions come in a choice of rich colours: vintage rose, sharkskin grey, deep berry red, lush meadow green, burnt orange and bayberry blue.

Pasabahçe debuts new glass technology Paşabahçe has brought revolutionary new glass technology to market. Developed by parent company the Şişecam Group, V-Block Technology prevents the growth of micro-organisms on glass surfaces. The initial V-Block product range includes various tumblers, tea glasses and saucers, mugs and bowls with the range being touted as ideal for both consumer and hospitality, particularly during a pandemic. Moreover, the products were tested by accredited laboratories and confirmed to be effective by Turkey’s Ministry of Health.

18 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Opinions Melody Rose, Melanie Roseveare, owner “The online marketplace has truly come into its own during the course of the pandemic. The buying pattern of customers has been changing over the past few years; but the pandemic has really escalated both customer demand for online shopping as well as fast tracking investment in website development for many companies. Of course, it’s hard to predict what will happen going forward but at Melody Rose we have been working on upgrading our website and focusing on developing our online presence. We’ve seen a large increase in traffic, and this reflects in our online sales with a large growth in sales from last year.

Beatriz Ball, owner Surprisingly it has continued to grow each month, when we thought we’d see a dip in certain months and that hasn’t been the case. Additionally, with more people staying at home, customers are investing in their kitchens, appliances, equipment and now in their tableware for in-home dining. We believe online shopping will stay strong post-pandemic, with customers becoming more comfortable buying through websites. However, brick-and-mortar stores offer customers the chance to discover new brands, to browse a large range of products and to see the quality in ‘real life’ as well as to discuss the finer points with an in-store salesperson. I think that will remain important when shops reopen and will offer new opportunities to develop the in-store experiences for customers.”

VIEWPOINTS The onset of Covid-19 changed the global retail landscape in a myriad of ways and one of the those was the obvious dominance in online sales. We asked: “Does online have the potential to overtake brick and mortar stores for tableware/flatware sales?” Here are the thoughts of some industry insiders… Utopia, Josh Rammel, marketing associate “Online is an increasingly vital part of the sales process. The events of 2020 have shown that it is an important way to get marketing and product to customers, but the future will always see a blend of both brick and mortar, through showrooms and shops, and online platforms. Looking, touching and seeing products in hospitality settings is still the best way to fully appreciate them and find out if they will work for you. This physical interaction may not be as easy at the moment, but it still holds relevance and importance. As we move forward out of Covid-19 restrictions, and the hospitality industry starts to open up, we expect to see online sales holding the ground they have gained but not totally replacing showroom settings. It’s impossible to convey the feel of fine glassware at one end of the scale or the durability of stoneware at the other through online images alone.” 20 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Seeba Group and thinKitchen, Anand Baldawa, CEO “With the right type of product images, detailed descriptions, and technical specs, a customer no longer necessarily needs to touch and feel a product before buying it. And even if one has to, the logistics are now so convenient that returns and replacements can happen within 24-48 business hours. More than the product sometimes, customers need a compelling brand story that helps them connect with the brand, and thus push sales. One of our highest selling products are the 20pc or 24pc flatware cutlery sets. If consumers trust your brand, if they find the information they need on your online platform, your cutlery will sell just as well online as in brick and mortar stores.”

“I think there is a wrong assumption that online and brick and mortar sales are in competition. In my opinion, it is the total opposite, one channel should and does support the other seamlessly. Most brick and mortar stores nowadays have an online component, and all we hear from our retailers is that they are delighted because they are experiencing an increased volume of sales coming from their online presence.” Lifetime Brands Europe, Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director “Of course, customers who are looking to invest in their home right now are going to buy from where they can. However, typically dinnerware is purchased based on picking it up, feeling the weight, the fineness, the glazed finish and any embossing. The same goes for cutlery and indeed glass. And so, while there is obviously a much appreciated element of convenience with buying online, I do think there will be a continuing balance of how consumers continue to purchase post Covid-19. That said the tableware/flatware market has changed. It has become more gift led, more casual and more unique. Customers are looking for elements which are individualistic and sometimes it is easier to search for this via Google than scour and find in a brick and mortar store. That’s where experience, ranging and offering something different is needed by brick-and-mortar retailers, where customers can buy co-ordinated items, lifestyle driven collections that offer inspiration. It is very difficult for etailers to drive lifestyle driven collections from essentially product display pages.”

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Category Multifunctionality

"Consumers want pieces that serve more than one purpose. A tray that collects magazines on the ottoman, for instance, can also be employed for passing around drinks or snacks. Pieces for sharing and serving foods are particularly popular. My polished metal tableware is a versatile, easy care and practical choice: it can be used with confidence to heat, chill and safely serve food, and will not tarnish or lose its shine. Versatility and convenience are just two of its benefits. They are also decorative items on their own. Some of the largest products can even double as wall art objects.”

Beatriz Ball speaking about the multifunctional nature of her pieces. Pictured is the Bloom bowl

Herend

New from Herend are these beautifully decorated Scalloped Dinner Bowls. Available in an assortment of classic patterns, the bowls are a sophisticated nod to the concept of multifunctional dining pieces. Pictured is the fish scale motif in grey and gold.

www.herend.com

The way

we live Now the norm rather than the exception, multifunctional pieces are part and parcel of our existence. Space saving, multi-use items have become key, from bowls masquerading as plates to chopping boards acting as serveware – everything is open to interpretation and isn’t that exciting! We take a look at just some of the options on the market…

Lenox www.lenox.com A true ode to multifunctionality, the modular Luna from Lenox is everything a multiuse piece should be. Hidden inside are six bowls and two plates which you take apart piece by piece to reveal each microwave-anddishwasher-safe style. The popular style now also comes in a miniature version, perfect for dips, sauces, spices. Again, hidden inside the Mini Luna are six bowls and two small dishes. The collection comes in three colourways – cream, green and blue. 22 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Pip Studio The Love Birds collection from Pip Studio is a perfect example of all things pretty, so pretty in fact, that it is ideal for decorative use as well as tableware. Coming in several colourways with red and pink, and blue and khaki, the collection’s decorative motif takes centre stage.

www.pipstudio.com

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Category Multifunctionality

Blue Pheasant

The DRH Collection

The Hugo Chip & Dip Bowl from Blue Pheasant offers a versatile choice when it comes to serving. The bowl, ideal for chips and dips, comes in a unique resin with organic swirls.

Available in three sizes – 32cm, 40cm and 42cm – the hand-decorated glass bowls under the Anton Studio Designs brand tick all the right boxes for multifunctional pieces. Perfect for use as purely decorative pieces for display or as serving pieces for salads.

www.bluepheasant.com

www.thedrhcollection.com

Denby Creating multifunctional pieces is really part of Denby’s DNA. They truly embrace multi-use ceramics to the point where it is front of mind when designing new pieces in the Denby Design Studio. From mugs – such as this Blue Haze mug – acting as a pen-pot in a playroom, the possibilities are endless.

Over and Back The Sugar Candy multifunctional bowl set from Over and Back comes complete with lids and plates. A sweet looking space saver.

www.overback.com

www.denbypottery.com

Utopia Utopia’s three-tier gold-plated cake stand is the perfect vehicle for displaying the sumptuous afternoon tea that is enjoying such a renaissance at the moment. Designed to hold three 230mm plates this stylish stand is constructed from stainless steel to offer strength and durability. Cake stands aren’t just for cakes though, this classy number is equally at home showcasing a tasting menu or even a range of cocktails or shots.

utopia-tableware.com 24 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Sango Hospitality From their entertainment collection, Sango Hospitality’s stunning fish spoons are ideal for canape service. Sitting on a wooden serving tray which is made from sustainable acacia wood, the spoons work wonderfully to serve amuse bouche or a mid-course palate cleanser.

www.sangohospitality.com

Trend Pantone

Accent piece Bringing all kinds of joy, this small bright yellow plate from Villeroy & Boch’s “it’s my moment” collection is perfectly on-trend, acting as the ideal accent piece.

www.villeroyboch.com

They call it mellow yellow (and grey)

Hand-cut perfection Mouth blown, hand cut and hand polished, Artel’s Viden collection of DOF glasses fit the bill perfectly, coming in two shades befitting of the trend – amber and smoke.

www.artelglass.com

Pantone announced its official colour for 2021 – not one, but two shades made the grade this year. Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Grey + Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating, to be precise – that’s yellow and grey to most mere mortals. With yellow, in particular, tapped to be one of the hottest shades of the year, we explore some on-trend tableware options…

Everyday chic Design masters From Monno comes Ripple, developed by Queensberry Hunt. Note Ripple’s concentric horizontal relief, which is particularly beautiful with the glazes that have been developed by Monno’s laboratory. 26 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

www.monno.com

Charlotte Street North in grey is a Kate Spade for Lenox design which embodies casual chic. The four-piece place setting is crafted of microwave and dishwasher-safe durable white ceramic porcelain – perfect for on-trend everyday use.

www.lenox.com

Perfectly Pantone Boasting an array of collections perfectly in keeping with Pantone’s colour of the year, Over and Back have no shortage of options to fit the bill from this ensemble serve set with grey and yellow accents right through to the Duck Soup bowl set.

www.overback.com

On-trend textiles Boasting a variety of textiles perfectly attuned to the trend, Chilewich’s bestselling Basketweave placemats and table runner in shadow make the ideal base for dressing a table with yellow accents.

www.chilewich.com

Playful plates Melody Rose’s In Colour Yellow dinner plates introduce bold splashes of colour to the fine bone china range. The plates feature central designs chosen from Melody Rose’s most cherished collections including the circus inspired Acts of Daring Trapeze Girl and Boy, The Modern Surrealist cheeky Models and Kissing Couple and the iconic Rock and Roll Skull. The bright and bold shade of yellow adds a touch of joyful fun to the range, creating heritage tableware with a 21st Century twist. Edged in hand-painted luxurious and dishwasher friendly 22kt burnished gold, the pieces work on their own and really come to life when mixed, matched and layered with smaller plates and bowls from the whole range. The In Colour Collection 1970’s inspired colour palette also includes fresh retro blue, punchy raspberry pink and cobalt blue for a contemporary take on traditional blue and white.

www.melodyrose.co.uk

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TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 27

In Conversation

Hering Berlin

When the passion is porcelain…

Noted as one of the ﬁnest design-led manufactories, Hering Berlin values the exceptional over the mundane. We spoke with Stefanie Hering… Stefanie, what serves as inspiration for you as a designer? My inspiration comes from all areas of daily life, not only art or architecture, but also social developments are important to me as a designer and flow seismographically into my designs. Product development of porcelain goes hand in hand with the question of how we dine, how we live and how we want to furnish ourselves – far beyond the next one or two years. Individualisation, mindfulness and respect for resources and craftsmanship, the aspect of sustainability – these are my core themes in the manufactory sector in which I operate - perhaps in a different way than with many industrial products. I like to use the term “mindful luxury” when I get involved with a manufactured object from Hering Berlin, I feel a different poetry and quality than with a luxury item from an assembly line. I develop my ideas from these approaches.

“It’s about conscious consumption, considered decisions, real enthusiasm for objects that I then buy and use for years”

On the one hand we have mass-produced collections for everyday life and on the other hand we have high-end, design-oriented/ unique collections - how comfortable are you with this fact? Maybe you see the mass-produced pieces as a gateway for younger buyers? The spread of mass production on the one hand and manufactory porcelain on the other reflects our times and also the way of consumption today. There are clearly buyers and target groups for both. For reasons of sustainability alone, I am in favour of manufactory – whether in the porcelain sector or in other segments. It’s about conscious consumption, considered decisions, real enthusiasm for objects that I 28 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

then buy and use for years. You should never use manufactured porcelain only for special occasions, but enjoy it every day. If you only want to afford a few pieces at first, mix it with existing pieces and build up a nice personal, small collection of your own – just like you do with furniture in your own four walls. Buying all your furniture in one go at the discounter - that’s passé for most people.

Part of your brand story is craftsmanship, attention to detail, but would you ever be open to collaborating on a collection at a lower price point that is more accessible to younger buyers? In general, I think the decision to buy Hering Berlin Manufakturporzellan is not a question of age, but a question of aﬃnity for beauty, appreciation and attention to detail. Besides some elaborate and, admittedly, expensive pieces, there is a lot that I can afford at manageable prices – at least if I buy specifically what I really need. This also leads to more conscious and sustainable consumption – I buy something that I don’t put aside after three months, but enjoy looking at and using for years, regardless of whether I’m young or old, on a small or larger budget. In addition, I have actually already launched Cella Berlin, an affordable series of sustainably produced tableware in Germany. It is used in hospitality areas such as senior residences, hospitals – in other words, everywhere where beautiful porcelain has so far had to give way to purely functional considerations. It is important to me that the importance of a

beautifully staged table for the wellbeing and enjoyment of food is rediscovered, no matter where I live and especially when I am vulnerable.

Do you think the tableware industry is struggling with relevance? A clear no. A very important topic for me, which has changed rapidly in recent years and is gaining momentum especially in the current period, is precisely the already mentioned topic of sustainability – accompanied by the social rediscovery of manufactory work and the high importance of craftsmanship, in every area. A very positive and overdue development! What we do in my manufactory Hering Berlin fits the times and the future. My approach is to transport the tradition of porcelain craftsmanship into the 21st century with visionary designs and further developed manufacturing processes. It is not for nothing that Apple has just integrated my collections into their TV series “How we dine in 10,000 years”.

You work a lot with creatives from other fields. Why is that important for you? Conceptually, it is important for me to open up the perspective and to break down the boundaries of the so-called arts, which have not existed for a long time, by collaborating with creatives from other fields. Think of my project with the video artist Jo Ta, who reexperienced some extremely large porcelain vessels from my Art Series Extraposition in an art performance with soundimage worlds. A spectacular and equally important action, as it revives and sharpens the public’s awareness of porcelain as a material with its outstanding qualities. I want to show what porcelain can do – whether in the field of art, with projects in architecture and interior design – or together in the development of a new series with a star chef. Porcelain is an incredibly versatile, beautiful material for the most diverse applications and needs.

On designing for professionals… “When designing new objects for StarChefs, I like to be guided by their specific needs and experiences from the kitchen. These individual pieces, originally developed for haute cuisine, later find their way into my collections, which anyone can buy. Just one example is the design results from my xcollaboration with star chef Christian Jürgens from the Überfahrt restaurant on Lake Tegernsee in Germany. He wanted me to come up with an innovative design for the perfect presentation of food at the table, and in particular to come up with an accentuating solution for serving sorbets. This led to the development of the completely new foot bowls that are typical of many Hering Berlin collections today. Beyond pure design, there are joint cooperation projects, such as the planned collaboration with Christian Jürgens and kitchen appliance pioneer Gaggenau in 2021/2022. International connoisseurs will then also be able to enjoy this unique symbiosis at gourmet events.”

“I like to use the term “mindful luxury”… with a manufactured object from Hering Berlin, I feel a different poetry and quality than with a luxury item from an assembly line” What influence has Covid-19 had on your business? Changing times require changing strategies, especially in the presentation of my new collections. These now take place purely online, with great effort, but we definitely want to bring the magic, beauty and elegance of the objects to our customers to the full extent as before. We also launched the “Let’s support craftsmanship” campaign, for example, to stay in dialogue with our customers. The response, initially via Instagram, was so great that we are continuing the campaign beyond industry boundaries and are working more closely with other manufactories here.

What can you tell us about Hering Berlin’s plans for the year ahead? In spring you can look forward to the presentation of a whole new collection – I called it Evolution. And in March we’re launching another TrunkShow – you can look forward to some sales promotions as a thank you to our loyal Hering

Berlin fans. Of course with selected pieces that you can’t buy anywhere else. Precisely because the moments of being together at the table have become so precious, they should be especially enjoyed and consciously celebrated. This year, I will be presenting small treasures again and again that will help us to do just that in everyday life.

And finally, what excites you most about the industry as a designer? I want to push the boundaries of what has been possible with porcelain so far. This is of course where my expertise as a master ceramist comes in handy, as I know exactly how to work with porcelain as a material, how to develop new processes and thus also drive visionary developments. Size is an issue, as are structure and glazes. It is precisely these issues that impose clear limits on industrially operating companies. In contrast, I can act completely differently with my manufactory in pure handicraft. I experiment! This unique degree of innovation in handmade porcelain – that’s what appeals to me. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 29

Category Outdoor

Utopia With summer fast approaching, Utopia has outdoor drinking covered. Utopia’s new Lucent range of polycarbonates are not only virtually unbreakable, they also have a brilliant finish that looks like glass and feels great to the touch. There’s a Lucent design for just about any occasion – from stacking tumblers to stylish martini glasses. There are wine glasses, cocktail glasses, gin globes, carafes and champagne flutes, with a stylishly decadent champagne bucket for the dedicated outdoor party goer. www.utopia-tableware.com

Fresh air

feasts

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that outdoor living is not just on trend, it’s pretty much a necessity (thanks to Covid-19 and its many different variants, of course). Step forward chic dining options designed to make everything that little bit tastier…

Beatriz Ball A growing category for Beatriz Ball, the company’s outdoor living collection includes a selection of melamine serveware, platters, bowls, salad servers, trays and ice buckets in several designs and colours. The Vida Alegria (pictured) melamine dinnerware items are a significant addition for both indoors and outdoors. New for outdoor dining are also round and rectangular woven placemats. The collection also includes acrylic stemware as well as wood cutting boards which are perfect for outdoor dining and barbeques. wholesale.beatrizball.com

Villeroy & Boch From Villeroy & Boch comes the To Go collection, a range of high-quality porcelain to take with you when you’re out and about. With tailored rubber straps for a precise fit, the porcelain lids are leakproof when closed, making them the perfect companion for enjoying food on the go. The mugs and bowls in sleek white or with three modern takes on vintage patterns keep food fresh and tasty all day long. All items in the collection are dishwasher-safe, so they can be reused quickly. www.villeroy-boch.com 30 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

“Our Natural Elements brand brings together kitchen and dining must-haves from storage, sandwich wraps, cleaning, cutlery and co-ordinated dining. The outdoor living range is focused on eco dining, utilising bamboo fibre as it is the fastest growing plant in the world, growing 30 times faster than trees and absorbs 35 per cent more carbon whilst producing 30 per cent more oxygen. Featuring a subtle colour palette to suit any outdoor space and existing kitchen accessories, the range extends into hessian placemats with trendy cotton bobbles plus reversible cork placemats and coasters with a gorgeous white print on one side, plain on the other. Added touches include recycled paper serving bowls in two sizes and a bamboo cutlery set.”

Claire Budgen, Budgen commercial and marketing director, Lifetime Brands Europe

Blue Pheasant From Blue Pheasant comes the Voru Collection – an assortment of outdoor dining accessories – think wine caddy, glassware caddy, and flatware tray, all hand woven in natural abaca fibres.

Denby Noted for its durable ceramics, Denby says its collections are practical enough for outdoor living. Safe for use in the fridge so covered plates of food can go straight from the fridge to the table outside and, when its time to go back indoors, Denby can go into the dishwasher. No need to waste valuable cupboard space with multi pieces to do the same job. www.denbypottery.com

Arthur Court In a classic white, Arthur Court brings us a collection of melamine resin plates. Durable, fire and heat resistant and virtually unbreakable – the perfect plate for outdoor dining. Note the pewter metal detail attached to the rim to create classic dinnerware that will stand up to outdoor use but formal enough for indoor dining.

www.bluepheasant.com

Over and Back Over and Back are putting the fun in melamine. The bright and breezy Tuscany dinner set is ideal for outdoor dining and joins a range of other outdoor friendly pieces from the company, including other melamine collections and a picnic basket to name but a few. www.overback.com

www.arthurcourt.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 36

Product Spotlight

The Ayla collection First launched at Ambiente in 2019, Kütahya Porselen’s Ayla Fine Dining Tableware Collection is available in all territories, created for both HoReCa and consumer. Designed by Kunter Sekercioglu, the award-winning assortment has caught the eye of several international design juries, picking up everything from a Japan Good Design Award 2020 through to an Elle Deco International Design Award. Ayla’s popularity speaks volumes with Kütahya Porselen reporting “huge” sales since it hit retail. Interestingly, the company says Ayla (which translates at the ring of light seen around the moon and some stars) was designed to “question the perfection and imperfection within the boundaries of mass production”. Note how light reflects off the surface of the pieces, changing its topography.

Key points… ■ Award-winning collection ■ Intricate design ■ For both hospitality and consumer

Collection Dissection

The Galaxy collection Introduced at Ambiente 2020, Kütahya Porselen’s Galaxy Collection is a celebration of all things intergalactic. Inspired by the universe’s stunning colours and unique, changable shape, the collection is an ode to the transient, dynamic nature of our cosmos. Available in all territories, Galaxy’s colourways are a nod to nature with strong yellows, creamy white and dark black existing in harmony, with the company saying it “completely represents the eternal cosmos and the galaxy”. Perfectly designed to be mixed and matched, the collection has scooped a German Design Award and a Plus X Award.

Key points… ■ Mix and match design ■ Design inspired by cosmos ■ Available in all Kütahya Porselen stores

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Kütahya Porselen

Glamorous Polished brilliance. The elaborate polishing of our refined handmade glasses makes them the perfect choice for special occasions. With its extravagant shapes, black stem and striking cut, the Glamorous series celebrates the 1920s and Art Deco design. The glasses are a stylish choice to accompany exquisite menus and to celebrate unforgettable moments. zwiesel-glas.com

Interview Zwiesel Glas

"Our work has never just been about glass" Zwiesel Glas’s marketing director Michael Eichinger says the company’s work has always focused on “the possibilities inherent in glass”. Tableware International learns more about the premium product brand which will celebrate 150 years in business in 2022…

hen your brand name is as synonymous with premium products as Zwiesel Glas’s is, there is a certain level of expectancy… from the buyer, the consumer but ultimately, from the Zwiesel Glas team themselves. And it is not something they shy away from. Boasting both high-end handmade and machinemade products, they openly say “unconditional customer centricity” is at the very heart of what they do. As the brand enters its 150th year in operation in 2022, exciting plans are already afoot, further ingraining the company’s position as a premium supplier for both the consumer and professional markets. Later in 2021, for example,

Fact!

Zwiesel Glas will relaunch what they say are "well-selected premium machine-made products in the top premium segment under the Zwiesel Glas brand", these join an already elaborate selection of globally recognised handmade products – think glasses crafted specifically to aroma and grape variety. With this particular line of machinemade products, we can expect “outstanding and unique designs and premium product quality” says the company’s marketing manager Michael Eichinger. Even more excitingly, a change is taking place within the company – soon Zwiesel Glas will completely incorporate the Zwiesel 1872 brand, with all its products coming under the Zwiesel Glas brand name. The changeover is already taking place and will be completed soon.

Zwiesel Glas is continuously reﬁning its Tritan Crystal glass. The glass – easily identiﬁed through its premium and sustainable quality, low breakage rates, and brilliance – is used across all Zwiesel Glas products.

34 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

“2022 will be a special year for us,” Michael says. “We are celebrating 150 years of passion, extraordinary moments with a special (Zwiesel) note and first and foremost outstanding relationships with our valued partners.” Ultimately, this is what Zwiesel Glas is all about – the company is entirely committed to being at the forefront of excellence, they have made it their mission to turn every moment into something special – be that in a home, or restaurant setting. “This is the basic principle for the Zwiesel Glas brand,” Michael points out. “For Those Who Care, is our brand core and it expresses the high standards of Zwiesel Glas in terms of quality, assortment, service and sustainability. Zwiesel Glas cares about the needs of the world´s finest hosts and most discerning guests and therefore For Those Who Care reveals the unconditional customer centricity of Zwiesel Glas.” He continues: “At Zwiesel Glas we create outstanding, high-end products to evoke, create, and shape unique senses of life like a sense of conviviality, togetherness, joy and happiness.”

Michael Eichinger New collections When it comes to crafting new collections, there is a certain level of expectancy with the Zwiesel name, something the company recognises. Explaining how they approach bringing new collections to life, Michael tells us: “The very first step in creating new collections is based on the question: “What are in the different segments - the (current and upcoming) needs of our end-consumers? Our collection development loop is therefore based on a consequent mix of trend research, service, product and design quality topics and aims to reach the utmost end-consumer experience in the different segments. Based on this we aim, on the one hand, at steadily satisfying our

1872

On the importance of handmade…

“One of the core values of Zwiesel Glas is to ‘live our origins and shape our future’. The Zwiesel Glas brand story started in 1872 in the Bavarian Forest with high-quality handmade premium products. Today, each handmade Zwiesel Glas product not only symbolises high-end glassware but also reveals a unique brand story of almost 150 years of tradition, and our utmost goal of creating extraordinary customer experiences with unique products since our beginning in 1872. Handmade premium products are an inherent and important part of our assortment strategy but also a deeply anchored part of our Zwiesel Glas brand DNA.”

the year the company was founded.

customers and, on the other hand, at positively surprising our customers with innovations and unique brand experiences.”

Standing out from the crowd Part of Zwiesel Glas’s brand DNA is their exceptional dedication to quality and service. From the mechanical precision and craftsmanship in creating their various collections through to first point of contact with the company – it’s all been designed around providing the ultimate service to its clients. “Our work has never just been about glass, but has always focused on the possibilities inherent in glass – the special moments of shared enjoyment whether at home or in restaurants,” Michael reveals. “This is the basis of our motivation, to create perfection every day in terms of designing and crafting customer-centred assortments with high-end premium products regardless of whether handmade or machine made.”

Fortune

There has been plenty of new, fresh initiatives for the company too – many beginning life before Covid-19 became a global issue. From the (earlier than planned) launch of the new-look digital brand identity www.zwieselglas.com in June 2020 to the introduction of Local Foodlovers – a platform founded with online agency active value. It's been designed to support bars and restaurants in Zwiesel’s native markets of Germany and Austria by offering a free-of-charge digital platform for delivery services. Off the back of Covid-19, Michael says the company noticed a “tremendously increasing demand Glamorous

for digital brand experiences, offerings, and services in both the consumer and professional segments.” He continues: “Besides consequently extending and refining our digital brand experience for both segments, one exciting challenge for 2021 and 2022 will be to create a seamless and sensible connection between digital and physical business in order to cover the relevant different customer needs. Because, regardless of the positive digital developments, we are persuaded that social customer demands for togetherness, conviviality, friends, family and closeness will come back stronger than ever before which will be, in turn, a positive booster for physical business in both sales segments.” With the face of business as we know it continuing to evolve in 2021, the absence of trade shows has meant companies have taken alternative approaches to showcasing collections and meeting clients, Zwiesel Glas being no exception. The key to success they say is to “create

seamless customer-centred online experiences and to incorporate our highly-valued business partners to create holistic, instead of one-sided, brand experiences”. This approach is planned to be hosted through the company’s already enhanced digital offering. “For the rest of the year we plan to communicate through a well-planned mix between digital and physical formats (depending on the developments of COVID19) whereby we are sure that digital formats will dominate our communication throughout 2021,” Michael adds. For now, Zwiesel Glas plans to further launch its premium handmade and machine-made novelties from 2020, “since Covid-19 interrupted our launch plans for 2020”, Michael says. “For 2022, our anniversary year, we have planned various new developments with different and exiting directions – for more please stay tuned until later on this year!”.

www.zwiesel-glas.com

Did you know?

An ode to the 1920s and the Art Déco era, the Glamorous collection (pictured left) is the epitome of polished brilliance. Note the extravagant shapes, black stem and striking cut. The glasses are a stylish choice to accompany exquisite menus and to celebrate unforgettable moments. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 35

Trend Charcuterie

The perfect centrepiece Denby has taken multifunctionality to the next level with their Large Rectangular Ceramic Platter. Available in several collections such as Natural Canvas (pictured), Imperial Blue and Halo, the platter is ideal for serving charcuterie but also works for a Sunday joint, table centre for cakes or even a serving tray for breakfast. Not to mention, it is safe for use in the oven, freezer and dishwasher.

www.denbypottery.com

Touch of genius

Feast

In touch is a stunning piece from Carrol Boyes featuring a cast aluminium sculptural figure inspired by the human body. A real showstopper.

in style If you’ve not tried to either a) have delivery of a ready-made charcuterie board to your door or b) attempt to recreate your own Instagramworthy effort at home, we have just one question for you… where have you been? Charcuterie boards have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity recently with Pintrest highlighting next-level charcuterie has one to watch for 2021, and we might listen to them – last year’s 80 per cent of Pintrest’s trend predictions were realised…

www.carrolboyes.com

Metal moment Beatriz Ball takes charcuterie to the next level offering a serving board with decorative metal accents. Made in a sustainable tropical hardwood, often referred to as Caribbean walnut, the wood comes from forests that have been responsibly managed. Note how the metal handles contrast nicely with the rich dark wood colour.

wholesale.beatrizball.com

Don’t miss… the perfect cut You can’t have a rustic charcuterie board on your table without an equally fitting knife. Step forward Forge de Laguiole. The company’s traditional pocket knives are somewhat of a cult object utterly symbolic of the French art of living and a beautiful addition to the table. Pictured is the 12 cm, birch handle in a matt finish. 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

IMPRESSION

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Discover more (including our new virtual showroom) on www.denbypottery.com/trade or contact: showenquiries@denby.co.uk

Trend Charcuterie

Inspired by… relaxed dining From LSA International comes Borough – a trio of small wooden boards whose design has been inspired by the relaxing atmosphere of local dining and socialising. The three boards, in various sizes, are made from sustainablysourced ash with hand knotted leather hanging toggles.

www.lsa-international.com

Making an impact Strikingly versatile Tramontina’s new pressed teak board is a true ode to multifunctionality. Not only is it attractive with warm tones and teak grain, at 45cm x 34cm x 3cm and with a deep juice rim, its substantial size lends itself to many uses think food preparation, presentation and serving – it is also coated with a mineral oil which provides microbial protection.

www.tramontina.com

T&G bring us a hugely impactful presentation board boasting cast iron handles in rustic hevea – and it really is big, measuring at L600x W200 x H25mm.

www.tg-woodware.com

Gorgeously rustic Wood is the perfect surface to set off charcuterie, and Utopia Tableware offers a huge range of boards, to suit every taste and style. Most impressive is the Origin Fir Slab which offers the ultimate in rustic presentation. Made from a single piece taken from the root of the tree, each board is truly individual. Other rustic designs include the Darwin, made of acacia wood, and the Olive Handled board.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Theatre to the table Sango Hospitality use acacia wood for their Table Theatre range, something they tell us is not only beautiful but highly sustainable too. One of their bestsellers, the large, slanted handled board works well for charcuterie.

www.sangohospitality.com

38 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

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Retail REina Batata

Smell of

success!

Argentinian bazaar Reina Batata is an exciting venture into the world of tabletop and kitchenware. And they’ve scooped a gia award too – Michelle Hespe talks to them

hen asked what he loves about his job, Federico Baigun, CEO of Argentinian landmark retailer Reina Batata, proffers a quote by Chinese philosopher Confucius: “Choose a job that you like and you will not have to work a single day of your life.” “My partner, Maru (co-founder of Reina Batata) and I are passionate about what we do, and I think that is

the key to life,” Federico says. “If you love what you do, this is obvious in the results of your work.” Exceptional results have certainly been achieved at Reina Batata – after opening the doors of its first store 17 years ago there are now 25 outlets across the country selling kitchen appliances, glassware, home décor, linens, gifts and much more. “From the very beginning we worked hard to fulfill our dream of revolutionizing the retail market in our country, and

to transcend the typical shopping experience,” Federico says. Transforming a nation’s idea about what a wonderful shopping experience should be is not an easy goal, but the creative pair put their heads together and zeroed in on the idea of making their store exclusive. Perhaps even, they thought – hidden. From there, they explored the speakeasy concept, and that rapidly evolved into one facet of what makes Reina Batata stand out from

DEALING WITH COVID-19 “When COVID-19 hit, we turned all of our focus to selling online, and our sales there have increased more than 100%,” explains Federico. “We are still far from the turnover that was made on the premises, but this is the beginning of an increase in our online sales. What we have seen is that people are spending more time in their homes and so spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and consequently this has activated sales in the kitchenware sector. People will come back when everything settles down, because they love the atmosphere.” 40 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

other retailers today. The extent of the 400 m2 (4300 ft2) flagship store is not noticeable from the outside, but once customers step inside, the space opens up and there is an industrial warehouse feel – with exposed brick walls, double-height ceilings and room to meander about, as you would at a busy bazaar. Old farmhouse furniture, indoor hanging plants and industrial lighting add to the warm bohemian atmosphere, which suits its location in a district that is a must-visit for those who appreciate and love art, design, fashion and cuisine. “Our latest store that we set up in Palermo SOHO in Buenos Aires is our flagship store conveying the speakeasy concept,” says Federico. “It is hidden behind a semi-open entry hall where we exhibit a classic car painted by a renowned local artist. Upon accessing the exclusive space, visitors are surprised by its immensity

the number of Reina Batata stores in Argentina Did you know? Reina Batata has commissioned its own scent for the store based on a typical Argentinian dessert called flan with dulce de leche... delicious! as they step into an old general store with origins in the early 20th century – an atmosphere that reminds us and hopefully our customers of their grandparents´ homes. The brain behind these alluring details is my highly creative wife, Maru.”

Inspired by the speakeasy The concept of ‘speakeasy’ bars dates back to 1920s and early 1930s in American cities such as New York and Chicago, when the sales and manufacturing of alcohol was outlawed. But the term was used many decades before prohibition times, from when saloon owners would tell their customers to ‘speak easy’ in order to avoid the detection of authorities. “The controversial law demonstrated the fact that all laws are born to be broken, and bars began to appear behind closed doors,” says Federico. “This idea led us to deciding that we wanted to give our store an exclusive touch, a bit of mystery. And after we opened, as with speakeasy clubs, news of Reina Batata quickly spread by word-of-mouth and it was the best advertisement we could have created. Soon the public adopted us as their ideal kind of bazaar.” Federico notes that although the company’s philosophy and essence of what they do has not changed – and thus the store, despite its size, remains boutique and intimate – the couple have always strived to adapt in line and in time with trends and fashions. Reina Batata has always remained relevant. The gia judges loved the fact that Reina Batata is a modern retail offering and yet it has

a “local and global vibe.” They also praised the store for embracing its “authentic, eclectic marketplace style with dense merchandising in curated collections.” “We work in tune with the changing tastes that naturally occur in society without losing our special touch,” Federico explains. “For instance, as we grew, we saw that online sales were increasing and learned that the public was quick to adopt this new, quick way of purchasing. We worked on that, and today we have a solid, world-class team with exceptional experience on what is now a popular platform everywhere.”

In vogue Reina Batata is so popular today, that rather than Federico and his staff having to seek out influencers to promote their company, influencers find them because they like to hang out in a welcoming place. “Today, the kitchen is very fashionable and the kitchen is a popular meeting place for influencers,” says Federico. “We created a versatile space where workshops and cooking classes are held, and on certain nights we host exclusive dinners behind closed doors. A great milestone for us was a very special dinner that we hosted with Hernan and Renata – a South American couple who we know well, that now live in London. There, they host intimate dinner parties serving plantbased dishes in Cocina Studio – a secret dining space combining a kitchen and creative studio. They are incredibly creative and it was a great success.”

Sensory retailing Scent and music both play a large role in Reina Batata’s multi-sensory approach to retailing. They have even developed their own scent for the store that is based on a typical Argentinian dessert called “flan with dulce de leche” (otherwise known as crème caramel). “Sensory marketing is no longer a novelty; it is here to stay and is as important as any action that one makes, and it is an inherent part of a shopping experience,” says Federico. “The aroma we have chosen to represent our business transports you to a home kitchen that could be from your childhood where your grandmother cooked, and the music varies depending on the time of day and the mood we want to create. We also spray the store’s aroma within goods from online sales so that when clients open their package, they can live the experience just as a local might do while in the store.”

gia This year, when Federico and his team anxiously awaited to hear the announcement of the six Global Honorees at the gia Awards, they too had to live their experience online rather than be present at a gala event in Chicago. “Becoming a Global Honoree was an honour, a privilege and something that we will be eternally grateful for. The recognition is very important to us – it is like a guiding light, showing us that we are on the right track,” says Federico with obvious passion and pride. “The awards ceremony, live-streamed into our own home, created a very special day filled with great joy and emotion. It was particularly special because

About gia

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), gia (IHA Global Innovation Awards) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in homegoods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors, or participating in gia, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@ inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow. com/Explore/Awards/giaExcellence-in-Retailing. For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2021 Show, taking place in Chicago on 13-16 March 2021, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow. com.

we were able to share it with our daughters. That night we all dressed up for the Gala dinner and had a beautiful, formal family dinner to celebrate our award and how far we have come.” Behind those speakeasy doors, within a warm realm that smells like a memory from home or from childhood, there’s no doubt that Reina Batata will continue to be the welcoming bazaar with heart and soul that its customers love. This is because, ultimately, it is more than just a marketplace – it is an inspiring meeting place for likeminded people to go and explore and discover, together. To learn more about Reina Batata, visit www.reinabatata.com. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 41

pexels-andrea-piacquadio

Retail Column

Retailing in a pandemic No-one said retail was easy, but retailing in a pandemic for smaller businesses? That’s tough. And yet, there are ways to engage your core customers…

s we enter 2021, there is much uncertainty as to where retail is going. I believe, like everything else, it is evolving and will continue to do so. With Covid-19, however, it is just evolving at a much quicker rate. Even before the pandemic, more and more consumers were purchasing online. And with many manufacturers selling direct, it was predicted retail would soon be a dinosaur. Well, we are not dead yet! And yes, retail has experienced many changes, but in my opinion, it has also energized the smaller independent retailers still out there. I do not believe that retail brick-and-mortar stores are going away any time soon, if at all! In many cases the pandemic has encouraged consumers to shop small again. For tabletop consumers, there is still a need to touch, feel, and be inspired by product they see in person. You cannot hold the dinner fork and knife in your hand to see how it feels online. You cannot feel the weight of a glass online. So, although we cannot be dependent on old revenue models, we can focus on being nimble and concentrate on areas that work and keep us relevant. Here are the strategies I believe we need to focus on to increase comparative sales in 2021: Be strategic in digital marketing and online presence More and more of customers are working remotely and online daily, whether helping their children

42 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

with their online schooling or on business Zoom calls themselves. With customers logging in so many hours each day, it is important to be respectful of their time and not add to their frustrations. Ask yourself, is your website easy to find and navigate? Is your social media generating likes and retweets? Is your social media growing? If not, take steps to rectify any of these

they can include a large number of participants and more diverse audiences. Their content can serve as double duty since they can be repurposed for your social media content. If nothing else your online presence can reassure your customer base that business is open and that you provide them with easy platforms in which to purchase.

It was predicted retail would soon be a dinosaur. Well, we are not dead yet! media efforts. You might offer your customers incentives to retweet or share with others how much, and why, they love your products and services. There is no better recommendation than that of a customer – you cannot put a price tag on that kind of praise. While you are making marketing decisions, make sure they are targeted, and data driven. Ask yourself if they are working across all your platforms and channels so you can see what is resonating and driving sales and what is not. Use your websites or Google analytics to analyze your business and marketing trends. Speaking of trends, one of the biggest trends that came out of the pandemic was the hosting of virtual events. This created interest in products and product trends as well as information on services. The pandemic opened the door to these virtual events and because they are not constrained by space,

Refine your product mix With many business owners skipping trade shows due to the pandemic and their concern about safety measures, it is important that product and product mix remain fresh and inviting. Social media efforts mean nothing if there is nothing new to talk about. There are still many ways to learn about new products, even if you are not going to any of the markets. One of the most useful ways is to take advantage of vendors’ virtual appointments and tours. The appointments are the most beneficial as you can work with a live representative of the company and literally have them walk you through the showrooms as if you were there. Also, your local representative can stop in and show you samples and drop off catalogs. If you are looking for new product lines, though, and not attending a show, it can

About T is for Table T is for Table is a luxury independent boutique, with a focus on tabletop, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Open more than 20 years, it offers an experiential and inspirational space dedicated to helping customers tell stories, create traditions and celebrate life. The boutique offers everything from fine pottery, china, glass, serveware and table accessories, to home décor, jewellery and body products, and delivers a custom service with its custom engraving, home visits and gift registries. www.tisfortable.com

prove more challenging. For this, I recommend scouring over trade magazines, such as this one, for insights about trends and new products being introduced into the marketplace. The other avenue to peruse are online formats such as Faire or Abound. These companies are online marketplaces that operate like a virtual trade show – they even run specials you can take advantage of and offer terms. One advantage I have found in using some of these online marketplaces is that I can find smaller companies, not sold on Amazon, with small minimum opening and re-order requirements. This allows me to get in and out of a product quickly. I can test its viability with my customers and continue to offer new and fresh products or product categories. As with any purchasing, make sure it is data driven. What’s sold in the past? What price point works best for you? What product category is turning at a higher rate than others? Always identify your store’s trends and capitalize on them. Never buy just to buy. At a time like this, you can never over-analyze your store’s performance trends. Hopefully, with an end in sight to this pandemic, as vaccines slowly roll out internationally, serving your core customers in whatever way you can is critical to riding out the rest of this storm.

Stem Zero

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In Focus Waterford

Crystal clear rebrand Synonymous with craftsmanship, style and bolstered by an iconic name, Waterford has long been widely admired on both sides of the Atlantic. This year, 2021, marks a new chapter for the heritage name with the launch of a very deliberate and considered rebrand actioned by London design and branding agency Identica. Davy Thomas, vice president, Waterford, talks to Tableware International about the bold new look…

200+

the number of years Waterford has been in existence.

Enis

Waterford is such a beloved international name, what drove the decision to rebrand? Waterford is indeed a well-known and much-loved brand. For more than 200 years, it has been celebrated for its Irish heritage, the excellence of its craftmanship, and its power to transform any moment into a very special event. All these values are still very relevant today. However, the current brand identity was designed a long time ago, and it’s fair to say that it now feels quite dated, I would almost say ‘old fashioned’. So, we wanted to refresh the brand experience, while keeping it very much aligned with the core DNA of the brand.

What has the initial reaction been at retail – particularly in international territories? I have to say, it is quite nerve-

44 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

wrecking to unveil a new visual identity for a brand that’s more than 200 years old – you feel a certain sense of responsibility towards its history. But I have been overwhelmed by how positive the feedback has been, from everyone exposed to the rebrand. Our retail partners, in particular, have confirmed how they see this as a great step forward for Waterford, and they expect this update to bring the brand back to the top. If anything, their request is to implement this as swiftly as possible. But of course, a rebranding project of that scale is a journey. We just unveiled the new design, and it takes time to deploy and implement it across all touch points, so it’s a bit early to comment on consumers’ reactions in the market.

How long were you working in tandem with Identica on the newlook concept?

“We wanted to refresh the brand experience, while keeping it very much aligned with the core DNA of the brand”

Mara

“…a rebranding project of that scale is a journey…” We started working with Identica in late 2019. Given how critical this change is for the future of the brand, we wanted to get this absolutely right, and Identica took the time to really immerse themselves into the brand, its history, its craftmanship. They spent quite some time at our factory in Ireland, talking with the master craftsmen, admiring their skills, and even trying to make some crystal themselves! This intimacy with the brand allowed them to come up with a concept that is totally new and fresh, while being absolutely aligned with the core DNA of the brand and celebrating its heritage.

Mara

What did Waterford want progressively to the whole range, and also to start having some influence to communicate with on the product design itself. But this new identity? We wanted to come back to the core values of Waterford: craftmanship, Irish heritage, and sensorial indulgence. They are very similar today to what they were in 1783, when the first Waterford crystal workshop was established by George and William Penrose. I think craftmanship and Irish heritage are self-explanatory and are clearly highlighted by the fact Waterford has been ‘crafted since 1783’. What we call ‘sensorial indulgence’ is talking to the ability of our crystal pieces to elevate any moment. We want our products to not only be used for special occasions, but rather to be used to make any occasion a bit more special, whether it’s a simple night cap, or a family dinner. This is emphasised by the last part of our new brand message: ‘Crafted since 1783 for this very moment’.

There seems to be a fresh, modern but elegant, perhaps more youthful, approach to your branding. Absolutely. The brief for the rebrand had several objectives. First of all, we wanted to elevate the brand and make it look like the luxury brand it is. But just as important, we wanted to refresh the brand, bring our audience to reassess it, and attract a younger audience to consider the category – while, of course, keeping true to the brand ethos and heritage.

Will we see an impact on the types of collections Waterford offers? Definitely. You can expect to see this fresher brand expression to extend TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 45

I can’t tell you much more at this point – we want to keep some good surprises for the market!

What can we expect from Waterford for the rest of 2021? Loads of news in 2021 and beyond! We will soon launch a brand-new collection that represents the pinnacle of our craftmanship, all made by hand by our master craftsmen in Ireland. This will also be supported by a new campaign that will remind everyone how beautiful and aspirational this brand can be. Just watch this space!

www.waterford.com

On refreshing the seahorse logo… “It’s such an icon of the brand, but at the same time its design was really outdated – we had endless discussions about what to do with it. Eventually, we decided to keep it, and redesign it with a much lighter, timeless style. I am really glad we did, as it looks stunning and represents a very clear tribute to the brand heritage. From there, we needed to prepare the deployment of this rebrand on packaging, digital, retail, etc. We are finally ready to bring this to the world.”

Enis

In Focus

Porland

A look at…

Porland Despite a tumultuous year, Porland has reported growth of 20 per cent – board member Imge Pamukcu tells Tableware International how the company has fared…

espite the tableware industry enduring an unexpected and tumultuous year, Porland has come out the otherside unscathed, the company says, closing the year with 20 per cent growth. Globally renowned, Porland’s vast production and export capabilities has meant they have emerged from 2020 ready to face another year. “Our sales in 2020 at least tripled compared to the previous year,” board member Imge Pamukcu revealed, highlighting online sales as a driver. “Foreseeing the development trend in e-commerce much earlier, we made our infrastructure investments. The pandemic was a trigger for a change in habits.

Fact!

During this period, the power of digital has reached an undeniable dimension. The point where e-commerce has reached is the most important indicator of this. In addition to our retail stores, our online sales channel received great demand from our customers during the pandemic, and our product sales in this channel increased approximately five times. Our goal for our e-commerce channel is to maintain this sales momentum. That’s why we invest in systematic infrastructure for our online channel. In 2021, we will be suprising our customers with innovative steps in the field of e-commerce,” he said. It is no surpise Porland has managed to not just survive but thrive in 2020. In addition to professional businesses such as

With more than 200 international dealers and a wide sales network Porland not only offers porcelain but also tabletop, kitchen, home décor, textile and bathroom products. 46 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Iris Blue

70 million

the number of pieces Porland produces yearly.

CANOPY

CONSIDERED DESIGN

trade.lsa-international.com

Tableware International Advert Jan-Feb issue.indd 3

10/01/2021 13:42:36

Vortex

Imge Pamukcu

The power of research

Fact!

Ethos

Porland was established in 1976 and now boasts 33 retail stores in domestic territories. In addition, they export 65 per cent of their products.

hotels, restaurants and cafes, they also serve retail customers with 33 domestic stores and four regional directorates. “We develop innovative products that can respond to different markets and needs, and export 65 per cent of our products to more than 30 countries in four continents,” Imge explained. And they have pedigree too, Porland produced Turkey’s first coloured porcelain and the world’s first and only private prescription Alumina (Alumilite) and is the first porcelain company to have TSE 10850 quality certificate. Porland

also has ISO 9001, British quality standard BS 4034 and OHSAS certificates. And on top of that, in 2019 Porland was awarded a Global Innovation Award (gia) by International Housewares Association. They also have their eyes on further advancing their stakes in the global marketspace. “As a Turkish brand, we have a significant eight per cent market share in the UK. However, we made a rapid entry to the international retail markets with our new collaborations. We are preparing to present our premium products, the formula of which we have

Did you know?

Porland exports to more than 30 countries on four continents. 48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

developed, to international markets. Australia and Africa are among the niche markets on our radar. We are in an investment where we will update and change our infrastructure in all technological fields. We will speed up sales and internal processes with the latest technology,” he added. Business is looking bouyant for 2021 too with Imge telling us: “We will establish new product groups in 2021. Among these product groups are heat resistant pots, diversity in Limoges products, development and diversification in superior bone china products. In addition, we plan to stand out with our new product groups, collaborating with artists to create new designs and collections. We anticipate approximately 25 percent rise in sales in 2021,” he added confidently. www.porland.com

In 2017, Porland established its R&D center, something they have used to their unending advantage. “We ensure that innovative ideas formed in line with new trends, benchmarking, market dynamics, sales and marketing data, customer demands, literature research and suggestions from academics turn into projects,” Imge said. “As a result of our uninterrupted investment and research to enlarge our product range; we developed our Limoges brand with our recipe specially prepared for our premium segment product groups. This year we focused on digital designs and products manufactured with printing and, a first in Turkey, superior bone porcelain production, which will be another groundbreaking step. There are special porcelain production recipes we use in this area. Cookland, a collection of cooking pots, is our new product group and these were optimized through numerous tests, with an emphasis placed on safety and functionality.”

www.rosenthal.de

.9283

In Focus RCR ALKEMIST TUMBLER ALKEMIST GIN TONIC The Alkemist Gin Tonic is the best goblet for all gin lovers. The shape of the paraison has been specifically designed for gin & tonic and its relatives while Luxion Eco-Crystal guarantees a temperature maintenance and a transparency higher than any other kind of glass in the market

Not only a water glass for every day, it can also complete a royal set when combined with the goblets from the same collection

“Design is our food, innovation is our oxygen” To talk about sustainability these days is the norm but for RCR Cristalleria Italiana, environmental awareness didn’t dawn on them in the 1990s or even 2000s – their sustainability story began back in the 1960s. Add to this an incredible repertoire of products married with a reputation for excellence, and you’ve got a hugely respected brand with a lot to say… we caught up with CEO Roberto Pierucci to learn more about the company Roberto, tell us more about RCR’s eco-crystal glass because it is actually really remarkable what you have achieved. It is fair to say you are truly a sustainable company. How long did it take the company to get to the point it is at now? As in all virtuous stories, good behaviour begins with the education imparted by the parents. Thus the founders of RCR Cristalleria Italiana began their adventure in the 1960s by investing in environmentally friendly tools and machinery. Fifty years ago RCR was producing glassware with three 50 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

electric furnaces minimising CO2 emissions. Today, we have electrified all the production processes reaching an emission quantity close to zero. At the same time, over the past 10 years RCR has invested to receive the necessary electricity from renewable sources only. In 2013 we implemented more than 30,000 square meters of photovoltaic on our roof. Solar panels are working together with a biomass plant and the rest of the requirement comes from a geothermal source. Recently we have measured the impact of these processes by figures receiving a 2020 study

written by Siena University and Ecodynamics Group. The analysis shows that for the same tons produced in 2010 we have been able to reduce 45 per cent of electric consumption every year, which is the equivalent of the average consumption of a 5,845 person village, at the same time reducing gas consumption by 28 per cent, the equivalent of 2,586 residential heating. Our motto is “doing good for the environment is good for business”. How do the processes you use make your crystal

Roberto Pierucci different from other types of glass on the market? The RCR Luxion material is a real “ecological crystal glass” thanks to the production processes followed and the raw materials used. We have already talked about the process of melting and fining which is completely

ETNA

MULE

The new Etna collection is inspired by the power of an eruption from the Sicilian volcano. The perfect imperfection of nature is engraved on the glasses and goblets: the light is reflected on the carvings and is multiplied on different levels enhancing the exceptional transparency of the eco-crystal

An unconventional mug born for Moscow Mule, but also hugely versatile. The Luxion Eco-Crystal guarantees exceptional temperature maintenance, making it a perfect fit for both cold and hot drinks

the number of new products RCR launches each year. electric without atmospheric discharge. The electric fusion positively afffects the quality of the crystal glass because, compared to a gas production, it allows a better and more efficient control of the melting temperature. Raw materials are pure and we do not need to use polluting bleaching agents as the purity of the raw materials itself guarantees the best transparency and absence of colour on the market. RCR has decided not to use nitrogen oxides, the main reason for acid rain. Due to these exclusive features the Luxion Ultraclear Eco Crystal Glass is 100 per cent recyclable. It means that all the glassmakers can use Luxion as cullet to improve the quality level, while RCR and other competitors cannot use different cullet because they would worsen the quality and safety of their products. Obviously, these positive aspects of quality also lead to an extraordinary performance of our eco-crystal. Luxion is ultra clear with a unique brightness, a clear sound, a proven resistance to breakages and is tested with more than 4,000 professional dishwasher cycles.

Being as sustainable as RCR is, is it a particularly appealing USP for today’s consumers? Safeguarding one’s health and taking care of the environment are the main values that ensure the present and the future of humanity. Consumer needs are directly going toward these values which are perfectly represented by the eco-crystal proposal. Eco-crystal is a concept that gathers all generations of consumers who want to live better and longer on a safe planet. Eco-crystal glass is the most powerful USP we can offer for intimate products such as a glass or goblet. We have a direct contact with a glass because we place it on our lips and we do so several times. We must be sure about the material safety and the guarantee of the origin. RCR is 100 per cent made in Italy and I love to say that choosing a glass is like choosing someone to kiss. The first comer cannot be accepted! How important is design and innovation to the company? Design is our food, innovation is our oxygen. None can live without the other. RCR production takes place entirely

in Italy, 100 per cent in Tuscany. Design is one of the values that makes RCR unique, we have invested in a Creative Department which works on two aspects of tableware design: the search for a trendy style and maximum practicality of the products.

Innovation is a milestone where RCR develops the business. We launch approximately 40 new products every year. These aspects are strictly related to the high quality of our offer.

www.rcrcrystal.com

On new collections… “In 2021 we have many new launches to meet the needs of all our consumers in tableware, mixology and tasting. When the whole world stopped due to the pandemic, we were already starting to design products for this year. The Alkemist line is enriched with a spectacular Gin and Tonic goblet developed in collaboration with titled professional bartenders and with a glass that tilts but never overturns. A new complete line for the tableware, inspired by the eruptions of the Sicilian volcano Etna from which it takes its name. We are expanding both Marilyn and Essential lines with a

new goblet and an ultra light tumbler, both lines launched in 2020 and are already considered a great success. Last but not least the new Tattoo Mule, the first eco crystal mug dedicated to the Moscow Mule, that, thanks to the Luxion properties, guarantees the temperature maintenance up to five times more than a traditional copper mug, for a drink that is always cold at the right point. An unconventional mug born for Moscow Mule, that thanks to its versatility can accompany any moment of the day, and other news could be introduced during the year!” TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 51

Product Spotlight

Meet Informal D

esigned by famed Swedish creator Björn Dahlström, known for his work in both furniture and industrial design, the Informal collection from Orrefors is a celebration of contemporary design. The series of functional, and striking, glass pieces have been crafted to work equally as well in both formal and informal surroundings. Colourways include clear glass, olive and black with the collection made up of carafes, tumblers and champagne glasses.

www.orrefors.se

“I viewed the process as an industrial design project, where each part of the glass was deconstructed, analysed and reworked into a new whole. The bowl at the bottom of the wine glass cup is wide to maximize the contact of the drink with oxygen. The relatively open cup is a lovely design detail, but it’s also better suited emotionally to non-alcoholic drinks. The champagne glass is a detour from the square element of the series, standing out with its fluted shape. The short stem harmonises beautifully with the other pieces in the series and means you automatically pick up the glass by the cup, which is good for balance and for mingling. The carafe has a distinctive character, with colourful glass and a prominent spout. The little bowl is ideal for use as a base, or for serving some kind of appetizer.”

Björn Dahlström on Informal

About Björn…

Björn Dahlström (b. 1957) is a leading Swedish designer. The graphic quality of his unique style is distinctive through its approach to expressing soft, fundamental shapes. Björn’s work is currently represented at museums worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and the Centre national des arts plastiques in Paris. 52 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Linea Artistica

Interview Lazzaro

“We do believe that Lazzaro fills a niche that is currently under-represented: a new, young, accessible brand delivering excellent quality at affordable prices”

A style

revolution

Make way for Lazzaro, sales director Sarah Egan, talks to Tableware International about brand identity and breaking barriers...

hen something new bursts onto the tableware market, we sit up and take notice. Brought to you by the people behind Arta Broch, Lazzaro is a concept brand which has been in the making for quite some time, before launching on the market two years ago. Despite this infancy, you know you are doing something right when JW Marriott choose to use The Reactives Collection. Add to that the backing of a powerful brand ethos and an experienced team, and the coin toss is on your side. “Our brand ethos of bringing together the traditional and the novel, is inspired by a generation of

socially motivated, original thinkers who want to create their own legacy,” says Lazzaro’s sales director Sarah Egan, who has more than 20 years experience in the industry. In short, this is brand created for people who want to own tableware with style – they are chic, they are environmentally conscious, and they are not bound by ingrained ideas of what tableware should be. There are no rules anymore when it comes to dining, Sarah says, pointing towards a style revolution. “Through research and consumer insights, we now know that dining is about flair and fun as much as it is about elegance and status. Fine dining has become more intimate and inclusive… Lazzaro tableware

“One of the highlights of the year was Emporio Armani Caffes selecting our signature collection - the Noir Collection by Riccardo Patrizio”

54 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

owners are the inspiration behind this style revolution; they believe, as do we, that dining aesthetics do not need to follow a set of rules anymore.” Establishing a brand name in an unsteady global marketspace might be considered daunting for many, but the Lazzaro team have experience – and confidence in their product – on their side, and as Sarah says, they are “glass half full kind of people”. “Despite the challenges that have been met across the globe in every industry we have been looking at how to adapt and develop in this landscape,” she continues. “Overall, the last year has been incredibly positive,

Sarah Egan and better than we had initially anticipated. We have retailers’ requests for new Lazzaro designs and wider ranges. One of the highlights of the year was Emporio Armani Caffes selecting our signature collection - the Noir Collection by Riccardo Patrizio. We are making steady progress because, despite it Reactives Collection

Duraedge

Black and white marble

Did you know? Lazzaro’s artisans use both traditional and technical skills in crafting their product. being a competitive market, we do believe that Lazzaro fills a niche that is currently under-represented: a new, young accessible brand delivering excellent quality at affordable prices.” In terms of retail rollout, the primary focus is the UK, USA and European markets, although Sarah confirms the team have “many countries and territories in mind”. “We are talking to major leading retailers in the UK, USA and Europe. We are looking to take on a select number

of new partnerships as well as developing long-term collaborations with up-andcoming and more established designers in the industry,” she says, adding, “we are always happy to talk to any retailers looking for a new exciting emerging brand.” One of the company’s clear USPs is their innovative design capabilities, the same thing that attracted Sheraton to the Noir Collection. This is something they feel strongly

about, Sarah tells us. In fact, it is key to Lazzaro’s brand identity. “Great design is the language of beauty. In ceramics, attaining that uninhibited fluency in this universal language is a process of trial and error; of polymath inspiration found through the constant exploration of cultures, history and traditions. We strive to translate this evolution of human expression through tactile lines, curves, and glazes that leave a unique tangible impression on our hands as well as minds.

It is through commitment and discipline to the mastery of excellence and learning from centuries-old processes, that our designers innovate new patterns and push the boundaries of what once was. Our brand caters to those who dare to dream, who bravely fulfil their aspirations, while being aware that their ability to see new horizons is because they are standing on the shoulders of the previous generations.”

www.lazzaro.in

Blanc

Lavender

On supplying the HoReCa market… "Lazzaro is being used in some of the leading hotel brands such as St Regis and JW Marriott. We are currently working on new designs and in talks with chefs who are encouraging and working with us on developing ranges. We are all aware the HoReCa market is going through an incredibly difficult time but the one thing about this market, and those that work within in it, is their incredible creative ability to adapt and be resilient. Once we start to get back to a new normal, we passionately believe we have

the perfect solution for the food service professional looking for a quality, well-designed product with functionality to ensure the optimum presentation at a price point that

“It is no secret the retail and HoReCa product gap is closing” will meet their budget. This includes our Duraedge range which delivers not only a lighter body weight but also the guarantee of an edge chip warrantee. We are also able to offer

bespoke collections to develop and create impactful tableware for exclusive dining experiences. It is no secret the retail and HoReCa product gap is closing, consumers want to replicate at home with products that their favourite restaurants use, and in turn restaurants want their customers to have a feeling of exclusivity whilst enjoying their chef box to home experience, our ranges reflect this change. We have some exiting ideas for HoReCa collaborations in the pipeline – watch this space!" TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 55

Collection Preview Artel Artel’s Dinosaur II collection is a masterful ode to the beloved prehistoric creatures. The collection captures the majesty and mystique of dinosaurs with breathtakingly lifelike depictions of six different dinosaurs set in unique primeval jungle backgrounds: Brontosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Pterodactyl, Stegosaurus, T-Rex and Triceratops. The meticulously hand-engraved motifs in this collection are available either individually or as a set of six glasses (sets include one glass with each design), making the perfect gift for paleontologists and design lovers alike.

www.artelglass.com

Collection Preview

New year, new collections! We showcase recently released and upcoming collections from global tableware suppliers…

Broste Copenhagen Inspired by Limfjord’s sea floor, Broste Copenhagen bring us a stoneware collection of the same name. Limfjord is an inlet separating the North Jutland island from the rest of Jutland. The organic shapes and soft tones of the plates, platters and mugs are inspired by Limfjord’s mussels, oysters and cockles. There are two sizes of mugs in three colours: beige, light grey and dark grey and three different shaped plates/platters one in beige, one in light grey and the platter sized on the dark grey.

www.brostecophenhagen.com

Beatriz Ball Beatriz Ball is extending the innovative Sierra Modern Collection with iconic designs in new metallic finishes. New for winter 2021 are a striking line of basket weave bowls, available in four sizes and three finishes. Other richly textured Sierra Modern pieces include bowls, cake plates, divided platters and flat oval platters perfect for serving cheese. Presented in a velvety gold finish are two new bowls in the Maia sub collection, a sculptural Volare bowl, and three Triton fish pieces. New in Beatriz Ball’s signature sand-cast metal alloy is a duo of Organic Pearl Nova bowls in two sizes. These generously proportioned bowls are rimmed with sparkling metallic “pearls” of varying sizes. A Soho triple rectangular dip features three divided sections and is great for the bar. A small Latur Devon bowl is a versatile addition. Beatriz Ball’s handmade metalware products use eco-friendly and sustainable materials and are crafted by artisans who trace a heritage of metalworking for generations. Made of a top quality, FDA safe, easy-care, oven and freezer friendly metal alloy. The casual, everyday Vida collection expands with introductions in melamine, as well as an acrylic ice bucket, cloth napkins and easy-care washable placemats.

wholesale.beatrizball.com

Chilewich As part of the SS ‘21 hospitality collection, Chilewich brings us their typical array of intricately designed table mats, coasters, tray liners, customer coverings and worktops. Note the Bay Weave selection, combining the elegance of lace with robust texture, this weave is an artful interplay of densities that come together to create traces of a tonal checkerboard pattern. It debuts in two colourways – blue jean and vanilla.

www.chilewich.com

56 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

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Collection Preview

the number of new patterns Dunoon introduces each year. Infuser Sets – Shetland shape

Roseanne

Striking new collections from Dunoon

Under the Sea – Lomond shape:

Roseanne - Skye shape: Roseanne is a set of two beautiful classic designs on Dunoon’s impressive Skye shape. David Broadhurst has colour themed his designs in pink and blue and both feature intricately painted roses and 22 carat gold embellishments.

Kimono – Lomond shape: Kimono is a set of three striking and colourful designs on Dunoon’s Lomond shape. Being inspired by the Orient, designer David Broadhurst has created beautiful patterns embellished with opulent 22 carat gold which makes these mugs really special.

Kimono – Lomond shape

Under the Sea – Lomond shape:

Did you know?

Under the Sea is a set of two colour-themed mugs in reds and blues on Dunoon’s Lomond shape. Caroline Bessey took her inspiration from the flora and fauna beneath the sea and has painted her designs in a loose watercolour style.

All Dunoon’s mugs are made in fine bone china and handcrafted in Staffordshire, including Making Music, pictured below.

Infuser Sets – Shetland shape: Satori, Aqua and Harmony are three beautiful designs on Dunoon’s Shetland shape. The Infuser Set contains a stainless-steel infuser and a decorated lid which helps to keep the heat in hot drinks and can also be used as a tray for the infuser when turned upside down.

www.dunoonmugs.co.uk 58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Making Music – Cairngorm shape

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Collection Preview

STAX WHITE… The latest offering from Noritake gives new meaning to functionality and understated style. Stax is a collection of contemporary plates and bowls that double as some of the most stylish storage around! In the finest white porcelain, Stax features simple, minimalist styling, with each piece serving a dual role – bowls and mugs become storage containers while each plate forms a perfectly fitting lid. There are 10 pieces in the range, including serving bowl, round platter, deep plate, cereal bowl, mini bowl, mug – which double as storage containers in various sizes – plus dinner, salad, small and mini plates that form the lids for the containers. Each piece is microwave and dishwasher safe as well as chip-resistant.

New from Noritake

Noritake presents a host of fresh collections for the new season Poppy Place…

Pacific Marble…

A casual full dinner set, in fine white porcelain, Poppy Place brings freshness and light to the casual dining table. The pretty pink poppy motif, overlaying the side of each plate, is complemented by a delicate, subtle gold embellishment along the rim. Poppy Place reflects an air of optimism and vitality at a time when many of us need this most. Longevity underpins everything Noritake produces and Poppy Place is no exception – it is both dishwasher and microwave safe (including the gold detailing!).

Pacific Marble… Eternal Palace Collection…

In complete lockstep with the current interiors trend, Noritake’s Pacific Marble is a fine white porcelain dinner set that features a subtle textured pattern on the rim of each piece, inspired by the beautiful striation and texture of natural marble. Pacific Marble is ideal for layering with other pieces, particularly all white collections. Versatility is key to the look and the neutral, earthy hues of this range complement the warm, earthy colour palettes for interiors that are so popular at this time, when consumers are seeking lifestyle pieces and finishes for their homes that are comforting and reassuring.

Eternal Palace Collection… Poppy Place

Lodi's Morning

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Featuring the legendary Ogee design, which has been dated back to 559BC, this distinctive pattern, based on two S-shaped curves, has been skilfully repeated on mugs, teacups, plates and bowls in different sizes and motifs – in four different colours – to create a very modern take on one of history’s most enduring patterns. The Eternal Palace giftware collection is available in Coral, Carmel (soft yellow), Mint and Ice, four colours that are tonally equal, therefore enabling the consumer to create a completely customised collection of giftware / dinnerware suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The collection comprises dinner and side plates, some in a square format, plus mugs, teacups and saucers (including espresso), bowls, tea pot and a six-piece Arabic cup set. The Eternal Palace collection is exquisitely gift-boxed.

Lodi’s Morning… Inspired by New Delhi’s beautiful Lodi Gardens, this fine porcelain dinner set exudes freshness and elegance. Feature plates depict the striking floral and parrot species found in the gardens in the vivid hues of jade with touches of saffron and ruby. The pure white dinner plates are embellished with a band of these floral motifs in miniature on the rim. Noritake Lodi’s Morning creates an eye-catching focal point on any table – a dinner set that gives the appearance of delicate vibrancy and perfect for south Asian cuisine.

www.noritakechina.com

For everyday

Good day

Bad day

The first eco-crystal glass produced with respect of the environment and zero smoke emissions. Fully tested and safe. 100% recyclable. • • • •

The leaning tumbler that never overturns! 3 in 1 water - spirits - cocktails Extremely shining and transparent Tested for over 4.000 professional dishwasher cycles

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Mediterranean

magic...

What acted as inspiration behind Taitù Milano’s latest collection? Hint… it is one of Italy’s greatest exports! Marina Vago, CEO, gives us a preview of their latest offering

aitù is presenting its fresh, new collection to retail, bringing the inspirational, and aspirational, Italian lifestyle into homes. The company’s flair for colour and design remains the same, bolstered by this year’s collection theme – the Mediterranean diet. The collection’s exciting décor brings a freshness to the table, with Taitù explaining the core values of Italian style and authenticity are central to the collection’s story.

The entire project includes three different collections, explains CEO Marina Vago, with the first to launch inspired by Italian vegetables, everything she says, from the collection’s shapes to colourways, are an “expression of harmony and authenticity”. “Much more than just a food style, the Mediterranean diet represents a cultural tradition and an important aspect of Italian culture and heritage,” explains Marina. “In 2010, the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Award helped to increase the popularity of the Mediterranean diet, and to make it synonymous with Italian lifestyle, from Europe to the United States to Japan. An expression not only of healthy nutritional principles, but also of a much broader concept of wellbeing, the Mediterranean diet includes the conviviality and great value of Italian cultural traditions, too.” Since the 1990s, Taitù’s designs have actively been inspired by the Mediterranean diet easily seen through its collections – these have been fully inspired by the food pyramid’s iconic elements and realised on a particularly valuable porcelain

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distinguished by an unmistakable "rusticated" effect.

One of the main features of the Taitù Mediterranean diet collection is the synergy between form and content: despite the maximum versatility, each object has a decoration that "suggests" its use. The "embrace of radicchio and lettuce leaves, for example, turns a simple oval bowl into an irresistible salad bowl”, Marina explains. The new collection introduces an evolution of this synergy, consistent with Taitù’s mix and match principle, in addition to being individually usable, the different pieces join together chromatically and can be combined to give life to amazing table settings. Taitù's Italian lifestyle, inspired by the Mediterranean diet, stands for a healthy and natural way of living and a model of sustainability. “Placed at the base of the food pyramid, vegetables, the main characters in the collection, play a fundamental role in our nutrition,” says Marina. “They help strengthen our immune system, and they are among the groceries which have the lowest environmental impact. High-quality porcelain is a durable material, and its beauty is emphasised by a design capable of eliciting new emotions every day.”

Marina adds: “As in the past, for the 2021 novelties, retailers will have an opportunity to rely upon the storytelling of the new collections: each Taitù collection has a story to tell, drawing attention and emotionality to the point of sale. The creativity outside the box and the impact of colours are going along with the offline and online communication visuals that Taitù will make available to all its retail customers. Actually, in addition to traditional visual and emotional communication tools, retailers increasingly need support from digital platforms: today more than ever the store's promotional activity does not end up in the store.” www.taitu.it

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Utopia Utopia’s new tableware launches include Coral, a porcelain design featuring three bowls and two deep plates. Bursts of deep, vibrant, reactive colour combine with angular shapes to give a truly individual personality to the table setting. Meanwhile the new Pistachio has a reactive brown and green glaze giving an earthy feel. It includes two Nordic bowls and three stylish, slightly raised plates. For those wanting patterned tableware, the new Parador range features three deep bowls and two flat plates.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Thomas

Royal Doulton

The new Thomas collection Clay radiates a rustic sensuality. Available in three different colour variations, Thomas Clay captivates with its functionality and the naturalness of the stoneware material, which looks like clay. The grooved structure and the black speckles in the material give the plates and cups an authentic character in a handmade look. The reason for the speckles are small iron inclusions that melt up during firing and thus give the ceramic this special touch. The Earth, Sky and Rock shades bring a sense of closeness to nature to the table in a trend-conscious and stylish way - whether tone on tone or individually combined.

www.thomas-porzellan.de

Royal Doulton’s Olio Collection – designed by London duo Barber Osgerby – is being relaunched for spring 2021, now boasting new colours and styles. The popular 14-piece collection was first introduced in 2015. Designed for daily use, Olio is an eclectic range of functional ceramic tableware pieces including sustainable wooden serveware and stainless-steel cutlery – all designed to be mixed and matched. The range comes in a colour palette of graphic black, timeless white and new celadon blue. Olio offers a combination of materials and finishes with both glazed and unglazed details.

www.royaldoulton.com

Robbe & Berking Belvedere is a new bar collection from Robbe & Berking which focuses on bar culture rather than dining culture. The range includes a very unusual bar trolley which is made in the company’s shipyard, Robbe & Berking Classics, which specialises in wooden sailing and motor yachts. Belvedere boasts drinking vessels whose outer appearance resemble the cannelures of antique columns, but at the same time have a very special character with a modern fresh look. The silver-plated drinking vessels are not only unbreakable, but also dishwasher-safe.

Robbeberking.com

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Collection Preview

Nude at retail NUDE is available at leading stores around the world such as Le Bon Marché, John Lewis, The Conran Shop, La Rinascente, WallpaperSTORE, Fenwick, Barneys and MoMA.

Beautiful balance with Nude Istanbul-based global design brand Nude bring us the Balance decanter and matching set of glasses, all ingeniously designed to remain stable while revolving. This proves an irresistible effect, the swirl of the liquid reflecting the energy in a room. The way the glass turns on its axis, feels playful and seductive in equal measure, while also gently aerating the liquid. A guaranteed conversation starter.

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The wine decanter is easily distinguishable as belonging to the Nude Balance collection thanks to its beautifully revolving silhouette. Dynamic yet perfectly stable, the set of rocking wine glasses proves that a minimalist design presents an infinite number of possibilities. The result is a piece of everyday luxury, crafted from Nude’s signature lead-free crystal.

www.nudeglass.com

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Collection Collection Preview Preview

the number of shades in Dibbern's stylish Solid Color collection

Dibbern, to go! D

ibbern has entered the ‘to-go’ market with a sustainable brand of coffee cups, designed to reduce waste… stylishly, of course. The brand’s Coffee-to-go Cups come in two different series – first is the Solid Color range, an on-trend collection in 10 bright shades – think high-quality porcelain, with non-toxic sleeves. The second to-go range is Dibbern’s uber appealing fine bone china cups with handmade vegetable tanned leather sleeves, both fitted with BPA-free lids. All components are exclusively manufactured in Germany with Dibbern saying: “It is our aim to offer a durable premium product that stands for excellent quality and sustainability.” Commitment to sustainability Dibbern takes the environment, and its approach to it, seriously. The sustainable use of natural resources in the company’s manufactory is deeply anchored in their corporate values. For 68 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

example, they optimise their raw material productivity by recovering excessive raw mixture and glazes and returning them to the production cycle. “Waste water is filtered by a water treatment system and fed back into the production process,” they point out, while the waste heat from their furnaces is recovered and used for heating purposes in the whole manufacture. They add: “The porcelain breakage is used sensibly in that we make it available to other industrial enterprises free of charge.” Dibbern is also committed to the exclusive use of eco-friendly and nontoxic materials for Dibbern products that comply with the relevant EU standards. In addition, all glazes used in the production process are lead and cadmium free, with Dibbern saying they clearly undercut the strict regulations set by the California Proposition.

www.dibbern.de

Aperol Dibbern says…

“It is high time to actively implement environmentally friendly ideas – which includes reducing daily waste, in particular plastics. Disposable cups cannot be recycled because they are plastic-coated.”

Collection Preview

the number of new pieces in the Matcha collection.

Happiness personified Porcel introduce two new collections for this season, Sunstone and Matcha Beginning 2021 in a positive frame of mind, Porcel has introduced two new collections. Sunstone and Matcha are independent sets that come together endorsing hope through colour and gold. Developing a new collection during a challenging period of global uncertainty, Porcel felt encouraged to continue innovating, focusing on better days and on products that would translate that same motivation and strength. Sunstone is a full set of porcelain pieces decorated with fine gold lines resulting in a reflective geometric pattern. Resembling a crystal stone with chisel appearance, Sunstone features a kaleidoscopic pattern designed with slim gold lines over each porcelain piece. The name Sunstone stems from the bright metallic pattern that creates an optical effect of reflections. The designation also evokes the medieval use of a Sunstone to navigate and to locate the sun in a completely overcast sky, which is metaphorically appropriate for 2021. Meanwhile, Matcha is a soft green collection named after the Japanese powder made from green tea leaves. With a selection of nine coloured pieces, green is the international symbol of hope. Joining the Passion and Apricot collections, Matcha comes in with the same composition, offering clients a selection of three colours for the same pieces so that mixing and matching is made easy. These three options go brilliantly together and are perfect for pairing with other Porcel collections such as Sunstone, Golden Orbit or Pantheon.

www.porcel.com 70 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Fact!

Sunstone has been designed by Filipa Ricardo, while Matcha was designed by Porcel Studio.

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Did you know? Ripple is the last design from the indominitable Martin Hunt of Queensberry Hunt.

The ripple effect Witness sophisticated design in motion with the Queensberry Huntdesigned Ripple collection for Monno…

Martin Hunt

Fact! The range has been very well received and is now available in John Lewis shops and online.

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ipple is an example of simplicity being the ultimate sophistication in design. It was developed by Queensberry Hunt for Monno, the final design from the iconic Martin Hunt, who passed away suddenly in 2018. Known throughout the design world, Martin Hunt was a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) and is considered one of the most important ceramic designers of the last 50 years. His work is very well represented in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Permanent Ceramic Collection. Martin developed his designs through handmade models, and this made him realise that it is not just what ceramic shapes look like, but how they feel in your hand that matters. It is a combination of aesthetics and ergonomics. Ripple’s distinctive character is its concentric horizontal relief, which is particularly beautiful with the glazes that have been developed by Monno’s laboratory. There’s an ergonomic advantage to the relief, particularly on the plates, as they are easier and safer to pick up. www.monno.com

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And now… from

Rosenthal

Rosenthal highlight four glorious new collections styled with their usual aplomb Collection: Far, Far, Closer Designed by Morgann Lechat, the beautiful and emotive "Far, Far, Closer" depicts sensitive and at the same time insistent motifs, Rosenthal describes them as “space-spanning”, explaining “they do not restrict themselves by formal boundaries, but cross them and reconnect beyond them - and tell, with hands and faces, their stories of the need for touch and closeness, to ourselves and others”. The collection is intentionally limited – there are just 100 pieces consisting plates, cups and bowls in various sizes as well as a vase.

Collection: 60 years Rosenthal studio-line Far, Far, Closer

An astonishing 60 years ago, Rosenthal rewrote porcelain with studio-line, a collection of avant-garde designs by artists, designers and architects. Now they are celebrating studio-line again with a limited anniversary collection translating 60 iconic vases with twelve contemporary colours into the here and now. The limited-edition alternates between restrained shades of grey, pastel green and blue as well as intense berry tones with sonorous names such as sea salt, tangerine, mint and abyss.

Collection: Velvet Velvet

Junto Stoneware Rose Quartz 60 years Rosenthal studio-line

With Velvet Blue (pictured) and the equally impressive Velvet Rose, Rosenthal brings us a sensual collection with pastel colours and iridescent surfaces. Velvet thrives on soft contrasts, which is why the decors have a multi-level structure. The edge of the soup plate and saucer is discreetly framed by a blue or rose-coloured band, while other items, such as the plate or bowls, are fully decorated. Velvet Blue and Velvet Rose are particularly charming on the bulbous teapot and the delicate teacups, where the pattern runs out with a feathery touch of mother-of-pearl shine. A slim vase in three different sizes in both decor designs completes the elegant collection.

Collection: Junto Stoneware – Rose Quartz Joining the Junto stoneware collection is a new shade for 2021 – rose quartz. Along with the Junto porcelain collection, Rosenthal also have a stoneware range for Junto’s most important pieces. Dark stoneware in slate grey and bronze and light stoneware with aquamarine and alabaster glazes are joined by rose quartz – a fascinating and lively interplay of different shades of rosé in constantly new facets and shapes. On the table, rose quartz unfolds its power as a strong, natural tone, creating a harmony between the warm and cool nuances of the Junto collection. www.rosenthal.de

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Collection Preview

Scottish Thistle

Iona Gin

Glorious glassware

Royal Scot Crystal presents its spectacular collections of glassware

Jacobean air whiskey dram

Edinburgh

Did you know?

To the fore of home entertaining, Royal Scot Crystal present a selection of stylish hand cut crystal glasses for gin, rum and whisky. Gin is officially the drink of the moment and Royal Scot offer an extensive selection of stemmed Copa glasses; intaglio hand cut in a variety of designs. For gin, and also rum which is making a comeback, beautiful large barrel-shaped tumblers and tall tumbler/ highball tumblers in a wide choice of hand-cut designs are offered. There are also a number of inspiring decanters and decanter sets for the gin and rum lovers. Meanwhile, whisky decanters and tumblers remain as popular as ever and have prompted the recent introduction of a new larger ‘On The Rocks’ 12oz tumbler which has been very well received. These tumblers are available in many of the existing popular hand-cut designs and are presented in stylish boxing, making them sought after gifts. Royal Scot also has an extensive selection of hand-cut wine suites, including London, Edinburgh and the newly introduced Iona collection. Included in the vintage home bar collection are Jacobean air twist stemmed glasses which add another dimension to the selection. The giftware collection of intaglio hand-cut vases and bowls is as popular as ever and as we move forward into spring existing designs such as Wild Tulip, Daffodils and Dragonfly will again be firm favourites.

For whiskey lovers, Royal Scot Crystal has introduced a larger ‘On The Rocks’ 12oz tumbler which has been very well received.

www.royalscotcrystal.com

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Haviland If you dream of Portofino, Haviland can bring it to your home. They are presenting a beautifully decorated dinner set that masterfully combines Italian taste and French know-how. Haviland oﬀers a new take on mosaic, drawing inspiration from the colours of Portofino, a stunning village known for its golden reflections and shades of blue. Note the pattern made of more than 30 diﬀerent mosaics. Each square is embossed and illuminated by beautiful reflections that reveal the finest details of exceptional craftsmanship.

www.haviland.fr

The DRH Collection

Daum

Daum’s Mer de Corail collection delves deep into the depths of the coral reefs to explore the incredible richness of the underwater life. Each piece in this collection is a unique sculpture, bursting with colour in freely expressed shapes. The Mer de Corail collection inspires us on a journey without borders. The infinite beauty of the sea is poetically introduced into our living spaces through a collections of vases, centrepieces and sculptures.

www.daum.fr

Pip Studio From Pip Studio comes the Jolie collection. Think unique tropical plants and flowers, palms and colourful fresh fruits. A rare white heron and other exotic species are surprisingly combined with lovely-pressed flowers and golden dots for a festive vacation touch. The Jolie collection also includes glassware with a stripe relief in two beautiful matching colours; pink and blue.

www.pipstudio.com

Having launched a trial range of decorative glass bowls towards the end of 2020, under the Anton Studio Designs brand, The DHR Collection enjoyed such success that they have introduced them into the line-up for this year. Now boasting 16 hand-decorated designs across three sizes (32cm, 40cm and 42cm) ranging from Watermelon and on-trend Tropical leaves design to the anthracite eﬀect of Abstract Blue and the stunning textured surface of Peacock.

www.thedrhcollection.com

Metallics

Xisto Cobalto

Rondo

Mesa Ceramics Mesa Ceramics brings a collection of exciting and innovative new tableware collections to market. First, is Xisto Cobalto, a collection of soft rounded shapes inspired by the trend of simplicity and serenity in interiors, featuring tactile ceramics in soft shades of blue and brown which are truly versatile and made to last in your home or restaurant. Next is Rondo, a truly sophisticated collection, designed for retail and hospitality, that includes a six piece set with generous size plates, bowl and mug. It now comes with the addition of three exciting and

bold new pieces: a generous salad bowl, a pasta plate and a large platter. Designed by the international designer Nick Holland, the pieces feature a transition step detail where the reactive stoneware glazes create a stunning effect. Next, Mesa Ceramics launch their Metallics collection. With a touch of earthy and rustic tones, this new metallic glaze is combined with digital printing to create a design that is evocative of life and the natural world. Metallics is a flexible décor presented in innumerous shapes of Mesa’s portfolio and is well adapted to the hospitality market, where the company has just presented its new reinforced edge of the plates of the coupe shape.

www.mesa-ceramics.com

Iittala Iittala has curated a collection, representative of its dedication to outstanding design, to mark the company’s 140th anniversary. Showcasing its core expertise in glass and glass colours, the collection features iconic classics in two shades – amethyst and grey. Iittala has chosen select items that capture the very essence of their design ethos. The collection in amethyst includes pieces from the Aalto, Essence, Frutta, Kastehelmi and Miranda collections. Items included are the Aalto vase (160 mm and 270 mm), Aalto tealight candleholder, Aalto pressed bowl, Essence pitcher, Frutta pitcher and tumblers, Miranda bowl and Kastehelmi tealight candleholder. Iittala has also added a new natural, elegant shade of dark grey to its continuous collection. The dark grey adds a beautiful contrasting balance to vibrant hues like amethyst. Pieces from the Aalto, Aino Aalto, Kastehelmi and Kartio collections will now come in dark grey.

Mepra Mepra are bringing a little bit of spring into our lives with their limited-edition Linea Leaves five-piece range. The design team created this pattern to celebrate the new life ahead of us in 2021, which is filled with possibilities.

www.mepra.it

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Product Spotlight

Did you know?

The beauty of Water Drop Water Drop is a masterpiece from Dankotuwa Porcelain – part of the company’s reactive glaze range. With an unusual shade of misty green and ocean blue, the range boasts intricately crafted grooves artfully fashioned by Dankotuwa’s CNC cutting technology. The piece is a true ode to the ocean.

Dankotuwa Porcelain is a manufacturer of world class porcelain for more than 35 years. The Sri Lankan company has established itself in more than 40 countries and is acclaimed for its whiteware as well as decorated products.

Collection Dissection

Dankotuwa Porcelain About Dankotuwa Porcelain

Meet Green Leaf From Dankotuwa Porcelain comes Green Leaf in the Reactive Decal range – a tribute to mother nature. The range has been inspired by Ruta Chalepensis also known as the Aruda tree, a yellow flowering plant in Sri Lanka. The surrealistic rich green motif speaks of a timelessness and depicts beauty rarely found, which is magnified due to Green Leaf’s debossed effect.

Renowned for its luxurious and elegant porcelain tableware – Dankotuwa as a brand is known for premium designs that are also crafted in gold and platinum etches and decals, created by master crafters skilled in hand painted and hand-glazed products. Dankotuwa Porcelain, along with its subsidiary brand Royal Fernwood which is renowned for coloured and youthful products, has established itself as a reliable and high-quality supplier of porcelain products in the areas of co-branded, contract manufacturing as well as having its own brand globally, winning multiple awards in exports and its designs with a rich Sri Lankan heritage and plating of gastronomy in Sri Lanka and over the world with its trailblazing products.

www.dankotuwa.com Interested in signing up with Dankotuwa Porcelain as an official international agent? Reach out to the team on info@dankotuwa.com or call +9431 550 0500.

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Product Spotlight

Collection Dissection Vista Alegre

Fur Beethoven December 2020 marked 250 years since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. An occasion celebrated by Vista Alegre through a symbolic set of pieces in honour of one of the most prominent figures in the history of music. Despite dying at the age of 56, Beethoven left behind a vast and impressive body of work, where each piece surpasses the previous one in strength and singularity. To illustrate fragments of this brilliant life, Vista Alegre worked with the illustrator Fatinha Ramos, known for her drawings full of colour and poetry. Each piece in this collection reveals small subtleties, such as the allusion on the tray to the

“Moonlight Sonata”, transmitting its lyrical nature to us through a contemplative palette and a dream-like composition. In the vide-poches the concerts for piano and orchestra are represented, showing Beethoven’s virtuosity as an instrumentalist, because before he consecrated himself as a composer he was already considered one of the best pianists of his time. In the box, Fatinha Ramos alludes to the mysterious “immortal beloved” to whom the composer addressed a letter. Finally, for the coffee cups, the author chose four remarkable periods in the course of this colossal musician’s life, crucial to his artistic creation.

Vivaz Designed by artist and Rio de Janeiro native Toia Lemann, Vivaz is an intense, colourful and joyful series of pieces. Abstract images evoke feelings of pleasure and a sensitivity awakened to the most vibrant side of life. A psychoanalyst by training, Toia is also a designer and creative director of the women’s brand Anna Vic. She has always lived in her city of birth, Rio de Janeiro, where she has her store, at Rio Design Leblon. Now, in partnership with Vista Alegre, she presents the Vivaz series, with multicoloured drawings and collages.

www.vistaalegre.com 82 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Category Plates Denby

Carrol Boyes

Making a

statement I

If you’re looking for pure escapism, statement plates can offer the ideal means of getting lost in another world. We look at a variety of options on offer to retailers…

f there is one thing we can take from the past year, it is that tableware possesses the ability to inject small facets of joy into the monotony of everyday life. A constant stream of lockdowns and a more focused approach to mindful, considered shopping has meant buyers are more inclined to own things which bring them joy – and if tableware brings you joy, you’ll want to own statement plates. Take this beauty from Carrol Boyes, the In Vogue dinner plate was created from sketches pulled from Carrol’s drawing book, a real showstopping addition to any table. Next, we turn our attention to Denby’s Blue Haze, and there is a reason for this. Blue, in all shades, continues to be hugely popular and this particular collection is a perennially in-demand choice for

consumers. It was originally designed by Denby as an ode to the iconic Imperial Blue collection to mark its 30th anniversary but has proven so popular, it’s become a desirable assortment in its own right. There is something eternally calming about the wash of colours in Blue Haze, reminiscent of the sea and the sky. Therapy in a plate. Moving on to Pip Studio from New Edition, the Royal collection – including Royal Multi, Royal White, and newly added Royal Stripes – evokes a real sense of occasion for everyday living. The collection utilises modern print techniques to bring old and new together, an ode to vintage tableware, floral motifs and the company’s Dutch origins. You could almost see it on the set of Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton – escapism in a tableware collection. Speaking of escapism, Artel’s MOD dinner plate in black is a geometric masterpiece. The motif pays homage to all things fashion, the bold print reminiscent of Verner Panton textiles and Mary Quant’s infamous dresses of the 1960’s, worn along London’s Carnaby Street. On a different note, for those who are wistfully imagining escaping to somewhere exotic, we’re fond of these plates adorned with a breadfruit motif from Jenny Mein. Inspired by Jenny’s original hand paintings of the breadfruit tree brought to the West Indies in the 18th century by the British explorer, Captain William of Mutiny on HMS Bounty fame – a burst of summer fresh.

Artel

Pip Studio

Jenny Mein TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 83

Column HoReCa

A sign of the times

Adapting to a changing business landscape is no longer an option, it’s an necessity, says Valda Goodfellow…

About G & G Founded by Paul and Valda Goodfellow, G & G Goodfellows is a highly creative design & Distribution Company with an amazing showroom in Little Portland Street. Offering a truly hands-on service, Goodfellows passion is to bring new and exciting, bespoke food presentation concepts to the UK’s culinary scene. As well as offering a wide variety of the world’s best branded tableware, kitchen equipment, clothing and machines, Goodfellows also collaborates closely with UK craft producers for totally unique products. It works with all sizes of restaurant and catering projects, happy to supply anything from an individual plate to a full restaurant concept.

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can hardly believe that it will soon be a year since Covid-19 led to the first national lockdown in the UK. Since then, the hospitality sector, along with its supply chain has suffered untold damage, with many businesses sadly closing their doors permanently. As the virus spreads quickest in social circumstances – along with travel, tourism and high-street retail – the hospitality sector has been hardest hit economically. At times, it feels like the virus is attacking the most basic of human instincts; to socially interact with others. You will have read a lot about how hospitality venues are trying desperately to find ways to survive and are thankful that they have been supported so far by government-funded initiatives beyond the furlough scheme. Unfortunately, what is less publicised is that the supply chain does not qualify for some of this additional support, even though it relies on hospitality

customers for its revenue. This has affected our tableware manufacturers as much as it has us, but at least those manufacturers who produce for both retail and HoReCa, have benefitted from an increase in online retail demand. This time last year, HoReCa was seen as a sector offering huge potential. Ambiente even dedicated a hall to it, so great was the interest, this seems like a lifetime ago. But despite all this, we look ahead and seek out what is new, exciting and full of hope. Governments do not build economies. Businesses and entrepreneurs do, and it will be down to us to demonstrate the resilience and initiative needed to survive and grow. It is not only Goodfellow & Goodfellow that needs to successfully navigate this period

of change, but also our whole supply chain, and mainly our tableware manufacturers. I have been looking at how these manufacturers are working with restrictions and lockdowns while trying to market new developments and maintain contact with customers around the world. Obviously, there are no live trade shows at present and it seems a very distant memory that the last time I visited a trade show was Ambiente 2020. None of us really appreciated at the time how special it was to be able to meet face-to-face, see products up close and move around chatting with friends, colleagues and potential new suppliers. The prospect of sitting down with people to chat over coffee feels like something from another life.

It seems a very distant memory that the last time I visited a trade show was Ambiente 2020

Costa Nova

Grestel presented their Costa Nova and Casafina brands with virtual tours of thier showrooms

Valda says... “Governments do not build economies. Businesses and entrepreneurs do.” Change is coming Like our manufacturers, we can’t visit customers freely, although we have managed to maintain a Covid-safe environment in our showroom for those who need to see product up close. Mainly, we have all relied on Zoom/Teams and other video calling platforms to continue interaction, contact and negotiations with our suppliers and customers. But let’s face it, it’s not the same, is it? However, it has proved that video calling is a new, useful and increasingly acceptable form of business communication. It can not only save time, but by cutting the environmental impact of travel, it will save damage to the planet. So, whether we like it or not, it will become a part of our business future. Among our suppliers, we are seeing varying degrees of realisation regarding change – the number of factory visits will reduce, trade shows are likely to see a decline in importance as the major method of showcasing, classic printed reference-guide catalogues are likely to disappear

and customers will want products and innovation brought directly to them. That’s why we will be seriously exploring from now how we can adapt to a more remote way of doing business, while at the same time improving business processes and speeding up results.

Adapting to the new normal Manufacturers such as Grestel who produce the fantastic Costa Nova and Casafina brands, have been frequent exhibitors at most of the important international trade shows. Liliana Cachim, Grestel’s marketing director says: “Grestel was reliant on events such as trade shows to market and sell products and to introduce and develop the Costa Nova and Casafina brands. Overnight, one of our biggest drivers of sales leads and brand awareness disappeared, so like many others, we needed to adapt very quickly to a new reality.” Since Covid, they are diverting the investment allocated to trade

shows into a mix of other initiatives such as creating 360° virtual tours of their showroom for clients and customers; expanding their Media Box which is an online marketing materials resource for B2B clients; and they continue to participate as online exhibitors at virtual international trade shows. A similar strategy is being followed by Figgjo which is turning their showroom in Aaslandsbakken (Norway) into a digital workspace for design meetings and customer consultations. John Jacobsen, export manager for Figgjo is convinced that this development will not only provide valuable interaction capabilities with customers who they cannot meet due to Covid restrictions, but will also increase the speed and effectiveness of their bespoke decoration design process. John says: “After extensive investment in new facilities, we are currently offering all clients direct access to our designers via video call for optimal personal involvement. This allows the client to provide input on their designs on-screen in real-time,

perfecting their personalised designs. As we offer some of the lowest MOQ’s in the industry for bespoke decoration, the design service is a key business driver for us.” Both Grestel and Costa Nova believe that, when we are once again allowed to interact face-toface with real people, the traditional trade shows will continue to have their place. Liliana adds: “We believe that physical trade shows are still, and will remain, very important in the future. We also believe that the online movement accelerated by the pandemic requires companies to quickly evolve and adopt an omnichannel strategy.” There are two things that I find significant in talking to both manufacturers is that; firstly, they have both invested in change and both believe that what we have learnt from surviving in these difficult times will change the way we do business for years to come. What will never change, is that business is done best when it is carried out face-to-face – with or without a mask. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 85

HoReCa

When Kerridge’s meets Elia One of the most recognisable names on the London dining scene, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the iconic Corinthia Hotel, uses Elia International’s stemware. Endorsed by Oliver Espersen, head sommelier, the Elia Stemware collection is a proven favourite with recognisable hospitality venues, Kerridge’s, of course, being a worldrenowned name.

The Chef’s Table

Chefs Sascha and Walter Stemberg of the Michelin starred Haus Stemberg

We explore some of the collections being used in the world’s top restaurants today…

To Velbert!

“I think each preparation has a typical identity and it stands out thanks to the right “support” (a recipe) but first its presentation motivates me to choose a plate. The opposite can happen too, and porcelain shapes or decors can inspire new recipes. I think that Blend could be the best canvas to give identity and make a recipe recognizable. Finally, to perfect the mise-en-place I like to alternate stainless-steel cutlery with the PVD coloured one by Sambonet chasing the right style for the table and personality.”

Chef Matteo Borsari (left) speaking about Rosenthal’s Blend and Sambonet’s cutlery PVD mix which he uses in his restaurant, Opificio Cucina e Bottega, Novara. The restaurant is recognised for being a real culinary laboratory where research and evolution maintain a strong link with tradition, the territory, and its products. Raw materials and their origins are the cornerstones of his cuisine.

Chefs Sascha and Walter Stemberg of the Michelin starred Haus Stemberg in Velbert are pictured in their hugely popular family-owned German restaurant. Haus Stemberg uses WMF Professional’s Cutlery Sitello collection, as seen in this picture. Sitello is an extention of the traditional Signum line. With a total of 21 pieces, the collection, which boasts a hammered finish, emphasises the clear lines whereby the long tines, the protruding spoon bowls and the large blades complement each other perfectly. Additionally, restaurateurs can choose between the highly polished, dishwasher-safe 18/10 stainless steel version and the silver-plated version.

Knife skills

Behold the Olivier Gagnère designed Forge de Laguiole table knife crafted for the double starred restaurant JY’S and its Chef Jean-Yves Schillinger. The handle is made from black or white acrylic. A thing of beauty!

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Time to ensure our future While the overall economic trajectory is looking positive there are challenges to be addressed, says Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA

his is usually a time for reflection and prediction; and it is sobering to consider that having experienced an extraordinary 2020, it is now January 2021 and we are in yet another lockdown. By and large and speaking anecdotally based on the BHETA’s January credit forum, BHETA members ended 2020 on something of a high as the year turned out to be so much better economically than it could have been. The start of 2021, combining post-Christmas with lockdown, with poor weather and Brexit, is looking tougher. In other words, the overall economic trajectory is looking positive but there are challenges to be addressed. Last year, judged on sales figures alone, clearly shows the negative financial impact of Covid-19, but there have been numbers of mitigating positives, which BHETA continues to foster. The most obvious positive change has been the consumer refocus on ‘home’ with the consequent surge in interest in cooking, baking and cleaning. This contributed hugely to the experience of key retailers such as Dunelm which saw sales plummet in April; but recover by December. It has been the same story for many suppliers. While there are many issues currently, purchasing linked to home and garden is standing up to the pressures. House prices are up to record levels, mortgage approvals are up – to the highest level since September 2007. The other significant change is

shopping habits, which for those suppliers and retailers able to adapt quickly enough has also proved positive. Buying local has made a comeback – generally good for independent specialists – and, of course, the growth of digital channels both supplier and retailer, is phenomenal. These channels will continue to contribute to a positive outlook. While some of the latest economic statistics show some evidence of being slightly skewed by buying decisions being made ahead of Brexit, in general, the figures show a positive direction as the nation recovers from the impact of the first Covid-19 lockdown. Retail volumes are in growth for the sixth consecutive month and October 2020 GDP is now 23.4 per cent higher than its April 2020 low (albeit still 7.9 per cent below February 2020). Now, it is true that some of these official statistics precede the latest pandemic restrictions. We can already see November retail sales volumes decreasing by -3.8 per cent compared to October because of the second UK lockdown. The current situation is also challenging, especially as we see the number of payroll employees has already fallen by 819,000 since February 2020 – with furlough still in place. But the prospects for the housewares industry are good, if we can embrace change and acknowledge the significant shift in the economic structure we were used to before the pandemic. The imperative is to adapt. There are short / medium term difficulties for retailers deemed

Column BHETA

About BHETA The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is the voice of authority on everything home improvement and home enhancement, including DIY, housewares, garden, small domestic appliances and home decor. It represents £5 billion at retail and 9,000 employees and brings together manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and opinion formers to drive growth at home and abroad. For more information about retailer and supplier co-operation, contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130, or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk

The cost of importing a container from the Far East has skyrocketed Will Jones, chief operating officer, British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) non-essential, which knock on to their suppliers. As John Lewis suspends click and collect to help minimise non-essential travel, we see the stark reality of the challenge. There are also massive issues for hospitality suppliers, a market where very real opportunities for new product to cater for new consumer attitudes is hampered by the current need to prioritise safety. For the first half of 2021, the Brexit implementation period plus the continuing pandemic will be a logistical challenge. Ensuring import and export at affordable freight and duty rates will take up precious time; and the cost of importing a container from the Far East has skyrocketed. While the zero-tariff deal is welcome, there is considerable red tape to be faced, whether that is paying import VAT and customs duties for selling into the EU, changes to rules of origin, or different trading terms for Northern Ireland. There are numerous grace periods still being negotiated, all of which are bound to have repercussions. As with Covid-19, the key is information and the ability to

adapt. For BHETA, it is all about providing members with up to the minute facts. It is then about getting behind the trends and helping adaptability with ‘how-to’ content on the BHETA website and proactive webinars looking at digital sales and marketing techniques. BHETA is also still able to enable networking opportunities for member suppliers with key retailers and export destinations. Equally, it is about keeping the longer-term challenges – such as the sale of bladed items, the packaging tax legislation and sustainability in general – on the industry agenda. These are key issues already and critical for the future of this industry, so while we deal with the immediate challenges, we must not allow our rigour on these subjects to slacken. We have a good future ahead, but we need to work together now to ensure it. Adaptability is the word of the moment and to enable that then facts and informed advice are key. For further information, visit www.bheta.co.uk or contact the BHETA Member Services Team on 07946 078566. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 87

Show Preview Interview Inspired 41 Madison Home Show

“Exhibitors need access to new buyers… a trade show is still the most efficient and meaningful method to accomplish this”

Be inspired As one of the first major trade shows on the global agenda for 2021, expectations are high for Chicago’s Inspired Home Show which takes place this August. We sat down with Derek Miller, president, International Housewares Association, to learn more about the event… The Inspired Home Show was one of the first trade events to realise the potential impact of Covid and change its dates – are you pleased with how you and your team dealt with the situation? Yes, we are extremely pleased with how our staff worked alongside the IHA Board of Directors and at their direction. We began watching the virus in January and by mid-February knew that something needed to be done. As the threat, at that time, was initially

coming from China, we worked with our Chinese pavilions and closed our International Sourcing Expo. Once we learned that the virus was more widespread, we made the very difficult decision to cancel the show altogether. Afterward, we continued to watch the virus and made a somewhat early decision in August 2020 to postpone the 2021 March event to August 2021. Each of these difficult decisions was made to protect our industry and thus far, each decision has proved to be correct.

Did you know? The companies that were chosen as the 2020 Global Honorees for Retail Excellence – Reina Batata Bazar Boutique of Argentina, Few & Far of Australia, Isetan of Japan, Central Department Store of Thailand, Promenu of Ukraine and Tavola of the United Arab Emirates – will receive their Global Honoree awards at the 2021 gia gala in Chicago. All of the other national winners in 2020 will have another opportunity to compete for the 2021 Global Honoree and special gia awards, along with new national winners from the 2021 Global Honoree countries/respective areas. 88 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Do you feel international trade shows can bounce back from what has been a really tumultuous year? Throughout the pandemic, we have stayed in direct contact with our exhibitors and our retail buyers. The overall sentiment is that they have been successful in working with their current partners but finding new sales channels or new products has been difficult and that internet searches go only so far. As such, there is a strong need to bring the industry together for exploration – exhibitors need access to new buyers, and buyers need access to new brands and products. A trade show is still the most efficient and meaningful method to accomplish this in a very short period of time. Virtual events are not the end-all, but rather will play an important supporting role being complementary to physical events, either running concurrently or at times throughout the year when inperson meetings are not possible. International fairs have an advantage in that attendees are

Chicago in the sun

Traditionally, The Inspired Home Show has taken place during the colder month of March, but what is the windy city like in the sun? We asked Derek what visitors can expect.

able to see, understand and embrace the industry as a whole – the products, trends and developments that are shaping the landscape today and in the future. So yes, we strongly believe that we will come back stronger than ever!

Tell us about the 2021 show – now taking place in August – what can exhibitors and visitors expect from it? The Inspired Home Show 2021 will bring the industry together, like it has since 1938, with product suppliers and buyers having the opportunity to meet for the first time in over a year and a half. The show’s diverse assortment of exhibitors, brands and products from around the world will again be showcased in five Expos: Dine + Décor featuring tabletop, cookware, bakeware and home décor; Clean + Contain featuring cleaning, organization and clothing care items; Wired + Well featuring home, kitchen, health and personal care electrics; Discover Design featuring design-driven products from all Show categories; and International Sourcing featuring value-priced products from China and Taiwan. Buyers will continue to find that visiting the show is the most efficient method to connect with the industry with countless meeting opportunities available over four days.

Will you have the same level of ‘visitor attractions’ as previous shows? I’m thinking specifically of trend areas/ Pantone Color Institute? To help retailers think about products and lifestyles, we have created some new show features and experiences and have enhanced others. Several special exhibits will move to new locations and have been reimagined to better align with the consumer lifestyle vision. Our partnership with Pantone continues and the ColorWatch by Pantone exhibit will move to Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse to highlight the ontrend, color-coordinated vignettes of consumer living that are curated for that space. In the Hall of Global Innovation in the Lakeside Center, the attendees will find the IHA Smart Home Pavilion as well as the Inventors’ Corner and Inventors Revue. We are also developing

trend-driven product areas so that retailers can marry the consumer trend insights from our educational program with the products that fulfill those consumer trends. Our displays for the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Product Design and Discover Design Gallery will move to a more to a more prominent, centralized area in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the North Building and will feature all finalists and winners rather than photos. The IHA Student Design Competition is being brought under the gia umbrella and the display also moves to the Grand Concourse Lobby.

Is there anything new or exciting visitors should be particularly excited about? We will have dedicated areas throughout the show that make

“Chicago in the summer is a wonderful place with warm temperatures and beautifully landscaped gardens lining the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue. Chicago becomes a destination with tourists flocking to attractions around the city, including Navy Pier to ride on the Ferris Wheel that stands 196 feet (60 m) into the air and to take leisure and speed boat rides into Lake Michigan. Visitors should also experience the Chicago Architecture Tour by boat, which sails up the Chicago River offering a unique education and perspective on Chicago’s skyline and buildings, both new and old. Wellknown for fantastic food, Chicago’s restaurant scene comes alive in the summer with numerous opportunities for outdoor and patio seating." it easy for attendees to quickly and efficiently locate the newest products in each housewares category. In addition, there is a keynote session revealing our annual IHA Market Watch report – highlighting the biggest consumer-driven trends that will impact the home and housewares industry in the next year along with implications for each individual product category. A new display in the Hall of Global Innovation will feature products illustrating each of these trends.

www.inspiredhomeshow.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 89

New Products

Nikko Nikko bring us a glorious new collection – Western Colour Collection Matte Glazes. The lightweight, modern bone china collection comes in 12 trending earth tones. With colourways ranging from sand, snow and lavender through to teal blue, Nikko says the collection has a fine matte texture designed to accommodate a wide range of culinary genres.

Welcome the

newness Bringing you fresh releases from the world’s best tableware brands…

www.nikkoceramics.com

Broste Copenhagen Broste Copenhagen brings us Rainbow, a new candle collection in six different colourways and two sizes.

www.brostecopenhagen.com

Thomas The Thomas Nature collection has been bolstered with a new colour addition – coral. Joining three existing shades – sand, water and leaf, coral brings a freshness and liveliness to the table. Describing it as a “bright yet subtle shade of red”, the company says coral still manages to harmonises beautifully with the other colours in the Thomas Nature collection. The rustic yet high-quality stoneware material gives the plates and cups of the Thomas Nature collection an authentic character in a trendy handmade feel. Each item in the collection is hand-glazed, providing it its own individual appearance.

www.rosenthal.de/thomas

Mikasa Mikasa’s cutlery collection has been increased with some fabulous new introductions. There are two new 16-piece sets made from high quality stainless steel, each comprising four knives, four forks, four dessert spoons and four teaspoons. One set has a dramatic, ontrend iridescent finish providing a rainbow of soft shades across the pieces, whilst the other set (pictured), in a sumptuous champagne colour, features a stylish ribbed design on the handles. A third new set, this time offering 24 pieces (six settings) features a combination of a mirror finish on the heads, blades and tangs of the cutlery, contrasted with a soft embossed design on the handles.

www.lifetimebrands.com 90 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

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