In Focus: LSA International

“Buying less, buying better, owning for longer”

LSA International’s senior sales manager Claudia Caldarola talks to HoReCA about hospitality reopening, sustainable design and what their customers want

Talking trends…

“If we have learned anything lately, it’s the value of versatility. Of being able to adapt and to do more with what we have. Smaller and more sustainably produced collections are a necessity, creating pieces that can be enjoyed for longer. Rather than designing according to trends, our intention is to consider how products might serve a greater purpose and enhance the environment: improving our surroundings while leaving less of an impact on the earth.”

Claudia Caldarola

How has business been since the hospitality industry reopened and life has returned to somewhat normalcy in the UK?

Customers are delighted to be back in business and to have opened their doors again, reaching out with procurement requests for both new projects as well as replenishments. Despite it still seeming slow getting back to normal, we can tell how eager this industry is to get back to prepandemic levels of trading. What are your customers looking for at the moment?

The majority of requests are aimed at sourcing exclusive products, items that can make the difference and help uplift service offering. Examples include distinctive products for room amenities, unique tableware for fine dining experiences, luxury bar drinkware, unique decorative objects as well as re-orders of some of our best-selling products. Customers consistently return to LSA because they have known the brand for years, they can rely on us and are more comfortable buying from an established supplier. Tell us about the AW ‘21 collection.

Versatility adds intrinsic value and longevity to an object and our AW21 collection has been designed to allow you to do more with less. AW21 features vases which are also lanterns, tumblers which may be used for water, wine or cocktails, and containers designed for storage in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Throughout the collection we continue to use sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood, and our infinitely recyclable primary material, glass. Have you noticed any permanent changes in what restaurants/ hotels or individual consumers want?

We are seeing increased requests for items with domes or lids for food safety and hygiene reasons. We’re also noticing demand for A thoughtful and sustainable approach to design which creates something considered, something of intrinsic value.

versatile products that can be used differently. Tealight holders and vases are still as popular as ever as well as distinctive drinkware for special menus with a point of difference. LSA International crosses several categories from tableware, drinkware, interiors and gifts, when designing new ranges do you target specific segments or try to have ranges that cover multiple categories?

We design for people with the aim of understanding the purpose and the environment in which our products are used. We seek to create products which enhance the simple rituals of daily life - whether that’s lingering over a morning espresso, hosting a cocktail party or arranging fresh flowers. Crossing categories and materials, our collections are designed to complement one another while offering a reflection of individual style. We also imagine how a piece, originally bought for a specific use, may be repurposed and given a new lease of life over time. Buying less, buying better, owning for longer. Sustainability and products that are made with recycled materials and are recyclable are no longer trends but what consumers expect. What do you have that meets these needs?

Conscious of design, provenance and craft, sustainability is at the core of what we do. Glass, our primary material, is made from natural and abundant raw materials and infinitely recyclable. We also use recycled glass material in selected collections, transforming discarded bottles and jars into useful products. However, a truly sustainable approach goes beyond materials - our intention is to create useful, relevant products which endure in quality and style, a responsible approach which aims to create something of value. Designing for the present, using techniques from the past, without compromising the future. Making the environment a little better – for you, and for the planet.