Tableware International January February 2023

Perfection. That was our goal nearly 200 years ago and it still defines our spirit today. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for innovative flat ware design, meticulous craf tsmanship, and impressive variet y. For ever y st yle and any occasion, we have what you need to complete your table—perfectl y.

Your friend at the table. DISTRIBUTED BY MEYER GROUP, LTD. RIVERVIEW ROAD, BROMBOROUGH, WIRRAL, CH62 3RH, GREAT BRITAIN

Tableware Team

EDITOR

MAIREAD WILMOT

mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER

PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR

MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

CHAIRMAN

MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Welcome to the first Tableware International of 2023, and what an exciting year we have ahead. Firstly, the Tableware International Awards of Excellence is back. We will be announcing our 2023 award winners at a live ceremony and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! The event will take place at Ambiente on Sunday 5 February from 6pm in the HoReCa Academy, Hall 11.0.

We’d love to see as many of you as possible there as we mark our first official gathering since 2020.

Now back to the latest issue, we shine a spotlight on all that is happening in the tableware industry from trends to new launches to the return of trade shows as we once knew them. But what of the companies who have decided not to exhibit? It will be interesting to hear reviews post trade events as to whether that has been the right choice.

You’ll find previews of Ambiente (pg78), The Inspired Home Show (pg 120), Las Vegas Market (Pg 122) and Spring Fair (Pg 124) in the magazine.

We also talk to Zwiesel Glas’ head of marketing, communications and product, Michael Eichinger, who tells us about the company’s stellar year which included new brand launches in the HoReCa sector with United Tables, record revenue, a 150-year anniversary, and a merger with Fortessa. Read what he has to say on page 32.

From page 36, we look at new products and collections which are launching for the new quarter ––you’ll find brands such as Narumi, LSA International, Denby who showcase their eagerly-awaited porcelain assortment, to Robbe & Berking who have a special message for us all.

Trends, too, come into focus –Pantone’s colour of the year for 2023 is viva magenta and you’ll find pieces which fit that bill on page 56.

Meanwhile, our friends at Francéclat give us insight into trends they have identified for spring 2023 on page 30 – hint, it’s bright!

We also take a look at some lovely blue pieces on page 134 – blue never seems to lose its appeal and this year is no different.

This issue is also brimming with industry news, Arta Broch, for example, tell us about their collaboration with New York-based designer Barry Goralnick on page 70. Creative director at glassmaker Orrefors, David Carlson, gives us insight into the brand as it marks 125 years in 2023. You’ll find that on page 72. Meanwhile, Steelite are on page 52 with VP design, Andrew Klimecki talking about how he sets about creating for the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, French tableware companies tell us about how they are doing business on page 62.

And with that, we can’t wait to see you at Ambiente – the Tableware International team with be in Frankfurt en masse so to meet us please drop Mairead –mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk – and Paul – pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk – a message. We look forward to seeing you there!

social with

Arcturus Group opens showrooms in Milan and Miami

The Arcturus Group has opened new showrooms in Milan and Miami. With brands such as Sambonet, Paderno, Arthur Krupp, Rosenthal, Ercuis and Raynaud, the Arcturus Group’s Milan base –ArcturusLAB – promises to be a hub for creatives, architects and interior designers, aimed at every hotellerie and contract need.

The exclusive exhibition location of about 200 square metres is inside an 'old Milan' artisanal hub. In the 1960s it originally housed the Officina meccanica Giovanni Coppo – from which Arcturus founders Pierluigi and Franco Coppo built the business.

In fact, ArcturusLAB is not a traditional showroom,

but rather a laboratory where visitors can book an appointment to meet the company's team to discuss everything from tailor-made table projects to advice about new products. ArcturusLAB is located at Via Filippo Baldinucci, 60 – 20158 Milan, Italy.

Meanwhile, the group has also opened a Rosenthal Sambonet showroom in Miami. Opened during Miami Design Week, the company’s US subsidiary is inaugurating an exclusive showroom located in the 'Magic City', the heart of the state of Florida. Approximately 250 sqm, all the Arcturus brands are displayed.

The Rosenthal Sambonet Showroom – 350 NE 75th street, Miami, FL 33138.

Decorium collabs with designer Emily Smith

Decorium and British designer Emily Smith will launch a new collaboration at Ambiente.

Two Decorium collections consisting of porcelain and glass – and made for everyday use – will feature Emily Smith designs. Each assortment consists of 20 pieces with tea and coffee sets, mugs, drinking glasses and carafes included. The ‘Decorium x Emily Smith’ collections have been inspired by nature and will bring the outside in.

“I saw and got a chance to know Decorium at international fairs. I’ve visited the factory and design center in Istanbul and was really fascinated. They have great production capabilities. I was convinced that Decorium would be the brand that can make my dreams come true and produce my designs with excellent craftsmanship.”

Portmeirion reports “strong second half”

Portmeirion has reported a “strong second half” with “robust demand” across its portfolio of brands with the US market and South Korea performing particularly well.

Portmeirion Group PLC –under the Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester, Pimpernel, Wax Lyrical and Nambé brands – gave an update on full year trading for the 2022 financial year.

In a recent statement, the company reported a strong Christmas trading period with robust demand across its portfolio of consumer goods brands. As a result, FY22 sales are now expected to be at least £110 million, four per cent ahead of 2021 and four per cent ahead of consensus market expectations. Group sales are now 18 per cent above pre-Covid 2019 levels.

“We expect FY22 profit before taxation to be 10 per cent above the prior year and now ahead of pre-Covid 2019 levels, with improved operating margins and in line with market expectations,” the company stated.

The company expects to announce preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2022 on 23 March 2023.

Head of sales appointed to OnBuy

British online marketplace OnBuy has announced the appointment of Ross Billingsley - an experienced leader in sales, business development and partnerships - to drive the companies’ commercial goals forward. Ross has a rich background in leading sales and business development departments across both business and consumer environments in several industries, helping companies to achieve their growth objectives.

The appointment comes alongside recent news of Deloitte naming OnBuy as the 11th fastest growing tech company in the UK.

Milan Miami

Designer Emily Smith with Decorium's Ahmet Çığır Şahin and Çağla Şahin

Mesa Ceramics recognised by German Design Awards

Mesa Ceramics has been recognised by the German Design Awards – this time for the Natura Yuki collection.

The Special Award for 2023 Excellent Product Design – Tabletop, was awarded to Natura Yuki for its uniqueness in shape and décor.

Yuki – meaning snow – is an artisan serving set inspired by Japan’s mysterious lakes which change colour according to the season while sitting in the majestic mountains of snow. The Natura Yuki collection pays homage to the green, yellow, and blue lake shades with Mesa explaining that edges of the chunky bowls and asymmetric plates overlap shades of green from inside-out.

Each piece is unique – the reactive glaze is complemented with the eco-friendly digital printing technology, combining a rich design that is matched by a distinct matt snowy white glaze. The assortment is perfect for serving oriental and creative cuisine.

Villeroy & Boch expands management board

Villeroy & Boch has expanded its management board. Esther Jehle takes over the newly created board function HR/organisational development and is appointed chief HR officer while Dr Peter Domma takes over the newly created management board responsibility for digitalization/IT.

Villeroy & Boch says it intends to make even greater use of the dynamic changes in the world of work and digitization as an opportunity for sustainable, profitable growth. Therefore, Esther Jehle and Dr. Peter Domma, two senior leaders from the company’s own ranks, have been appointed to the management board as of 1 January 2023. They will represent two newly created functions of great importance for the future success of the company.

“For successful growth, we need a high level of digitization as well as engaged people. I look forward to working with our expanded management board and inspire new momentum in these fields, which are crucial for us,” said Frank Göring, CEO, Villeroy & Boch.

Dana Brown joins Fiesta as new vice president, sales

The Fiesta Tableware Company has welcomed Dana Brown as the company’s new vice president, sales.

Brown is responsible for sales team management, driving sales strategies, focused channel management, delivering financial results, and being a valuable contributor to product development and marketing.

The former Macy's and Bed Bath and Beyond executive brings more than 20 years of tabletop and industry experience to the position. She’s an expert in omni channel buying, product development, design, and sourcing. Brown also brings consulting experience from With Joy.

Brown replaces Rich Brinkman, who plans to retire in spring 2023. He joined the company in 2006.

5 mins with… ID Fine

Reha Tavil, VP sales and marketing, ID Fine, tells Tableware International about how the company caters for the HoReCa industry

When was ID Fine established?

ID Fine is a ceramic manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1972. As a family-owned company, we have a deep appreciation for the art and craft of ceramic tableware, and we are committed to bringing that passion to the HoReCa industry.

While we may be new to the HoReCa business, we have a team of experienced professionals behind the ID Fine brand. Our team is dedicated to creating high-quality, stylish tableware that elevates the dining experience for our customers. Are you exhibiting at Ambiente? Yes we are. Our stand is in Hall 11, D71.

Tell us about some of the collections you are launching?

We have a few new collections launching. Reckless (pictured above) is our latest porcelain tableware collection for the HoReCa industry. It is defined by its sleek, modern design and striking antrasite reactive glaze. Adel is defined by its timeless design and stunning salmon reactive glaze, which adds a splash of colour to any tabletop. Meanwhile, Mellow’s standout feature is its beautiful green reactive glaze, which adds a pop of colour to any tabletop. We are also launching Modest, Stolt and Quadro.

What makes ID Fine stand out from other tabletop companies?

With ID Fine, you have an opportunity to create your own unique concept for your restaurant. Rather than being limited to a single, pre-selected collection of tableware, you can choose from a variety of pieces to create your own custom look. This not only allows you to express your personal style and vision, but it also gives you the flexibility to change your concept as trends and preferences evolve.

At our company, we offer the option of customising your tableware with your logo or any design of your choice. This is especially useful for the horeca industry, as it allows you to create a cohesive theme for your restaurant or establishment and establish your brand identity. We have a minimum order quantity of 1500 pieces for customised tableware. However, for repeat orders, we offer a reduced minimum order quantity of 500 pieces.

Ambiente shines light on HoReCa Academy

Ambiente is putting HoReCa centre stage with the HoReCa Academy. Based in Hall 11.0, global industry experts including Hanni Rützler, Dr. Sascha Peters and Pierre Nierhaus (pictured) will speak at the academy on a range of topics.

As a trend researcher with her multidisciplinary approach to questions of food and drink culture, Hanni Rützler has made a name for herself far beyond the Germanspeaking world, and not just since her legendary tasting of the first in-vitro burger in London in 2013, which was broadcast live around the world. At the HoReCa Academy, she will speak about the food trends of the future.

In his presentation “Circular Materials for Future Dining”, Dr. Sascha Peters talks about material developments based on organic residues. He will also be staging the eponymous materials exhibition “Circular Materials in Future Dining” at Ambiente 2023. The special area can be found in the foyer of Hall 11.0.

Pierre Nierhaus, the hospitality expert known for his international trend expeditions, will be speaking at Ambiente about current developments in the food & beverage and tabletop sectors.

Melody Rose designs for Studio Frantzen restaurant at Harrods

Melody Rose has designed a set of bespoke plates for acclaimed Swedish chef Bjorn Frantzen’s newest restaurant. This is the second collaboration for Melody Rose with Frantzén. Their Stockholm restaurant Brasserie Astoria features Melody Rose side/ dessert plates in 11 designs, as well as bespoke small bowls.

Studio Frantzén London is the chef’s first UK restaurant and opened in Harrods at the end of 2022. One of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Bjorn Frantzen’s restaurants – Frantzén in

Stockholm and Zen in Singapore –each have three Michelin stars.

To celebrate the opening designer Melanie Roseveare has paid tribute to the chef with a playful take on Frantzén’s first name Bjorn, which translates to bear in English.

The plates are exquisitely handcrafted, made in Stoke-onTrent, and feature 22kt burnished gold gilding.

A selection of ‘The Bears’ fine bone china plates will also be available to buy from Melody Rose from spring 2023.

the food and beverage industry –sustainability, minimalism, self-care, wellness, sharing, and metaverse trends, will continue to be influential. The tendency to give importance to the planet rather than aesthetics will still dominate tables… With metaverse, chefs will now be able to experience more new cuisines, ingredients and recipes, and with it, food experience will go to the next level.”

towards 2024

Bonna’s general manager Erbil Askan on the future of the F&B industry

Utopia at Beast

Beast in Marylebone, London offers a fine dining take on surf and turf. The décor reflects both sides of the menu, with candlelit shared tables reminiscent of Arctic fishermen’s huts, while the rough-hewn walls subtly recall the Scottish Highlands where the cattle are reared. The tableware also reflects the union of hearty high quality food served in a sophisticated yet relaxed manner, and Beast looked to Utopia to deliver something special. The Isumi platter is ideal for serving premium items, with an attractively curved rectangular shape and darker accents framing a pearly white bowl. The Soho Verdi plate features vividly coloured crackle effect glaze that creates a dramatic presentation. The Fuji low dish uses high quality, strengthened terracotta with a rich black finish that offers a raw, natural look to provide an eye-catching way to showcase anything served in it.

“ As we move

in

Vista Alegre launches two HoReCa collections

Vista Alegre is introducing two new collections; Texture and Chef’s Collection – Totem, both designed for the hospitality sector.

Texture (pictured above) boasts eight different plates designed by Mieke Cuppen for the Hotelware segment. Texture allows chefs to play with plating, thanks to a surface that influences how, and where, food is placed. The transition from a soft glazed texture to one that is unglazed, in addition to the interactions and contrasts arising with other pieces and materials stand to make this piece even more tempting.

Nude Glass at Kol London

Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant Kol takes traditional Mexican recipes and – using top quality wild English ingredients – creates a colourful, vibrant imaginative menu, still firmly rooted in Mexican traditions.

Dishes such as Tostadas, Pulpo and pork cheeks are all cooked in the restaurant’s open central kitchen. While downstairs in the Mezcaleria a “homage to the magic of Mexico’s mezcal bars” the restaurant offers a range of cocktails created using Mexican spirits and quality seasonal British ingredients.

To serve some of these cocktails Kol chose the effortlessly stylish Coupetini by Nude Glass, who are represented by Utopia in the UK, these are perfect for serves which bring the quality of ingredients to the forefront, such as their homemade sloe mezcal. The 6oz (17cl) Coupetini made from crystal glass is part of the Savage range by Nude a delicate, minimalist cocktail collection designed in collaboration with award winning mixologist Remy Savage.

Zieher stomps into 2023

Zieher is introducing two innovative new buffet displays –Stomp (pictured) and Sagano.

Pieces of solid oak wood, split by axe, carefully oiled and individually arranged form the basis of the Stomp! buffet displays. The silk matt finish of the dark coloured resin forms a contrast to the oiled oak wood.

Meanwhile, Sagano fascinates by its playful airiness and filigree vibrancy. Feathery bamboo poles in different diameters are composed in white resin. Here, the visible rings on the top of the display create diversified, almost graphical effects.

Both lines have the same concept, but the final appearance is different, and yet easy to combine. The resin used in both series is food safe and was refined with a silk-matt finish and finally oiled. So, with

daily wear and tear, the surfaces can easily be refreshed.

To protect the surfaces, but also so food can be arranged directly on the displays, glass plates are available to be placed on top if needed, and can also be replaced with new ones quickly.

www.zieher.com

Meanwhile, Chef’s Collection - Totem (pictured above) is one of the most recent creations of the chefs who work with Vista Alegre. In designing new plates intended for fine dining, Vista Alegre works with the most celebrated chefs, nationally and internationally. This association results in unique and exquisite pieces that combine the primacy of the Vista Alegre design with the creativity and practicality demanded by the cuisine of excellence.

The project spans several countries already, signalling a growing presence of Vista Alegre in the sector and fostering, through this close relationship with the true masters in the art of serving well, its recognition as the benchmark –in innovation, elegance and quality. www.vistaalegre.com

Did you know?

Tim Raue uses the handmade Zwiesel Glas collection Vinody at his two Michelin-star restaurant in Berlin. The handmade collection Vivami, which has an innovative aroma concept, is used in René Frank´s Coda dessert bar with two stars, also situated in Berlin. The Table by Kevin Fehling –with three Michelin stars – in Hamburg, uses Zwiesel’s handmade product range The First (pictured) .

FR AN KF UR T / MA

HORECA welc omes the crew

Here is where business opport unities, innovations and trends are served up – with a part icular focus on major indust ry themes such as sustainabili ty and innovative hosp it alit y: This is Ambiente, the global meeting place for the hotel, re st aurant and ca tering sector s.

Discover the Ambiente of the future: ambiente.messefrankfur t.com/hore ca info @uk.messefrank furt.com Tel. +4 4 (0) 14 83 48 39 84

Let in the BRIGH T

Each season Francéclat reveals its market trends for tabletop. For Spring 2023, it’s all about joyful colourways, playful patterns and simple, rounded shapes…

Spring truly has sprung! Francéclat – the organisation responsible for championing French tabletop globally – has revealed its trend predictions for Spring 2023 and boy is it bright!

“Spring will be the season for all that is colourful and cheerful,” they say. Prepare for lots of bold, fresh colourways. “The colours are vivid, the patterns arty and geometrical, the shapes playful,” they add.

COLOURS & HARMONIES

Vibrant brights combine with zingy pastels for ultimate impact. “The use of pure white to create a sharp contrast is prominent in two-colour and multi-coloured combinations,” Francéclat says.

MATERIALS & MOTIFS

While colour are bold and bright, materials are more simple – think coloured earthenware and stoneware. “Playful and geometrical patterns are prominent, including wide, deckchair-style stripes, arty motifs, a paper cut-out feel and naïve flowers,” the organisation adds.

About Francéclat

Francéclat’s raison d’être is to develop French timepieces, jewellery and tableware. Working with experienced professionals from these signature fields, they strive to spread French art de vivre around the world. They have connections around the world, and their ambition is to promote and drive French expertise through finely crafted, authentic French products.

SHAPES & FINISHES

Meanwhile, shapes are kept simple – the colours do the talking. “Finishes are naïve and colourful to showcase the artisanal shapes of the pieces,” the team from Francéclat says.

www.franceclat-international.com

Robert Haviland

Datcha

Bernadaud

La Maison de Commerce

Maison Matisse

Claude Dozorme

The rise and rise of Zwiesel Glas

Zwiesel Glas has enjoyed a stellar 2022 – from mergers with Fortessa, new brand launches in the HoReCa sector with United Tables to marking its 150-year anniversary and record revenue – the company has seen its star rise in decidedly chopping waters. But what next? Tableware International speaks with head of marketing, communications and product, Michael Eichinger

It is fair to say the past year has been huge for Zwiesel Glas –how is everyone at the company feeling after the merger with Fortessa?

2022 was definitely huge for us! We had numerous campaigns around our 150th anniversary, successfully carried out our rollout of the Zwiesel Glas brand, pushed ahead with the European expansion of our D2C activities and, last but not least, launched United Tables. A highlight of the past year was certainly the merger with Fortessa. This went smoothly, also because we, as owner families, share the same set of values in the management of our companies and pursue a common vision. Especially in such challenging times as we are currently facing, we are glad to have a strong partner

Did you know?

Together with Fortessa, Zwiesel Glas generates more than EUR 200 million in turnover on a global basis, making them one of the largest tableware suppliers globally.

such as Fortessa on board. Together, we have much greater clout and broader resources at our disposal.

How long was the merger in the planning?

Zwiesel Glas and Fortessa have

that? Is global domination the ultimate goal?! Together we are much more efficient – we are a globally active company with offerings that complement each other perfectly, but do not overlap. This opens up

been working together successfully for almost 20 years. Even back then, we had the same goal in mind: to set the table together. Over the years, the idea of merging the two companies has matured and in October 2022 we took the step.

Zwiesel Glas and Fortessa already had a strong working relationship – how does the merger further strengthen

a completely new world for our customers. We offer precisely fitting and reliable service from a single source, a perfect "all-round carefree package", so to speak. This makes us an even more attractive contact partner. The merger also allows us to be even more diversified - this applies both to the markets and to our product portfolio. At the same time, we can also increase our efficiency as a company. Through

“We are glad to have a strong partner such as Fortessa on board. Together, we have much greater clout”

Rotation

Michael Eichinger

the merger, around 900 people are working to become the world market leader for tableware.

Zwiesel Glas has gone on record to say the company’s revenue exceeded €100 million for the past financial year – does this put additional pressure on you to maintain growth?

This success has been achieved for the first time in the company's 150year history and we are very proud of that. Of course, we are working towards achieving this record turnover once again. However, we must always keep an eye on the overall economic situation and adapt our planning to the general economic conditions. Especially in economically untransparent times like these, we therefore always remain realistic and work consistently towards our ambitious goals with the necessary degree of flexibility. Together with Fortessa, we generate more than €200 million in turnover on a global basis, making us one of the largest suppliers of tableware in the world.

Talk to us about the tableware/ glassware industry at the moment, is it under duress?

Zwiesel Glas, like other glass manufacturers, is dependent on stable natural gas supplies as a high energy consumer. Around 80 per cent of the total energy consumption is accounted for by company divisions in which an ordered reduction would not be possible without problems. The only option would be a complete shutdown, but even that could only be implemented with a lead time of 14 days so as not to endanger our "hardware". An example of this is the melting tank, which would be damaged if it were deactivated immediately, which would be tantamount to a total loss.

In addition to the necessary stability in supply, however, the increased prices are also putting us under pressure. This concerns not only energy costs, but also raw materials, freight and other goods. To cover the additional costs, we had to adjust our prices on 1 July 2022. We are in the fortunate situation of having a customer structure that has gone along with this price increase. In order to be able to continue to be a reliable partner with the usual level of service in the future, we had to take current developments into account with a further price adjustment on 1 January.

How is the North American market performing compared to Europe?

Both markets are performing very well – especially the branded consumer business overperformed within the last one to two years in the US market. In European markets, there is positive development as well especially due to our new brand strategy as drayhorse. Professional business is still recovering and reached a pre-Covid level in both markets. The outlook is positive for US and European market although very untransparent due to economical and political developments.

Fleur (l), Iconics (r}

family-owned company that has been managed for many years, is crisis-proof and has proven many times in the past that it is able to combine forces and act flexibly. Not least because of the merger with Fortessa, we are in a very stable position. We are convinced that strong brands with strong partners with distribution in both

expand our consumer business. Multiple awards with the German Brand Award (the most recognised award in Germany) for excellent brand management are confirmation for us that we have done everything right with our brand realignment. This is the basis for us to further roll out our consumer and high-quality brand

What are the greatest challenges facing the industry, in your opinion?

The entire global economy is in an incredibly complex and volatile exceptional situation. The sum of uncertainties (from delivery times to political decisions and framework conditions) has reached unprecedented levels. The development of the consumer climate in the coming months is therefore almost impossible to realistically assess – however, the current figures from our professional business continue to be very positive, as is the development of the high-quality brand business in our consumer markets: Proof that we made the right decisions in 2020 and invested in a comprehensive brand relaunch. This has already been successfully leading the positive developments of our consumer business for two years and supports the further development of our professional business under United Tables. This gives us confidence for the coming months.

In addition, Zwiesel Glas, as a

areas - consumer and professional - will have a decisive advantage in the future, even under adverse and non-transparent conditions, and will thus continue to prevail.

Where do you see Zwiesel Glas’s position in the market? The company is strong in HoReCa but I’m thinking of your recent collaboration with jeweller Saskia Diez on the Fleur vases. We have recently been named "World Market Leader for the Upscale Hotel and Catering Industry" (2023) for the sixth time in a row. When our company owner, Prof Dr Andreas Buske, proclaimed this goal a good 20 years ago, it was unimaginable for many. Through the merger with Fortessa, the new target is "world market leader for the table setting"! To achieve this, we launched United Tables in 2022, an innovative tabletop concept provider and one of many steps towards our goal.

In addition, since our brand relaunch in 2020, we have been working consistently and successfully to further develop and

business not only nationally but also internationally. Excellent sales development in Germany as well as in the USA give us a tailwind. Further projects, such as the next steps of our already started European expansion of our digital D2C activities, are planned for the coming months and years.

Through the cooperation with Saskia Diez, but also through other new products from our company, among which are more and more decorative objects, we also want to become more present in the interior sector and thus be able to successfully address the needs of our end customers not only in the drinking glass sector, but also in the interior segment.

Finally, what are you most hoping to gain from 2023? Security with regard to the energy issue, a stabilising situation on the markets and a continued successful development of our brand and distribution strategies.

“The entire global economy is in an incredibly complex and volatile exceptional situation”

Three for twenty three

Meet the Zwiesel Glas novelties.

Inspired by sound waves, the flow of nature and colored threads. This is Volume, Waters and Ink .

Loving

Two to collaborate

is

Fürstenberg reveals annual ornament

The Fürstenberg porcelain manufactory has revealed its annual hare ornament made from highquality porcelain. In 2023, the hare family will be joined by Flora. Available in classic white and also in limited editions with 24-carat gold décor or exclusively hand painted. Sometimes lifelike, sometimes playful, yet always with a passion for detail: all hares of the year are lovingly handcrafted at the porcelain manufactory in Lower Saxony. Since all tableware ranges and items at Fürstenberg are made from the same porcelain clay, all collections have the same shade of white, so the ornaments can be combined with any tableware service from the brands for a harmonious table setting.

www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com

Feeling fresh

As we enter a new quarter, there are lots of fresh new collections hitting retail – we shine a spotlight on just a few of the latest launches…

New twist on classic white

With the Homestead collection, Utopia has shaken up the classic whiteware serve by taking it in an inspired new direction. Homestead adds an elegant, highly defined ring of colour to the archetypal design, giving it a chic lift that brings a touch of the unexpected to the presentation. Being made of vitrified porcelain, it combines superior practicality with beautiful looks and is available in a variety of different shapes, including conical bowls, walled plates and accessories. This creative take on whiteware is available in black, royal blue and olive green. www.utopia-tableware.com

Inspired by… East Asian gardens

Narumi’s new Ramage collection has been inspired by the designer’s visits to Chinese and East Asian gardens.

A combination of flowers, birds and butterflies has long been admired in poetry and painting as a symbol of the beauty of nature. While flowers depicted are imaginary they are designed in likeness of chrysanthemums and peonies. Native to China, chrysanthemums and peonies have been exported and have gained popularity in neighbouring Asian countries as well as in Europe.

Birds and butterflies are depicted against a refreshing blue background. A wide range of items are available to serve various cuisines nurtured by the richness of Asian food culture. www.narumi.co.jp

Each item brought into your home should possess a soul and have a story...

WHOLESALE BEATRIZBALL COM

LSA introduces SS23 collection

www.lsa-international.com

With their SS23 assortment, LSA has set out to make environments calming, considered spaces. Whether that is consciously through the way something is made, or physically through observed design details that lighten and elevate interiors. Let’s take a look at the brand’s new launches:

Balcony

Compact urban spaces grounded in nature inform the BALCONY Collection. Mouth-blown glass planters borrow their structural, offset shapes from city balconies laden in growth and natural, untamed abundance, with a design that mirrors the stepped levels seen in terraced agricultural landscapes. Biophilia sits at the core of BALCONY; a concept centred around our affinity to engage with the natural world. Each two-part planter is self watering, using sub irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots of the plant. A trailing cord carries hydration from the built in reservoir to the soil, enabling us to grow a range of indoor plants and embrace biophilic design by improving the environment of our interior spaces.

Terrazza

A collection of floor and desk planters inspired by – and designed for –cultivating and activating spaces with new green life. Mouth-blown vessels with melted rims sit atop powder coated steel columns, creating an elevated platform for growing plants and referencing the shelf-like formation of high-rise urban terraces and roof gardens.

TERRAZZA is based on the principles of Biophilia; an exploration

of our inherent need as humans to interact with nature, and how design can effectively implement and introduce nature into our lives. The height allows elevation for trailing plants to hang, with the concrete and monochrome tones nodding to modern architecture.

Lagoon

Clear vases and lanterns with an organic shape and translucent finish join the cased sea green colourway in LAGOON. The unique, rippling forms are mouth-blown and hand finished by skilled craftsmen, evocative of the natural curves of a lagoon.

The addition of clear forms to the LAGOON Collection lends a refreshed aesthetic, with each piece designed to add a sculptural detail to the surrounding it sits in.

Savoy

SAVOY’s elegant collection of mouth-blown champagne glasses are joined by a new set of wine, liqueur and Nick & Nora glasses. Skilled glassblowers mouth blow the fine bowls, draw the stems to create a distinctive internal V-shape to elongate the bowl, and apply the feet by hand, using the utmost precision and skill.

The deep, V-shape in the hand-

drawn stem of SAVOY champagne glasses creates a ‘sparkle point’ to enhance bubbles as they travel up the bowl.

Pavilion

A mouth-blown glass piece in a contemporary monolithic form, inspired by the architecture of pavilions. A gently squared dome sits on a sustainably sourced ash base, with geometric lines complementing the curved facade. Expert craftsmanship is required to mouth blow and hand finish each piece with such precision.

The stripped back form and clean lines of PAVILION provide a modern solution to presentation and storage in the home, whilst serving as a carefully considered standalone object.

Boris

Inspired by modern shapes and clean lines, a new set of mouthblown pieces join this timeless collection, making BORIS a comprehensive range of drinkware with an accompanying bowl for serving olives or nuts.

The timeless profiles and classic forms create an aesthetic value that endures year upon year.

Boris Savoy

Pavilion

PH

Two new launches from Denby

Denby launches two new collections – Kiln Green, due to launch in March, and Constance, the brand’s new porcelain pattern for 2023.

Inspired by nature, Constance has a subtle pattern of mixed foliage characterising spring blossom and summer fields in shades of soft grey. To complement the stunning decoration and texture of Constance there is new Arc Grey porcelain which provides a single soft shade choice to blend with this calming pattern. As well as drawing from the ever-present influence of botanicals and biophilic design in interiors, Denby’s new Constance Collection is also a nod to the work of Constance Spry, an educator and author, who was also an internationally renowned flower arranger. Constance, who was born in nearby Derby in 1886, often used Denby vases for her magnificent floral arrangements. Available in the

Constance Collection are multi sized plates and bowls, large and small mugs, a serving platter and bowl with similar options in Arc Grey which sit along-side Constance as an accent shade. Both patterns are available in single items or gift boxed options all in recyclable packaging.

Kiln Green, meanwhile, is Denby’s new stoneware collection. The calming colour palette of soft white and celadon shades of green combine to create stunning glaze effects across the collection. The elliptical pattern used on the plates and bowls is hand-applied to each piece to create an organic look whilst on the taller pieces each is hand-dipped to create an ombre effect. All have their own identity but also layer beautifully together as a complete range.

www.denbypottery.com

Embracing coffee culture

From the Polish Porcelain Factories Ćmielów & Chodzież comes the Dalia coffee set.

Inspired by the iconic Regina shape and updated with an elegant relief, the coffee set combines everything that porcelain lovers have valued for years.

The Dalia set brings out the best of the past and what the brand want to pass on to the next generation of porcelain lovers and enthusiasts.

porcelana.com.pl

Bespoke collections from Royal Scot Crystal

Royal Scot Crystal’s bespoke projects are a key part of the company’s business and include royal commemorative pieces, corporate projects and exclusive designs for luxury hotels. The Royal Scot Crystal King Charles III Collection, launched in January 2023 is a selection of hand cut and engraved commemorative pieces, supplied in stunning presentation and gift boxes.

Meanwhile, introduced for 2023, Glencoe comprises a competitively priced range of drinking glasses in satin lined presentation boxes.

www.royalscotcrystal.com

Kiln Green Constance

Intermez zo gold Design Erika Lagerbielke

Introducing Diva cutlery

Wilmax England presents a new series of cutlery, DIVA. The company’s designers took strict classical forms as a basis and filled them with new meaning, presenting the series in two options of polishing, mirror and matte, and three colors, classic steel, gold and black. Each item is impeccable and refined in its execution, suitable for both themed vintage receptions and modern serving. For the production of cutlery, Wilmax uses high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. Products are safe, easy to use, not prone to corrosion and deformation. A gold and black wear-resistant coating, made by a modern vacuum deposition method, allows the DIVA series cutlery to maintain their presentation quality, withstand heavy use and frequent washing in the dishwasher. wilmax.uk

Drinking with the devil…

After Gunnar Cyrén passed away in 2013, his sons went through the sketches he left behind. They found several drawings of a champagne glass inspired by the Snaps Devil glass from his Nobel collection. The champagne glass, called Sparkling Devil, went into production and is now part of the Orrefors assortment. The product is mouth-blown in Sweden, and each glass is handpainted with details in real 22 karat gold. The collection is available in different colour variations, with a unique new colour added annually until the collection is complete.

A new colour – purple – is launching in 2023. www.orrefors.com

Special messages from Robbe & Berking

Robbe & Berking is bringing us a novel way of sending someone a special message for a special occasion – on a spoon. The company is now turning its spoons into bearers of special messages. Engraved in the mouthpiece of the spoon or on the back of the spoon handle, the recipient will remember this message at every meal for a lifetime.

www.robbeberking.com

Limited-edition release from Artěl

Artěl has released a special limited-edition collection of handmade glassware curated by the British novelist and technologist J. M. Ledgard. The collection features original designs by six highly original minds.

Ledgard selected a small group of artists, scientists, and other creative types to design a glass for a limited edition set. Collectively titled Animation – and featuring designs by futuristic Czech-Argentinian artist Federico Díaz, celebrated entomologist Vojtěch Novotný, noted computer scientist Mark Pauly, awardwinning science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson, interdisciplinary artist Nina Rodin, and the globally renowned conceptual artist Tomás Saraceno – the new collection is nothing short of astonishing in its diversity and originality. Limited to an edition of 100 sets. www.artelglass.com

Eco friendly & Quality Ceramics

Being our name as Company, it is also our motto. Lower your a carbon print buy in Portugal, our ceramic identity goes as far as Roman times!

So you are buying from experts!

The luxury specialists

Maison Margaux is in the business of supplying perfection. Louisa Preskett , founder and creative director tells Tableware International how they encourage their clients to buy the classics and hire the trends…

“Buy the classics and hire the trends,” Maison Margaux’s founder and creative director Louisa Preskett says, in a nod towards the luxury British homeware brand’s dictum. Selling everything from luxury linens, tableware, candles, cutlery, glassware to bespoke accessories, it is easy to become swept away with Maison Margaux’s gloriously idyllic approach to home décor. The tablescape you dream of, they make a reality.

Along with retailing brands such as Capdeco and L’Objet – and their own brand, of course – Maison Margaux also rents and curates

tablescapes for weddings, luxury brands, private events and offer an at-home service. The business is run by a team of events professionals with a combined experience of 50+ years in the luxury sector. Having worked with major luxury brands globally, and with an extensive network for rentals, they understand the level of detail and expectation from brands and private clients, from both a creative, logistics and service perspective.

Elaborating on the brand’s twopronged approached to making tablescaping a lifestyle – Louisa

■ Margaux Olive dinner and dessert plates from

Maison Margaux’s Halcyon Days collaboration

■ Eden and Zebra tablecloths from Parry Murray ■ Jazzy wine glasses from Anna & Nina ■ Navy and burgundy cutlery from Capdeco

■ Lemon carafe and vases from & Klevering

explains: “we encourage our consumer to buy forever pieces such as fine bone china and cutlery from our retail site, and then return to us to hire seasonal trends and accessories such as linens and partyware.”

But who is Maison Margaux’s

and bridal worlds where we curate our rental looks for individuals and luxury global brands.”

It’s an exciting approach to keeping tabletop relevant in a trenddriven world – curating looks which, for the most part, are outside the

customer base and what are they looking for? “We sell globally but our DNA is founded in British luxury which appeals to our international consumer base,” Louisa explains. “Our key audiences B2C are buying for their homes and are individuals interested in interior design and making home entertaining as beautiful and topical as possible. We also work extensively with the events

realms of possibility for many.

Given their dual approach, as both retailer and supplier, and to ensure they are meeting the demands of their well-heeled customer base, sourcing the right kind of product is key for Maison Margaux.

“Sourcing is a labour of love, and we scour the world to work with artisans as well as the larger brands. We are keen to support British heritage

“We have already seen an increase in overseas activity for this year and larger scale celebrations in our upcoming bookings for 2023”

Maison Margaux founders Louisa Preskett Mobbs, Julian Vogel and Xavier Cadiou

Curated perfection

Creating bespoke tablescapes is not just a business for Maison Margaux, it’s a passion. Louisa reveals more about the weddings/ event rentals side of the business… “Driven by the demand of luxury brands and the bridal market to exceed expectations and create ever more surprising and enchanting ‘wow’ moments, Maison Margaux was born. The desire for more beautiful, luxury and exciting tableware has only increased in this past year and our rentals business has flourished. Not only in the UK but the US and Europe where we had the pleasure of creating several bespoke tablescape themes for multiday weddings and parties over the summer. We have already seen an increase in overseas activity for this year and larger scale celebrations in our upcoming bookings for 2023.

At-home hosting has also become extremely popular with a notable growth in our smaller dinner party bookings. The desire to entertain and create memorable moments with friends and family now very much includes the table and the need to present a different look and feel each time. Renting makes this possible with our beautifully curated elements, individually styled to each occasion. We encourage clients to buy the classics and rent the runway allowing for maximum flexibility as well as a keen eye on sustainability and re-use as well as limiting the amount of ‘extras’ that require maximum storage.”

brands and have recently completed the first of our collaborations with Royal Warrant holders Halcyon Days. Our Maison Margaux own-brand has grown from strength to strength this year and now encompasses crockery, table linens and accessories all created by our in house design team.”

With an eye across the entire tabletop spectrum, it is no surprise to learn the Masion Margaux team has their finger very much on the pulse – think bamboo cutlery from Capdeco and Sabre – and long gone are the days of plain cutlery. “A pop

of colour using interesting cutlery can transform a table setting very quickly into a fun and elegant affair,” Louisa confesses. Likewise, she agrees coloured glassware is here to stay: “Absolutely! Coloured glassware adds so much interest to a table. A simple tablescape can be elevated through the use of a single colour to complement a theme for a wedding, or a cluster of several coloured glasses to take a celebration table to the next level.”

This dedication to keeping their finger on the homewares pulse – both through buying for retail and curating events for clients – means the Maison Margaux team keeps a close eye on what is around the corner but really, more than that, they establish their own boundaries, set their own trends. “Constantly sourcing new pieces from around the world and creating our own designs with our network of artisans allows us to keep our collections evolving. Our customers look to us for exclusive and bespoke designs, allowing us to set our own trends,” Louisa says.

One interesting point raised is the while small bites and bowl culture might be prevalent on the retail scene, its popularity has not transcended to rental events. Here,

the sit-down meal is still king.

“Although we do get asked from time to time, the majority of our rentals are very much sit-down affairs with beautifully designed tablescapes. We have however seen an increase in ‘family style’ dining and requests for sharing platters, especially hand-painted designs and we are growing our collection accordingly.”

As many tabletop brands have already tapped into by offering key line extensions in textiles; linens sell well, something Maison Margaux confirms.

“Our linens continue to perform very well across the board for both sales and rentals. Beautiful, versatile designs that lend themselves to a variety of tablescapes depending on what crockery and flatware they are paired with. Our hand-painted, exclusive plates are also performing very well in sales and rental categories.”

And as with any provider, new products and brands are always on the Maison Margaux radar.

“Always! Every member of the team is always feeding back about new products they have seen or a new supplier we should talk to. This is also how we have such an eclectic and interesting mix of products as inspiration comes from everywhere!”

“Inspiration comes from everywhere!”

Pic: Colin Ross

In direct contrast to the usual jargon – our columnist Michele Trzuskowski is throwing off the shackles of January and eating her dessert first! Read on to find out why…

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

Eat dessert first

As we enter the new year, I’m living with the motto of

“Eat Dessert First”. Not only because I agree we should all live life to the fullest by doing and “eating” what we love first (despite the calories, of course), but also because the tableware industry is full of fabulous dessertware. From tiered servers to great compote dishes, I’m not sure where to start.

How about with the most obvious – the dessert plate. Practically every china and

Did you know?

dinnerware pattern offers them – usually as the interchangeable salad/dessert plate. In addition, several manufacturers offer

course. It offers three different but complimentary dessert plates plus a sundae cup, also known as a small compote dish. Beyond

assorted sets which are especially useful for this. For example, Raynaud’s Paradis pattern is the perfect example of what is available for the dessert

Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding cake was a single-tier fruit cake weighing more than an astounding 21 stone. Covering in white icing, the cake reportedly had busts of the couple on the top and it sparked the trend for white wedding cakes.

that there are not one, not two, not three, but four different size pedestal dessert plates. Now that is a company, like me, that believes in dessert.

Compote dishes, as mentioned above, are another piece of the dessert collection one should have in their repertoire. These small pedestal dishes are great for ice creams, desserts with sauces or fruits and can also be used for individual appetizers as

Vietri

“The comeback of the coupe champagne glass has also served as a perfect individual compote dish. Who doesn’t love a glass with a dozen uses?!”

well. I’ve seen shrimp cocktail, or ceviche, along with many other appetisers served in them –proving these compote dishes are a must for everyone. They are available in porcelain, like the aforementioned Raynaud’s Paradis collection, but also are available in glass and metal. Vietri offers a beautiful hand painted glass compote dish called Regalia in four different colors. Likewise, you can find an ultra-elegant compote dish from Arte Italica in their glass Vetro collection, or if needed for a more casual dessert presentation, the Eternity individual compote from Skyros is perfect. As a side note, the comeback of the coupe champagne glass has also served as a perfect individual compote dish. Who doesn’t love a glass with a dozen uses?!

Now, let’s not forget about the

World’s most expensive dessert?

of the world’s most expensive desserts is reportedly the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate ice cream sundae served at New York’s Serendipity

five grams

menu

edible 23-karat gold.

7 November 2007

Book of World Records.

tiered serving pieces. There are petit four stands for serving as well as two and three layer stands for cookies, breads, tea cakes and more. For a petit four stand, we love Erquis’s collection of stands available in four sizes. Obviously, they are great for petit fours, but we love them for cupcakes as well, especially if you want to impress your guests. As for the tiered servers, I’ve seen them in marble, porcelain, glass, and metal – surely one for every taste out there – and they are at every price point imaginable?

Finally, I want to cover what I believe is the most popular dessert serveware – cake plates – or more popularly referred to now as pedestal dishes. What’s great about carrying items like this in store is their easy selling points and multiple uses. Fifty

years ago, one would only use a pedestal plate like a cake stand for literally cake. Now, these dishes offer so much more. I often suggest that my customers use them for appetisers, charcuterie, other foods. In addition, a pedestal plate, regardless of whether you are using it with a dome or not, adds height and interest on a table or buffet. Now, many companies like Vagabond House are offering them in multiples sizes and some with themed motifs.

While mentioning these dessert serveware items, it would be remis of me if I didn’t talk about the serving utensils needed when serving desserts. There are many beautiful cake knives and lifters out there. In fact, most flatware patterns offer one. My favorite, however, is Michael Wainwright’s Truro Cake Serving Set available in gold or silver. For all other offerings I really like Sambonet’s multitude of utensils in their Living Collection. They’re different in looks and use, and since they are made of stainless steel, they are dishwasher safe. Their pastry tongs are perfect at 6” long and versatile enough to use for appetizers, or even vegetables like brussels sprouts. Then there is the Cake Pliers with its unique top half that holds the cake in place as you lift it while the bottom remains the traditional lifter shape. Finally, for our more contemporary customers I love Sambonet’s panettone knife. It’s the perfect knife for many desserts

beyond panettone. It’s also great for cutting cakes, brownies, or any kind of bar cookie.

Overall, my belief is that whether you are a tabletop shop or not, your gift section definitely can be improved by bringing in a collection of dessertware. And of course, eating dessert first improves life in general!

One

3. Costing $25,000, it contains

of

The dessert was added to the

on

and even made it into the Guinness

Another eye wateringly priced dessert at $34,684 is a chocolate pudding created by Marc Guibert, head chef at Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria. If anyone knows what collections these dishes are served in, do let us know!

“Fifty years ago, one would only use a pedestal plate like a cake stand for literally cake. Now, these dishes offer so much more”

Arte Italica Skyros

Ercuis

Michael Wainwright

Truro Gold

Crafting a canvas

Steelite’s reputation for quality is undisputed, but talk about your approach when it comes to designing a new collection, what key elements must each Steelite assortment have?

A new Steelite collection is created in response to several ongoing and changeable criteria. It may be that a new trend has emerged for which we see an opportunity, or

functionally and aesthetically, with existing ranges, and across different product types. This adds levels of complexity and perceived value to the entire offer and allows the chef the freedom to mix and match the ware he chooses from many different, but complementary patterns.

Regardless, all Steelite ranges must functionally perform

each factory’s strengths are made best use of and respected during the design and development process. This approach ensures manufacturing efficiencies and a positive outcome for the quality of the end result. It also maximises profitability and reduces waste. Designers should be responsible for not imposing a design on a factory ill-equipped, either through know-how or machine capability, to deal with producing it.

it may be that an older collection has the possibility to be updated and enhanced by the addition of another, to add further perceived value through association, and enhanced functional and visual richness. Many Steelite ranges are designed to be aesthetically strong when used on their own but are also intended to be backwards compatible, both

exceptionally well in busy kitchens as well as delight the consumer by best showcasing the skill and artistry of the chef.

In addition, it is incredibly important to design to the strengths of the manufacturing resource. All factories are different and have inherent abilities and methods, some of them unique. I go out of my way to ensure that

That is not to say that factories should not be pushed to innovate, they absolutely should, but this should be done sympathetically and with full knowledge of the resource’s current and potential future capabilities.

I am incredibly fortunate to work with a small but highly creative, dedicated and innovative in-house team and between us, we work through the challenges and opportunities of shape and surface across many substrates and factories for Steelite International.

I have ongoing dialogues with many industry professionals throughout the industry at all levels. Steelite’s own global sales teams are invaluable in providing insight and intel into what is resonating in their markets. However, I particularly enjoy trade shows, not to see what everyone else is doing, but to talk to people. This gives me invaluable insight into what they’re thinking and how they see the markets progressing, even when they’re not talking directly about new products. I take a generalist approach in that we are designing for mass appeal and so

Underpinning their collections with thoughtful design – from functionality to visual richness – Steelite is armed

with an unrivalled

knowledge

of what

makes

a

dinnerware set crafted for the hospitality sector, work –and work well. Tableware International’s editor Mairead Wilmot learns more from VP design, Andrew Klimecki

How much do you engage with industry professionals (chefs etc) before designing a collection?

“All design is ultimately about problem solving”

Andrew Klimecki

The perfect cup?

Steelite has ensured that wherever possible, all cups and saucers in new ranges have the same specifications as those going back over thirty years.

need to view trends from a longterm perspective. Just because one chef is doing something differently, does not make it a trend. I realise that buying Steelite product is an investment, a tool which the restaurant operator uses to make a profit. That tool needs to be effective for a long time, which is why I engage mainly with long-term trends that I believe will have staying power. The trick is to recognise these as they emerge and then capitalise on them by developing product that best defines those trends for the long term.

I often ask creatives about form versus function and for the most part, they say both play an aspect in the creation of collections – but when you are designing for a working environment such as a restaurant, function must come before whether something looks appealing or not?

I believe functionality and visual appeal go hand in hand. To me, they are equally important. A lot of time and development goes into engineering the product so that it functions much better than would be expected, and this may be done through small adjustments and additions to the product that the end user does not notice but make a huge difference to the back of house efficiencies for the operator. Visual appeal is the element that allows the chef to maximise the perceived value of their creations, and therefore maximise the amount the operator is able to charge for it. I take great pains to optimise things like glaze colour, for

example, to optimise the positive effects on the food presented, and also to ensure that each new glaze colour is food-friendly and is backwards compatible with other glazes and patterns in our ranges to ensure an overall coherent offer. The trick is to combine ultimate ease of use with outstanding food presentation appeal that keeps the consumer coming back for more.

Further to that, talk to us a little about enhancing the functionality of pieces – is that learned through trial and error? Steelite is focused solely on the hospitality sector, so obviously over the decades we have been in business, we have learned an awful lot about the industry: its needs, mechanisms and aspirations. Sometimes an operator highlights a problem that we might not have been aware of. This could be in association with how they use our product, or the unique environment it’s used in. This offers us an opportunity to investigate, adapt, and evolve new designs to overcome the issue. This can then be built into future products as a general improvement that everyone benefits from.

substrates and aesthetics to provide choice for the operator.

In addition, if an operator requires something unique to them, we offer a bespoke service which is available across many of our brands, from simple badge and band decorations and hand painted effects to state-of-theart printed designs from William Edwards fine bone china, which enhances the tables of some of

diverse, and we aim to provide solutions to everyone from a busy canteen to the highest peak of Michelin-style dining. However, I believe that the same degree of design integrity should be present at all levels of product development, from the humble teaspoon to a statement presentation piece. It takes just as much development resource to design a product badly as it does

All design is ultimately about problem-solving. We aim to enable an operator to overcome the problem of how to create the ultimate dining experience for their customers. Steelite is wholly focused on this, and it’s why we constantly design and develop new ranges across many

the world’s best restaurants. We can also provide custom shapes across many substrates, subject to minimum order quantities.

What are the most common issues you face when designing collections? What are the key demands from the sector?

The hospitality sector is massively

to do it well. The same goes for copying… what the hospitality sector is most hungry for is innovation. True innovation, not a copy of someone else’s.

Quite often, the biggest issue is timing. That is to say that we mostly work to develop products to launch when the market is most ready to accept them. Sometimes,

Is it important to you to offer solutions to restaurants through your design?

“Designers should be responsible for not imposing a design on a factory ill-equipped, either through know-how or machine capability, to deal with producing it”

AuroraVesuvius

– amber

Craft – apple

though, we will have a product ready to launch, that marketing and design know is a winner, but the sales team just cannot see it, because it currently isn’t relevant to them in their marketplace.

In other words, we are a bit too early with new innovation and this timing is actually detrimental to the perception of it. The Craft range was a great example of this. After launch, it took a while in some markets to find traction, although, in other markets, it enjoyed immediate success. Of course, it went on to be one of the biggest-selling tableware ranges in the world (if not the biggest). And still is.

maximising food presentation to the delight of the consumer.

Latterly, Instagram has a huge effect in driving the importance of visually effective tableware. This also adds value to the operator through social media exposure and influencer endorsement.

Similarly, how do you design for brand enhancement? What does that entail?

I have always believed that a factory should make things that are of its time and within its unique capabilities. Effectively, that equates with having a ‘house style’, ‘voice’ or ‘signature’. At Steelite, this has

Expand a little on the idea of adding value through design – what does ‘value’ look like to you and to your clients?

Designing for hospitality is very different to designing for retail. In hospitality, tableware choice is about providing the tools for a chef to showcase his skills, thereby exciting a consumer and by extension, enabling an operator to make a profit. Value is added through functional efficiencies gained in the kitchen and in getting the food to the table, alongside the provision of visually

been achieved through careful curation of owned branded ranges and how they integrate with the brands that we partner with. One example of this is how we strive to make many new ranges, within the Steelite brand especially, backwardscompatible with older ones. This has the effect of broadening the reach and appeal of new ranges, whilst offering the opportunity to update older ones, lengthening the period of their relevance. Of course, this is only possible if the shapes

are compatible with each other. For an example of how far we take this, we have ensured that wherever possible, all cups and saucers in new ranges have the same specifications as those going back over thirty years. This ensures compatibility both now, and in the future, and means that ranges can be mixed freely, enabling an operator to tailor their suite of tableware to their preference or budget.

Finally, which Steelite collection has proven to be the most challenging to design and why?

I never set out to create a challenging design on purpose. In fact, I avoid it. Everything is carefully considered at the outset: target market, price point, item range definition, performance specification and projected expected sales volumes. With

these in place, we can select an appropriate factory and then design to what we understand are that factory’s capabilities. Often a design direction presents itself through what that factory is particularly good at. It might be embossments, glaze effects or pressure casting for example.

The creative development element is therefore given parameters within which to explore, and a new solution often comes out of what isn’t possible. The old saying is true: ‘necessity is the mother of invention’.

This gives us a basis for true innovation, which is then developed and curated to ensure maximum product relevance and market appeal. As I always say to the Steelite sales team: “my job is to make your job as easy as possible”.

See Steelite at Ambiente – Hall 11.0, Stand C51.

“What the hospitality sector is most hungry for is innovation.

True innovation, not a copy of someone else’s”

Asteria Nyx mix Nordic

Vesuvius – amber

Craft – raspberry

The experts at Pantone have announced viva magenta as the 2023 Colour of the Year – a shade they say, “vibrates with vim and vigour”. If that’s not a ringing endorsement of a colour, I don’t know what is. The problem, if there is one, with magenta is that it is hard to pin down – deriving from the red family it reaches toward pink and maybe even kisses purple. The people at Pantone describe it most accurately when they call it “a nuanced crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is also a hybrid colour, one that comfortably straddles the physical and virtual in our multi-dimensional world. It is assertive, but not aggressive, a carmine red that does not boldly dominate but instead takes a “fist in a velvet glove” approach. Exuding dynamism, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a transformative red tone capable of driving design to create a more positive future.”

Pantone’s passion for colour is admirable – but how does the colour-

There is magic in magenta

way, or shades of it – translate to the world of tabletop? As part of its Circles collection – Vista Alegre bring us a complex piece of glassware, each piece in the assortment works to enhance the space and, this particular piece, is very on trend with its magenta hue.

Meanwhile, the Aura collection from Zwiesel Glas has some lovely

As Pantone announces viva magenta as its 2023 colour of the year, Tableware International highlights collections which give a nod to the rich shade

Vista Alegre

Sieger

Thomas

aubergine highlights which add a subtle splash of freshness to the simple design. If you’re after a stronger shade in your glasses, Villeroy & Boch has some very on-trend grape coloured pieces from the like grape range which are really impactful. As you would expect, Artel too has some lovely glassware such as the Verdure highball in fuchsia and the Faceted double old fashioned and highball in fuchsia and amethyst. There is always an interesting story behind Artel’s designs and these are no different. Verdure has been inspired by wallpaper created by Dagobert Peche of the Wiener Werkstatte (an early 20th-century Austrian design movement), and features richly detailed blossoms and leafy vines. It is, in fact, one of Artel’s most popular motifs. Faceted, meanwhile, draws inspiration from 18th-century German vessels that used the same style of cutting and polishing.

Moving onto dinnerware – Burleigh’s Pink Asiatic Pheasants is not only a true and true classic, it adds a lovely pop of pink. So too does Pip Studio’s fuchsia new bone china Chique collection which boasts matt gold detailing, giving a twist to the classic shape.

A firm favourite since it was lauched a number of years ago –Sambonet’s lovely Madame assortment is, as the company puts it, “reminiscent of the mood and prosperity of 19th-century French salons”. The serveware in the shape of footed bowls and trays comes in a delicate pink hue – not quite the full force of magenta but a nod to it, none the less.

Magenta plays a key role in the the Versace Alphabet Trays from Rosenthal.

The fine porcelain Alphabet collection spells out Versace‘s heritage with the Spring Summer 1992 archival print featuring Barocco lettering. Trés chic!

Sieger by Fürstenberg’s triumphant Paraíso décor pays homage to the beauty of the earth, the richness of nature and the diversity of cultures and with lovely magenta highlights, the assortment is a joy to behold. Finally, Thomas’s Sunny Day collection in fuchsia is a lovely ode to the magenta family – not quite pink and not quite red. Whether you favour pink or red or even purple – you’ll find pieces to suit your taste.

RmV

Sambonet

Artel

With its popular Made in England assortment of slip-cast mugs, Dunoon exports up to 70 per cent of its production, which is why Ambiente is so important to them. Sales director Peter Smith tells Tableware International more...

Designs for life

The team at Dunoon – one of the premiere producers of Made in England bone china cups and mugs – are preparing for Ambiente 2023.

“We are attending Ambiente Frankfurt in February,” sales director Peter Smith confirms, adding it remains a vital date in their business diary.

“Pre-pandemic we did several UK exhibitions but we’ve maintained our market share by

using our sales representatives who are more than capable of covering our home market. Ambiente Frankfurt has always been our most important trade show globally.”

Given Dunoon exports 70 per cent of its production to more than 60 countries worldwide, it is understandable as to why an event such as Ambiente takes centre stage for the company.

“Europe is very strong for

New product

Dunoon’s annual catalogue features approx. 1,000 designs, of which a quarter are new.

us with France, Germany and Scandinavia very important, all having a concentration of speciality tea shops where the synergy between the sale of loose-leaf tea and fine china mugs is perfect. North American (USA and Canada), Far East (Japan and China), Middle East (UAE) all perform well and

want quality, great design and importantly the ‘Made in England’ backstamp,” Peter adds.

Like many global manufacturers the past year has brought a mix of highs and lows. Post-pandemic sales for Dunoon have increased, both in terms of brick-and-mortar retailers and online.

Dunoon will be exhibiting at Ambiente – visit them Hall 12.1, D21

Cairngorm Dawn Chorus

Cairngorm Hot Spots, Starburst and Warm Hearts

Lomond Kimono

“Orders have been significantly larger than prepandemic due to a variety of reasons such as customers, both in the UK and overseas markets, wanting Made in England products, and disposable income being spent on the home, especially when travel was restricted,” explains Peter, who adds demand continues to be better than expected.

As with many businesses, over the past year Dunoon’s Staffordshire factory found itself susceptible to the impact of Covid. “Various bouts of Covid running through our factory in Staffordshire has meant key workers have been off ill which has impacted, at times, our ability to respond to strong demand. Fortunately, in recent weeks this now seems to have eased.”

Other challenges too have arisen – energy costs being a major one. “We’ve seen a massive rise in our gas and electricity costs. The production process involves gas firing in kilns at biscuit stage to 1200˚C and glost firing and enamel firing in our electric kilns to 1080˚C and 800˚C respectively. Consequently, we’ve needed to apply an energy surcharge for

the time being. Most of our trade customers have been understanding and accepted the increase with the caveat that retail prices will reflect this increase, and ultimately, the consumer will decide. Time will tell.”

Luckily, Dunoon’s customer base is a receptive one and the company’s expansive product offering includes more than 1,000 designs – meaning a core team of around 12 designers – two of whom are in-house, with the others being freelance.

“All have worked with us for many years and understand what is required either working to a brief or when supplying speculative artwork,” Peter explains. “A major strength of Dunoon is the size and variety of the mug range.”

Some of Dunoon’s best-selling patterns have been created by design manager Caroline Bessey, who has worked with the brand for more than 35 years, creating the celebrated Warm Hearts, Hot Spots and Starburst motifs.

The company also has a strong classical market, with artistry from in-house designer Jane Fern-Withington – such as the tulip shaped 300ml Suffolk shape featuring traditional designs –proving popular.

“In Europe the tea shops do well with oversize mugs,” Peter tells us.

kitchenware. Despite performing well, this was always a distraction from the mugs, our core business. Since then, we switched our focus and concentration onto mugs and we’re more efficient for it.”

Did you know?

Dunoon exports 70 per cent of its production to more than 60 global countries.

“Whereas in the Far East classical patterns such as florals and cute, on regular size, shapes sell well. However, the market is constantly evolving and it’s important that retailers try various shapes and patterns – you never know what the next big trend is!”

When asked whether Dunoon would ever consider designing full dinnerware collections again, Peter tells us: “When we made stoneware in the 1970s and early 1980s we produced both mugs and tableware and in the 1980s and 1990s a range of ceramics

Before we leave Peter go, we have just one question – why does tea taste so nice from a Dunoon mug?

“As mentioned earlier, we slip-cast our mugs, they are not machine made and are therefore nice and thin, light to hold and fine to drink from. Ideal for tasting a good mug of tea or coffee, plus a beautiful pattern can only add to the pleasure! I’ve been with Dunoon for many years, and I’m constantly told by our customers and users of Dunoon mugs that their drinks taste so much better from a Dunoon mug.”

To see Dunoon’s 2023 designs – visit them at Ambiente, Hall 12.1, D21.

Henley Meadow Breeze (left), Suffolk Secret Wood (right)

L’art de la table

How would you describe the French tableware industry at the moment? Is it healthy?

Degrenne: France has a long, historical, prominent position in the world tableware industry, not only due to its gastronomic tradition but also down to its well-known ‘arts de vivre à la française’ (French art of living), inspiring people all over the world. Of course, Made in France stands worldwide for high-quality, elegance, refinement and beauty but also a centuriesold savoir-faire. The French tableware industry perfectly reflects those values and it’s a real reference in the premium/ luxury segment. Unfortunately for decades we experienced in France a strong industrial delocalisation with a reduction of French manufacturers and

Meet the panellists

brands that couldn’t resist globalization, mainly driven by low prices. Today, even if producing in France still represents a real challenge in terms of costs, more and more companies and brands realise – as Degrenne always did - that Made in France is a real addedvalue for the consumers, especially in the last five/six years. And even more after the Covid crisis that obliged all of us to reconsider our consumption and buying habits with a new responsible social and environmental approach.

In this sense, I could say the French tableware industry is healthy and is experiencing real momentum in terms of sales and international development even if it will take some time to rebuild a strong local industrial landscape.

La Rochère: The French tableware industry has been going through a dynamic period during the last two and a half years due to the Covid situation.

Despite a drop of demand in the foodservice sector during

lockdown, retail demand has boomed. My feeling is that consumers have been rediscovering home entertaining. Besides, it seems people are more and more attracted by the Made in France products, and local craftmanship. It’s good for our industry and the right time to further highlight

meaning, and peace through our tableware offering.

Sabre: There is not a simple answer to this, everyone’s strategy has been very different in the last five years. Some companies had focused for years on national HoReCa and left regular retail. Some had been less exposed to their

our know-how. Finally, the second half of 2022 is more difficult. Energy costs have risen and inflation of all costs creates new conditions and a heavy atmosphere.

Consumer behaviour thus changes and competition from overseas is back. More than ever, we need to bring consumers joy,

About Francéclat

national market and those had been much more resilient.

Degrenne: Degrenne exports 40 per cent of its production in more than 80 countries all over the world. The United States market still represents

Do you export to many countries?

Degrenne, La Rochere and Sabre are all members of Francéclat.

“The French tableware industry has been going through a dynamic period… Despite a drop of demand in the foodservice sector during lockdown, retail demand has boomed”

La Rochère

Long-famed for their exquisite cuisine, and with fine food and wine an ingrained part of the culture, it is no surprise France produces some of the most beautiful tableware too. But how have French companies fared over recent times? We asked industry leaders to share their thoughts…

Massimiliano Contigiani, president foodservice & international division, Degrenne

Nicolas Bigot, sales manager, La Rochère

Françis GELB, CEO and Pascale GELB, creative director, Sabre

About Degrenne...

Degrenne is a French manufacturer of cutlery and dinnerware. The company was founded in Normandy in 1948 by Mr Guy Degrenne and became a leading cutlery brand in France. The Degrenne group employees more than 650 peoples working in three factories (one in Normandy for cutlery and holloware, one in Limoges producing the

by far our first international market followed by the other European main markets but with a fast-growing presence also in Middle East and in some Asian markets such as South Korea and Japan.

La Rochère: We export 60 per cent of our total sales in more than 50 countries. Europe (especially Germany and UK), USA, China, Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia are our major territories.

Sabre: Sabre does 90 per cent of its sales abroad, USA, Korea and China are the top three countries, but we also have some unexpected countries like Myanmar or Dominican Republic. Also, it is interesting to notice that two of our top three countries use chopsticks!

What challenges is the global tableware industry facing and do you see a time when things will ease?

Degrenne: The global tableware industry is facing different challenges: the first and the most important is probably to reconsider our

product offering to better match the expectations of the new younger consumers. Actually, these new generations demand the global tableware industry has a deeper understanding of their values, and of what really matters to them such as versatility, durability and corporate social responsibility but also to adapt to the new way of consuming (nomad, local eating, world food).

The second important challenge is related – as for all other industries - to the strong inflation that is heavily affecting both production costs and consumer prices, and the consequent reduction of the purchase power. Of course, this challenge is less important for those companies and brands that have a clear premium/ luxury position.

La Rochère: Energy costs are definitely a challenge for many tableware industries such as glassware, stoneware, porcelain etc. We need to increase our prices to survive. But will consumers follow? Improving

world-famous “Haute Porcelaine de Limoges” and one in Alfold/Hungary specialising in mass-coloured stoneware) and in more than 50 shops and sales corners in France. In September 2021 Degrenne was named as “preferred tableware brand” by French consumers according to an independent research of Institut Statista for CAPITAL magazine.

our production process to make it more eco-friendly is another challenge.

Sabre: We have a very lucky industry; the creative process is very slow and our customers are extremely conservative. Thus, we can focus on the digitalisation and CSR, those will definitely be our two main challenges for the next years.

And what about France, what challenges lie within the local tabletop sector?

the French manufacturing industry has lost its working appeal. However, the Covid crisis contributed to a general reflection of our life models and offered many an opportunity for change, that’s way I am confident in our ability – as manufacturing industries with a real know-how – to meet this challenge by offering jobs that make sense.

La Rochère: Tableware culture is inherited from our French art

Degrenne: Today, the demand for French products remains strong but to be able to produce and distribute them we need to invest and to hire talented and skilled people. Unfortunately, for decades

of living. However, the younger generation’s way of living has tended to keep them away from traditional tableware culture. Our challenge is to attract them to tableware, and to adapt our offering to their new art of living.

“Creating value around our products will be the key in order to justify our always higher retail pricing”

La Rochère

Degrenne Degrenne Degrenne

About La Rochère...

La Rochère is the oldest glass manufacture still operating in France, founded in 1475. Nestled in the forest of Haute-Saône in the east of France the company employs 100 workers. They specialise in both machine-pressed glassware for every-day use and hand-blown crystalline. Almost 100 per cent is made in France in their workshop and factory.

Sabre: France is only 10 per cent of our total turnover and I like to say it is our toughest export market. In another words, I do not consider myself as an expert of the French

market. We recently have seen some very nice retail openings out of the major cities. The challenge for new retailers will be to find their way in between producer

The range includes: drinkware, coffee and tea mugs and cups, dessert and ice cups, appetizer dishes, jugs, candle pots. The company is recognised around the world (export sales 60 per cent) for designing and producing authentic, highquality glassware with French style for today’s modern home. The company’s mission is to create timeless products that combine style and strength whose design is inspired from both our archives and French art of living.

another human being?

Do you supply retail and HoReCa?

Degrenne: Yes, Degrenne is both distribution channels –retail and HoReCa – with an outstanding development in the hospitality industry over the past five years and despite the sanitary crisis. Today our HoReCa business represents already 50 per cent of our total tableware turnover.

La Rochère: Yes, we do both retail and HoReCa.

been a strategic asset of French economy as France is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world.

distribution. I can only say that department stores are not as strong as they used to be on the French market and retailers in the major cities of France had not been able to compete with department stores, unfortunately most of them have vanished from the

websites and stores, the online marketplace and the department store discounting merchandise all year around to drive traffic to their location.

What about back to basics? A human being welcoming, in a professional manner,

Sabre: HoReCa is a nonsignificant portion of our business at this point. We have no desire to explore this field, even if we realised it could be a nice growth opportunity. We just cannot do it all at the same time.

France has a global reputation for fine food and wine, how is the French hospitality sector faring at the moment?

Degrenne: The French hospitality sector has always

Of course, the Covid crisis heavily affected the sector, but it showed an amazing capacity of resilience since the end of travel restrictions, and registered a record performance specially in the last two summers with an excellent booking performance for the winter season. This boosted the hospitality industry to invest a lot and over the past years and months we experienced a real upgrade in terms of quality with new premium restaurants and hotels opening doors both for locals and international tourists.

La Rochère: My feeling is that the hospitality sector has sharply rebounded after Covid in France. Although professionals have great difficulties recruiting staff, consumer demand is high. Especially during the current

“The demand for French products remains strong but to be able to produce and distribute them we need to invest and to hire talented and skilled people”

Degrenne

La Rochère

La Rochère

La Rochère

About Sabre...

difficult time, people need to entertain, to have fun and share good times with friends. In order to differentiate, professional are more and more design-conscious. They demand more creative products. Probably a good

definitely back in the game! What are your thoughts on trends within the sector – do they encourage the consumer to buy more?

Degrenne: Consumerism as we have known it in the past decades is no longer socially accepted.

temperament and design with efficiency. Their complementary nature has led them to break away from the codes of tableware to offer colour, materials and above all joy and fantasy next to the crockery on the table!

first understood this are today extremely successful as the demand is huge.

La Rochère: The growing influence of digital channels such as social media tease the consumer by sharing or suggesting many trendy experiences and ideas. This is partially where our traditional tableware should reinvent itself. New and always dynamic gastronomy trends should also drive our inspiration of new products and our products promotion.

tableware industry as the dramatic growth of inflation will certainly affect our sector both at retail and HoReCa. Even so, as always in difficult times, in 2023 we will refocus on what counts most – our families and friends, and I am sure we will keep doing that around a nice table to share our time and food with them.

opportunity for flexible tableware companies.

Sabre: As mentioned before, we are not doing much in HoReCa, so it is just as a basic Parisian consumer that we will give our point of view. After years of sleepy Paris hospitality, it is fascinating to see how many new, lively restaurants have recently opened in Paris. Paris is

I would say that, as in every other sector, today we cannot encourage people to buy more but we should encourage them to buy better, and in a more conscious and responsible way.

This is our mission, to offer them products that better respond to their needs and that are durable. The companies and brands that

Sabre: Being part of a conservative industry, does not encourage the consumer to buy more. I’m not sure we can see a mega trend on style or shape, maybe with colours. To encourage our customer, we need trendy and exciting places to feature our product. The department store no longer promotes the tabletop industry.

Finally, how do you think 2023 will fare for the tableware industry?

Degrenne: I guess 2023 will be a challenging year for the

La Rochère: Creating value around our products will be the key in order to justify our always higher retail pricing. Generating emotional attraction among consumers and promoting our Made in France good values will help to convince our customers.

Sabre: We have an industry made of small companies, I sincerely believe unless a war is declared or a new pandemic affects the business in general, the year will be what you aim it to be. It is a world of opportunity and being the biggest no longer helps, being the fastest is key.

For Sabre, 2023 will be our 30th anniversary and our strategic plan for the next year is “Destination Moon”!

Sabre is a French flatware manufacture established in 1993. The company is a combination of founders Pascale and Francis’s personalities. Together they have linked creativity with technique, bohemian spirit with rigorous

“What about back to basics? A human being welcoming, in a professional manner, another human being?”

Sabre

Sabre

Sabre

Sabre

Sabre

“The best partnerships are based on trust”

Introducing a new dinnerware collection to the consumer market is always fraught with concerns –is it the right time to launch? Is the design up to scratch? Does it have longevity? Will it work in every territory? The list goes on.

Luxury brand Arta Broch has none of those concerns as it prepares to launch an exciting collaboration with renowned New York designer and architect Barry Goralnick. Due to be launched in the US imminently, the collection is so fresh to market that you’ll have

to visit Arta Broch (Hall 11.0, A83) in Ambiente to see the full assortment.

“We are partnering with established designers who understand and respect the industry,” Neel Patel (who, together with his brother Rishabh, owns Arta Broch) says of the new Arta Broch x Barry Goralnick collection. “However, they are challenging us to combine metals, colours, and motifs in ways never before seen.”

While the collection will initially roll out in the US, Neel says it will be expanded into other markets over

having our own facility with great production methods is that we can be very flexible and strategic.”

For his part, Barry Goralnick says the collaboration with Arta Broch “is a perfect match”.

“They are interested in creating a new high-end retail division that is targeted to the US, as well as internationally,” he tells Tableware International. Having recently designed a collection for another tableware manufacturer, and with a background in architecture and fine art, Goralnick and his team were wellversed in the intricacies and demands of working with china as a material.

“Arta Broch’s capabilities are boundless. We explored new colours, mixed metals, new forms, and other cutting-edge techniques. They never say no – they say, “we’ll explore it”. This is something any designer loves to hear in a collaboration.

Excitingly, one of the stand-out design elements of the collection will be the incorporation of mixed metals, a challenge the design team gave themselves. “How best to achieve transitions from gold to silver is something we worked on as a group,” Barry reveals. “The result is quite distinctive – like nothing we’ve seen before, which was our goal.”

the course of the year. The range currently consists of a charger, dinner plate, salad plate, pasta /cereal bowl and a mug.

“Since the initial launch is targeted to the US we do not plan to produce teapots, cups and saucers, however we already have these items designed so we’re ready to introduce them at any time,” Neel tells us. “The beauty of

The stacked Gemini dinner plate and salad plate in blue

“The best partnerships are based on trust, having complementary goals, and enjoying the process as well as the finished product. From the first meeting we felt a chemistry with Neel and Rishabh and we have been enjoying the development.”

The assortment has been more than six months in development. “There are eight collections in the introductory launch,” Barry reveals. “In our experience, this is unusually fast and is a testament to the success of the partnership, as well the capability and expertise we all bring to the collaboration.”

The collection embodies Barry Goralnick’s distinctive design aesthetic and incorporates his own distinct trademark. “The designs are born out of our trademark Blended Modern philosophy. Experience has shown me that the designs that resonate most have a passing nod to the familiar – be it design, architecture, fashion, or history. These elements help create an instant recognition for the consumer. But those connections are subtle, inverted, reimagined, and alluded to in ways that deliver fresh and unexpected results. As such, they have appeal to any gender, any age,” the designer says.

“We dial up the creativity with juxtapositions of scale and unexpected design combinations that serve up a creative tension within each collection.

“Anyone setting a table can use any or all of the pieces, letting the elements reflect their own imagination in the tablescape they set. The quality is unparalleled, and the collections’ designs are both timeless and of the moment.”

See Arta Broch at Ambiente, Hall 11.0, stand A83.

Arta

“We are partnering with established designers who understand and respect the industry”

Neel Patel, Arta Broch

Barry Goralnick

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The past year has been an exciting one for acclaimed glassmaker Orrefors – they are in the midst of a brand transformation as they prepare to celebrate 125 years in 2023. The company is very much looking towards the future while honouring its past. Creative director

Building for the future

Orrefors celebrates 125 years in 2023 – what is the reason for the brand’s longevity?

I would say Orrefors’ base in Scandinavian design and its principles – innovation, functionality, craftmanship, timeless aesthetics and sustainable quality. Important values that survive the test of time.

Orrefors has worked with some exceptional designers – what have some of the more iconic

pieces/collections been?

The breakthrough in Paris 1925 introduced Simon Gate and Edward Hald to a global audience. This signalled the start of the so-called Swedish Grace period. During the 1950s Orrefors released some if its most iconic products and objects. Among them Äpplet by Ingeborg Lundin, Tulpanglas by Nils Landberg and Klot Över Kon by John Selbing. Later on Sven Palmquist patented centrifuged glass and developed the Fuga collection. The Nobel

New for 2023…

collection is another iconic series, developed for the Swedish Nobel Prize ceremony. Many of Orrefors’ products are included in permanent collections at some of the world’s leading museums and are regularly featured at international auction houses.

What makes glass such an alluring material to work with?

The transformation of glass from a hot, syrupy mass to a piece of glittering crystal is a spectacular

Amongst their new launches, Orrefors is introducing two new partnerships; a series of vases called Reed with Swedish designer Monica Förster and with British designer Benjamin Hubert, they are launching Stilts, a series of plates, bowls and dishes and Ensemble, a series of vases and containers.

process. Glass is a material that is full of contradictions. It can be fluid and firm, hot and cold, soft and hard. Simple and complicated. It can be difficult to tame, but unbelievably beautiful when the designer and glassblower both succeed.

Do you think glass and glassware has a life which extends beyond trends? Or is it equally susceptible to what is in vogue?

I would say both. Glass is durable and long lasting. It can express contemporary lifestyle aesthetics as well as timeless and classic quality. So, it comes down to brand values and range strategy and what you choose to do. If you are relevant or not.

The industry has endured a challenging 2022 – how has it been for Orrefors?

David Carlson tells Tableware International more…

“Glass is a material that is full of contradictions”

Informal, designed by

Björn Dahlström

We are in the middle of a brand transformation and 2022 has been very exciting. We have launched a new e-commerce platform, implemented a new graphic profile, developed our distribution strategy and introduced several new product concepts and design partnerships. The future looks both bright and exciting.

Can you tell us anything about your new collections for 2023? We are introducing two new

partnerships in 2023; Swedish designer Monica Förster and British designer Benjamin Hubert. With Monica Förster, recently named AW Designer of the Year 2023, we are launching a series of vases called Reed. With Benjamin Hubert we are launching Stilts, a series of plates, bowls and dishes and Ensemble, a series of vases and containers. We also have new series of Claesson Koivisto Rune and line extensions by Ingegerd Råman, Erika Lagerbielke and Lena Bergström, on the horizon.

Will Orrefors be exhibiting at any trade shows this year?

We can confirm that Orrefors will exhibit at Stockholm Design Week in February whilst Three Days of Design in Copenhagen and London Design Week are under consideration. Orrefors are also present at the majority of the trade shows in the US in both Spring and Fall including Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas. Finally, looking towards the

future, what can we expect from Orrefors?

You can expect a contemporary brand with a proud heritage that provides premium design and interior objects in glass for interiors where a clear identity matters. Always looking ahead, always looking to innovate.

Orrefors has a never-ending commitment to challenge design, quality and technology to make a positive contribution to peoples’ lives.

How Orrefors will mark its 125th anniversary

As Orrefors turns 125 in 2023, the company will celebrate the momentous anniversary by putting specific focus on four iconic designs – one for each quarter. In Q1 they will highlight Cut In Number by Ingegerd Råman, in Q2 the Intermezzo tableware series by Erika Lagerbielke, in Q3 the historic Mingus pitcher by Vicke Lindstrand before we round off the year in Q4 by celebrating the Nobel series by Gunnar Cyrén. All timeless contemporary products introduced by Orrefors as they build for the future.

“We’re in the middle of a brand transformation”

Ingeborg Lundin designed for Orrefors

pic: Erik Liljeroth

Intermezzo, designed by Erika Lagerbielke

Intermezzo, designed by Erika Lagerbielke

Reed, designed by Monica-Förster

Yuki 由紀 Snow

When Italian design meets Austrian production

“The increases in energy and raw material prices are certainly putting a strain on the glass industry,” says Giovanni Bormioli, president of the Cerve group –owners of the Vidivi brand since 2021.

“When it comes to the hollow glass sector for bottling food, perfumery and pharmaceuticals, the necessary price increases are absorbed without difficulty, guaranteeing margins, but in tableware the situation is much more delicate.”

In fact, Giovanni tells us the tableware market “is unable to incorporate the price increases and this leads to a decrease in volumes. A contingency that has forced some Italian glass factories to close”.

Vidivi, however, has been able to react to the situation, partly because its production plant is in Austria where energy costs are slightly lower. But also, Giovanni says, because the

company is addressing a target that is willing to enhance the intrinsic quality of the product”.

The Cerve Group acquired the Vidivi brand in January 2021 and since then, its development has been a focus of the group.

“We’ve paid a lot of attention to the product above all, in addition to new collections, we have created a

awareness. “First of all, Vidivi pieces will be laser marked with our logo to make them easily recognisable. Then, through collaborations with personalities from the world of cooking, we want to make our proposal better known. Furthermore, a new website has been online for a few weeks and finally, we are about to open another physical point of sale

Introducing Vidivi’s Murano collection

2023 catalogue which re-proposes a selection of the historic Vidivi offerings,” says Giovanni, explaining that there will also be a focus on communication to create brand

in Austria,” Giovanni adds.

There is a focus on retail too. The Cerve shop which opened in 2017 is seeing “decidedly positive results”. Along with retailing pieces from the Cerve Group, the store sells carefully selected household products. “We stock an assortment that aims to create a culture of beauty through proposals that can satisfy different style and budget needs,” Giovanni explains. “The strength of the shop is precisely the ability to offer inspiration. Making shopping an easy and pleasant experience. In my opinion, these should be the strengths of independent stores: competence, sensitivity in selecting assortments and service.”

Vidivi is launching a new collection – Murano (pictured above) – at Ambiente. “We wanted to combine a desire for true beauty with high-quality pressed glass and top-level design,” Giovanni says. The new collection will be presented at Ambiente and is signed by Marco Mascetti’s Mister Smith Studio in Milan.

Boasting innovative and original shapes, Murano combines strength and brilliance showcased in glasses, vases and underplates. “This is a collection of quality and design created with sustainability too,” adds Giovanni. “Recently we published our first sustainability report. Not only do we produce a green product in itself, but we do it by implementing a production process that respects the environment, for example, we use an electric oven powered by renewable energy.”

“We’ve paid a lot of attention to the product”

Giovanni Bormioli, president Cerve Group, talks energy, raw material prices, new collections, merging Italian design with Austrian production know-how and more…

The return of Ambiente

It is back. After a two-year hiatus, Ambiente returns to the global exhibiton scene. Tableware International shines a spotlight on the industry’s key trading event…

In what may be the final piece of the postCovid puzzle, Ambiente returns this February. The last show took place in 2020, just as the global pandemic was starting to take hold and now, three years later, we are back in business.

This year’s Ambiente has a slightly different feel to it, taking place parallel with Christmasworld and Creativeworld, but the heart of the trade fair remains the same – the HoReCa focused hall will be 11.0 and dining in 12.0, for example.

Some brands have opted out of the trade event, Denby for example, Fiskars, and Villeroy & Boch, (although Villeroy & Boch Hotel will have a stand Hall 11.0, B11) but for the most part you’ll find key global players have committed.

Portmeirion will be there in Hall 12.1, stand E42 with brands such as Spode, Nambe, Royal Worcester to name but a few and key glassware providers Şişecam with brands

the number of dining exhibitors at Ambiente 2023.

such as Paşabahçe and Nude Glass will be found in Hall 12.0 and 12.1 respectively. Another Turkish outfit, Porland, will be found in HoReCa (11.0, stand D11) and dining (12.1, stand C20) while Portuguese powerhouse Vista Alegre boasts three stands in HoReCa (11.0, stand B91) along with stands in Hall 12.0, stand C82 and Hall 12.1, stand D73.

Premium HoReCa brands such as Bonna will, of course, be found in Hall 11.0, stand C21 with the likes of RAK Porcelain who can also be found in Hall 11.0 in stands C71 and C91.

Other recognisable brand names such as Alfi, Bormioli Rocco, Cristel, De Buyer, Dibbern, the Küchenprofi Group (with Cilio, Zassenhaus, Küchenprofi), Kai, Kuhn Rikon, Libby, Mepal, Robbe & Berking, Rosenthal, Sodastream and Tramontina will also be found in the dining area.

“We at Robbe & Berking are all looking forward to finally experiencing Ambiente again,” says Oliver Berking, managing director of Robbe & Berking. “Like many other exhibitors, we have used digital options for substitute events in recent years. But at the same time, we have really missed our Frankfurt trade show. Nothing comes close to the trade fair experience of an Ambiente.”

“Ambiente continues to be the global meeting place for the Dining sector. That is why we are delighted that the leading companies in the sector will be presenting their highlights at Ambiente 2023. This clearly show how important the physical encounters at Ambiente are for making decisions and doing business.”

Thomas Kastl, director, Ambiente Dining

5 mins with…

On trend for 2023

Aside from the obvious benefits of doing business in person, Ambiente also offers a whole host of work-enhancing content for visitors. Take trends for example – we are, after all, operating in a trend-driven sector so staying ahead of the curve is a necessity.

Trend bureau bora.herke. palmisano has been appointed by fair organisers Messe Frankfurt to curate a selection of products from Ambiente exhibitors which fit into three trend categories which will be showcased at Ambiente Trends 23+ which you will find in the Trend Area in the foyer of Hall 4.1.

“After two years in a state of emergency, the signs are noticeably pointing to a new start. In our research, we have found powerful living themes that answer the pressing questions of our time in very different ways. What they all have in common is a close connection to people, their feelings and their experiences,” says Annetta Palmisano of bora. herke.palmisano.

The three trends chosen by bora.herke.palmisano are; unknown beauty_strange + gracious, calming nature_careful + pleasant and finally, lasting ideas_ passionate + evocative.

The first trend – unknown beauty_strange + gracious –points towards longing for new, surprising experiences. This trend reflects a living theme that combines unconventional grace and incredible new creations. The unexpected makes its way into the familiar living environment here. When it comes to the colour palette – think intense, extravagant colours alternating with soft

nuances. Multi-coloured and shimmering tones dominate, as do iridescent rainbow effects or wet looks.

The second trend, calming nature_careful + pleasant, focuses on the calming power of nature. Here you will find organic shapes, gentle colours and a careful use of resources supported by natural colourways.

The third and final trend – lasting ideas_passionate + evocative – condenses the ideas of outstanding design icons into a living theme that seeks solutions for the here and now. In terms of a colour palette, expect to see petrol and blue nuances dominate the cool range, while intense orange-red with shades of violet and yellow lead the warm orientation.

Specialist lectures will take

What benefits are there to exhibiting at Ambiente 2023? Ambiente is one of the most important fairs of the sector. Here, we have the opportunity to showcase our sustainable products along with our new products. For this reason, it is very valuable to us. Also, as one of the pioneers of the sector, it is an area where we can express that we use technology in the best way. Thanks to Ambiente, we will have the opportunity to meet with our existing customers, distributors and new potential customers. We are very lucky in this respect.

Which new collection is Bonna particularly excited to exhibit?

Always proud to bring sustainable products such as Prints, Craft and Ground to the sector, Bonna is looking forward to the launch of its new collections designed with artificial intelligence.

Meet the talent

The next generation of talented designers will showcase their exceptional work in two Talents areas at the show – hall 3.1 (Interior Design) and in hall 12.1 (Tableware & Accessories). The 32 newcomers come from all over the world: Argentina, Germany, Finland, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, Hungary, and the USA. In the Talents area at Hall 12.1 a total of 10 participants will present work in 2023 Tableware & Accessories.

Did you know?

Ambiente is broken into four segments – dining, living, giving and working. The dining sector is of particular interest covering glass, porcelain and everything from kitchen accessories to small electrical appliances. It is also where HoReCa buyers will find what they are looking for.

We asked Bonna’s general manager Erbil Askan why Ambiente is an important date in their business diary

place in the Conzoom Solutions Academy in Room Europa, Hall 4.0 Foyer throughout the fair, ideal for those looking for more in-depth take on the chosen highlights.

HoReCa in focus

The HoReCa hall 11.0 is fully booked which is reassuring news after a trying number of years. “The industry was hit hard,” agrees Ambient’s dining director Thomas Kastl in a recent interview. “But the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic has also inspired many spontaneous changes in strategy and practical innovations. That’s why we are very pleased that we will again have a concentrated Hospitality offering in Hall 11.0 in 2023 – and even with significant

growth compared to the last event. Hall 11.0 is already fully booked at the present time. These times in particular show that the HoReCa industry – the new hospitality – is growing.”

Thomas says in addition to the Front of House theme, there are exhibitors with the Out of House theme, which is naturally in great demand in the wake of the pandemic. “This year, the HoReCa Academy will once again offer plenty of insights - from innovative concepts and best practices from all over the world, to opportunities through digitalization and the current trends in gastronomy. A great offer for every hospitality buyer. But that is not the only thing that Ambiente offers

professional buyers from the hotel and gastronomy sectors – visitors have the unique opportunity to order products from the hospitality collections of the dining exhibitors as well as the lifestyle collections of the living and giving exhibitors. With the HoReCa programme, we work specifically in the dining environment. For target groups such as architects, interior decorators, or contract furnishers, this has its counterpart in the Living segment under the name Contract Business.”

So, from 3 to 7 February, the tabletop industry will see the return of its premier trade event and the Tableware International team will be in attendance throughout –we look forward to meeting you there.

marketing manager Nikolan Borger on why Ambiente is a

What benefits are there to exhibiting at Ambiente 2023?

Focus on Scandinavian design

Over 70 exhibitors from Scandinavia will be presenting the upcoming bestsellers in Scandinavian design in the Interior Design Hall 3.1. In addition to Sweden, Norway and Finland, visitors will find many exhibitors from Denmarkhome to countless world-famous design greats. Michael Ring, CEO and owner of the Danish design house Stelton says: “Stelton and RIG-TIG have saved up novelties for the first Ambiente in three years. We have focus on function and design, exactly what we are good at - our Ambiente visitors will not be disappointed. Scandinavian design will be represented with some of the strongest brands form up North - all placed in hall 3.1. I am sure hall 3.1 will be worth visiting. The product launches will be before its time - best in class.”

Brands such as Broste Copenhagen A/S, Fabula Living ApS, F & H A/S with the brands Zone Denmark, Hoptimist and Gense, Georg Jensen A/S, Le Feu By Lauritsen ApS, Reflections Copenhagen Aps and Stelton A/S will be present in Frankfurt am Main in 2023.

Trade visitors will gain inspiring insights into the world of Scandinavian design not only at the trade fair stands, but also at lectures by renowned design experts at the Conzoom Solutions Academy.

In comparison to the past two years it is rather obvious! We finally have an occasion to meet our partners and customers from all over the world in person. We are looking forward to a lot of personal meetings with people – some of whom we actually consider friends. No videocall will ever be able to replace that in full. However, compared to Ambientes of the past, we know this might be a different story since it is actually three shows at once, and of those three only one is relevant to us. However, it will turn out, we are optimistic and we are there with two booths, one retail – Halle 12.1 stand C43, and one HoReCa –Halle 11.0 Stand C30, as usual. We are looking forward to meeting you there.

How would you sum up the past year?

It was challenging, especially with the logistic complications and energy crisis, especially relevant to glass production, but we came out ok.

Which new collection are you particularly excited to exhibit?

That would be Stomp! and Sagano. As far as we know there never has been anything similar.

Zieher’s

must-attend for them

Michael Ring, Stelton

Georg Jensen

Stelton

Bonna

Hall 11.0, C21

HoReCa brand Bonna will present several new assortments at Ambiente 2023. With its new collection Ground, produced from recycled waste mud, Bonna presents the company’s endless respect for the earth and gives back to it what we have taken from the soil. The meticulously produced collection consists of two different colour options, the outer surface of which is a raw body, and the inner surface is gray and transparent. Even the boxes used in the packaging of the 10-piece collection, which impresses with its simplicity, are made of recyclable materials.

Meanwhile, Bonna’s Craft collection is produced from recycled raw materials. The brand, which recycles and reuses 80 per cent of the water used in production, sees it possible to produce without consuming the resources of our planet.

Designed with the unreliable form of the Prints Collection, which supports wildlife as a design, Craft’s outer surface consists of a raw body and its inner surface consists of two colour options – gray and transparent. In the collection, which has recycled boxes, intermediate paper is used instead of a piphon.

Bonna also presents new cutlery collections. Designer Nick Holland’s Grace series, specially designed for the fine dining segment, draws attention with its elegant style. The design has a contemporary look resembling a style between Scandinavian and Japanese. Next, reflecting the comfortable ambiance of the casual dining world, the Vogue series has been designed with a sculptural feature with flowing lines and soft curves. Another series in the collection, Illusion, will be indispensable for banquet tables with its universal and timeless appeal. Using the best quality stainless steel in all Cutlery Collections, Bonna continues to provide solutions for the different needs of its users.

Finally, Bonna breaks new ground in the porcelain sector with Futura, reflecting all the characteristics of the Renaissance! In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance, which influenced the whole world, revealed the energy of re-existence with art, philosophy and science. Based on this special period and designed using artificial intelligence technology with the blend of art, science and nature, Futura will bring the iconic effects of the Renaissance to the tables. bonna.com.tr

5 mins with…

Porcel will be giving a first look at their 2023 collections this Ambiente. The last number of years has been about innovation and the company has taken an opportunity to innovate the way they lay out their porcelain pieces to help clients visualise them in thier own setting. Those who visit during the early days of the show will have an exclusive first-hand look at the new pieces. Porcel’s president Ana Roque tells us why Ambiente is important to her company

Hall 12.1 Stand D37

What benefits are there to exhibiting at Ambiente 2023?

This is an international tradeshow frequented by buyers from all over the world. It serves as a meeting point with current clients and as an opportunity to potentially attract new ones. Porcel will also take this as a chance to showcase new releases, by launching the new 2023 Spring collections during the event.

Which new collection are you particularly excited to exhibit?

We are very excited to finally exhibit the new collections we have been working on. These new releases are the result of months of work and dedication, being sure to reflect our endeavour to innovate the way we work with high-end porcelain. As the launch of the collections will be during Ambiente, we are looking forward to hear the first impressions from those who visits us during the event.

www.porcel.pt

Home Cosmetics

Increasingly adopting an integrated and extended lifestyle philosophy, Vista Alegre has now launched its Home Cosmetics line, with a differentiating proposal of decoration and high perfumery for the home. The brand’s personality is closely identified with the experience of personal space and, like its entire range of products, the Home Cosmetics line is also defined by excellence and know-how, satisfying customers who seek a personalized complement to their environment. Three exclusive fragrances – Innocence, Pouvoir and Mystère –, created by a renowned perfumer, enrich the ambiance of the home with unique scents, bottled inside porcelain holders, inspired by the brand’s collections. The aromatic atmosphere, harmonized with the visual element, is thus defined according to the taste, style and personality of whomever is selecting the product. The range includes candles, soap and home spray inspired by individual perfumery references, with focus on exclusivity, quality of raw materials and sustainability.

Vista Alegre

Hall 12.1, D73 / D71, Hall 11.0, B91

www.vistaalegre.com

Vista Alegre will be present at Ambiente Fair, in hall 12.1, stand D73 with the Vista Alegre pieces, in hall 12.1 stand D71 exhibiting the Bordallo Pinheiro pieces and in hall 11.0 and in stand B91 with the HotelWare line. New collections will be introduced to the public such as The Meaning, which will mix several production techniques, materials and brands. The new Home Cosmetics line will also be one of the strongest novelties of this year, with its scents Pouvoir, Innocence and Mystére, developed by a French perfumist. Still within the novelties it will be presented new pieces of the textile line, with new design, new uses and the high quality that is part of this collection.

Collections such as Futurismo, Treasures, Vortex by Ross Lovegrove, the E2H by Ross Lovegrove lighting line, Fête Vos Jeux, Christian Lacroix Maison, and the most recent creation from the 2i contemporary art line will complete the brand's presence at this show. Here is just a taster of what is on offer:

The Meaning

In the new The Meaning collection a secret garden is born where, among labyrinths, clearings, fountains and trees, we come across graceful flowers and plants arise, surrounded by birds and delicate insects. A place of delight and contemplation, full of symbolism and elements, which are always open to new interpretations. Through a concept which complements itself in a harmonious way, this dreamlike tour through Vista Alegre porcelain and crystal pieces, enriching The Meaning’s very own imagination.

Cloudy Butterflies

At Bordallo Pinheiro visitors can see an extension of the Cloudy Butterflies collection, by Claudia Schiffer, with table pieces that will complement the decorative pieces.

“Maria en Vogue” Dream Blue

Rosenthal

Hall 12.1 C61/D61

Rosenthal will present its 2023 novelties at Ambiente. Let’s take a look at some of the collections on offer:

“Maria

en Vogue” Dream Blue

Timelessly beautiful and gracious, in a dreamy pastel blue - the Rosenthal classic Maria presents itself as a dazzling style icon in 2023. In the new colour glaze, the mysterious blue shade draws on influences from fashion and the elegant interiors of the past, giving the geometric shape a captivating look: the collection evokes the mysterious, the impossible, stands for romance and true love, it stands for the ongoing love story... of “Maria en Vogue”.

A delicate shade

of blue underlines a roman tic vintage touch to the new series and highlights the famous “Maria” relief of pomegranates and olive branches on breakfast plates, coffee and espresso cups, plates, cereal bowls and mugs even more.

The triumph of the “Maria” shape began in 1916. The service was named after the wife of company founder Philipp Rosenthal, who married 35-year-younger Maria in 1916. “Maria” stands for

porcelain history and table culture. Presumably created as a replica of a silver tea service, this polygonal dinnerware shape with the characteristic edge relief in the form of a fruit garland became the most extensive Rosenthal service. In 1939, there were already more than 170 different items, from bone dishes to knife banks and decorative corks. Even today, more than 70 different individual pieces are available.

TAC All-round Plate and Bowl

Inspired by the functionally

timeless and straightforward style of the Bauhaus, the TAC service by Walter Gropius has made a name for itself in design history and is being expanded with new porcelain forms. In the spirit of the visionary architect, the new all-round plate and the versatile salad bowl embody the understated elegance and material purism, but at the same time ensure optimum functionality in keeping with the zeitgeist of the new dining culture.

The new all-round plate is neither flat nor deep, nor is it a bowl – rather it is a vessel that meets people’s needs and, above all, their

TAC

RmV

Node “Lava” / “Stripes”

Intertwined shape, flowing lines, soft porcelain - the ingredients of the Node vase are simple, and the result is captivating. Design er Martin Hirth, one of the most acclaimed German newcomers of recent years, plays with common visual practices and at the same time puts them into question: with Node he fixes the moment of the usually only temporary and not static node in a figurative porcelain sculpture.

The vase has a strong presence in the room - but never seems too obtrusive there. “The Node vase maintains a presence through its sculptural character, but also leaves enough room for a bouquet of flowers to make an im pact,” notes Martin Hirth of his design.

With a size of 25 cm Node is availiable in four colours: in white throughdyed porcelain, in rosé shade Cameo, dark green Abyss and, in 2023, completely new, in the shade Lava. A tone of grey colour in perfect, elegant neutrality, which emphasizes the captivating shape of the vase.

changing eating habits with a modern, well thought-out design concept in the way of Rosenthal. The multifunctional bowl is likewise a suitable salad bowl for all kinds of salads all year round due to its shape and size.

Reduced to the essentials, the new vessel composition is the epitome of minimalism, it conveys balance in a fast-paced world overloaded with things and also draws attention to conscious consumption. The TAC porcelain items

nevertheless set no limits for culinary delights and therefore offer an ideal platform for the most essential things.

Rosenthal meets Versace: 30 Years Mug Collection

Gianni Versace was one of the first designers worldwide to understand the importance of creating a fashion house with a true lifestyle value. Since then, Versace has become synonymous not only with fashion, but with a way of life.

In 2023, Versace and

that is both elegant and fresh. The colours surely contribute to this: Mango, Blueberry, Plum and Apple spark the desire for fruit ice cream and summer feeling. With or without flowers, Node Stripes give good vibes and are the perfect gift to get you in the summer mood all year round.

Rosenthal celebrate the 30th anniversary of the collaboration between two great partners who, in their respective fields, are among the most renowned brands in the world. The collaboration has resulted in a wide range of the finest porcelain collections, enhanced by the most famous and beautiful Versace motifs and prints.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Rosenthal meets Versace is launching a special collection limited until 31.12.2023: 30 mugs adorned with 30 legendary

décors that tell the story of this extraordinary collaboration as a journey through time, space and cultures. The exquisite lids are adorned with a golden Medusa headVersace’s iconic symbol from the very beginning.

The cooperation between Rosenthal and Versace had started already in 1992 under the guidance of Gianni Versace, with the first collection, “Medusa”, launching in 1993. Today, the unique as well as extravagant designs all lie in the hands of Donatella Versace.

Nude

Hall 12.1, C71

Istanbul-based global design brand, NUDE, will present its collections at Ambiente. The showcase in Frankfurt will feature a brand-new addition to NUDE’s Islands whisky collection, alongside highlights from the 2023 offering which spans elegant drinkware to unique home accessories and serveware essentials. NUDE has expanded its bestselling Islands collection, introducing a sleek stemless whisky glass to the range. Boasting an exquisitely simple silhouette, each glass in the collection features a gently flared rim designed to direct the drink to the tip of the tongue, amplifying its flavours. The accentuated, tulip-shaped glass with a generous base and tight mouth elevates the nosing experience, enhancing aromas and minimising the dissipation of fumes.

eu.nudeglass.com

Elia

Hall 12.1, C06

Visit the Elia stand at Ambiente to see the Ovation cutlery collection. The appealing shape of Ovation with its long, slim handles, paired with an oval base, makes it entirely unique.

Each fully forged item in this spectacular range is made from the highest quality 18/10 Stainless Steel and finished to an exceptional standard.

The Ovation range comprises of 16 pieces including hollow handle and solid handle knives, salad servers, steak, and fish items.

With its elegant handles, attractive gauge and long, slim form, it is both comfortable in the hand and suitable to pair with most chinaware ranges from Elia’s offering. www.elia.co.uk

Vidivi

Hall 12.0, D76

Part of the Cerve Group, Vidivi is launching a new collection – Murano –at Ambiente. The new Vidivi collection is designed

Mister Smith Studio in Milan. Boasting innovative and original shapes, Murano combines strength and brilliance showcased in glasses, vases and underplates. vidivi.it/en

Pampa Bay

Hall 12.1, D23

Amongst their other new collections, Pampa Bay will introduced Waves at Ambiente. One of four new collections in high quality melamine serveware. Gleaming white and reminiscent of sun reflecting off the surface of the ocean, Waves offers versatility, convenience, and affordability in a variety of shapes and multifunction serving pieces. Food safe and dishwasher safe. www.pampabay.com

by Marco Mascetti’s

Monno

Hall 12.1, D17

Monno Ceramics will launch four new collections at Ambiente.

Giotto – an elegant porcelain HoReCa line with a dynamic concentric relief, designed by Studio Levien.

Doppio – a barista friendly range of porcelain cups and saucers, designed by monno creative director Billy Lloyd.

Yumiko – a Japanese-inspired HoReCa collection of porcelain tableware, designed by Tokyo-based ceramic designer Yumiko Iihoshi Cook Serve – a porcelain oven-totable collection designed by long-time collaborators Queensberry Hunt.

www.monno.com

Viewpoint…

Mesa Ceramics

Hall 12.0, B76

Mesa Ceramics will be exhibiting its new products at Ambiente. Being such a young player in the industry, they have a recent factory well equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for efficiency and environmental concerns. While navigating Covid-19 pandemic, Mesa has prepared for the fair’s comeback, building their hospitality commitment while designing and launching many other on-trend new products. This work can be followed at mesaceramicshotel.com, where they are offering professional solutions that fit customers’ needs.

Each piece they showcase is unique due to the combination of digital printing and reactive glazes, offering differentiated pieces. Combining this with 3D tools and endless customization, the possibilities are endless. Mesa has expanded its portfolio with new articles added, providing a wider range of options and solutions. New colours, new designs, new digital-printing unseen decorations and shapes are to be revealed. At Ambiente they will be presenting the new organic ranges introducing innovative products that mix organic and inorganic shapes. The matte glazes on the outside combined with beautiful reactive glazes and digital printing on the inside bring differentiation to the table. Inspired by nature, their collection encapsules the elements in the most honourable and beautiful way. On this new organic ranges, the YUKI collection takes a distinguished place with the German Design Award 2023 – Special mention in Excellent Product Design – Tabletop. mesaceramicshotel.com mesa-ceramics.com

“Ambiente is the leading trade fair for the industry. This fair represents an opportunity to gather, socialise and share knowledge and exchange ideas face-to-face — all rituals that have been put on hold during the pandemic.

It is a great place to interact and network with diverse audiences from around the world and showcase our expertise and experience for our contract manufacturing side of the business.

For this year, we are looking at learning the trends and concepts showcased in the industry and interacting with our existing partners as well as getting to meet new potential brands and partners that we can bring to our home country. We are also looking at experiencing exciting innovations and product developments that may define the future of our industry!”

Anand Baldawa, CEO thinKitchen on why Ambiente is such an important date in the diary.

Doppio Giotto

Cook Serve

Yumiko

Utopia

Hall 11.0, D49

Utopia Tableware is planning its biggest new product launch in a decade for spring 2023. As the HoReCa market comes back to normality, the company has been developing new designs with partners around the world. The result is a massive launch of over 460 new products, due to be unveiled at the Ambiente Show in Frankfurt, 3-7 February 2023. “We are very excited to show the market our new launches,” says Josh

Circus

The trend for a more relaxed style of fine dining inspired the new Circus range. This includes all the pieces needed for hospitality, including plates, bowls, platters, jugs and ramekins. It features sophisticated matt colours and an understated yet eye-catching swirling spiral design. Circus is available in three colourways, Denim (dark matt blue), Chambray (light matt blue) and Raven (matt black). The design is created through digitally controlled processes, guaranteeing the quality on each piece. Its sophisticated yet laid back look makes it ideal for upmarket dining, and the matt style fits in with the trend for earthier, natural tones and styles.

Aurora

Taking its inspiration from the bright vivid tones of the aurora borealis, Aurora is a range made from high quality vitrified porcelain with a vibrant green, brown, blue and white gloss interior and a natural finish on the outside. Each piece is hand glazed by skilled artisans, and creates a dramatic presentation

Rammell, marketing manager at Utopia. “They have taken a huge amount of work but we are just about there now. We have a massive range to talk about, from really arresting new ideas for the adventurous to subtle, interesting concepts for the sophisticated – and everything in between.”

Here are some of the highlights:

with a look that is reminiscent of both the earth and the night sky. The range includes seven different pieces, including plates, bowls, and a chip cup.

Enigma

Building on the “rustic luxury” trend, the Enigma collection combines the precision and quality expected for quality dining with one-of-a-kind patterns in organic earthy patterns. The collection is made up of seven pieces, including plates and bowls. Made from high quality vitrified porcelain each piece is decorated with unique reactive glazes in shades of grey and brown. The bespoke natural forms and the generous sizes of the range help add a touch of theatre to the presentation.

Scout

Scout is an exciting new eight piece range including bowls, plates, a dip pot and mug. It uses a new hybrid clay, which is somewhere between stoneware and porcelain. This combines the creativity and flexibility of shape and colour that stoneware allows and the strength of porcelain, making it ideal for a range of hospitality environments. It combines a subtle yet rich green glace on the interior and an unfinished brown clay look on the outside, with a subtle line

around the rim creating a dramatic yet understated presentation for a range of cuisines.

Kalahari

The rustic luxury trend has been increasingly popular in recent years, as operators look for pieces that combine authentic colours and styles with the precision and quality of modern high quality tableware. Made in Portugal, Kalahari is a stoneware range designed specifically for the hospitality sector. It features a rich mustard glaze with darker flecks that provides a warmth and a unique style

Oxy

Oxy was one of Utopia’s most popular new product launches of 2021, and has now been expanded to include a wide brimmed pasta bowl, a serving dish and a noodle bowl to provide even greater flexibility for businesses looking for a luxuriously dramatic presentation. Drawing inspiration from contemporary oriental styles, the range features a dark satin glaze hand decorated with fiery red and gold flecks to create a unique and dramatic serving. It is made with vitrified porcelain, guaranteeing the strength and durability required in hospitality.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Kalahari

Scout

Oxy

Dunoon

Hall 12.1, D21

Dunoon will exhibit its wide range of high quality fine bone china mugs, teapots, cups and saucers at Ambiente. Originally established in Scotland in 1974, Dunoon now produces its products in Staffordshire, England, the traditional home of the British pottery industry.

Dunoon uses fine bone china clay sourced from Cornwall which contains 50 per cent bone. This gives the mugs a beautiful translucency coupled with bright whiteness and strength.

Using local craftspeople, the mugs are three times fired and feature all variety of patterns for which Dunoon is famous. With over one thousand different mug designs in the range at any one time, Dunoon introduces over three hundred and fifty new patterns each year.

Aiming at the top end of the mug market Dunoon sells to over sixty countries worldwide.

www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Luzerne

Hall 11, E71

As a long-time participant of Ambiente, Luzerne is delighted to once again share its latest and most ravishing collections at this mega exposition in 2023 where leading trends and unique concepts take shape. In the upcoming edition, Luzerne has assembled a dining table replete with new collections that will fit any occasion – from those inspired by nature to a brand-new stoneware range that’s set to take centre stage.

The celebratory ensemble of collections begins with LEK, a new stoneware line from the brand that brought you award-winning ceramic tableware to complete the Everyday Best experience even in the humble kitchen. Inspired by the Chinese word for “land” which also refers to the natural origin of its raw materials, LEK’s irregular shapes and earthy colours remind us of how we used to play with clay during our childhood – every piece tells a unique story as we manipulate the clay with our hands.

And joining LEK on the dining table are other new stoneware collections such as Ripple (pictured) and MOD. Ripple draws inspiration from nature and exudes an organic feel while MOD stands out with its industrial chic design and deep dusty colours. Kintji and Bliss will also be presented as new entries for the refined oriental table setting – the former is built on the philosophy of creating harmony and unity while the latter symbolises wholeness and balance. Dune will then complete the repertoire with its thick sturdy rims that accentuate the design’s contours…truly a beauty in the sandstorm. And remember to keep a lookout for our fine dining setup as we assemble that Instagrammable moment with a host of gorgeous whiteware! www.luzerne.com

5 mins with…

Josh Rammell, marketing manager at Utopia Tableware, gives us some insight into how Ambiente benefits their business...

Hall 11.0, D49

What benefits are there to exhibiting at Ambiente 2023?

The 2023 show is massive because we haven’t had one since 2020. Ambiente is the meeting place for HoReCa, it’s the industry’s forum and the one place you really want to be if you’re looking to generate business and network with the great and the good. The show is the pivotal engagement point in the year for the hospitality and tableware industries.

It’s a power house for creativity, so Ambiente is the perfect place to showcase our 460-plus new product

launches and meet our customers from around the world.

How would you sum up the past year?

It’s been a year of huge changes and successful businesses have had to be both dynamic and adaptable, learning to build from the challenges. For example, the global supply chain issues led us to generate creative relationships with new supply partners in new territories. In turn, this has let us develop a vast number of new and exciting products.

Which new collection are you particularly excited to exhibit?

We are excited about all our new lines, but if I had to highlight one it would be our new Enigma ceramics range. It features organic, earthy patterns and builds on the ‘rustic luxury’ trend, adding a real wow factor to our collection.

Paşabahçe

Hall 12 E80/E83

Paşabahçe will be showcasing their extensive range on their new 511sq meter stand at Ambiete. The Turkish giants will be launching new HoReCa items while adding to favourite collections – Leafy, Napa, Napa, Timeless, Elysia – and the very popular 100% Recycled Aware Collection. Visitors can also expect to find new pieces for retail.

This year also sees Paşabahçe introducing a new brand narrative – the inspirational “Live Beautiful” which will be supported by new packaging reaching market in 2023.

Interestingly, Paşabahçe has created a soundwave image for their visual materials, having worked with musician Mercan Dede who created a unique sound for the company. At Ambiente, visitors to the stand can enjoy a specially created sound tunnel where you can experience the music, the sound and the Live Beautiful motto.

www.pasabahce.com

Zieher

Hall 11.0, C30/ Hall 12.1, C43

Zieher will present its forward-thinking assortment at Ambiente. Creating a useful but aesthetically pleasing tool was the backbone of the idea during the development of the exciting new Drypod. The solid rack made of brushed stainless steel, PVD refined in either black or brass coloured, forms the basis for this shapely product. An accurately fitting drip tray, made of translucent resin, is placed inside the rack and harmonises with its anthracite colouration with both variants.

Primarily DryPod is a drying rack for decanters. The geometry was chosen in a way that all Zieher decanters can be placed safely, besides the big variations of Eddy, Star, Doppio a.s.o., it can also take hold of the smaller versions of some types as well as many other decanters in classical format. The drip tray securely collects dripping water and can be easily removed for cleaning.

Even after drying, all decanters can be stored in the DryPod and the downward-pointing opening helps prevent dirt from getting in easily. www.zieher.com

Stölzle Lausitz

Hall 12.0, D71

Visit Stölzle Lausitz at Ambiente to see the company’s range of products including:

Symphony:

The glass history of Lausitz spanning thirteen decades has been united in a single glass.

One of the most durable machine-made glasses ever has been coming off the production line in Lausitz since the end of 2022. The primary focus of this glass is its history and design.

The glass is made using a combination of traditional mouth-blown techniques and the most advanced technology available.

Extremely thin glass walls are crisscrossed by fine vertical textures, which not only look attractive but also increase the inner surface area of the glass, allowing aromas to develop freely. The glass has a long and slender stem that gives it a distinctive elegance and makes it highly resistant to breaking. This characteristic was adapted from the mouth-blowing process through a complex procedure. The stem of the goblet has no seam, the goblet is perfectly balanced and pleasing to hold. The combination of elegance and design in the ‘SYMPHONY’ series makes it an excellent choice for enjoying your favourite wine in the perfect way.

Fino:

Fino impresses with its extreme filigree. Never before has there been so little space between your hand and your wine. An ultra-thin pulled stem of the glass smoothly joins with the goblet. This sophisticated and noble series offers the basis for stylish delight and a high-quality taste experience. This excellent and compact series provides everything a wine lover needs.

COCOON:

filigree,

COCOON - the name says it all. This extraordinary glass series explores innovative shaping methods. With the help of ultra-modern techniques, a cocoon-like structure was created to provide ample space for your favourite wine and allow the concept of “aroma development” to take on entirely new facets. The “box” allows your wine to breathe to the maximum and unfolds even with a little swirling. The longer you leave your wine in the “COCOON”, the more its flavour undergoes a metamorphosis. The “COCOON” experience is enhanced by the use of thin glass walls and a delicately designed stem.

www.stoelzle-lausitz.com

WILMAX Hall12.1, C05

WILMAX preserves traditions and creates new ones! In February 2023, the company will welcome visitors to its booth at Ambiente 2023, the world’s leading consumer goods trade fair. The WILMAX team is ready to meet visitors from around the globe and share the company’s existing and coming products.

New collections expected to launch in 2023 include ranges of acacia serving plates and trays, new colour porcelain plates and dishes with exquisite textured patterns and metalware serving range. The existing cutlery collection will expand and add new colours.

Almost 500 new products will become available throughout the year, and this is in addition to an already extensive collection which includes 2,500 products.

For over a decade WILMAX has been steadily growing and launching new products. After asuccessful introduction of an extensive white porcelain range, the brand has gradually added cutlery, crystalline and thermal glassware, bamboo ware, the Monolith collection of stylish stone-textured porcelain and the joyful ColorBoom porcelain collection which celebrates colour. The brand is currently available in multiple markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and the Americas.

Wilmax.uk

Elegance,

taste and flavour at the very highest level, with maximum durability for many hours accompanied by your favourite wines.

Porland

Hall 11.0, D11 / Hall 12.1, C20

Visit Porland’s stand at Ambiente to learn more about the company’s innovative, sustainable new collection at Ambiente – Re-Gen.

In what Porland says is an industry first, the company explains that Re-Gen is made by “using not only the production extract that has been recycled since 2005, but also this time recycling broken pieces, and misfits throughout the production processes for the first time in the industry”. The collection will debut on both Porland stands at Ambiente. “In order to reach our target for reducing our carbon footstep, this is one of the many attempts we have been performing for the last couple of years,” says Imge Pamukcu, Porland board member and a founding member of internationally renowned organization Yuvam Dünya for raising awareness for global warming.

“This project started in 2019 and it had to be flawless. We’ve been doing what people now call ‘recycled products’ since 2005. Porland wanted to go further to create something unique with a quality feel and look that would be welcomed by everyone that has an awareness and environmental conscious, but most importantly by broad audience groups through its reasonable price tag.”

www.porland.com

RAK Porcelain

Hall 11.0, C71/C91

RAK Porcelain will be exhibiting at Ambiente 2023. They will be welcoming all tableware enthusiasts and HoReCa professionals at their booth of an exceptional size of almost 500 square meters featuring an on-site restaurant in Hall 11.0.

Alongside their classic dinnerware in vitreous porcelain (Ivoris, Polaris), their trendy stoneware-like Rakstone collection and their newly launched bone china (Le Ballet – The Bone China Collection), RAK Porcelain will also present their cutlery and glassware collections as well as some exclusive novelties.

Included in the novelties is an entirely new collection based on a unique material which has exclusively been developed by the R&D department of RAK Porcelain. This on-trend collection will be available in a vast range of shapes and designs which will be revealed for the very first time during Ambiente in February 2023.

Furthermore, visitors can look forward to discovering several new series on RAK Porcelain’s bone china. Due to the rapid success of the newly launched “Le Ballet” collection, RAK Porcelain have extended their bone china range to introduce new designs including a luxurious collection with gold details named “Le Ballet – Les Décors”. Be prepared to be enchanted by the glittering details and the radiant colours of these 14 new designs.

www.rakporcelain.com

Thomas

Hall 12.1 C61/D61

The Thomas brand will showcase new launches from its collections at Ambiente and with blue being in vogue, you’re in for a treat. Thomas Sunny Day – Soft Blue is a new shade which evokes tranquillity. In combination with the cooler Sunny Day colours such as Petrol, Nordic Blue and Turquoise, Soft Blue brings maritime flair into the home.

Meanwhile, inspired by the nature of the north, the Trend Colour collection is extended with a new Arctic Blue shade in 2023. The matt light blue, which is particularly accentuated by the fine groove structure on plates, cups and bowls, reminds of glittering ice surfaces at the North Pole and has a refreshing effect. The calm blue tone develops its special glow together with the colours Moss Green and Moon Grey, thus continuing the success story of the design classics Thomas Trend.

www.thomas-porzellan.de

TAITÙ

Hall 12.1, D41

TAITÙ’s fine bone china Life in Green assortment will be presented at Ambiente. An elegant and evergreen collection, to be used alone or mixed with the other collections.

This iconic TAITÙ decoration is reborn with a design inspired by blades of grass moving in a gentle breeze: a tribute to the simplicity of nature, its spontaneous geometries and its ability to constantly renew itself. A dragonfly, emblem of lightness and freedom, is the magical mascot that characterises each object.

The contemporary shapes in translucent fine bone china and the minimalist decoration on the flat and soup plates make Life In Green the ideal collection for the most sophisticated mise en place. Moreover, the underglaze decoration technique makes the decoration unalterable when washed in professional dishwashers.

The collection can be combined with Freestyle, TAITÙ’s first eco-chic placemat collection: a luxurious ecological product made in Italy of 100 per cent bonded leather with embossed finishing.

Taitu.it

We Love Seasons

Hall 3, A51

Boutique brand, We Love Seasons, was established back at the end of 2018 with the first products launched in 2019. We Love Seasons is a one-stop shop for decorations and gifts that are destined to become family treasures that can be used year after year.

The Valentines, Easter, Halloween/Autumnal Decor and Christmas collections are inspired by the owner’s family traditions and Scandinavian heritage.

We Love Seasons is new to Ambiente and is looking forward to meeting many new international customers. Their focus at Ambiente will be on Christmas and Autumnal décor collections.

We Love Seasons’ Autumnal collection has proved incredibly popular, with a stunning colour scheme, original pieces, including straw, woollen and paper pumpkins and lovely wreath designs.

In The Christmas Villa collection, you’ll find decorations in grey, burgundy, green, white and gold, including felt trees, wreaths and ornaments. We Love Seasons will launch its first collection of Christmas tableware in gold and white and a selection of bowls made of beautiful acacia wood – all designed by the owner of We Love Seasons. weloveseasons.com

DEFINE DINING

We have a collection suitable for every table design, from classic, timeless pieces to modern, trend lines. We invite you to discover the world of ID Fine and experience the magic of tableware for yourself urself

Studio William

Hall 12.1, C41

Studio William flatware will be introducing the multi-award winning Okina in a PVD Titanium Black finish at Ambiente. This exquisite minimal design, recognised by some of the most prolific design award committees, will enhance any table – inspiring restaurants and consumers to bring minimal elegance to their table setting. Okina was designed with the mission to cut and strip out, to create the most striking minimal architecturally expression that cutlery could have on the table.

For the retail division, Studio William will be presenting its new generation compostable packaging. Sustainable due to its 100 per cent compostable natural materials, water base printing inks, and water-based glues. The concept – created by Studio William founder William Welch – is a braille embossed brown cardboard box lid, inviting user interaction, to read the braille explanation of the box contents, or simply see the braille as a minimal graphic art, both highlighting how considered design can create a rewarding human experience.

www.studiowilliam.com

LAV

Hall 12.0, B80

LAV will introduce its new collections at Ambiente as well as launching new products and concepts. LAV will introduce its collections themed Crafted Digital, Faded Romanticism, Evocative Landscape and Fluid Softness at its new spot with a newly designed booth. Licensed Disney and Marvel products will also be featured in LAV's new booth with experience zones.

The details of the products to be showcased by LAV at the Ambiante Fair are as follows:

The extraordinary colour expression and pale neutral colors in the Crafted Digital collection intend to bring warmth to every interior design. Layers and repetitive patterns mark the main elements of this concept. The white gold touches draw the attention in the designs that are decorated with refined details. Highlighted contours in the collection will add warmth to matte surfaces.

The warm neutral colors used in the Faded Romanticism collection are combined with sunlightaffected color shades to arouse a pastoral atmosphere in interior design. Floral patterns add a romantic, nostalgic and elegant mood to the collection. The patterns are inspired by flower imprints, pressurized petals and delicate flowers, using various techniques to create a realistic look.

The Evocative Landscape collection brings an escapist mood to tableware with enchanting landscape patterns. The sunset, mountain views and wilderness are used stylistically in the designs. With a touch of Scandinavian style in the collection, the ever-altering natural landscapes in various seasons and times of the day are recreated. Stylish designs will blow the Nordic breeze in every table with cold shades of blue accompanied by pastels of the pinkish northern sun.

The Fluid Softness collection has the feeling of comfort and softness with lines and curves used in patterns. The designs with flowing lines and pastels have a modern yet unique look. company.lav.com.tr

MEPRA

Hall 12.1, C30

MEPRA will showcase their fine range of products at Ambiente 2023. Expect to see pieces from Stile by Pininfarina along with many other must-see collections. The Fantasia Limited Edition – in 31 colours – boasts a handle made of nylon glass fibre which guarantees high resistance. Fantasia is not only composed of table pieces, but also serving pieces, risotto, dessert, fish, salad and ladles. There is also the Moretto and Pearla assortments, along with a multifunctional spoon More than a simple spoon and more than a simple fork, MEPRA says the Multifunctional Spoon is the perfect combination between usefulness and high design. There is also a lobster fork, gourmet spoon which a fantastic solution for Haute Cuisine. Thanks to its bent cup you can slice easily, but the most important feature is that you can collect the sauces that usually remain in the plate. The gourmet spoon is available in each model and in every colour/finish. There is even a stainless steel honey spoon! We are only just touching the surface of what MEPRA has on offer so visit them at Ambiente to learn more. www.mepra.it

The new line of transparent glaze on Fine Bone China. Handcrafted, making each piece unique. See the collection at: Ambiente 2023 11.0 A83 | www.artabroch.com

Royal Fernwood

Hall 12, A40

Designed by David Queensberry, the Gastro Bowl Collection for Royal Fernwood will be showcased for the very first time at Ambiente. With more and more food being served in bowls rather than plates – the designer researched with chefs and restauranteurs the different shapes and sizes of bowls they need to present their cuisine, this has resulted in Gastro Bowl Collection consisting of nine bowls. These cover the international gastronomy which restaurants are serving and is more the way we are eating in our homes. To complement the Gastro Bowl Collection, David Queensbury has developed, with Royal Fernwood, a range of hand decorated glazes and textures.

www.dankotuwa.com

Robbe & Berking

Hall 12.1, B73/B77

Visit the Robbe & Berking stand at Ambiente to see their selection of novelties for 2023. The company will launch an extention of its hugely popular Bar Trolley which it will introduce in oak with a black nappa leather railing – handmade by master boat builders.

While the bar is a decorative highlight it also offers the possibility

of serving and mixing directly at the table at fine-dining restaurants. The trolley offers a great stage for the silver-plated bar collections and the brand new Champagne Box from Robbe & Berking.

The Champagne Box is a true centerpiece. Four champagne flutes float in the box with softly curved facets that reflect the light a hundredfold. Box and goblets offer Champagne, and every special moment, the stage they deserve.

A special highlight on the Robbe & Berking stand is the the brand new and hand-hammered Martelé Champagne cooler and ice bucket, perfectly matching the Martelé bar-collection. www.robbeberking.com

Lifetime Brands Europe

Hall 9.1, F04 / Hall 11.0 B88

Lifetime Brands is excited to announce its attendance at the iconic Ambiente this February to launch its Spring Summer collection and connect with retail partners. This year they have much to shout about, the stand in Hall 9 will, as ever, showcase key brands and the hospitality stand in Hall 11 will be launching the much-anticipated Mikasa Hospitality range, with all items designed to serve the Horeca sector.

Those visiting will see for this season the focus is celebrating colour, injecting some vibrancy with an array of fresh, vivid hues across bestsellers to ensure easy wins for the company’s retail partners. The different tones across the brands have been specifically chosen to complement one another; creating an easy to cross-merchandise impactful destination in store and online.

The highlight of the collection is S’well, the latest brand to the mix. The original hydration bottle with over 25 million products sold and over four billion single-use plastic bottles displaced, S’well has proven the power of style, innovative performance and meaningful purpose to build movements and transform the way people consume. Tried and tested, this recently awarded Coolbrand is a must-have.

Drawing on the success of the awardwinning La Cafetiere Pisa range, they have introduced three striking new colours to the collection. Embracing the stylish aesthetic of the Italian city the collection was named after, the Pisa collection is a timeless investment for any kitchen space. But La Cafetiere is not just about coffee makers, they have noticed a resurgence for stove top kettles, it seems these vintage inspired designs are quickly becoming a must have for many. In two timeless colours, these stylish stove-top whistlers are guaranteed to blend into any kitchen space with their neutral design.

Mikasa will showcase a summer dining set featuring earthy tones that are instantly evocative of the natural world, making them an ideal fit for outdoors, made from recycled plastic they are super durable and tough. They will also be showcasing a preview of Mikasa’s tabletop collections for AW23 too.

The products mentioned above are only just a taster of what’s in store, there are so many more new products featured, so please join them for food, drinks, smiles and inspiration. www.lifetimebrandseurope.com

Sambonet

Hall 12.1, C61/D61

Along with the Arcturus Group's other brands, the Italian company Sambonet Paderno Industrie comes back to Ambiente with the excellence of its production: a focus on mise en place with the iconic Jungle cutlery by Gianni Cinti, and a new-in: Bloom collection. A brand-new cutlery with a smooth shape, and a nature-inspired design, a project developed by the company's in-house Design Centre and distinguished by the innate elegance of the Italian brand. Sambonet's new introductions include a major expansion of its cookware range, aimed to Retail and Ho.Re.Ca. sectorSilver Force and Home Chef - cooking tools with professional performance. www.sambonet.com / www.paderno.it

Hutschenreuther

Hall 12.1, C61/D61

Hutschenreuther will showcase several of its new collections at Ambiente.

Christmas Carols 2023 features idyllic festive motifs on porcelain. A colourful garland of red berries, cones, fir and mistletoe adorns plates, cups, napkins and biscuit tins, underlining a dreamy winter wonderland in the glow of the starry night. Delicate bells and balls, biscuit plates and a mini tree ornament set capture this poetic scenery in their evocative décors and bring a glimpse of nature into the home at Christmas time.

With Collector’s Edition 2023 – Christmas Sounds Hutschenreuther composes a polyphonic symphony of city life at Christmas and lets a festive variety of sounds emerge on porcelain in the lovingly crafted drawings by Czech illustrator Renáta Fučíková. The extensive collection features numerous gorgeous Christmas scenes.

Also part of Hutschenreuther Christmas novelties 2023, the Short Set Series –“Emily Ruby“ is crafted from ceramics in festive red, and includes selected plates in various sizes and bowls and is also an excellent Christmas gift.

In keeping with the festive theme, the My Christmas Mug Collection presents four new colourful motifs for 2023. Adorned with red berries, fir and mistletoe branches, charming sayings such as "Warm Christmas wishes", "All you need is Christmas", as well as "A merry Christmas to you" and "Have a holy Christmas" conjure up a heartfelt message on the warm white bone china.

Finally, My Mug Collection “Cats & Dogs” boasts eight new cheerful motifs by Hutschenreuther for 2023. The colourful mug series depicts Germany's most popular pets, including devoted four-legged friends such as a Dachshund, German Shepherd, French Bulldog and Labrador, but also cuddly kitties such as a Maine Coon, European Shorthair, Bengal Cat and British Shorthair. www.hutschenreuther.com

Målerås Glasbruk

Hall 12.1, B80

Målerås Glasbruk has collaborat ed with designer Klaus Haapa niemi on a new collection which tells an intriguing story. Deep in the Småland forest, by the glow of the glassworks’ furnace, creatures from folklore come to life. Målerås Glasbruk has long been famous for its crystal wildlife and mythical sculptures, and now Klaus Haapani emi will introduce his mystical world of images in the finest of crystal. Animals and creatures from folklore, imaginatively decorated in clear colours, now join the rich and plentiful fauna at Målerås. Decorative items with a strong ap peal and charisma, which in themselves convey a whole world of their own, are characteristic traits typical of Målerås Glasbruk. “We have long been looking for a designer with the right type of imagery, someone with an individual form of expression and a sense of details, and with Klaus we have found exactly that!” says Ida Jonasson at Målerås Glasbruk. See the collection at Ambiente. www.maleras.se

From retail to expected industry performance in 2023 –we

thoughts

key industry figures

Viewpoints

İmge Pamukçu

board member, Porland

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

I see great ambition to get back to doing business as it used to be. The feedback we keep receiving has always been positive, not only at fairs and but also by the ascending sales. Economically, the world is going through many complications but I do perceive it as there is great will to engage in the industry.

Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

Our online sales are back to how it was pre pandemic levels, around 10 per cent of our total turnover in retail market.

How do you market/encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis?

Porland pricing has always been the key feature for the brand. It always been reachable luxury with no compromise in quality comparing to hi-end pricing competitors.

Do you have a hero collection for the new season?

Yes, and it is a very exciting one, a 100 per cent recycled product range Porland Re-Gen. Completing our ‘no waste’ target in order to lower our carbon footprint, the product contains not only recycled production fallouts but also recycled seconds, broken pieces or any misfits.

Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

In a market like this every individual brand/manufacturer has its own agenda, ours is on an upward trend. I believe the variety of designs, shapes, ranges and colours that Porland offers will keep attracting people and keep this trend ascending.

Lisa Müller team lead brand & product management, Zwiesel Glas

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

In general, the retail landscape is rather difficult due to ongoing crises (energy, resources, Ukraine). Nevertheless, we see a high interest in strong brands. Especially, the high price segment is working really well and strong brands do pay off. But, entry price products are rather difficult.

Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

Globally, we see the online shop business is still increasing and gains more and more importance. Therefore, we decided to expand our online shops in Europe. Looking at the other side, you need to offer a coherent concept in the offline world, like a real brand experience and putting products on the stage. If that is not given, it is a really difficult sales channel.

What is the strongest sales territory for your company?

For our company Europe and the USA are the strongest sales territory.

How do you market/encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis?

Our focus is on brand and product value. We do not want to go into a battle of prices. The aim is to show the customer the value of a high-quality product and a strong brand.

Do you have a hero collection for the new season?

There will be new products from Zwiesel Glas in 2023. On the one hand, we will showcase two series from the handmade sector, which means very high-quality and exclusive products. One is a series of vases and the other a series of wine glasses, which will be of particular interest to the end consumer but also to the fine-dining sector. The other novelty is a series from the machine-made sector, with which we would like to expand our bar range. You will find more information about our interesting new products elsewhere in this issue.

Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

The outlook, especially for the first months, is very difficult because of the lack of transparency regarding the consumer climate in both professional and consumer sector. The overall economic development makes it hard to plan how things will turn out. However, we strongly believe that the next year will be a good one as we as a brand are well positioned. We will manage 2023 in our usual way – with stability and confidence.

hear

from

“Economically, the world is going through many complications”

“Our focus is on brand and product value”

Hayley Baddiley global

It was inevitable that the homewares sector would have to work harder for share of wallet in 2022 versus the prior year; the opening up of leisure of travel post pandemic created a predictable resurgence of these sectors as consumers enjoyed more normal patterns of living. What was less predictable at the start of 2022 however was the impact of the more macro global factors and cost of living challenges which clearly have affected almost every sector this year and homewares is no exception. In tough times though, consumers often ‘cocoon’ in their homes more and so despite the challenges in the retail landscape currently, there are also opportunities for strong brands and smart retailers to maintain appeal and ride through the choppy waters of recent months and ahead.

Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

Denby is well diversified in terms of its channel mix (and our global sales footprint) and this has served us well over the last few years as consumer habits have changed and accelerated. Our sales profile between our own direct channels and our important trade customers is a helpful blend of both online and physical stores - something this sector in particular needs in terms of satisfying the typical consumer journey of an increasingly omni-channel shopper.

What is the strongest sales territory for your company?

The UK territory is at the heart of the Denby business and remains a key market for us alongside our important key overseas markets being South Korea and North America. Just pre-pandemic we established our own subsidiary in Shanghai, China which has been growing steadily as we build our premium / luxury brand credentials in this important APAC market. The last few years have also seen a resurgence in our wider global markets too as we continue to build important distributor relationships for reaching Denby buyers beyond our subsidiary territories.

How do you market/ encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis? Cost of living challenges in 2023 will undoubtedly affect almost all consumer sectors, though the Homewares sector is well placed given the new audiences and renewed interest in decorating our homes which occurred in 2021/2022. The key will be to harness consumer sentiment effectively (consumers will be looking for value and versatility in their choices but will also remain astute to making sustainable choices and products which are made to last). ‘Buy once, buy well’ will become increasingly important therefore and so brands able to tell these stories through their marketing channels can still prosper, even through tougher economic times.

Do you have a hero collection for the new season?

Denby has two major launches for spring 2023 - Kiln Green in our stoneware portfolio and Constance in our porcelain collection. Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

We anticipate a slightly less erratic sales profile for the industry in 2023 versus 2022 but with inevitable challenges. Those homeware brands who are able to steer well through any choppy waters will be those who stay true to their values and confident in their offer, continuing to put the consumer at the heart of what they do whilst remaining agile to wider market factors.

Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

Most of our business is online, via distributors. What is the strongest sales territory for your company?

The UK remains our single biggest market, but our export sales are increasing rapidly, all around the globe.

How do you market/encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis?

technology with artisan stylings to offer unique looks that provide the kind of hard wearing characteristics needed for hospitality service. Made with durable vitrified porcelain, both collections feature subtle matt colours and digitally printed designs. Circus uses attractive concentric circles while Maze features crisscrossing lines. By providing the high quality bespoke look without compromising on quality, both collections can fit into a range of different food and hospitality styles.

Rammell, marketing manager, Utopia Tableware

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

Utopia specialises in supplying the HoReCa industry, and the landscape here is diverse. There’s a wide range of distributors supplying hospitality operators, but there is also a lot of consolidation with a businesses merging to strengthen their economic position.

For Utopia, it’s about showing the value and quality of the products. Operators still want value, and understand better than ever what quality products look like. Utopia wants to offer good products at fair prices. We are constantly developing new styles, and this commitment to identifying new trends and delivering them to the market helps to showcase why it is worth investing in our tableware.

Do you have a hero collection for the new season?

Utopia is launching Circus and Maze in early 2023. These collections combine modern

Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

2023 will undoubtedly present the industry with many challenges, in particular the possibility of a recession in the wider economy. That said, many consumers will continue to want to go out and enjoy the services offered by the hospitality industry so there is no reason to assume that disaster is inevitable. Certainly, Utopia feels that there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to succeed but more than ever it is vitally important to be strategic in your thinking, both around the products you serve and your approach to sales.

Josh

marketing director, Denby

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

“Denby is well diversified in terms of its channel mix”

“The UK remains our single biggest market, but our export sales are increasing rapidly”

CHICAGO

Beatriz Ball,

founder, Beatriz Ball

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

Although there were gloomy forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2022, all retailers that we have spoken to tell us they had a very robust festive season. We did as well, and customers are in an upbeat, optimistic mood--in spite of all that is going on around the world. Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

The bulk of our business is to our wonderful brick & mortar retailers. What is the strongest sales territory for your company?

The southeast of the United States. How do you market/encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis?

The pandemic forced us to stay at home, and we all enjoyed the moments where we could set a pretty table to lift our spirits, even if it was just for the immediate family. That renewed focus on items for the table has remained at the forefront as a favourite category and has helped us have such a great two years in sales.

Do you have a hero collection for the new season?

Yes! My new Foglia Collection of leaves in all sizes and shapes, that come in our traditional silver colour and also in a luscious gold tone. Cast from real leaves they are absolutely stunning!

Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

I think it will be another great year! We have so many beautiful new items that will launch in this market season we feel our customers will be very, very excited to have all that beauty available to them.

Anand Baldawa

CEO, thinKitchen

How would you sum up the past year?

2022 has been a year of growth for our business. In the contract manufacturing vertical the set-up of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility spread over 80,000 sq. feet offering all kitchenware manufacturing requirements under one roof, has been a key milestone for us. Our in-house tooling process today has 500+ tools with a capacity of developing 50+ in a year.

Likewise, in our agency distribution business catering to the India market, our biggest highlight has been the expansion of our brand portfolio which now includes over 30 international brands, market leaders in their respective categories in the kitchen and home space. We now offer over 1,500 SKUS and 50,000 product choices, through our integrated, centrally located, single stop warehouse.

How do you perceive the retail landscape at the moment for homewares/ home décor/ tableware suppliers?

We perceive there is sufficient demand for homeware/tableware. India’s online/ e-retail market is witnessing all-time records growth. The Indian consumer today is even more bullish than ever before with an expectation to be the second largest shopper base globally, 2025-26.

With consumers welcoming guests back to their home, there are personal, family and friends celebrations which will keep the demand buoyant. Consequently, retail demand will continue to grow in the category.

Do you currently sell more online or in brick & mortar stores?

The online channel has grown exponentially considering online shopping is a growing trend in India. We retail across the top 15 marketplaces in India in addition to our own website.

We have also seen a steady growth through our offline channels and we target to expand to more than 60 cities in India.

How do you market/encourage sales of tableware in a cost-of-living crisis?

In the face of the cost-of-living crisis, there are always opportunities for businesses to adapt their retail strategy. The smart approach will be to implement an integrated strategy that is aligned with your consumers current purchasing and browsing habits, rather than relying solely on previous activities that have proven to be effective in the past. With consumers more cost-conscious businesses must see to increasing the efficiency of their supply chains leading to better cost management. It’s also extremely vital to present product value by putting out the best-value products centre stage –effectively doing the research for customers. All of this will result in a more optimised retail strategy and increased chances of encouraging purchasing.

Finally, how do you think the industry will perform in 2023?

Globally, between 2023 and 2028, the tableware market is expected to grow at a rapid pace. In 2023, the market will grow steadily, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.

In India, houseware is a growing category. By 2030, it is estimated that more than 20% of the Indian household will be either affluent or elite, contributing more than 51% of the household consumption expenditure. This rise in the affluent and elite households will also advance the consumption and consumer spending upwards in this industry. As with other macroeconomic metrics, India is one of the few, if not only, economy that is expecting to grow in high single digits in the coming years and the consumer/domestic consumption is at the forefront of this growth. We hope, expect and pray that 2023 is going to break all records so far achieved by us!

“The bulk of our business is to our wonderful brick & mortar retailers”

“2022 has been a year of growth for our business”

BRUS is th e sound of bubbling an d fres hly made sparklin g wa te r right in yo ur ow n kitchen. Th e minimalist design draws on th e cylindri ca l shapes that a re cl assi c to Stelto n’s designs. Th e co lours; Steel, Bl ack Meta lli c, an d Da rk Brow n Meta lli c pe rfectly ma tc h th e current kitc he n trends

Better buying

Chicago’s

The Inspired Home Show – a favourite in the trade fair diary – blends American and international visitors and exhibitors together under one roof. With exciting special displays such as the Pantone ColorWatch, new products showcase and the Cooking Theatre to name a small few – The Inspired Home Show is indeed, inspiring.

A key part of the show is the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) awards, for more than 20 years they have been honouring excellence in the housewares industry around the world. Every year, finalists and Global Honorees are named in the areas of Retail Excellence, Product Design Excellence and Student Design Excellence – a special gala event takes place on Saturday 4 March announcing the winners.

Aimed at retail buyers, there will also be a preview in the Grand Ballroom (S100) of what is trending today with a curated collection of products and brands delivering on the key trend of At-Home Entertaining. This will take place before the show starts on Saturday morning. Here retailers will get a first look at ideas that deliver on the consumer need to bring more

Don’t miss!

of the North Building you’ll find the Hall of Product Innovation where you can discover new ideas from 14 different product categories coming together with outstanding combinations of form and function and the ingenuity of tomorrow’s product designers.

Interestingly, there will also be a specialist Chicago Retail Tour taking place on 8 March.

Global Design Points is a showcase of countryspecific pavilions offering a look into what trends are emerging in various areas around the globe. Countries represented include Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Turkey.

experiential activities back into their homes.

In the Grand Concourse Lobby

Show attendees are encouraged to spend part of their visit to Chicago bench-marking innovative and inspiring retail. The Chicago Retail Tour will begin with a complimentary continental breakfast and U.S.

Retail overview. Throughout the day, the tour will visit some of the most exciting home + housewares retailers in suburban Chicago, including The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart and more. The Chicago Retail Tour is free for non-US attendees of The Inspired Home Show. Although the tour is free, pre-registration is required as space is limited. If you have any questions, please email retailtour@housewares.org.

In addition, to make visiting the inspiring Chicago retailers easy, the show offers a Chicago retail brochure and maps to help with self-guided housewares store visits in central Chicago. Visit theinspiredhomeshow.com for more on this exciting global event.

Did you know?

The Inspired Home Show is divided into five expos – clean + contain, dine + décor, discover|design, wired + well and international sourcing.

The Inspired Home Show brings top-tier international buying to an American audience. We take a look at what visitors can expect…

Derek Miller, President, IHA

Trading made easy

Las Vegas Market takes place from 29 January to 2 February and promises to deliver a fantastic array of products for visiting buyers.

Along with a varied array of exhibitors, those attending the market can also tap into a vast knowledge bank of speakers at the many events and seminars being hosted over the course of the trade fair.

On Tuesday 31 January, Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training will give a talk entitled “How to be the store of choice in a world of infinite possibilities”.

The pandemic has accelerated change in retail, but particularly for small to mid-sized independent retail. Pre-pandemic, the store was the focus of the brand, and driving in-store traffic was the main goal of most marketing. Now, and in the post-pandemic future, consumers expect many ways to shop, interact, and buy from a brand. This talk is an exploration of this trend and how to get on the front (and profitable) side of this trend. Bob Negen is a retail expert, author, speaker, business coach, and co-founder of WhizBang! Retail Training and

Don’t miss… Rosanna

will be sharing insights and strategies for action during this informative presentation. This takes place at C1212.

On Wednesday, 1 February, Glen Peloso of Glen Peloso Design will give a Design & Home Highlights Tour. Meet in the lobby of Building A, attendees will be treated to a presentation looking at understanding the global market movements, trends and what inspires designers and retailers in furniture and home goods. The tour is perfect for designers and retailers who are new to Las Vegas Market and

would like an overview of how to make good use of what the market has to offer. Leading this tour is Glen Peloso, international TV personality, design writer, trend spotter, international buyer and founder of Glen Peloso Design in Canada. With Glen’s experience and knowledge, this tour will showcase and encompass those added layers while visiting resources that are best suited to designers completing residential design projects and seeking an international flair not always found with your local retailers. Visit www.lasvegasmarket.com for more.

For Spring 2023 Rosanna is introducing three new

Whether wild or domestic, creatures great and small bring us peace and wellbeing. We’re never too young to encounter them, and we’re never too old to receive their comfort.

For little ones, Rosanna has created Snacks With Forest Friends, featuring hand-painted furry woodland friends on mugs and small bowls; pieces sure to become a child’s favorite dishes. For adults, they have made Peaceful Kingdom, with beautiful images of

wildflowers and animals. With these pieces, they channel the calm that comes from watching deer graze a field on a warm summer eve.

The third collection this season is La Jardinière. French for “the gardener,” this set takes inspiration from the gardener’s intimate relationship with the natural world through growing food. Hand-painted dipping dishes, pasta bowls, an olive oil bottle, and a serving tray depict the gorgeous bounty that comes from time spent in the garden.

www.rosannainc.com

Las Vegas Market is the gift that keeps on giving for retailers – we take a look at what you can expect during the winter edition

Made in Britain to host

sustainability panel

Made in Britain is organising and hosting a sustainability panel event at Spring Fair 2023 on 5 February. The trade association brings together British SME manufacturers united by the licensed use of the Made in Britain registered, collective mark, and provides support for them in achieving their sustainability goals.

The panel, entitled ‘Delivering the sustainability message – reaching buyers, retailers’, and consumers,’ will be moderated by Made in Britain CEO John Pearce, with speakers drawn from Made in Britain’s community of member companies: Dartington Crystal global commercial director Warren Gell ( pictured below ), Little Soap Company founder Emma HeathcoteJames and Petra Palumbo founder Petra Palumbo.

Warren Gell, global commercial director at Dartington Crystal and Made in Britain board member says: “The ethos of the brand is British Made, with skills handed down through generations of craftspeople in Devon. By making products that are built to last, they are both desirable and sustainable.” Made in Britain’s ‘Delivering the sustainability message’ panel will take place at 1.20pm on Sunday 5 February 2023 at the Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham.

Championing the home

Spring Fair opens its doors this February – we take a look at the UK trade event

If you are looking for brands such as Pure Table Top, Kuhn Rikon and T&G Woodware – Spring Fair is where you will find them.

The NEC plays host to the UK trade fair which has a focus on home, gift and fashion. Visitors will discover 14 sectors within four destinations across eight halls – Home which includes Living & Décor, Housewares, Everyday, and The Summerhouse, Gift including Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations, and Moda fashion featuring its own Catwalk as well as Jewellery & Watch, Womenswear, Fashion Accessories, and Footwear, and the newly launched responsible sourcing show Source Home & Gift.

New to the show are Pure Table Top who will

bring collections featuring much-loved brands including Joules, Olly Smith, and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, each with their own signature style.

Following the acquisition of French glassware brand, Duralex in 2021, International Cookware, who also license the brand Pyrex in EMEA, has announced it will now operate under a new company name - La Maison Française du Verre and will present both brands at Spring Fair 2023. The two iconic emblems of French glassmaking will now be united within a single and unique house, to complete the company’s approach of French excellence.

For further information visit www.springfair.com

What? Spring Fair | When? 5-8 February 2023 | Where? NEC Birmingham

Selbrae House

TG Cottage Garden

Comfort

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.

Ialways think it’s incredible how certain products and fashions seem to instantly capture the collective imagination. The iPhone epitomises how a product hit the market and became an instant success, selling over six million handsets in just over its first year. Yes, it benefitted from immense marketing activity but Apple was incredibly clever in how it got us all to, not only instantly love the product, but keep feeding our love for it.

In tableware, there have been many instances where a specific product – or shape – has quickly become a must-have item. The most recent example of this is the chrysanthemum plate, which has been used by so many internationally renowned chefs. Obviously, the reach and speed of social media makes trends like this spread much quicker than ever

before. Combine it with the power of suggestion and aspiration, and it makes people want to emulate their heroes by buying these products.

I think there is a much deeper psychological basis for such examples of popularity, especially where appeal lasts much longer than being just the latest fashion.

Classics are born because there is a connect with our DNA for certain things to instantly appeal to us; and then continue to appeal. I realised this the first time I ate smoked eel, beetroot and sour cream together. It seemed to connect with some buried DNA from my Eastern European past and remains to this day a dish that sings to may very soul. I think we all have likes, and dislikes, that are part of our make-up and which we recognise instantly.

The fluted/scalloped shape of

the chrysanthemum plate has been part of tableware design, in some form, for hundreds of years; most probably originally created by Chinese or Japanese potters and then interpreted by English, French and German potters from the 18th century to the present day. The original inspiration will most likely have come from seashells and flowers, but versions of this timeless design influence lives on in current tableware and will continue to be popular into 2023 and beyond.

Adaptations of this type of shape provide an amazing frame for the art of plating, where delicately constructed dishes are shown off to their best advantage by a generous and distinctive rim or edging.

The most basic version of this shape is an actual scallop shell which is an integral part of dishes like Coquilles Saint-Jacques. The shape has also been a strong

Whether it is our age-old fondness for a scalloped-edged plate or our penchant for classic Italian food, there is comfort in the familiar. Valda Goodfellow looks at what we love…

influence through generations of Italian and Mediterranean food and is being picked up again by Italianinfluenced restaurants in the UK.

Perhaps in these uncertain times there is a strong hint of nostalgia contributing to the rise in popularity of Italian bistro restaurants. When

to a more nostalgic time when restaurant plates had coloured rim edges and/or logos.

As ever, Grestel’s Costa Nova is a go-to manufacturer for on-trend plates, with the Impressions and Alentejo ranges providing subtle forms of the design which are

times get tough, people gravitate to the familiar, the authentic, and especially to food which makes them feel happy.

We have been experiencing a significant increase in demand for Italian-inspired tableware, and more pertinently to plates or dishes using this design influence. Some restaurants are looking for this shape but want personalised decoration, so that the identity is instantly recognisable in social media posts and also harks back

perfect for bistro food. The shape is not so pronounced that it ‘dates’ the look but seamlessly fits into Italian and other Mediterranean food concepts. The stoneware both feels and looks right.

Their sister brand Casafina is launching the new Mallorca range is a really amazing version of this design, with strong, evocative lines and comes in two colours; a subtle sea green/blue and a sandy beige. Both are great colours for food and can be mixed and matched.

Another great range which picks up on the shape is Serax’s Sergio Herman-designed Inku range. A focused collection evoking this design device; and which offers two interchangeable colours; a greyish white and a smoky blue/green. Again, both these colourways provide a perfect palette on which to construct beautiful food. This range works as well for Asian as it does for Mediterranean menus, which shows how universal this design device is. At the high end, we mix the trend for white, with this shape in a more subtle form with Montgolfier’s Sainte Anne Plate. Just a hint of the scrolled rim edge provides enough of a reference point to provide distinctiveness without overpower the food. While Hering Berlin, as usual, adds its own unique twist for anyone looking for a luxury option, with its Evolution range.

As you would expect from a centuries-old inspiration, there are versions in bone china. I particularly like Narumi’s offering in the form of the elegant and beautiful Lotus range, which has a defined rim and plating area, incorporating the fluting/scalloping in the rim. The range comes in white or in a number of standard patterns. All of Narumi products can be bespoke decorated, so it would be easy to take the products down either an Asian, or a Mediterranean cuisine route.

The fact that so many of these ranges can be used for a number of cuisines from East to West, means that the design appeal is widespread across many cultures; probably because we recognise its origins as being from nature, whether of the sea or of the land. Whether of fish or flower, this classic inspiration of shape belongs in our DNA.

Classics are born because there is a connect with our DNA for certain things to instantly appeal to us… I realised this the first time I ate smoked eel, beetroot and sour cream

Hering Berlin Costa Nova

Costa Nova

Casafina

Mesa Ceramics is forging a new path for itself – from investing in its operation systems to exploring possibilities with digital printing to focusing on the HoReCa market. CEO Francisco Braga updates Tableware International on the exciting developments within the company…

New kids on the block

How has the past year been for Mesa Ceramics?

The past year has been full of challenges and achievements for us. We managed to close the year in the top three stoneware tableware manufacturers in Europe, which was a great milestone. We specialise in the development of digital-printing decorations on reactive and matte glazes, using this advantage to enhance our product collection and offer the flexibility and production capacity needed for

product customisation. Being such a young player in the market also means that we have a state-of-theart factory that is very efficient and environmentally friendly.

Last year, 2022 was also the year we started investing in our own brand – Mesa Ceramics. Starting in the Spanish and Portuguese markets, where we mainly sell under our own brand, while moving to markets such as Australia, Dubai and Canada.

Mesa Hotel caters towards the HoReCa market – it is proving a worthwhile investment for the company?

From the very beginning we defined that our strategy would be retail and HoReCa oriented. We have know-how and

Did you know?

Mesa moved from 100 per cent regular power to solar panels which allowed the company to reduce 164 tCO2/year, which is equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 7464 trees per year.

a very experienced team, allowing us to develop a range of products that fit both segments. Through Covid the HoReCa sector had a crash, but we prepared for the

small local restaurants to large chain companies.

HoReCa already represents more than 30 per cent of our business and is growing every month.

comeback that we believed would be strong as people would feel the need to go out and eat in good restaurants or stay in hotels again. Fortunately, this came to pass and we were prepared to offer the market excellent products that have performed very well in the sector. We are committed to serving the hospitality industry and become a partner that cares about the needs and wants of the best players in the market, from

In addition to product differentiation, we have also just launched a new website entirely dedicated to the HoReCa sector, where our customers can find professional solutions products that fit their needs (mesaceramicshotel.com).

Mesa has invested heavily in its manufacturing facilities – has that paid dividends for the company?

The investments we have

“Glazing was changed to spray instead of dipping - this allows us to control the thickness of the glaze layer used on each piece, avoiding waste”

Blue Frost

German Design Award winners for the second time...

For the second year in a row, Mesa Ceramics has won a German Design Award. “Last year our Mesa Uno collection was distinguished as a winner by the German Design Award jury, and this year Yuki collection won the special distinction, both in the category - Excellent Product Design – Tabletop,” Francisco tells us. “Being such a young company, we believe that this is worth celebrating. It was a team effort, and we believe that the award is confirmation that our strategy, very focused on design, product differentiation, quality, flexibility, service and good communication, was right from the beginning.”

made over the past three years, particularly in the last year, have been critical as they have allowed us to improve our service, capacity and production flexibility. Some investments have been made to improve the quality and comfort of our staff at the plant, others have helped us make the plant leaner and more efficient by improving our level of first choice products.

We have also invested in the sustainability of our factory by introducing new developments and production technologies, such as 3D tools and the environmentally friendly digitalprinting ink, allowing low emissions of ink gases minimizing the environmental impact of our beautiful designs. Digital printing also allows a decorated piece to

go through a single firing process, whereas some other technologies would require double energy use. Mesa Ceramics only uses single firing techniques due to these technological investments. In addition to these two main concerns, there are also other small but certainly important changes. Glazing was changed to spray instead of dipping - this allows us to control the thickness of the glaze layer used on each piece, avoiding waste. The investment in switching from 100 per cent regular power to our own solar panels allowed us to reduce 164 tCO2/year, which is equivalent to the CO2 absorption of 7464 trees per year.

Mesa seems to be tapping into its artistic core more with digital printing technology – I loved Violeta for example. Will we see the brand explore this even more in the future?

Absolutely! We believe that digital printing is one of our strengths, as we were one of the first to develop it on stoneware tableware. We work very closely with our suppliers, inspiring them to continue to develop new and exciting technological solutions that allow us to make more interesting and artistic designs. At Mesa we are in close contact

New HoReCa website

with the market, that means we want to develop products that are attractive and on-trend. We are always open to ideas and suggestions from our customers and partners, often good ideas come from great brainstorming.

Can we expect many new launches from Mesa in 2023?

Yes, for Mesa Ceramics it is very important to have a wide range of new products that can be adapted to each customer’s needs. We are continually developing new products, shapes, colours and of course, decorations. And technology plays a big part in our ability to be flexible, since it allows an infinite number of design possibilities. Each piece is unique due to the combination of digital printing and reactive glazes. The application of the decoration is done in an automatic in-line process, much faster than traditional hand-made processes, and without the use of any toxic material or waste, while maintaining the uniqueness of the pieces. We have a very experienced team of designers and engineers that are always

The HoReCa market represents more than 30 per cent of Mesa Ceramics’ business and is growing every month. They have just launched a new website entirely dedicated to the HoReCa sector – mesaceramicshotel.com.

looking for new solutions, new reactive glazes, new colours and new product combinations. At Ambiente, we will present an innovative range of products that mix organic and inorganic shapes, with a matte glaze on the outside while combining beautiful reactive glazes with digital printing on the inside. This new concept has led us to adapt our production lines to create out-of-the-box products, while maintaining the quality we are well known for.

Will you be exhibiting at any trade shows?

Ambiente is, for us, the most important exhibition of the year because it takes place at the beginning of the year and is where most of our customers and partners come to meet and discover our new proposals.

Following our strategy of increasing the focus on the HoReCa sector, we will be showing our products at Host Milan. We want to show our customers our very targeted hospitality products, developed specifically for this market.

Magic

Enigma

Economic impact

Jones, chief operating officer, BHETA looks at how the market currently stands …

The world has changed so much over the last couple of years with consumer perceptions of home cooking, home baking and home entertaining shifting from something lovely for the dedicated enthusiast to a staple of contemporary life. Many new devotees have entered the market, as a result, the category has been transformed. So, it was no surprise that market expansion was stratospheric during the various Covid lockdowns.

With new habits entrenched, we all know that now we find ourselves in a massively challenging time. We are in a cost-of-living crisis, those that can still afford it are rushing off on holiday while they can, supply chain issues remain, the energy crisis bites with a level of inflation not seen since 1975 – the overall economic predictions are hardly positive.

So, let us look at where the market stands. Thanks to its partnership with GlobalData and contacts with other data providers, BHETA has all the statistics and some very wellinformed predictions.

The BHETA Quarterly Market Report shows the value of the housewares sector to have declined by 3.7 per cent year-on-year to the end of September and forecast to be -3.2 per cent lower by year end. Of course, that is against very robust growth in 2020 and 2021, so it has still been a good year in the context of

Facing facts

the last five years.

And while it might look like tough times compared to 2021, Dunelm’s sales in the last quarter were still 36 per cent higher than in 2019 and delivered profit in the year to July of £209m.

Not only that but encouragingly, there is still huge interest in housewares categories across Google, as those good habits formed and reinforced during the pandemic are still being searched. It just might be a bit harder to convert that traffic to purchasers. We can add into this the bounce-back in the kitchen, bathroom and flooring sectors as more homeowners accept tradespeople into their homes.

With both kitchen and bathroom improvements enabling housewares and small electricals purchase, it’s useful to note that kitchen furniture is expected to have grown by 5.1 per cent by the end of 2022, and bathrooms showing only a slight decline, down by 2.4 per cent.

Looking ahead, 2023 will of course hold significant challenges as the Bank of England predicts the UK will enter recession. Disposable income will be a challenge, but inflation should start to reduce, and if we do enter recession, we are hoping that it will be shallow and still give suppliers and retailers conditions in which they can still make money - albeit growth will be harder to achieve.

So, what has BHETA been doing

The BHETA Quarterly Market Report shows the value of the housewares sector to have declined by 3.7 per cent yearon-year to the end of September and forecast to be -3.2 per cent lower by year end.

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

and what is it planning to do to help members manage and benefit from these complex circumstances as much as they can? It is a positive mix of reliable market facts, retailer networking and strategic advice including training and contacts to enable members to take advantage of the opportunities that undoubtedly remain.

For the record, BHETA has hosted over fifty webinars in the last year providing relevant information and support on topics such as digital marketing, B2C strategy and packaging regulations. There were also twelve retailer networking forums and MTB events with key UK customers such as Homebase, Amazon, John Lewis and Toolstation.

Lobbying has been and continues to be a massive part of the association’s role on behalf of members. Examples this year include lobbying DIT for a reinstatement of a grant scheme to support suppliers exhibiting abroad, delaying the launch, and reallocating the burden of cost of the proposed new EPR packaging scheme, to pressing retailers on slow payments. Lobbying will continue to afford BHETA the opportunity to help members deal with specific challenges such as EPR, Export grant support, retailer

payment issues and responsible knife retailing. BHETA will also continue to work with key industry bodies such as the CBI, DEFRA, BEIS (business energy and industrial strategy) whose larger voice can help to support us on those bigger issues such as shipping costs, Green Energy and net zero.

Following the recent BHETA member survey, just under a third of BHETA members are actively interested in switching sourcing back or moving to European suppliers, with 15 per cent having recently done so. This feeds into the security of supply narrative and the over reliance on East Asia for the supply of goods. This is an area in which BHETA will support members as it leads to more UK reshoring opportunities.

BHETA member engagement is at an all-time high, and while 2023 will no doubt be an extremely challenging year, we have a number of pro-active initiatives that will support our members and help us achieve our objective of being the go-to trade association for the industry.

For more information about BHETA, BHETA events and BHETA services, contact the BHETA Member Services team on 0121 237 1130 or visit the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.

If we do enter recession, we are hoping that it will be shallow and still give suppliers and retailers conditions in which they can still make money

Will

Feeling... blue?

Hand-decorated delights

You’ll never feel blue with the beautiful selection of handmade tableware and teaware from Burleigh Pottery. Traditional and timeless, they’re known for their blue and white ceramics. Popular collections include Blue Asiatic Pheasants, Blue Calico and Blue Felicity. Pick your favourite pattern or mix and match; another big trend for 2023. All made in England and decorated by hand; their famous tissue transfer decoration technique uses engraved copper rollers to bring iconic archive patterns to life and they’re the only pottery in the world to still do this.

www.burleigh.co.uk

Blue is a key colour for 2023 but what we want to know is, did it ever go away? The answer, truthfully, is no. Following on from Very Peri as Pantone’s colour for 2022, this year sees more tranquil blues trending

Always in demand…

Always indigo

This year Beatriz Ball unveils its new blue and white Sienna Collection of dinnerware, along with new floral linens incorporating similar indigo hues.

Blue is also a featured colour in new light-as-a-feather stemmed Cambridge glasses, on reverse painted bowls and platters, and as an accent colour on the company’s sparkling acrylic drinkware. Rounding out the azure-hued offerings are new Thanni Collection designs with a proprietary blue finish that are ideal for coastal living.

wholesale.beatrizball.com

Denby’s expertise from its glaze secret recipes can be seen in classic Imperial Blue, Studio Blue with its new Accent Collection decorated by the creation of a new hand glazing process which Denby has named ‘flooping’ and Blue Haze with its striking ombre effect. Denby has transferred this knowledge to porcelain with the beautiful award-wining Modern Deco pattern launched last year. Blue has featured strongly in Denby collections since 1884 when it was the first coloured glaze to be developed following Denby’s early salt-glazed ware. Denby creates its own glazes and has built up a reputation for expertise in the creation of beautiful glaze effects. The stunning ‘Electric Blue’ of a hundred years ago is still much in demand by antique collectors.

www.denbypottery.com

Vibrant palette

The NUDE Nest collection of candy boxes demonstrates the beauty of glass to its fullest. A series of simple yet decorative pieces crafted from the finest lead-free crystal, each container is striking in its shape and proportions, while remaining free from unnecessary details. A vibrant palette presents a realm of opportunities for each item to function both independently or alongside its counterparts.

eu.nudeglass.com

Voyage to Santorini

Get ready to slather on your sunscreen and feel the sand between your toes because Luzerne is taking you on an escapade as they unveil the Santorini collection. Drawing references from the magical resort island, they have incorporated bold strokes of red and blue in the design to mimic the wondrous spectrum of colours at dusk. Some patterns symbolise the windmills found on the island while others have random paint strokes and splashes. www.luzerne.com

Sustainable design

www.kostaboda.com

Kappa is a collection of mouth-blown vases in circular glass, named after the small bubble, or cap, that rises over the edge in the glass-blowing process. The cap is also the inspiration behind the shape of the vases – a shape that makes them beautiful, wonderful, and inviting. The collection from Kosta Boda is designed for a sustainable future and is, at the same time, a tribute to traditional craftsmanship. Kappa Circular is produced with excess glass from Kosta glassworks in Sweden. During the process of transforming circular glass into something new, small bubbles emerge, and color variations are created. So, the finished vases differ in shades from blue to gray and have small bubbles inside, making each vase unique. The collection is designed by Mimmi Blomqvist and launched in 2021.

Historical references

Historical references and modern elegance come together in Rosenthal’s Carreau pattern on the Francis design to create a classically luxurious yet simple-looking table arrangement. The interplay of shaded and unshaded checked areas in royal blue and delightful beige with a delicate gold outline produces a kaleidoscopic colour effect. Subtle white surfaces bring a calming and airy feeling to the design and create an exciting contrast between light and dark, which is wonderfully complemented by the clear lines of the Francis design.

www.rosenthal.de

Center stage dining

Crafted with colour

With its round shape and light blue colour, Crafted Blueberry contrasts with deep blue plates. The clear shape conveys modernity and functionality, while the blue colour evokes a sense of lightness and freshness. Just like the sky on a summer morning, when the fresh breeze has blown the last clouds away. And no two Crafted Blueberry pieces are the same, as the reactive glaze once again creates individual colour gradients on premium porcelain.

www.villeroy-boch.com

Utopia brings us the Santo collection which has been designed to put the circle centre stage on the table. Cobalt is one of the five stunning colourways in the Santo Collection, with the blue circles and a contrasting brown background, it’s perfect for light summer salads as well as hearty meat dishes. Santo’s roughly drawn concentric circles focus the eye to the heart of each piece, allowing the chef to centre or offset the presentation depending on the desired effect. Made from superior stoneware for increased durability, this collection is perfect for modern dining.

www.utopia-tableware.com

Reflecting gold

The Sip of Gold champagne tumblers from Sieger by Fürstenberg are a combination of wafer-thin porcelain and the finest precious metal. Especially when the tumblers are filled with a drink, hundreds of reflections create the impression of liquid gold that gives the collection its name. Every single tumbler is individually crafted in a variety of different stages.

No two pieces are alike with the Sip of Gold Drips and Drops tumblers: each tumbler is one of a kind, a product of masterful artisanry and guided chance. The cobalt blue decors Drips and Drops are applied by hand with great finesse. Drops big and small create completely new patterns on the wafer-thin white porcelain each and every time, making each tumbler unique, handcrafted character vividly palpable.

www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com

Ocean inspired

Refined hand-cut work

Inspired by Japanese tea pots, Vista Alegre’s Camellia box is presented in clear crystal and satin blue glass, both with a refined hand-cut work that contrasts with smooth areas. Generously sized, it becomes an ideal piece to decorate a living space. www.vistaalegre.com

Classic style

The Sansui series has been deeply admired for generations since its launch in 1915, immune to influences from fashion trends. The featured pattern is called the “willow pattern”, which became popular around the world in the 19th century; during which many Japanese ceramics manufacturers exported large amounts of these works to the West. The Sansui series is one of Nikko’s longest-selling products, stretching over 105 years. The Sansui series had long been made using sheet copper decoration on ironstone china. Now, it has been newly released with its decorations applied to pure white fine bone china using Nikko’s advanced paper transfer technology.

www.nikkoceramics.com

Sophisticated shades

As a Portuguese company, Porcel has always been inspired by the ocean. Collections such as Adamastor and Blue Legacy, recreate the intense hue of the sea through the use of cobalt blue decorations.

Furthermore, Porcel also offer options with milder tones. On the one hand, Silver Rain features selected pieces in a soft blue, finished with hand painted platinum edges. On the other hand, Louise Lotus has a pastel blue and golden surface with a unique texture, due to an exclusive Porcel technique. This collection has recently grown to embrace a wider range of pieces, which are already available to check out on Porcel’s website. www.porcel.com

The glasses of our Aura series reflect the beauty of modern times. The sophisticated highlights add a subtle splash of colourful freshness to their simple design. Whether at home, in the garden, at a picnic or in restaurants with an urban flair – Aura is sure to create an exceptional dining experience. www.zwiesel-glas.com