Remarkably, this is the largest July/ August issue of Tableware International… ever! What does that tell you? It tells you the industry is not just surviving, it’s thriving. This positive growth is seemingly being driven by a strong recovery in hospitality – so much so that September’s Maison&Objet is putting the focus firmly on HoReCa with its new Hospitality Lab area in hall 6. Here, visitors are invited to explore the cutting edge of aesthetics and functionality while deciphering recent trends in the hotel industry. The Cook&Share sector in Hall 3 is where you’ll find the tableware and kitchenware sector with an impressive lineup of top tier exhibitors such as Bordall Pinheiro, Costa Nova and many more. Turn to our preview on page 78 to learn more.
Meanwhile, this month we shine a light on Wilmax who take our front cover. A fantastically innovative company who offer an incredible array of product – the brand has most recently moved into providing furniture for the hospitality sector. A great example of a company looking towards the next natural brand extension! You can read about Wilmax’s foray into furniture in our news pages but first turn to page 32 to explore some of their inventive cutlery collections.
Wilmax isn’t the only great company we hear from in this issue.
We see LSA International’s new collection on page 38, and we catch up with LAV on page 44.
If you turn to page 54, I speak with Martyn Lewis of Lewis Wark. Interestingly, Martyn says: “I have been in the business for 37 years and I have never experienced anything quite like the current climate.”
Meanwhile, Gabi Schupp, director dining & lifestyle, Villeroy & Boch, tells Tableware International how the company is celebrating a remarkable 275 years making tableware.
“For 275 years now, we have proven our passion for outstanding design, and we know how to combine our customers’ needs with our vision for the future, always regarding our core competence – ceramics,” Gabi tells us. Read more on page 76.
And finally, if you open page 94, you can read our interview with another great German brand, Stölzle Lausitz where we take a closer look at some of their collections.
We also have show previews for the aforementioned Maison, NY Now (pg 82) and Top Drawer (pg 84). And there is category coverage for metal (pg 36) and gift-ready tableware (pg46) too.
As always, any news, views and opinions, please email me – mairead@ lemapublishing.co.uk – I want to hear from you!
www.portmeiriongroup.com
For Inquiries: IntlSales@portmeiriongroup com
Rosenthal has announced the appointment of Lotte Franch as its new CEO, effective 1 September, 2023. She will succeed the current CEO Mads Ryder, who will continue in an advisory role until the end of September to ensure a seamless transition.
In her most recent position as chief operating officer at Rosenthal GmbH, Lotte Franch played a pivotal role in leading operational functions
and orchestrating effective improvements for the company.
"We are very pleased to welcome Lotte Franch in her new role at Rosenthal," says Mads Ryder, the outgoing CEO of Rosenthal. "Her leadership skills, industry knowledge, and accomplishments make her the perfect candidate to lead the company forward. I have complete confidence in her ability to continue Rosenthal's legacy."
“I’m excited to be collaborating with Print Club London and three incredibly talented artists. I’ve been a big fan of Print Club since their founding; they play a vital role in the creative ecosystem of London and the UK. It’s very rewarding working with three exciting and stylistically diverse artists, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing their work translate beautifully from paper to ceramics. The success of this transition is testament to the phenomenally talented craftspeople we work with in Stoke-onTrent, from the screen printers through to the manufacturing of the mugs.”
Richard Brendon speaking about his new collaboration with Print Club London. The range consists of 12 mugs by three talented graphic artists – Margaux Carpentier, Max Machen and Rose Stallard. The partnership pays homage to a somewhat forgotten historic tradition, where British ceramic brands would showcase the work of exceptionally talented emerging artists and bring their work to life in a new medium, resulting in fresh and unexpected products.
Porland has added new décors to Re-gen, a series created using recycled porcelain.
In addition to the original Re-gen décor, Porland has added four new patterns –Salda, Ontario, and Birdsong which are available as sixpiece sets or dinnerware set. There is also the colourful One & Only three-piece dinnerware set (pictured), featuring the moon and stars, which is also part of the Re-gen series.
In creating the new collections, Porland partnered with the Yuvam Dünya Association, whose work focuses on the climate crisis.
Beatriz Ball has tripled the size of its US warehouse to now include 256 additional bays of pallet racking, and four extra packing stations. Similar improvements are happening to its Mexico warehouses. “We recently hired a seasoned fulfillment and warehousing expert to manage US operations. Working closely with the company’s existing warehouse personnel he is spearheading innovations that include adding a new scanning system for efficiency and accuracy to both its US warehouse and Mexican foundry," explains Beatriz Ball.
As part of its commitment to biodiversity Sambonet Paderno Industrie recently created an apiary at its headquarters. In collaboration with 3Bee - the leading climate tech company for biodiversity protection -Sambonet created a beehive consisting of five hives equipped with the unique "3Bee Hive-Tech" monitoring technology, which ensures the health of the bees housed in the oasis is monitored. The company says this small step toward protecting biodiversity reinforces Sambonet Paderno Industrie's sustainability commitment to being increasingly attentive to the environment and its inhabitants.
The Ćmielów Design Studio is celebrating 10 years in existence. Established in 2013 as the youngest brand of Polskie Fabryk Porcelany "Ćmielów" i "Chodzież" S.A. – the studio introduced contemporary design alongside traditional Ćmielów porcelain. The Ćmielów Design Studio brand is a unique example of cooperation between designers and industry and a return to the art - industry - craft movement of the 1960s. The brand celebrated its anniversary at a recent event at Sandomierz Castle.
Steelite International recently announced the opening of its new European warehouse.
CEO John Miles (pictured) made the announcement, saying the introduction of the new facility promises an even more seamless experience through increased efficiency, improved delivery times, and reduced third-party fees.
Strategically located in Rosenburg, Netherlands, the new warehouse is stocked with an impressive 600,000+ items from 14 brands within Steelite’s extensive portfolio. In other news, Steelite recently announced the acquisition of Delfin.
We love this image of designer Robin Levien with this fantastic larger-than-life mug, which was made for the launch of Trend, way back in 1983 (the year I was born! - ed). The mug was gifted to Robin by the acclaimed David Queensbury after they worked on Thomas Trend together.
“We had a spring clean here in the studio,” Robin explains, “and got reacquainted with some of the objects we have on display. This massive Thomas Trend cup was made for the launch of Trend back in 1983, yes 40 years ago! Not many were made so I was delighted when my ex-partner David Queensbury, who I worked closely with on Trend, gave me this one. There is also one in the Ceramics Gallery at the V&A. No doubt that gets cleaned more often than every spring!”
Mepra has opened a new showroom in Atlanta. The new showroom will be at 861A in building 2 on the 8th floor. It boasts 600 sqft of space, which will allow Mepra to display all of its best-selling products.
The unveiling of the state-of-theart showroom will allow customers to see Mepra's high-end collection of custom PVD flatware and holloware, specifically designed for the discerning luxury market.
The trade association for the UK ceramics manufacturing industry, the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC), has announced Alan McLelland as its new president.
Alan, who is vice president of technology at Morgan Advanced Materials takes on a two-year term as president. Pictured is Edward Naylor (deputy president), Alan McLelland (president), Hannah Ault (vice president), Rob Flello (chief executive) of the British Ceramics Confederation.
Nordic history was written in iron and wood, molded in the wilderness, among dense forests, tundra and rough seas. These features of strength and resistance combined with a practical spirit are present in the shape and colors of the Nordic Iron collection, ready to conquer any table with the requirements of functionality, style and sobriety.
Zwiesel Glas has picked up its third German Brand Award, presented annually to companies for successful brand management. Zwiesel Glas scooped the honour in the “Excellent Brands – Interior & Living” category.
As part of its commitment to supporting Josiah Wedgwood’s legacy by continuing to invest in creative talent, design and innovation, Wedgwood has collaborated with fashion designer Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY. The designer, known for his subversive, culturally diverse and gender inclusive creative narrative, has been given an open brief to
reimagine and recontextualise Wedgwood’s creative codes. Using multimedia techniques, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY has applied his creative handwriting to new campaign content. For the limited-edition collection, each pre-loved Jasperware piece has been individually decorated in the designer’s distinctive style and hand glazed, with an unrestrained abstract paint technique using a vibrant colour palette, for a radical take on Wedgwood’s most iconic ceramic material.
Crackle Circular by Åsa Jungnelius for Kosta Boda has received one of the world’s leading design awards – the Red Dot Award Best of the Best.
Crackle Circular is part of Kosta Boda's circular glass initiative using excess waste glass from other productions at Kosta Glassworks. The result is a collection of iconic products whose expression changes depending on perspective and distance, reminiscent of sculptures made of colored ice.
"I am incredibly thrilled that Crackle has received such a prestigious international award. Both form and technique stem from a shared objective with Kosta Boda to deliver an inclusive, honest, and sustainable product design that despite using traditional craftsmanship is progressive yet imperfect up close. A great honor for a product series with a strong yet exposed personality,” says designer Åsa Jungnelius.
The Reed collection by Monica Förster for Orrefors also received a Red Dot Award. Förster has created a collection of vases inspired by the shapes and expressions of Scandinavian form and nature. By emphasizing the mold lines instead of hiding them, Förster has provided the Reed design with its strong character. "The Red Dot Award is fantastic international recognition for Reed as a design and Orrefors product expertise in interior design. It's absolutely vital that Swedish design continues to make headway internationally and this award provides Reed with a great development platform going forward," says Monica Förster.
Moment, an innovative teapot designed and produced by Narumi, has been awarded in the Red Dot Award for Product Design.
The teapot is shaped like a flattened classical jar, inspired by traditional Asian ceramics. The uniquely curved handle recalls a traditional Japanese pattern of flowing water. By focusing on the balance between the wrist and the centre of gravity of the teapot, it is designed to reduce the load on the wrist by more than 30 per cent compared to a standard Narumi teapot.
International Market Centers (IMC) has rebranded to ANDMORE. The company announced it is unifying its physical marketplace business with the Juniper digital offerings and rebranding as ANDMORE, a premier omnichannel wholesale marketmaker. This business transformation follows a year-long initiative to redefine the company’s vision, align all channels under a single brand experience, and offer more ways to seamlessly connect wholesale buyers and sellers through physical and digital platforms.
Milano Home – taking place from 11 to 14 January 2024 at fieramilano (Rho) – will focus on sustainability as one of its core themes. Organisers says the theme will run across the fair pavilions representing the common thread linking the values of Milano Home. In particular, the concept of quality in its deepest sense, where attention to detail, choice of materials and customer service are priorities, as well as fairness and sensitivity to social and environmental issues. Milano Home will run from 11 to 14 January at fieramilano (Rho) milanohome.fieramilano.it
The iconic Nymphenburg brand has partnered with designer Hella Jongerius on an inventive new project – Generation T – which sees fresh life breathed into old porcelain.
The designer has created two new décors for Nymphenburg, which can be applied to old pieces.
The radical Dripping décor is provocative – with blue, black or golden drops that form long streaks. Weeds, on the other hand, are free spirits that cover up coveted cultivated plants in nature.
Now, Nymphenburg porcelain that has been donated, inherited or purchased on the second-hand market can be painted with one of Hella Jongerius’ newly created designs.
Nymphenburg tell us Generation T stands for tradition, transformation and tableware and is an initiative by them and the designer against the waste of valuable resources – material and human.
Description: Inspired by morning dew on lotus petals, the Dewdrop glassware collection captures nature’s beauty. Each piece is meticulously crafted using high-quality soda-lime glass and a unique pressing technique, showcasing exquisite embossments. The harmonious plates and bowls resemble a blossoming lotus. Choose our lotus-inspired set for its beauty and functionality. Perfect for any occasion, it also makes a thoughtful and unique gift, symbolizing love, beauty, and refined taste.
www.wws-ceramic.com
Utopia is launching a line of cordless LED table lamps for the hospitality sector. Suitable for indoors or outdoor use, they add contemporary refinement to the table.
With a choice of models – think round or straight sides – they are available in black, corten (rust brown/copper), copper, gold or silver finishes. The range comes in two sizes; the standard 30cm, and a micro 20cm.
Adding to the variety of lightscapes, there is a dimmable switch to change light levels, and a memory function to remember the selected setting.
Additionally, the lamps come with a USB charging cable, and a mat that can charge multiple units simultaneously.
www.utopia-tableware.com
The new Supersteam automatic steam wand, which is available as an option for the Schaerer Coffee Skye, has arrived – designed to help froth up plantbased milk alternatives for the per-fect coffee. The Supersteam automatic steam wand allows restaurateurs to expand the range of beverages they offer at little expense, while also minimising the time and effort it takes for service staff to create the perfect foam. With the Supersteam option fitted, the desired tem-perature and foam consistency for the drink can be stored in the coffee machine’s system. All the operator has to do is place a mug of the vegan drink under the steam wand and touch the display to start the Supersteam foaming process. www.schaerer.com
In the heart of Venice, the luxury hotel Ca’ di Dio, with its acclaimed restaurant Vero, uses the Junto Weiss plate by Rosenthal. Executive chef Raimondo Squeo loves to mix land with sea. Think seared scallops served with black sauces, marinated in soy sauce and saba, paired with white and red turnips, sweet garlic cream and parsley representing the land element. A must-try venue if you are ever in Venice!
Renowned Spanish chefs – twins Javier and Sergio Torres – whose career was defined by the their maternal grandmother helped to inspire Vista Alegre’s Totem plate, part of the brand’s Chef’s Collection range.
The chefs’ restaurant Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona has achieved two Michelin stars. Previously, the Torres brothers ran the restaurants Dos Cielos Madrid and Dos Cielos Barcelona, where they also recieved two Michelin stars. The inspiration for the Totem plate, part of Vista Alegre’s Chef’s Collection, was based on the reliefs of shells and conches.
Meanwhile, Vista Alegre’s Reef – also part of the Chef’s Collection – was created with Jorge Rausch, the prestigious Colombian chef whose restaurant Criterión has frequently been named on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. He is also a judge on MasterChef Colombia, Chile and Ecuador. The chef is known for promoting ecological and social responsibility campaigns on the fishing and consumption of lionfish, an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea that strongly attacks the ecosystem, making this an inspiration for the Reef plate.
Maurizio Montanari, international hotel and restaurant sales manager at Sambonet Paderno Industrie, Arcturus Group, recently spoke about new trends and consumer habits.
As people have started to venture out again post pandemic, Montanari points out that the public’s needs and expectations have changed.
Hotels are adapting their services
to make the transition from work to relaxation to entertainment more immediate with flexible spaces allowing in-room dining experiences to now be a part of the itinerary. Montanari says groups like Sambonet are supporting their partners in this change by offering modular buffets adaptable to any location, be it an outdoor garden or even room service.
Multi-use glassware such as Bormioli Rocco’s Florian collection provides the perfect presentation platform for cocktails and mixed drinks. Part of Steelite International’s summer ‘23 launches, the Florian collection boasts a ridged décor which adds depth and interest to the piece.
www.steeliteinternational.com
Wilmax – widely known for its extensive tableware collections – has expanded its offering for HoReCa professionals even further by launching a new range of furniture. The first furniture product line from the brand is a new range of chairs and armchairs.
The assortment includes 25 models including classic dining chairs, comfortable chairs with armrests and high bar stools. They are made of solid wood, have comfortable backs and soft seats. A variety of wood bases and upholstery colours and textures will allow you to choose a chair matching any taste and seamlessly integrating into restaurant interiors of various styles. The fabrics offered have been specially chosen to be practical and durable in the HoReCa environ-ment.
The brands plan to grow its furniture offering, visit wilmax.uk to stay up-to-date.
Chef Mauro Collagreco of Raffles Hotels selected two of Forge De Laguiole table knives for the famed hotel. Both signed by designer Christian Ghion, the Hole model with ebony handle, and the FA7 in oak are perfect representations of the authentic craftsmanship of Coutellerie Nontronnaise, located in the Dordogne.
www.forge-de-laguiole.com
United Tables by Zwiesel has launched its online portal. At www.united-tables.com, restaurateurs can get an overview of current food trends, get inspiration and advice, while searching for tabletop products.
“Gastronomy today is no longer just about the food alone. Guests want an overall experience that includes the interior, the ingredients used and the presentation of the food,” says Birgit Dubberke, head of marketing at United Tables. “We sound out and present current food and gastro trends and develop interesting table settings for them.”
The portal is based on the concept of curated commerce. Zwiesel Glas says the focus is not on the sale of individual products, but on the harmonious combination of matching tabletop products to create an overall concept or trend. For customers, this makes shopping more inspiring, more individual, more convenient and easier.
Distribution will be handled by the familiar sales channels and partners of United Tables and Zwiesel Kristallglas AG. www.united-tables.com
Zwiesel Glas has launched a new glassware collection – combining a handmade stem with a machine-made dome. Described as a “filigree but functional glass experience”, the Fusion series literally fuses traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art machine precision.
The machines in Zwiesel Glas produce the dome of the stemware series with absolute precision. The delicate, elegant dome conveys lightness and stability while the wafer-thin stem and the wide base plate have been created by glassmakers.
“Fusion is thus the perfect symbiosis of man and machine, of aesthetics and functionality,” the company says.
With the introduction of the new hybrid glass series, Zwiesel Glas is using a further production process alongside traditional manufacture and modern machine production in order to be able to fully cover the needs of the best hosts: from functional glass for widespread use to premium glasses in various designs and price ranges.
With five different glass sizes, Fusion has been designed to help Bordeaux and Burgundy, light and strong white wines and champagnes to develop to their full potential.
Fusion is available immediately for Germany, Austria and Switzerland through Zwiesel Glas’s sales contacts and via the professional online portal (united-tables.com). Fusion will be available from the beginning of September for international customers.
www.zwiesel-glas.com
Portuguese brand SPAL recently introduced four new collections.Hero collections Gingko and Bilbao were joined by the Venice and Ikat assortments. The Gingko collection (pictured right) has been inspired by leaves of the Gingko Biloba tree – the décor showcasing the metamorphosis process the leaves go through during their life cycle, with a contrast between green and golden tones. Meanwhile, with Bilbao geometric elements have been developed with a futuristic concept, in the scale of greys, complemented with gold details, allows movement and a different glow to each look. SPAL also introduced Venice. The chosen colour palette, aqua and coral, represent chromatically very distinct tones, yet when put together result in a perfect symbiosis. Finally, Ikat was developed under the concept of one of the oldest techniques of manual weaving. The Ikat collection combines a pattern often applied in textiles with an elegant gold filament. www.spal.pt
Royal Goedewaagen – a Dutch company who has been making ceramics for more than 400 years – has launched the Heritage collection, an ode to craftsmanship and timeless design.
As one of the oldest potteries in Europe, Royal Goedewaagen has drawn on its hundreds of years of expertise to bring us a complete dinner service made entirely using authentic mother molds which have been used in their factory for many years.
Did you know?
Dutch company Royal Goedewaagen has been making ceramics for more than 400 years.
Expect to find candles, candle holders, jugs, egg cups, tea pot, sugar bowl, cup and saucer, serving bowl with lid, mugs and various sized plates. The colourways are named after different shades found in the Royal Goedewaagen factory, such as Frisian White, Water Blue, Clay Grey, Cobalt Blue, Coal Black and Bisque Beige, recently expanded with colours Quartz Pink, Red Clay and Marigold. Each piece bears a makers mark, and also a mold number.
www.royalgoedewaagen.com
4the number of new collections SPAL recently launched.
Exceptional new interpretations! The exclusive 275 Jubilee Collection invites you to experience the highlights of the last 275 years of Villeroy&Boch. The limited edition design in the trend colours of blue and orange introduces versatile statement pieces in premium quality that are ideal as both decorative objects or stand-alone features.
Contemporary gift retailer Enesco has announced a new partnership with the English Ladies Co, acting as the exclusive distributor of this licensed Disney home and giftware collection, designed and manufactured in Stokeon-Trent – the home of British pottery – using nothing but the finest quality bone china. In addition to delightful tea sets and hanging ornaments, the new Disney collection from the English Ladies Company also includes a range of Disney figurines. Each and every piece is as true as possible to every Disney personality the team creates; all characters are modelled on the Disney films so precisely and every care is taken to present the closest replica to each character possible. www.enesco.co.uk
Istanbul-based global design brand, NUDE, recently presented the Omnia collection to consumers. The accessories and drinksware collection will be exclusively available in the US. The pieces have been designed in collaboration with a number of NUDE's previous collaborators, with a consistent brief to design glassware inspired by the sensory characteristics of water, whose Omnia, derived from the Latin word for "everything," is meticulously crafted by hand, reflecting a commitment to exceptional quality. Comprising a diverse selection of 27 pieces, the Omnia collection features the artistic interpretations of four modern designers. Eu.nudeglass.com
Rosenthal meets Versace has introduced a new dining collection. La Greca Signature reflects the Versace lifestyle with an extravagant colour combination of red and black. The collection is a perfect opportunity to mix and match striking red with impactful black The décor is an extension of the La Greca motif and appears as a three-dimensional relief on high-quality porcelain. The subtle geometric ornaments are contrasted with black or white to create an effective illusionistic effect. Elegant Versace lettering adorns this sophisticated collection and is set on plates of various sizes in gold tone. Whether in black or red, the signature Greca pattern adds an
finish to the contemporary and modern dining collection.
The collection of red plates arrives in two different sizes, complete with a mug, small bowls and platters.
In black, the collection features plates and bowls in various sizes, in addition to cups, table lights with scented wax and a twoperson tea set with a teapot and teacups.
www.rosenthal.de
Meet Herend’s Green Laurel pattern, which was introduced at the Atlanta Gift Show. The collection boasts trim even leaves which hint at the beauty of a formal topiary garden, but the duality of the green colour adds a playful dynamic that makes this pattern the perfect companion from holiday tablescapes to summer picnics on the lawn.
www.herend.com
Herend launched its newest pattern Green Laurel at the Atlanta Gift Show.
The 4 for 1 from Crystalex is a minimalist set perfect for smaller households, and ideal for individuals. The collection offers a complete set of glasses for a non-alcoholic and sparkling beverage, a beer, and a wine. They are rendered in a classically elegant style, and further sets can be acquired along with each new member of the household.
www.crystalex.cz
The Mediterraneo, designed by Emma Silvestris, and Cactus!, designed by Marta Sansoni, fruit bowls from Alessi are both art and function. At times an abstract geometric decoration while also adapting as fruit bowls. “This dichotomy is amplified by clothing these two designs in a new green colour, intensifying their natural aura and multiplying their expressive power,” Alessi says.
www.alessi.com
Dutch company Heinen Delfts Blauw is on a mission to restore Delft blue porcelain to its former glory. The family company looks for creative ways to give traditional Delftware a modern twist, resulting in fun and functional tableware collections such as Nhaan, the name of the playful Dachshund that is the main character of their newest collection.
Bold, hand-drawn stripes mix with traditional Delft blue ornaments, while the adorable Dachshund runs, jumps, tumbles and rolls all around the plates and mugs. The collection was born out of a shared love for Delft blue, modern design and functionality.
www.heinendelftsblauw.com
From Fine2Dine, the Folia collection is a new assortment designed to make an impact. Crafted from hand-made glass, each piece is a unique and valuable work of art in its own right. The enchanting waves in the structure of the glass give each item a unique touch and feel.
www.fine2dine.com
Vista Alegre’s Carrossel series now includes a whiskey decanter and Old Fashioned glasses, available as a set or individually.
Designed by Vítor Salgueiro, the barware collection seemingly challenges ergonomics. “These pieces in superior manufactured crystal creatively stand out in any environment, maintaining their functionality and stability through a central axis with circular movements,” Vista Alegre says.
www.vistaalegre.com
The age-old question is not, “which came first the chicken or the egg?”, rather it’s “which is better; porcelain or stoneware?”. At least, that’s the question many of my customers ask when setting out to purchase a new set of dinnerware. The importance of that question is primarily due to the materials from which they are made. Many people assume that they are equals when it comes to use on their dinner table, but porcelain may have a slight edge and it appears that advantage is allowing porcelain to make a comeback.
When I married over 30 years ago and registered for dinnerware, porcelain dominated the marketplace. But since then, companies like Vietri, Casafina,
than that of stoneware. Often, porcelain was created using ultrathin designs that could be worked into different shapes with ornate decorations or delicate patterns making it more expensive than stoneware. So, choosing between the two was really down to personal preference, price, and use.
Now, not that there still isn’t a lot of love for stoneware, I’m just noticing more manufactures focusing their efforts on porcelain with new designs and better pricing – and consumers are responding accordingly. Part of this could be the typical cycle of trends, but also because porcelain lends itself to a more transitional contemporary design which mirrors the current home decorating trends of transitional from traditional.
with amazing prices. Take for example Rosenthal’s Moon or Suomi collections leaning more contemporary. Then there is Vista Alegre’s Mar assortment. What I love with this pattern is the way they have been able to incorporate texture in the dinnerware. Before you would only see reliefs in stoneware patterns. Then for a more transitional white looks I like Royal Limoges Ocean or Star patterns. Great for dress up or dress down opportunities.
But when your consumer aligns with colour and pattern – porcelain choices are abundant since this is what porcelain does incredibly well whether through hand-painting or decal.
Great everyday patterns include Vista Alegre’s Arigato, Blue Ming, or my favourite, Venezia. And then there is Rosenthal’s Brilliance collection. The details and colours are amazing and all dishwasher and microwave safe.
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
porcelain company, does a great job with varied assortment of gifts. Whether you’re with the trend or not, you can rest assured that if you choose porcelain, you’ll have a long-lasting, adaptable material and family heirloom for years to come.
and Juliska, along with their counterparts, manufactured casual, colourful designs and assortments that seemed to drive the stoneware movement. Many consumers enjoyed the more casual look and feel of stoneware for everyday meals. Their porcelain set, if they had one, was reserved for more formal entertaining and holidays. While stoneware was heavier and took up more space in their kitchen cabinets, the price of porcelain was higher
The other change I see, is that previously porcelain was strongly known for its ornate patterns and trims in gold and silver which prevented them from going in the dishwasher and microwave. But now, in an age of convenience, there are so many patterns and whites that don’t have the metallic banding that are great for everyday use.
If you are the group that loves whites, there are countless porcelain dinnerware sets
If price isn’t an issue, make your way to Raynaud’s collection of dinnerware. With stunning colours and details, their offerings go a long way to describing your dinnerware as art.
Again, a favourite for me is Paradis, or for a more contemporary feel, the Mineral collection.
One other area porcelain has an advantage over stoneware is in the gift industry. Beautiful gift boxes and trinket trays are abundant within this category. Unfortunately, stoneware, just because of how it is made, can’t compete. Mottahedeh, as well as almost every other
More and more of Michele Trzuskowski’s customers are asking for porcelain over stoneware. So is porcelain enjoying a resurgence with American buyers?Rosenthal
“Great everyday patterns include Vista Alegre’s Arigato, Blue Ming, or my favourite, Venezia”
Landmark “a store” – it is a theatrical universe where guests go to explore different lands and shopping is just one part of the exciting journey. Michelle Hespe learns more…
Unlike most retail stores, Tiendas Landmark does not have windows to show off the merchandise inside. Customers arrive at the entrance of the department store and are surrounded by an immersive artwork by kinetic artist Rafael Parratoro that magically covers the walls in shape-shifting streams of calming colors. To enter the store is like walking through a rainbow and stepping out the other side, into another world.
“We take customers far away from everywhere,” says Tiendas Landmark’s visual manager, Elena Scelzi. “We want visitors to have the sensation of walking through a space to someplace else – that they are taking a journey with us. That journey could be through a small town in Europe or stepping into a bazaar in some exotic place. The
store is built like a small town, with buildings, streets, a central piazza – there are pathways to follow, set out by the architecture.”
The mesmerizing entrance is fitting, because traveling is one of the core themes for Tiendas Landmark.
“We want to inspire our customers and show them that something as simple as your bed linen is special and that it can make you feel different, and take you somewhere else,” Elena says. “Things for everyday life should be special, as you use them often. Even if it is as simple as buying towels, we want people to feel that it’s a different experience – and that you become a part of something else when you make a purchase.”
Elena explains that she and their buyers take choosing every single
product very seriously. “Then my work is to help customers to mix and match the objects – to pull together a universe and present it to them,” she adds. “It can be a dreamy, poetic experience, and it’s about recognizing the value of an object. All of the objects in our store have to tell a story.”
visual merchandising makes you smile, and the dramatic lighting further supports the theatrical experience.”
The judges all agreed Tiendas Landmark, which now has nine stores, is a best-case example of how the physical retail store can still be king.
The gia expert jury applauded this unashamedly sentimental approach: “There is great storytelling with visual merchandising and a lot of unique, interesting details throughout the store. The way Tiendas Landmark uses props, creating a sense of fun and fueling emotions is unique. Its
The judges all agreed Tiendas Landmark, which now has nine stores, is a bestcase example of how the physical retail store can still be king.
“Tiendas Landmark offers so many reasons for customers to visit the store,” one judge said. “It is a meeting place, a destination, and an immersive experience. It’s a place for all of the senses, and a space for inspiration. Fun and exploratory, it offers pure entertainment.”
Tiendas Landmark has adopted a “store-within-a-store” approach, so once customers are inside the 6,000-square-meter space, they can wander between the many lands (or “sets” as Elena calls them) that are devoted to individual
You can’t really call the Argentinian gia Global Honoree Tiendas
“Things for everyday life should be special”
brands – all with their own themes and atmosphere.
No matter which brand it is though, all products are carefully selected from international markets, with a sharp focus on global interior design trends. The store also has a customized consulting service, where professional designers work with customers to conceive and develop their projects – whether it be one room or an entire house.
“It’s a theme park for interior designers,” says Elena.
It is not surprising that this theatrical approach to retail shines so brightly at Tiendas Landmark –because Elena has a background in costume and set design, and she has worked for companies such as Cirque Du Soleil. “That is our special touch,” she says, “bringing the theatre world to retailing. Everything is like a show, and just like when a show opens to its audience, it has to be perfect. Something spectacular has to happen, that moves people.”
All of the senses are taken into account with the show, including scent and sound. One of the bestselling items is a fragrance called Dharma that was specifically developed for Landmark, and the music is just as personal and welcoming – energetic yet tranquil
music such as bossa nova, smooth electronic tunes and jazz.
Tiendas Landmark has its own brands as well, including Landmark, Land (minimalist furniture), Land Kaffe (a café and restaurant run by renowned chef Martin Molteni), Crio (children’s furniture with clean Scandinavian style) and Mihran – a rug specialist that focuses on merging oriental styles with a modern aesthetic. In keeping with Tiendas Landmark’s artistic approach, the rugs are displayed like pieces in an art gallery.
“Mihran was actually the original business that was established in the 1950s and from which Tiendas Landmark grew,” explains Elena.
When Covid-19 brought the world to its knees, like most retailers Tiendas Landmark faced challenges with importing products due to transport logistics, and this led to the company establishing its own factory and warehouse.
Now products can be made and stored nearby, and as sustainability is a key objective of the business, this also helps to lower the company’s carbon footprint as it reduces the amount of products being packaged and transported.
“Having a production plant also allows us to provide customers with tailored furniture and many special finishing options,” says Elena.
When it comes to hiring staff, there is always a hands-on test in the thorough interview process where the candidate has to arrange a sector or some shelves of the store to demonstrate their creative flair. And as Landmark is in a constant state of expansion, there is always a focus on recruiting fresh new talent. The company will be partnering with the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism (FADU) and some other institutions, to launch a platform for new talent – recruiting young people who are studying for careers related to design.
Landmark staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the products, and are also passionate about art and design, which helps to foster trust and bonds with customers.
“People buying things online has grown, but it is not a longterm solution, and we can offer more in person,” says Elena. “We think it’s important to have a high-end, immersive shopping experience because then people come back again and again, and they form a deeper connection with our stores. I see it as them trusting us with their lives – what they buy, for how they live.”
Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), gia (IHA Global Innovation Awards) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in homegoods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in gia, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection. fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/ Awards/gia-Retailing.
For more information about The Inspired Home Show 2024 and to pre-register for a free Show entrance badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
“All of the objects in our store have to tell a story”
From its new bronze Diva cutlery collection through to the all-encompassing Diamond range – Wilmax is delivering on stylish solutions for buyers looking to enhance their cutlery offering…
Wilmax has expanded its Diva assortment, updating the range with an exciting new bronze colourway. This stylish new colour option brings an added element of refinement, elegance and versatility to the already in-demand assortment. Each item is impeccable in its execution, equally at home for a themed vintage reception or modern table setting. With both mirror and matte finishes, the Diva line offers four colours to choose from; classic steel, bronze, gold and black.
As with all Wilmax collections in the market – the Diva bronze collection is made using 18/10 grade stainless steel. The bronze, gold and black have a wear-resistant coating, the pieces are vacuum sprayed which allows them to maintain their look and shine, while also withstanding intensive use and frequent use in the dishwasher.
Wilmax has a range of classic cutlery collections for buyers to choose from.
First up, the Stella cutlery collection, which is ideal for everyday use and festive events. Thanks to the high quality of polishing, each
product has a perfectly smooth surface and shine which will not tarnish over time. The products are presented in two colours – classic steel and gold.
Next, the Miya range boasts an elegant design with rectangular finishes and is complemented by a collection of dinner and dessert utensils.
Meanwhile, the Diamond cutlery collection has been created to complement the Diamond range of porcelain and glassware with distinct diamond pattern. This cutlery line boasts a classic silhouette and distinctive textured grip, fitting comfortably in the hand thanks to perfectly balanced handles. The range is presented in three colours: classic steel, gold and black.
Finally, functionality and ergonomics have effectively merged into the futuristic Ilona tableware collection. With a curved shape, balanced proportions, and smooth lines. Note how the number eight shape is clearly visible – a symbol of infinity and harmony.
Did you know?
The Diamond collection comes in original branded packaging making it ideal for gifting.
From Carrol Boyes, Atlas is an iconic centerpiece designed to elevate celebratory table settings. A poised aluminium figure bends over to display a glass bowl which can be layered with desserts, flowers, or fruit arrangements. An absolute showstopper!
www.carrolboyes.com
Luca Prandelli of Mepra S.p.A.says the luxury metalware market is enjoying an upswing in demand
Is there a consumer appetite/ demand for metalware at the moment?
Overall metalware demand is good in 2023, particularly in the premium and luxury segment of the market.
Which metalware collections/ pieces are selling well for you?
Our best sellers this year are flatware, in particular PVD custom finishes, and barware and serveware dedicated to entertaining and gift. In particular, we have seen a spike in sales for our STILE by Pininfarina barware and serveware collection.
This year Alessi embarked on a new project championing metal. Il Tornitore Matto (The Mad Turner) is a new brand which celebrates the company’s unique approach to all things metal. Led by Alberto Alessi and coordinated by Giulio Iacchetti – Il Tornitore Matto was first presented at Milan Design Week 2023 – and product will be available from 16 October. The project is based on the lathe, a machine used in the Alessi’s factory to create metal objects ever since Alberto Alessi’s grandfather Giovanni worked in the workshop over a century ago. Il Tornitore Matto presents a series of domestic objects that include homeware and tabletop items, designed
by a multigenerational group of international creatives working across disciplines, chosen by Alberto Alessi and Giulio Iacchetti ¬– expect to find pieces designed by names such as Michael Anastassiades, Federico Angi, Andrea Branzi, Pierre Charpin, Michele De Lucchi, Naoto Fukasawa, Paolo Ulian, Nika Zupanc and Iacchetti himself. Pictured is Michele De Lucchi’s piece for the brand.
“I decided to commence this design exploration – which is also the start of a new brand called Il Tornitore Matto (The Mad Turner) – because examining origins seems to be a useful road toward the future. I have always been fascinated by the lathe. At Alessi, this tool lies at the origin of our trade as metalworkers.”
Alberto Alessi speaking about his new brand Il Tornitore Matto, pictured with Giulio Iacchetti.
Photographer: Gaia Anselmi Tamburini
Bohème is a contemporary metal bar line from Couzon. Boasting a modern shape while remaining timeless, Bohème is designed with a double stainless-steel wall in order to optimally maintain the temperature of your bottles.
www.amefa.com
Forever in favour, metal has always been a classic contributor to the stylish table. We shine a light on some gorgeous pieces designed to elevate the table…
Is there a consumer appetite/ demand for metalware at the moment?
I started my company more than 30 years ago because of a perceived appetite for handmade metal products that were food and ovensafe, easy to care for, required no polishing and were beautifully crafted. After my first home show sold out in a matter of minutes, I knew I was on to something. At the time, this segment of the metalware market was new, now it is an established category.
As a metalware designer/supplier what types of challenges are you facing on the current market?
My metal products are all manufactured in my foundry in Mexico, and the Mexican peso has become really, really strong versus the dollar, so everything we do costs us more. It is a huge challenge!
Where do your metal products sell well?
My metal products sell well wherever there is a tradition of entertaining. In the United States, the Southeast and Texas are the regions with the greatest sales.
www.mackenzie-childs.com
The bestselling enamelware collection from MacKenzie-Childs is Courtly Check, featuring black and white checks. This pattern was first launched as an enamelware collection in 1993 as part of the Camp MacKenzie-Childs collection. TheCourtly Check teapot is one of the brand’s bestsellers from the series featuring hand-painted checks and a carved faux-cinnabar knob. MacKenzieChilds dinnerware collection includes several sets of cutlery featuring check and ceramic handles. The popular Check Flatware is available in two finishes: Silver and Gold. Both cutlery sets are made from stainless steel, but the gold set features 24K Gold plated handles. Distributed in the UK and Europe by Lewis Wark.
Forge de Laguiole has reimagined its butter knife. The Buré butter knife has been adorned with an elegant walnut wood handle. Natural and refined, it's perfect for tables with a simple, warm style. This spreader stands upright and becomes an indispensable accessory from aperitif to dessert for spreading all kinds of delicacies.
www.forge-de-laguiole.com
Robbe & Berking’s popular champagne cooler and ice bucket in the Martelé hammered pattern is a true celebration of silversmithing. Every single facet of the characteristic hammer-blow pattern has been driven by hand into the champagne cooler and the ice bucket. This makes each piece truly unique and, as mentioned, a masterpiece of silversmithing. The high conductivity of the silver ensures the silver quickly takes on the temperature of the ice and thus offers a particularly long-lasting and effective cooling effect. www.robbeberking.com
Josh Rammell, marketing manager, Utopia tells us about a growth in the demand for
Is there a consumer appetite/demand for metalware at the moment?
Demand for metalware has been growing in recent years and is a key part of the service of many of Utopia’s customers. It’s a simple way to create a distinctive presentation for a variety of cuisines. Our metalware designs range from cast iron ware, for oven to table services, to copper dishes that create a dramatic and luxurious serve for sharing menus.
What types of challenges are you facing on the current market?
The main issue is getting restaurants and their
patrons used to using metal for serving, as this has traditionally been dominated by ceramicware. Metalware has slightly different considerations for use in foodservice, for example if using hot cast iron ware for chef to table serves, you also need wooden boards to protect tablecloths etc. It is important to provide education and support to any customer buying metalware.
Where do your metal products sell well?
Utopia sells metalware to a wide range of restaurants and bars. Fast casual and independent restaurants are two big segments where it is a popular choice.
LSA International has launched its AW 23 collection. The colourful Gems collection is joined by new additions to Gio and Gio Line while
The latest AW23 collection from LSA International has been launched –marrying colour with shape and texture. GEMS, UNION, GIO & GIO LINE each bring their own style and character to the table.
Gems with its tonal shades and tactile surface, GIO & GIO LINE with versatile, utilitarian new stemware pieces and the Union vases which pair ribbed walls with flared collars.
“The designs of each are underpinned by versatility, allowing one to do
more with less, and give new meaning and purpose to objects as they grow with us,” says LSA International. “The machine-made glass used is a considered choice for making practical and contemporary drinkware that lasts, whilst hand finishes to others add detail to their surroundings. Design and consideration to people, place and purpose are front and foremost, and time and care is taken to make each product throughout the collection.” Visit lsa-international.com
Tumblers inspired by semi-precious gems are met with new stemware this season in GEMS. Each piece has a contemporary shape, fine fluted walls and a hand-painted finish, with a new sapphire blue colourway joining the tonal amber, garnet and jade lustres. Boxed together in sets of four, the shorter stems add a casual feel, and the refreshed lustres lend a light and modern take to this established collection. Includes a tealight holder, tumbler, wine glass, Champagne flute and cocktail glass.
Need to know:
Product category
Drinkware
Materials
Hand-painted glass
Colour colourways available, each with four tonal shades within: amber/ jade/garnet / sapphire
Packaging of four
A series of stemware joins GIO and GIO LINE. Clean lines, softly squared edges and pared back silhouettes give each piece a utilitarian aesthetic, with a simplicity of form that easily fits into the varied spaces that we share. The addition of wine glasses, flutes and saucers with casual stems expands both collections into comprehensive ranges of versatile drinkware.
Need to know: GIO & GIO LINE
Product category – Drinkware
Materials – Glass
Packaging – Boxed in sets of four
The action of joining together to create a state of harmony informs the design of the UNION Collection. Contrasting shapes and textures unite, with ribbed cylindrical walls meeting a smooth conical collar.
Flowers and foliage naturally rest and splay in the mouthblown flared shape, with the option for the medium vase to be used as a lantern to create ambient candle light.
Need to know: UNION
Product category – Interior
Materials – Soda lime glass
Packaging – Individually boxed
Perennially popular, stone is one of the industry’s most enduring materials. There is a number of reasons for that; its durability, its chameleon ability to blend with several home décor trends and perhaps the fact that it holds an almost hypnotically organic feel to it – eating from stoneware is almost primeval. From marble-effect pieces to the starkness of a raw stone colour palette, we shine a light on collections which put stone (faux or real!) at the centre of tablescape…
Let’s start our ode to stone with Artesà’s Natural Marble Hot Stone Grill. We love this option for a really fun dinner party – the hot stone grill allows two or more diners cook on the rock which is always a treat! Big enough for a selection of cuts or a selection of deliciously cooked vegetables. With plenty of room on the stone, the piece is kept sizzling hot during dining. And best of all, there is no need for oil or fat.
For HoReCa, Bauscher’s Sandstone is a lovely collection which refashions the vibrancy of natural stone structures. With dark brown and black colourways, the décor concept makes use of a calm tone-on-tone colour scheme. The collection is enhanced by bowls and cups with a matte gloss look.
Denby frequently turns to nature for design inspirations and often creates collections inspired by nature. Denby Kiln and Studio Grey, for example, replicate stone and granite – meanwhile, Impression has a satin glaze design intended to feel like a worn pebble.
Then there is Ripple by Luzerne. As part of the brand’s stoneware category, this collection exudes a natural organic feel. Each item is coated in a matte glaze on the exterior while the glossy interior provides a juxtapose of subtle elegance. The organic shapes also reveal a clean and simple backstory to the stoneware set evoking the freeform environment found in nature.
In the case of Nikko’s Marble Grey – the inspiration for this series was drawn from images of a clear and calm lake. Adding a short rim at an angle from the rising edge creates a feeling of volume while also giving a dignified presence. This high-end series is actually fine bone china but it beautifully mirrors the effects of marbling.
Speaking of marbling, NUDE’s Chill collection is equally suited to both everyday and formal settings and the marble base means drinks and dishes will stay chilled for as long as possible.
Moving on, from the Playground
The new TR UE FL AV OUR Barista Collection from WMF Profes sional. A real cr ystal glass innovation for enjoying coffee specialities and more.
Four glasses, exclusively developed with WMF coffeeologists for the food servic e and hotel industry. The innovative way to se rve hot drinks .
brand, a true celebration of stone! These stone bowls are genuine stones collected by hand. As the bowls are made from pure untreated natural stones, there are inevitably deviations in shape, size and colours and these deviations can be very extreme but it means each bowl is unique. Best of all, food can be served cold as well as hot in the pieces.
The specially developed colour glaze in Rosenthal’s Junto series, particularly in the Dune colourway, emphasises the sensuality of the stoneware and gives the plates and mugs, the various bowls and dishes a unique colour blend. Ideal for mixing with other Junto colourways such as aquamarine or rose quartz.
It is likely you won’t find more of an ode to stoneware, and stones in general, than Stölzle’s Stones glassware assortment. The recent launch is notable for its realistic appearance and unique touch.
Along a similar vein, Utopia’s Tokyo collection captures the mottled effect of ancient stone and
brings it to the tabletop. The pieces have the look of stone but the practicality of modern ceramics.
We finish with Villeroy & Boch’s impressive Manufacture Rock collection, which embraces the typical slate look in black coloured-through premium porcelain. Recreated on a fine relief with a touch of glaze, the characteristic layers of rock give the crockery a distinctly authentic look and feel. Manufacture Rock blanc creates a vibrant effect in brilliant white, an unusual colour for a slate look. Each colour version has a distinctive effect, but they create contrasting black and white compositions when mixed and matched with each other.To extend this look throughout the entire home, the candleholders and hurricane lamps of Manufacture Rock Home create fascinating interplays of light and shadow. There you have it, a few options for buyers looking to create a stone-inspired tablescape for their retail partners.
When choosing whiskey glasses for a HoReCa establishment you want to consider several factors to ensure that you select the right type of glassware for your guests. Whiskey glasses come in different sizes, larger glasses may be better suited for whiskey cocktails, while smaller glasses are ideal for neat pours or whiskey. The shape can affect the aroma and taste of the whiskey, so it’s important that your glasses should complement your whiskey menu. For example, a narrow-rimmed glass like Lune is good for scotch whiskey, while a straight-sided glass as Brit is better for bourbon.
As much as leading Turkish glassware brand LAV is at home on the retail market, they are equally comfortable supplying glassware for HoReCa. From tempered glasses to stackable tumblers to stemware – we highlight some excellent product options designed with hospitality in mind. Visit lav-us.com...
Tempered glassware has several advantages for HoReCa establishments. Durability occupies the top of the benefits list because tempered glassware is up to five times stronger than regular glassware. This makes it highly durable and resistant to breakage, even if it is dropped or subjected to heavy use. This durability translates into two strong advantages: cost savings and sustainability. Less breakage means less re-buying and less waste. Tempered glassware is designed to withstand sudden changes in temperature. This makes it ideal for serving hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and mulled wine. Even the harshest industrial dishwashers have no negative effect on tempered glass. On top of those physical and financial benefits, tempered glassware has a unique feel and appearance that can enhance the presentation of beverages, making them more visually appealing to customers.
LAV’s fine-rimmed glasses, which have been perfected by cutting the rims with hydrogen, can provide several benefits to HoReCa establishments. Fine-rimmed glasses are aesthetically pleasing and add an elegant touch to beverage presentation.
They give the establishment a modern and sophisticated persona and create an upscale impression on customers. Drinking from fine-rimmed glasses is a pleasurable experience. The rim’s smooth edge ensures that there are no rough or sharp edges to cause discomfort to the customer. They improve the drinking experience by directing the liquid to different taste areas in the mouth and taking the pleasure of drinking to the next level. Fine-rimmed glasses are lighter and take up less room than thicker-rimmed glasses. This is beneficial for HoReCa establishments with limited storage space.
Using innovation and technology as its guiding principles, LAV creates products and solutions within the scope of Technopark, where it conducts innovation and R&D studies that make businesses’ lives easier. LAV not only manufactures glassware, but also creates design procedures, new technologies, and glass manufacturing machinery. Businesses may provide a secure and high-quality service to their customers and staff thanks to LAV’s products.
LAV creates its stacking and space-saving glasses to provide order and extra work space in busy establishments and heavily used spaces. With their easy storage and practical transportation options, the stackable goods we manufacture swiftly respond to the demands of businesses serving in compact spaces and locations with limited storage capacity. Furthermore, because they can be easily separated from one another, they do not slow down the workflow.
In the highly competitive HoReCa industry, a positive customer experience and a solid brand image are built on the foundation of aesthetically pleasing and high-quality stemware. The right stemware can improve the customer’s drinking experience by highlighting the beverage’s aroma, flavour, and visual appeal. Stemware of high quality conveys an air of refinement and class, which is beneficial for your business. It has been shown that using high-quality stemware when serving alcoholic beverages can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. By fully matching the diversity of the most comprehensive wine menus, LAV glasses, which have been perfected through detailed design processes, enrich the aroma and taste experiences for customers and guests.
Gift-ready tabletop – be it a perfectly packaged on-trend dinnerware collection or a limited-edition vase – is hard to beat. But how much of an eye on gifting do tableware brands really have? And is it really all down to the packaging?
“We know that great, impactful, brand-centric packaging is fundamental, especially when it comes to gifting,” Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director at Lifetime Brands Europe tells us. And of course,
she is not wrong. From weddings to birthdays to anniversaries to retirements – whatever occasion you can think of – giftable tabletop is ripe for the selling. And even better if it’s beautifully packaged by a wellknown brand. The benefits of top-tier packaging merely bolster what has become a very interesting sales category for tabletop providers.
“Giftable tableware has evolved into a year-round category,” Claire continues. “On-trend tableware including dinnerware, glassware, cutlery and textiles have become must-have items to impress friends and family and create those instragrammable tablescapes. It’s easy to see why giftable
tabletop is such an important focus. There is a real demand for a variety of ranges, designs and price points. Retailers will see success by stocking a dynamic range that does more than one job – covering gifting year-round as well as seasonal inspiration and everyday dining.”
Likewise, global glassware manufacturer Zwiesel Glas agrees that giftable tableware has evolved. “The occasions for gifting has changed over time,” Lisa Müller, team lead brand and product management at Zwiesel Glas says, pointing out that the gifts
Christmas, a birthday, a wedding, or even a simple dinner party: these are just some occasions when people look for a unique idea that is long-lasting and, moreover, remains both useful and pleasant at the same time. Numerous Sambonet collections come beautifully packaged – the Jungle series is just one of them. A 1950s-inspired foliage pattern decorates Jungle cutlery thanks to the creativity of fashion designer Gianni Cinti.
www.sambonet.com
category in the brand’s online shop generates a lot of revenue.
“It is frequently used by our customers and a considerable amount of the digitally generated revenue is
earned in this way. In the US there is a big trend at many retailers to gift to newlywed couples. Retailers even search for special product bundles packages for their customers. Looking to other markets – for example, the Japanese market where we operate our own subsidiary – gifting is also of the utmost importance in consumer business. We continuously think end-to-end in terms of gifting and consider this from product development to packaging design.”
Agreeing there is a change in traditional gifting, Sambonet’s product
“We took a very close look at our target groups and focused on high quality two and four-packs”
Lisa Müller, Zwiesel GlasDenby Beatriz Ball
With Ink, Zwiesel Glas once again demonstrates its exceptional expertise in the art of glass production. Mouthblown in Zwiesel where the brand produces handmade and machine-made products for national and international markets, Ink impresses with a coloured thread in the stem and a harmonising coloured base plate. By means of an elaborate process based on traditional handicraft techniques, individual watercolour-like colour gradients are created in the base plate. The dynamic effect created in this way is supported by the fresh colour palette and the interplay of the different colours of the stem and base plate, each of which comes from a colour family. The innovative lower parts contrast with the functional upper parts, which offer every drink the optimum enjoyment framework to develop. Available in three sizes (red and white wine as well as champagne glass with mousse point) and five colours (emerald green, violet, midnight blue, ochre green, antique red), Ink allows the greatest possible freedom in combination. To reflect the individual character of the series, each glass is wrapped in tissue paper and sold in a noble individual packaging, including the leaflet for the series which makes Ink the perfect gift.
www.zwiesel-glas.com
Clear shapes with a sensuous look – the Luna vases from SIEGER by FÜRSTENBERG are sculptural in nature. One thing that makes them so special is their tapering conical form; available in three sizes, they can therefore showcase both smaller and more lavish floral bouquets. They are available either in pure white or in a black-and-white decor that brings together both vertical and horizontal stripes – refined with 24-carat burnished gold. The vases are hand-crafted in Germany and available in the following heights: 203mm, 215mm and 325mm.
www.fuerstenberg-porzellan.com
manager Elisabetta Mo tells us: “In my parents’ time, table and kitchenware was considered the perfect wedding gift – it was thanks to a wedding gift that a Sambonet tray first entered my parents’ home! Not only that, it was the bride and groom themselves who would draw up wedding lists at our retailers. Over the years, this trend has waned. However, our articles have not lost their appeal and are still chosen by newlyweds for their wedding favours and, more generally, become useful gifts to give on other occasions.”
Denby agrees, Hayley Baddiley, global marketing director says: “Very few couples today prepare their wedding list which traditionally featured tableware… tableware is increasingly being gifted for other occasions and to make this decision easier Denby offers table setting pieces such as plates and bowls individually or in a 12-piece boxed sets (four each of two sizes of plate and bowls) or presentation boxed in multiples of four.”
But, wait, the traditional bridal registry is not dead! Particularly in the US where it still has some life, according to Beatriz Ball. “Our number one consumer is the bride. We love to see that, in spite of the millions and millions of products, in all the categories bridal websites like Zola offer, brides still find us and select us for their registries,” the company founder says.
Beatriz has tapped into the gift-
ready market, producing an entire line called the Giftable Collection. “It features handmade and artfully designed items at great prices. Each is packaged in a lovely gift box. Smaller gifts, with prices around $50 are extremely popular as hostess gifts. We definitely design and market tabletop for gifts by season and category.”
As gift-ready tableware undeniably
grows in popularity, the question remains as to whether tableware brands are directly catering for the category? The answers are mixed.
Lisa Müller from Zwiesel Glas, for example, tells us: “In principle, we do not manufacture special products for special occasions or as gifts. Nevertheless, we also have varying sets in our range that are ideal as gifts. Our packaging size and the packaging itself are also perfect for giving as a gift. There are, for example, limitededition collection of vases, such as our Network series, or the Fleur collection – developed in collaboration with the famous designer Saskia Diez. Thanks to their unique design, their price positioning and their packaging – usually packaged as units of one
“It’s easy to see why giftable tabletop is such an important focus”
Claire Budgen, Lifetime Brands Europe
Exquisite style and great functionality are the two hallmarks of Royal Scot Crystal’s glassware. Highly skilled craftsmen are the secret of the success and in an age of mass production each and every hand cut or mouth blown item has been made by these craftsmen.
For information please contact: +44 (0) 20 8508 2435 www.royalscotcrystal.com sales@royalscotcrystal.com
Amefa
www.amefa.com
Amefa offers several large high quality 18/10 flatware sets in a modern brown wooden canteen. The double inlay offers enough room for 78 or 84 pieces of cutlery to give you everything you need at home. Due to the beautiful finish this canteen is the perfect tableware gift.
– these kinds of products are ideally suitable as gifts. Of course, they are part of our standard collection and can also be bought for any other occasion or for oneself.”
Sambonet too, have an eye on the gift market with a selection of their product lines, as Elisabetta Mo reminds us: “All our products lend
Party cutlery for happy hour, are just some of the sets we offer with gift-packaging so that they can be a distinctive and elegant gift, to be used all year round and on special occasions.”
As for Lifetime Brands Europe, Claire tells us there is no ‘one size fits all formula’ for giftable tableware.
With the rise in popularity of home entertaining, desirable tableware has become key to stylish table settings. Traditional hand cut crystal is firmly back in fashion so wish lists and wedding lists now feature a diverse selection of glasses and decanters for speciality drinks.
Lifetime Brands
themselves perfectly to becoming precious cadeaux. We pay the utmost attention not only to the design and quality of the product but also to its packaging. All packs are designed to present our products in the best possible way, both in store and in the hands of end consumer looking for the right gift to make a good impression. Cake forks for
“We’ve developed our Mikasa brand and introduced a complete new tableware offering from dinnerware to textiles in line with this – it’s tableware redefined. Perfect for gifting. The new collections cover both tabletop and dinnerware, with UK design across materials includ ing porcelain, stoneware and fine china. Cutlery and glassware in a range of shapes and finishes, as well as textiles including place mats and table runners, co-ordinate across the range for impactful merchandising to maximise the retailer’s category offering and sales potential.”
Royal Scot Crystal supply a comprehensive collection of glasses for gin, whisky, wine and champagne in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are barrel shaped tumblers or tall stemmed Copa glasses for gin, square or round decanters for whisky and numerous stemmed glasses for wine and champagne in a large choice of hand cut designs. All of Royal Scot’s glassware is supplied in luxury silk lined presentation or high-quality card gift boxes, all blocked in gold. Glasses are available in pairs, fours and sixes which makes them the perfect gift for newlyweds, anniversary gifts or for anyone adding that perfect touch to their table setting. Tabletop has now become one of the most popular gifts for the home. Royal Scot Crystal’s hand cut crystal glassware adds style and opulence to any table setting and creates a gift to pass down through generations. Bespoke glass cutting, engraving and branded boxes are available on request.
www.royalscotcrystal.com
Limelight is a classic Kosta Boda collection that’s been around to highlight everyday festivities since the 80s. Like all the items in the Limelight collection, the DOF and pitcher in this set have the distinctive, textured base that optically reflects light. All the pieces in the collection from Kosta Boda are perfect for a beautifully set table any day of the week, and Limelight makes life easy – everything is dishwasher safe. The set includes one pitcher and two Double Old Fashion glasses, all handmade. The collection is designed by renowned artist and designer Göran Wärff.
www.kostaboda.com
Part of the appeal of a line being giftready is that is must be packaged in aesthetically pleasing way, which takes time and money. But is the effort worth the outlay? Lifetime Brands Europe are entirely convinced of the importance of packaging as Claire has already made clear. “Packaging for our new Mikasa collections has been omni-channel optimised. All packaging is fully recyclable and drop test ready, so our customers
options: “Our packs are constantly evolving,” Elisabetta explains. “This year we improved our cutlery boxes, enriching them with trendy textures and colours in addition to detailed information about the set composition and the disposal of the packaging, with a view to recyclability of materials. For the Jungle cutlery collection, developed with the fashion designer Gianni Cinti, we wanted to go one step further – we created an elegant wooden box that can be reused to store anything precious to you, as well as being perfect as a gift idea.”
Denby has produced bespoke packaging for its customers, for example the Quartz Rose collection in John Lewis. So would other brands give consideration to developing specific packaging for specific retailers?
don’t need to package anything over the top of what they receive from us. We know the pain of breakages and we hope to have reduced or even eliminated this. What’s more, every item comes with a Mikasa branded sleeve for in-store selling, and great for gifting.”
Packaging is also to the fore of Zwiesel Glas’ mind. “When we were developing and launching our Zwiesel Glas brand, we took a very close look at our target groups and focused on high quality two and four-packs (differentiated for stemware and tumblers), especially for the end consumers, because we created ideal gift packaging with them,” Lisa explains.
“The relationship between brand and product image was also important to us. With Zwiesel Glas, we are addressing the premium user as core target group who already knows exactly what she needs and is looking for in terms of product and brand, so with this packaging, for example, we focus on clear brand messages rather than the pure product image.” Sambonet, too, have made strides with their packaging
“We try to avoid this for specific retailers, but we develop our own boxes for specific countries if necessary, based on different demands of the end-users. However, also in these cases, it is extremely important for us to adhere to our brand guidelines, for example the usage of our Zwiesel Glas-blue, so there is definitely a global recognition value,” Lisa explains. For Lifetime Brands Europe, Claire adds: “Our strong, brand centric, giftable packaging is designed to create impact in-store or online and is omni-channel optimised so is designed to suit all of our retail partners. We develop any packaging with this in mind. However, thanks to our talented UK product design and buying teams we have the capability to work with our retail partners on bespoke solutions too, whether that is packaging or product.”
Beatriz Ball too is open to creating retailer-specific packaging: “At this time, it is not something we do, but is definitely something that I’d consider”. Undeniably, tabletop brands have an eye on the gift market, but the question remains, how much more of an investment are they willing to plough into the category?
With Carat, Swedish designer Lena Bergström has diverged from the traditional ideals of cut glass for which Orrefors is world-renowned. Instead, she has carved out a contemporary style where chaos and order unite to elevate the most beautiful aspects of both. The Carat 3 Piece Gift Set is an exclusive item only sold in the US. The set consists of a small Carat vase and two Carat champagne glasses, holding 8 oz, displayed in a beautiful gift box. It makes a perfect gift for weddings or anniversaries. The vase and champagne glasses are designed by Lena Bergström.
www.orrefors.com
Ravenhead
www.rayware.com
Ravenhead introduces new products to their premium Selected Serveware range: the whisky decanter set, rectangular dip dish, new glass jug and the cheese and cake dome with wooden board.
From striking serving dishes and beautiful centre pieces to pristine glass and whisky sets, the Selected Range offers something for everyone, a perfect gift for loved ones.
Ravenhead has multiple choices for great gift-ready tableware. The Entertain Gift Sets are the perfect gift for the home barista and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Denby has a strong history of making gifts from decorative salt glazed ware of the early 1800s to the introduction of coloured glazes in 1884 which led the way for Denby’s tube-lined pieces of 1920s, beautiful glaze effects of the 1930s and the monochrome Tigo ware in the 1950s.
Currently, Denby has a giftware campaign ‘Great Gifts in the Making’ which runs until mid-August. With an extensive gifting portfolio that appeals to a wide range of mindsets Denby Gifting price points start at £8 for a small bowl or £10 for a Star Christmas decoration to £120.00 for a stunning Halo hand-decorated large barrel vase - each one is a unique work of art. Denby handcrafts gifts for every occasion for the consumer to personalise if they wish whether it’s a large bowl to add sell care products or a large Denby jug or vase for flowers.
www.denbypottery.com
Martyn Lewis has lived and breathed tableware for as long as he can remember. Together with his partner Jill Wark, he co-founded Lewis Wark in 1994 and since then, Martyn has been to the fore of the industry, innovating and understanding its many nuances. He speaks with Tableware
Lewis Wark is a bit of a tour de force in the tableware industry – you distribute so many toptier brands within the UK and Europe – Ginori 1735, Robbe & Berking, Daum, Haviland, Lalique to name a few. How have you found business over the course of the past number of years?
The last two years have been a journey! So much about who and where we sell has changed. We were cautious coming out of Covid because we did not know how the market had taken the lockdown. Obviously, those clients with web businesses performed very well during lockdown, once things began to return to normal it was obvious the luxury Interiors buyer was heading back to bricks and mortar stores and the balance returned.
There have however been a couple of areas where business has really changed. The project side of the business has seen a large upturn, in fact we have two orders on the books right now that are the largest we have written in 30 years in business. The other area that has seen an upturn is hospitality. We are relatively niche for the restaurants and hotels and yet they are using products frequently from Robbe & Berking, Ginori 1735 and Forge de Laguiole. Each has a distinctive USP for chefs and for the discerning diner.
We have now introduced to new positions into the business, both based in the London office. One of these posts is our new senior sales exec. Megan Gaunt has taken this position and arrives from the jewellery and watch side
Lewis Wark has a 12,500sqft warehouse filled with current core collections from its distribution brands
of the business. We are excited to get the brands out onto the road and explore the UK’s new potential clients.
Tell us more about the distribution side of the business. What challenges are distributors like yourselves facing? The distribution side of Lewis Wark was born out of necessity. The
the challenge is a whole lot greater now the UK has created so many barriers to business.
We have – for the first time, due to being able to hit MOQs – taken direct deliveries from the original manufacturing sources of pieces from the Christmas collection with Mackenzie-Childs, cutting down our delivery time as well as the brand’s carbon footprint.
distribution brands are MackenzieChilds from the USA and Mario Luca Giusti which is based in Florence in Italy. Both the brands have production based in both Europe and Asia, so the landing and import can be complex. This was a challenge before Brexit - but
The positive side of distribution is we have 12,500sqft unit filled with the brands’ current core collections. It means fast delivery of brands such as MackenzieChilds and Mario Luca Giusti. Also, we can be conservative on prices, keeping the brands in a price
“Right now, the market is listening to the design community as much as it listens to retail”
“I have never experienced anything quite like the current climate”
“At Luxury Living we have direct access to over 200 brands such as Baccarat, Lalique, Ginori 1735 and Christofle to name just a few. We largely operate as a one-stop shop for interior designers working on residential, commercial, boating and hospitality projects. The concept was to have a company that worked on multi-brand one invoice projects allowing designers to create imaginative concepts with the backing of the Luxury living knowledge coupled with the pur-chasing and logistics team. We become a buying and logistics office for the interior designer.”
bracket in the UK that works for their place in the market.
Another exciting part of the future is our new relationship with Sferra and Pratesi, not strictly distribution although their stock is based in our warehouse. Again, an instant win when items are needed as we will ship both brands from stock. This relationship involves us being the agent, but using our distributor knowledge to make the delivery for the client as fast as possible.
To your recollection, has there been a similar time –economically and politically –which has impacted business as it does today?
I have been in the business for 37 years and I have never experienced anything quite like
with gas and electricity prices.
The currency fluctuations have caused so many issues. Every company needs to be able to give continuity to their customers and over the last two years that has been hard to achieve.
The final challenge was removing the VAT reclaim for international travellers. This has made shopping capitals such as Paris, Geneva, Milan etc much more likely destinations for the luxury buyer.
Do you welcome the idea that more and more tabletop brands are eyeing the next natural brand extension? For example, by introducing tabletop accessories, textiles, lighting, room fragrances etc. Is this how the industry will survive?
the current climate. Brexit is definitely a huge factor for us because we trade internationally, but another major factor is the fuel cost issue for our brands. We have a major part of all our production that obviously involves heat and therefore has been majorly affected by the current is-sues
The development of our brands is always interesting, we see colours and fashion trends being developed in every one of them. Ginori 1735 are developing the company into a lifestyle brand, they launched Domus in Milan in April. Lalique was ahead of the curve, they have been a lifestyle brand
“We have two orders on the books right now that are the largest we have written in 30 years in business”Robbe & Berking Ginori 1735
since Mark Lalique’s (Rene Lalique son) time as owner. It was during his era that the famous Cactus table was developed. Leading the way to the lighting, fragrance and furniture that is in the current collection. Lalique again inspiring the design industry with their panels now being set into furniture and into handmade silk wallpaper in partnership with Fromental. These are welcome and exciting times as the brands expand into new territory.
are appearing in the same season in crystal and on porcelain as well as on our bed and table linen. It’s never been easier to match a designer’s concept to a current collection from the brands.
Are Lewis Wark particularly excited about any of the collections/ideas coming from your brand partners at the moment? Is there anything new that you think, ‘yes people will want this’.
Are your clients – I’m thinking particularly of your interior design clientele – excited by what’s on the market at the moment?
Right now, the market is listening to the design community as much as it listens to retail. The colours and styles of the brands need to be relevant for the interiors market and the best way for this to be achieved is to work hand-in-hand with the fashion industry. This development has been one of the single biggest changes in comparison to the past. Colours heading down the catwalk
Sferra’s new Festival collection of linen place mats and napkins in 100 colours plus white. In stock already in the UK! Mario Luca Giusti in general – unbreakable glasses with gorgeous colours and chic designs. New colours for spring 2024, it seems pink is trending heavily.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the overall tableware industry?
It is healthy, dining is in fashion and fashionable. From every direction whether casual or smart, first house, second house, yacht or even helicopter – accessorising is in!
“Lalique was ahead of the curve, they have been a lifestyle brand since Mark Lalique’s – Rene Lalique’s son – time as owner”
MacKenzie-ChildsMario Luca Giusti Sferra
The large Antipasto Sfizioso tray comes in a beautifully designed gift box and makes a perfect host gift for the holidays.
Collection name?
Antipasto Sfizioso. The collection refers to the delightful appetizers that are served in Italy prior to dinner. Its name means fanciful, frivolous and extravagant antipasto.
When did the collection launch?
The collection launched at summer markets in the US.
How did the idea for the collection come about?
The popularity of Italian food is at an all-time high. These delicious offerings are meant to whet the appetite and prepare the diner for more scrumptious plates to come. This is a new look in serveware. Rosanna describes it as "art for the table". The collection is porcelain and is microwave and dishwasher safe.
Tell us about the USPs?
The collection's décor is hand-painted watercolours. The art is original "street art "painted by Italian artists from Florence, Rome and Perugia. The artists have added hand-painted watercolours of vegetables. Rosanna has created a collage which graces each serving piece of the collection.
Is the collection available in all global sales territories?
The collection is available in September from Rosanna’s warehouse in Seattle,Washington. Rosanna ships internationally for wholesale customers.
What has retail reaction been like?
The collection is currently being showcased at trade shows in the US. However, Rosanna has shown the collection to buyers, who are thrilled with the brand’s new concept of table art in the form of a serveware collection.
Visit rosannainc.com for more.
TI: What tools do you use to gain insights into consumer buying habits?
Ardacam: First of all, we believe that marketing research is very important to gain insights into consumer buying habits. We can gather valuable information to
understand consumer behavior and identify trends. CRM systems help us to segment our customer base and identify patterns based on individual buying habits. By analyzing social media data, we refine our
strategies and engage with our target audience more effectively.
Feedbacks are so important for us. They can reveal valuable insights into product preferences and satisfaction level. With respecting consumer privacy, we build an ensuring, positive and trustworthy relationship with customers.
Beatriz Ball: We work closely with an outside marketing company which employs expert analytical tools to gauge and track consumer buying habits on our Business-toConsumer website. We review the findings in twice monthly meetings.
Decorium: We use customer feedback and market research as essential tools to gain insights into consumer purchasing habits. This includes customer satisfaction surveys, analysis of sales data, and tracking trends through social media and other online platforms.
Rosanna: We watch carefully what is happening in the world around us, politically and sociologically. We look at women’s fashion trends and find inspiration in colours and patterns of haute couture.
thinKitchen: We use a variety of tools and techniques to gain insights into customer purchasing behaviours. Customer / market research, which entails analysing
customer behaviour, preferences, and market trends. For thinKitchen we have collaborated with Kantar a leading data, insights, and consulting company to get an in-depth understanding of the branded Indian kitchenware market and the consumer. Another very commonly used data analytic tool is Google Analytics and various CRM platforms which helps with various insights on consumer browsing pattern, the conversion funnel, product / category performance, customer data, purchase history, and interactions.
Utopia: Utopia’s own sales and distribution network gives us a great understanding of what is being bought and talked about, which helps to form an opinion on the trends of the market. Utopia also attends a lot of exhibitions and conferences that showcase other emerging market trends. A simple yet key tool is just being out in the industry a lot, visiting all kinds of hospitality venues to see how tableware is being utilised in the real world.
Zwiesel Glas: Since the launch of our Zwiesel Glas brand, we have conducted market research every two years. With the help of a market research institute and online panels, buyers in
selected target markets are asked about their drinking glass usage behaviour and our brand awareness. This gives us information, for example, about our target groups’ willingness to pay prices, the channels through which they buy their glasses, the attributes they associate with our brands and much more
TI: How do these tools influence/benefit your business strategies?
Ardacam: We are starting to focus on digital platforms, accelerating the process in this way. We care about social media a lot. Also our dialogues with our own customers are important. We provide inspirational experiences to our target audience by using still life visuals and products in different ways. We always prefer to strengthen our relations by always being in communication.
Beatriz Ball: The results from analytics allow us to better focus on
From insights into consumer buying habits to how connected the tableware industry is with regular customers – we hear thoughts from industry figureheads…
“Keeping track of consumer behaviour helps to influence what products Utopia invests in”
Josh Rammell, UtopiaDamla Önen CEO, Ardacam Beatriz Ball founder, Beatriz Ball Ahmet Çığır Şahin CEO, Decorium Rosanna Bowles president, Rosanna Anand Baldawa CEO, thinKitchen Josh Rammell marketing manager, Utopia Lisa Müller team lead brand and product management, Zwiesel Glas
consumer’s wants and needs, and to create campaigns accordingly. Of course, customer feedback— whether positive or negative—is of great importance. It lets you know what the customer is thinking, and whether products meet her expectations.
Decorium: These tools help shape our business strategies. Understanding consumer preferences and demands plays a significant role in product development. By optimizing our product portfolio and marketing strategies based on market trends and customer feedback, we can enhance our business outcomes.
thinKitchen: These tools provide a holistic view of your customers, which helps identify trends, preferences, and buying patterns. It important to use a combination of tools depending on objective and needs. These tools and the data collected through it can provide insights and can significantly influence and benefit business strategies as it allows for a more
marketing campaigns. We also get to deliver more relevant and tailored communications which results in better engagement and conversion rates. Lastly this data arms us with customer knowledge which gives us a competitive advantage and helps us with customer satisfaction, loyalty, and market share.
Utopia: Keeping track of consumer behaviour helps to influence what products Utopia invests in, which ones we keep and which ranges to expand. Consumer buying habits and sentiment is a good way to influence our product strategy, feeding back into the work of Utopia’s expert new product development teams.
Zwiesel Glas: Based on the results from the market research, it is possible to derive exactly which levers we need to move and play more for future campaigns. For example: How can we develop our premium users even more into brand lovers? We can also derive insights for our price scale and
with Zwiesel Glas and the corresponding launch campaign “Sounds like Zwiesel” significantly boosted our brand awareness in our home market.
in-depth understanding of the target customers. For example, this information will help with product curation as we will be able to tailor our offerings to meet customer demands effectively and identify the gaps in the market and uncover unmet needs. We use it to enhance the marketing campaigns as insights from consumer data helps with segmenting a target audience and developing personalized
product development. Exciting potentials are emerging here that we can exploit with new product developments or new packaging configurations. In this respect, research plays a very important role for us and has a great influence on our campaigns, brand development and product development. The research we´ve conducted in Germany for example showed us, that our brand relaunch
TI: Does the tableware industry need to do more to connect with consumers, in your opinion?
Ardacam: Yes, we totally agree. We prefer to get to know the markets and establish closeness and listen to the needs through
I gained from direct and intimate contact with consumers, year after year, informs my design and marketing decisions to this day.
Decorium: In my opinion, the tableware industry should do more to connect with consumers. We should focus on customers’ lifestyles, aesthetic preferences, and evolving needs. Investing in innovation, eco-friendly products, personalization options, and delivering a superior customer experience are areas that require increased attention.
our customer visits. We produce alternatives by observing the experiences in the companies they work for. We attach importance not only to the companies we work with, but also to the end user and listening to their demands. It is very important to know how they want to use our products.
Beatriz Ball: I truly do! I began my company as a direct-to-consumer business, and the insights that
thinKitchen: The tableware industry can definitely benefit from engaging more with consumers. While tableware may be considered a traditional industry, evolving consumer preferences and behaviours require businesses to adapt and engage with their target audience in relevant ways. With consumer demographics shifting with younger generations becoming prominent market segment their preferences and beliefs may differ compared to the previous generations. 60% of luxury consumers comprises of Gen-Z and millennials, who ask questions around how materials are being sourced. Hence ecofriendly production processes and packaging will find appeal.
To appeal to these customers the industry should understand their needs engage with them through relevant marketing channels and create products that
“We regularly visit partners all over the world to gather new trends for product development”
Lisa Müller, Zwiesel Glas
reflect their lifestyles and values. For example, using chatbots to provide customer service, using social media to share visually appealing and engaging content that showcases the products in day-to-day settings, beautiful
in the world). In addition, our sales colleagues are steadily in frequent exchange with our worldwide partners to directly receive information about new country specific demands and customers feedback. From
Ardacam: We hope that everything will be more digitally testable for our industry in the coming periods. But for this sector, face to face communication still seems to be the most important method of establishing relationships for the near future.
Beatriz Ball: Main influences are found on Instagram and Tik Tok, which I love! The images are so appealing, compelling, and aspirational that they inspire all of us to set a beautiful table every day. I also find that younger consumers are interested in products that are sustainably made and ethically sourced. They also want items that are multifunctional, serve more than one purpose and are easy-care, but, at the end of the day what trumps anything else is if they find them beautiful, and if they feel they represent who they are.
table settings, recipes, and lifestyle inspiration etc.
Utopia: Getting to know your product’s end users is always important. We use their buying patterns and the feedback they give us to inform our future strategies. Over the years we’ve built up good connections to our consumers through our distributor contacts.
Zwiesel Glas: In the national market in particular, we have the advantage of single-stage distribution and thus usually experience customer feedback first-hand. In addition, we often invite customers directly to our site to experience the creation of our products live in manual and machine production. Since we have as one of the few players in the market a high-end machinemade production (from a capacity perspective the biggest one in Germany actually) and a handmade production at the same location (in addition to our handmade factory in Hungary - one of the biggest and best
a marketing perspective we regularly visit partners all over the world to gather new trends for product development and communication - the direct feedback enables product development and communication near to the market. All in all the regular exchange with our partners and customers is a critical success factor for us and one of the foundations for our renewed award as the global market leader for upscale hotel and restaurant industry.
Decorium: Today’s consumers are influenced by factors such as quality, aesthetics, functionality, and price when purchasing tableware. Sustainability and environmental impact are also becoming increasingly important. Additionally, consumers seek inspiration from social media and digital platforms, aspiring to align with current trends. Considering these influencing factors is crucial for establishing a strong connection between our brand and consumers.
is crucial for many consumers. They seek for products that compliment their own style and their interior décor. The quality and durability of the products is also crucial, and when purchasing tabletop items, people frequently evaluate the brand’s reputation and dependability. Established brands are recognised for their quality. Established brands known for their quality, craftsmanship which attracts consumer confidence. Consumer decisions are also influenced by rising environmental concerns. Many consumers prefer tabletop items created from environmentally friendly materials, and they look for businesses that prioritise ecofriendly production practises, use non-toxic ingredients, and reduce packaging waste. Consumer preferences can be influenced by trends in dining, entertaining, and home décor. Furthermore, cultural customs, festivals, and special occasions could drive demand for tabletop products linked with such events.
Utopia: Whereas retail used to be the primary influence on most consumers, increasingly what they see in the hospitality and eating out sectors is guiding their decisions. The tableware and glassware they see in restaurants, hotels and bars definitely influences the kind of things they want in their own homes.
TI: Finally, what influences modern day consumers when buying tabletop, in your opinion?
Rosanna: Dinnerware and serveware are seen as utilitarian and necessary for living the quotidian experience. However, when exciting product is designed to enhance that experience the customer sees this and it creates an impulse to buy the product. This is the driving force behind buying dinnerware. thinKitchen: When purchasing things for their home and kitchen, modern customers are affected by several factors. Some of the key influences that might shape their purchasing decisions are the aesthetics and functionality of the product. Practicality and functionality are crucial considerations for modern consumers. They look for tabletop items that serve multiple purposes, offer practical features, and adapt to different occasions. The visual appeal of the product
Zwiesel Glas: It is not only the fast-moving times and the flood of images in social media that influence the customer, but ultimately it is about wanting to stand out, to differentiate oneself, to make a statement with the choice of one’s own glassware, cutlery and porcelain. Good design, but also functionality are most important here. But aspects such as sustainability and ‘Made in Germany’ also play a major role in the purchase decision. Ultimately with the brand leading the way. Brand is in our opinion a crucial aspect in terms of the purchase decision process. Only when the brand is positioned and executed correctly (for the corresponding target groups), the corresponding products and services will easily come into consideration with regard to the ultimate purchasing decision.
“Main influences are found on Instagram and Tik Tok, which I love!”
Beatriz BallArdacam
S|P Collection, a brand from the Fine Dining & Living stable, is focused on bringing contemporary homeware accessories to retailers and the hospitality sector. Silke Evens, content marketeer for the brand, tells us more…
Tell us about the concept behind S|P Collection?
The concept behind S|P Collection is to offer contemporary home accessories that are influenced by fashion and design trends from around the world.
The brand aims to provide customers with a wide range of options to style and personalise every room in their house. This includes dinnerware, home decor, and kitchenware products. By incorporating fashionforward and quality designs, S|P Collection allows individuals to express their personality and create a unique ambiance within their homes.
As a relatively new brand in the retail market, S|P Collection strives to deliver cutting-edge ranges that combine fashion and quality, enabling customers to stay up to date with the latest trends while enjoying functional and stylish home accessories.
S|P Collection has a different flavour to your other brands – there is more of a focus on homewares. Was that intentional from the offset or did it happen organically?
S|P Collection consciously places a greater emphasis on interior design. While our other hospitality brands primarily cater to restaurants, we wanted to provide a comprehensive package also for hotels through S|P Collection. The establishment of S|P Collection is driven by the goal of creating a boutique hotel experience. This encompasses catering to both retail customers who seek to furnish their homes with the latest trends but also the hospitality clientele, specifically hotels.
In terms of retail, who is the target demographic?
With retail, it’s aimed at adults (30-55y) with a healthy budget who have a sophisticated style and see their interior as a reflection of their “class” and taste.
What about the hospitality market, S|P Collection also for that sector?
Yes! S|P Collection is not limited to retailing household goods and gifts, but also targets the hospitality industry. With the slogan “create a boutique hotel experience,”
S|P Collection aims to captivate hospitality businesses. Hotels can
a lasting impression on their guests. Whether it’s luxurious interior pieces, elegant tableware or stylish décor, S|P Collection offers a range of options to meet diverse hospitality needs.
Tell us a little about how you plan to grow the brand?
S|P Collection plans to grow by establishing a strong brand identity
rely on S|P Collection to provide them not only with exquisite furniture for their rooms and lobbies, but also for their restaurant and buffet areas. Our carefully curated selection of products allows hotels to elevate their ambiance and make
and reliability among customers. They will focus on delivering highquality products and exceptional craftsmanship to gain recognition and trust. Expanding their market reach through new distribution channels and digital marketing
“While S|P Collection primarily centers around homeware, we cater to gift retailers as well”
strategies is a priority. Continuous innovation in design trends and materials will ensure customer interest and loyalty. By pursuing these strategies, we aim to solidify the position as a leading brand in homeware, gifts, and hospitality, driving customer loyalty and expanding our market presence.
What tactics do you employ to stay ahead of trending homewares?
We stay ahead of all the latest trends through, for example, our participation in various trade shows around the world. These events provide an opportunity to network with industry professionals, discover new products and gain insight into emerging trends.
By actively researching the market and listening to our customers’ needs, we try to respond quickly to increasing customer demands and keep our products innovative.
Are gift retailers of interest to you or are you targeting homeware suppliers?
Our company places equal emphasis on both aspects. While S|P Collection primarily centers around homeware, we cater to gift retailers as well. Our assortment includes an array of candles, scented
The latest Duro collection is an extension of an already existing collection that transforms your interior into an oasis of style and elegance. The collection is made of high-quality cast aluminum, with a choice of gold or black coating. With a focus on creating a boutique experience in your home, the Duro collection offers an array of interior design items that will take your decor to the next level. From beautiful mirrors that add a sense of depth and allure to any room to stylish side tables that combine functionality with sophisticated design. Whether you want to make a statement in your living room, dining room or bedroom, the Duro collection offers the perfect complement to your personal style and taste. Transform your home with the Duro collection and enjoy an interior that is both stylish and inviting.
Go bold on your tableware with the Moyo collection. This stoneware collection includes several plates and bowls that are easy to combine thanks to the beautiful colour variations. Choose the Ink variant for a tasteful green, dotted print. Want something a little bolder? Then the Flame or Reef variant, finished with a sparkling but subtle glaze, is just right for you.
sticks, and other items that are thoughtfully packaged in attractive gift boxes. This makes S|P Collection appealing to those seeking unique gifts for their loved ones. Our focus on homeware ensures that customers can find a wide selection of quality products to enhance their living spaces. Meanwhile, gift retailers can benefit from our diverse offerings, enabling them to provide customers with a range of gifting options. With our versatile S|P Collection, we cater to both the home decor and gift retail markets.
Do you have any initiatives or enticements for retailers looking to stock the brand?
Competitive wholesale pricing – S|P Collection offers retailers attractive wholesale prices, providing a competitive market advantage and the potential for profitable margins.
Exclusive product offerings allow them to offer unique and sought-after items that differentiate their store from competitors. S|P Collection also provides marketing materials, high-resolution product images and descriptive content to support retailers in effectively promoting their products.
Visit www.spcollection.eu to learn more.
Enter a world of sophistication and aesthetics with our Japanese-inspired tableware collection, with a matte outside and a beautiful gold-brown shine on the inside. Each unique piece in this collection exudes elegance and traditional craftsmanship, paying homage to Japan’s rich culture and timeless beauty. The glaze applied to each piece creates a playful play of colour variations and subtle patterns, while the high-quality porcelain guarantees durability and functionality.
Introduce elegance and sophistication to your service with our glass decanters and matching glasses from Ray. This beautiful set combines functionality with stylish design, making it the perfect addition to any table setting.Made of highquality glass, these decanters have a distinctive ribbed texture that is not only visually appealing, but also provides a firm grip while pouring. The decanters come with a cap that perfectly fits their opening.
Trendy, rustic and a true addition to any interior. The Tubo collection creates a unique look through its shapes and texture. The collection is available in two sizes and two different colours, namely white and anthracite.
Discover more collections by visiting www.spcollection.eu.
German brand WMF is marking 170 years – growing from a fledging metal goods factory to the behemoth it is today. The heritage brand – encompassing WMF Professional Coffee Machines and WMF Professional Hotel Equipment –continues to deliver excellence across the board. Tableware International shines a spotlight on its history…
Founded 170 years ago in Geislingen, Baden-Württemberg, WMF has stood the test of time, representing metal craftsmanship and outstanding quality.
With a comprehensive portfolio in consumer products, professional coffee machines and hotel equipment, WMF has maintained its values and traditions, while keeping its finger on the pulse and focusing on ground-breaking innovations. Over the years, this
the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrikor, WMF as we now know it today.
Three business units
Refined tableware and products for the kitchen, coffee machines in upmarket restaurants and hotel equipment – for WMF, as a premium brand, in its three business units, only the best is good enough. With the promise “Designed to Perform,” WMF Professional
than 320 technicians, WMF has the largest in-house service organisation in Europe. WMF Professional Hotel Equipment offers premium products for hotels and restaurants. From cutlery and glassware to serving equipment or table decoration right through to a flexible modular system for buffets, the product range is vast.
Since its founding, WMF
“170 years full of innovative spirit and fantastic milestones - that is a special achievement. Happy birthday
WMF! I am very happy to be able to work for a company with this history. And I am equally proud that we continue to develop the values of the founder, the demand for design and high quality with our products in a contemporary way. We are aware of our precious heritage and yet we are always looking ahead. Because - we still have a lot ahead of us.”
Oliver Kastalio, CEO, WMF
has resulted in a considerable number of milestones, patents and design icons.
In 1853 mill owner Daniel Straub and the Schweizer brothers founded the Straub & Schweizer metal goods factory in Geislingen. In 1880, the company merged with the Ritter & Co metal goods factory to form
Coffee Machines emphasises the technically outstanding and reliable performance of every WMF coffee machine, from fully automatic machines to automatic portafilter solutions right through to fully automatic filter machines. A distinguishing feature of the products for the B2B segment is quality “Made in Germany”. Besides, with more
has been closely connected with the region BadenWuerttemberg. With three of its sites, WMF has made a clear commitment to Germany as a production location. In Hayingen, Riedlingen, Geislingen and Birkenfeld, cutting edge technology and traditional craftsmanship come together. At the company’s headquarters in Geislingen, WMF Professional Coffee Machines manufactures a wide range of coffee solutions – for hotels, restaurants and catering companies or offices and bakeries and for
all business ideas in which premium coffee concepts play an important role. WMF Professional Hotel Equipment, the premium supplier of products for the perfectly laid table and the buffet, is based in Birkenfeld. In Hayingen, WMF manufactures knives whose key feature is the exclusive Performance Cut technology, while the Riedlingen site is the competence centre for glass ceramics and the WMF Fusiontec series.
For more information, visit www.wmf.com.
100+ million the number of people worldwide who use WMF products every day.
Beyond the Pale.
Rathbornes is the world’s oldest candlemakers and Ireland’s oldest company. Founded in 1488 in the heart of Dublin City during Medieval Ireland, Rathbornes has been hand-pouring its candles to perfection in Dublin using traditional candle-crafting techniques that have been refined for over 535 years.
Rathbornes had been exclusively catering to the church market in Ireland since their establishment. However, the brand embraced innovation and successfully adapted to evolving market trends with the rising popularity for scented candles and diffusers and so entered the luxury fragrance market in 2015 with its collection named “Beyond the Pale”.
Irish-made heritage brand with a history dating back to 1488, Rathbornes takes immense pride in handpouring their candles in the heart of Dublin city since its establishment.
As a brand, they cherish their status as Ireland’s oldest company, and it serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to producing authentically Irish and locally crafted products.
Sustainability shapes Rathbornes’ practices and products. They demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by using a unique wax blend of 100 per cent natural, sustainable rapeseed, coconut, and beeswax. They support initiatives like The All Ireland Pollinator Plan and The National Biodiversity Plan, focusing on creating an environment where bees can thrive.
Since 1488, Irish beeswax has been a key ingredient for Rathbornes within its candle crafting process. Rathbornes sources its rapeseed wax from Ireland, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its low carbon footprint, reflecting Rathbornes commitment to sustainability and its Irish-made status. The use of 100 per cent natural cotton wicks further reflects their dedication to sustainability whilst also ensuring a superior burn quality.
Packaging materials are made from FSC Mix Paper/ Card sourced from sustainable forests, recycled paper, and controlled wood sources. For packaging fillers, they utilise corn starch chips that are 100 per cent compostable, providing product protection during transit while minimising environmental impact.
You’ll find Rathbornes online at www.rathbornes1488. com. In selected stockists in Ireland, UK, Japan and soon in the US where they recently exhibited at Atlanta Market.
“Since 1488, Irish beeswax has been a key ingredient for Rathbornes within its candle crafting process. Rathbornes sources its rapeseed wax from Ireland”
Irish-made heritage brand with a history dating back to 1488
Villeroy & Boch has a long heritage in crafting exceptional tabletop – 275 years to be precise.
Gabi Schupp , director dining & lifestyle, Villeroy & Boch, tells Tableware International how the company is marking this special anniversary year…
Villeroy & Boch celebrates its 275 anniversary this year –how has the company marked the year so far?
We have had a fantastic year thus far, celebrating our anniversary theme, “275 Years Creating Homes”, with clients and partners from around the world. Our anniversary event, and the Ambiente fair in
our company and the founding families. For example, our designer, Heike Puderbach explains how she created the “Paradiso” anniversary design, and family members Maria and Johanna von Boch invited us to discover their homes. This unique approach was very well received by our fans.
Frankfurt in February, kicked off the wide range of celebratory activities we have planned. Many of these take place across our social media channels where we share interesting insights into
Your anniversary tabletop offerings such as La Boule and Birthday Cake in the Paradiso décor, not to mention the anniversary cup designed by members of the founding families,
“I would not call it “pressure”, but ambition to consistently deliver top-tier products”
and the birthday mugs in popular Villeroy & Boch décors have been really thoughtfully considered –how much forward planning and prep has gone into creating the limited-edition collections?
A freshly decorated La Boule was the obvious choice for a new anniversary product. I would say that it’s the product that best represents Villeroy & Boch and its rich past. Helen von Boch, a family member and chief designer during the 1970s, originally developed it for a setting of four, but today’s version is simplified and
serves as dinnerware for two. It took our designers and the creative family members about a year to develop the anniversary décor for La Boule, the Birthday Cake and the birthday mugs. Once the general trends were defined, things moved very quickly.
And what of reception to these anniversary pieces – have consumers embraced the concept behind the collections?
Yes, indeed, our customers love the items in the collection. Some of them already sold out and we worked hard to get them back in stock quickly. It shows that we have captured the zeitgeist with this collection. I’m proud of the whole team for working so well together.
Villeroy & Boch has such a proud heritage – does the company feel a pressure to consistently deliver top-tier products across
all of your sectors?
For 275 years now, we have proven our passion for outstanding design, and we know how to combine our customers’ needs with our vision for the future, always regarding our core competence-ceramics. So, I would not call it “pressure”, but ambition to consistently deliver top-tier products. This is our passion, and it motivates us every day. We love to identify new trends, create new products, and satisfy our clients and our customers with innovative products of excellent quality.
In terms of the Dining & Lifestyle division, is Villeroy & Boch Hotel a primary growth area for the brand now and where does it stand in comparison to retail?
(It’s a direction which, I suppose, wouldn’t have been a focus for the founders of V&B!)
The hospitality business plays an important role within the Dining & Lifestyle division, especially for product development as many trends are set there. And, of
showing steady growth. We are confident that we will continue on this successful path.
Finally, can we expect any more celebrations for Villeroy & Boch’s 275-year anniversary?
We’ll continue to celebrate our 275-year anniversary across our social media channels. Look out for more exciting videos about our company, the founding families, our employees and our products. For example, Isabelle von Boch, family member and brand ambassador in the US will soon share interesting insights into her life and she will highlight some differences customs between Europe and the United States, where she lives.
“A freshly decorated La Boule was the obvious choice for a new anniversary product”
Bordallo Pinheiro will be participating in M&O, September edition, from September 7th to the 11th. The brand will be showcasing its most recent collections like Flora, new items from the successful collaboration with Claudia Schiffer: Cloudy Butterflies. They are also going to show the irreverent Punk collection, Tropical Fruits, the unmissable cabbage collection, tomato, watermelon, frogs, different jars and so many other collections that celebrates the Bordallo Pinheiro’s spirit.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Bordallo Pinheiro’s unique vision at Hall 3, Stand E16-F15. www.bordallopinheiro.com
The theme for September’s edition of Maison&Objet is Enjoy – it is all about the quest for pleasure. The Parisian trade show will explore various stages of enjoyment from seductive expressiveness to liberating creativity to heightened sensitivity… oh, and somewhere in the mix are some of the world’s best tabletop brands. We highlight some making the trip to Paris
Maison&Objet is shining a spotlight on the HoReCa sector for September’s trade show. In a first, The Hospitality Lab in hall 6 is a new area dedicated to – you guessed it, hospitality. Here, visitors will be invited to explore inspiring settings at the cutting edge of aesthetics and functionality while deciphering recent trends in the hotel industry. And to take a step further on this theme, Maison&Objet is offering two highlights by Gault&Millau and Waww La Table to be discovered in the Cook&Share sector, hall 3, the tableware and kitchenware sector.
Maison&Objet will unveil a new zone dedicated to
the HoReCa industry at September’s showcase. Conceived as a think-tank for new uses in the hotel industry, the Hospitality Lab is an opportunity to meet those brilliantly imagining tomorrow's hospitality. The September show program includes inspiring stagings by interior designers Friedmann & Versace and Roque Intérieurs, as well as the decorating brand The Socialite Family, an exhibition of the Accor Design Awards winners, workshops, and several trend decryptions in a restaurant designed by ADW, Antwerp Design Week.
Meanwhile in Hall 3, the Gault&Millau
Sunday 10 September at noon there is a “Chefs and Ceramics” conference with chef-ceramist Kosuke Nabeta (restaurant Sola), chef Gregory Marchand (Frenchie) and ceramist Marion Graux.
area is a place to meet and exchange ideas with cooking demos, tastings, and encounters with the young guard of French cuisine, as well as with its flagships. During the five days of the show, a number of talented chefs will give cooking demonstrations three times a day, including one in tandem with young talent and a leading name in French gastronomy.
The Waww la Table exhibition will also put tableware in the spotlight by celebrating the plate. Created by Péri Cochin and Arabelle Reille, Waww la Table is an inspirational Instagram and an e-commerce site with an inimitable style that practices the art of mixing vintage objects with collections created exclusively by designers and craftsmen. For September, the space takes up the show's theme of Enjoy, a quest for personal happiness that injects fun into life.
Visit www.maison-objet.com for more.
Denby’s best-selling patterns including the new Kiln Green, Kiln, Studio Blue, Studio Grey and Halo will be exhibited on the Clip Quality Brands in Hall 3 Stand D87.
Taking centre stage, new Kiln Green is designed to be serene and embrace the link between nature and biophilic design. This beautiful, made-to-last contemporary collection featuring organic shapes, has impactful glazes for dining, home decor and gift occasions. Following Denby’s environmental ethos, Kiln Green is produced using expert crafting practises perfected over 200 years using clay local to the pottery along with recycled clay and glazes ensuring zero process waste to landfill.
Clip Quality Brands launched Denby’s collections as distributor for Benelux and France at a trade show at their showroom in September 2022.
www.clipbv.com | www.denbypottery.com
Discover modern Delft blue tableware collections at the stand of Heinen Delfts Blauw at Maison et Objet. Here you’ll find beautiful Delft blue porcelain from The Netherlands of the highest quality with surprising designs. You’ll find Heinen Delfts Blauw in Hall 8, stand A28. www.heinendelftsblauw.com
The Costa Nova and Casafina brands will exhibit at Maison & Objet in Hall 3 – Stand C4-D3. The Portuguese brands are dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality, innovative and sustainable tableware and accessories made of fine stoneware. All products are produced from the best natural resources in Portugal. The Costa Nova brand is present across the five continents, in prestigious department stores and boutiques, hotels and renowned restaurants.
www.costanova.com
Lifetime Brands Europe will bring their leading kitchen and tableware brands at Maison & Objet in Hall 3 Stand A66-B65. The company will be showcasing tabletop in a big and unique way under global dinnerware brand name, Mikasa.
The new collections redefine dinnerware, with UK design across materials including porcelain, stoneware and fine china. Cutlery and glassware in a range of shapes and finishes, as well as textiles including placemats and table runners, co-ordinate across the range for impactful merchandising to maximise the retailer’s category offering and sales potential.
The company will also present new additions to their award-winning tea and coffee brand, La Cafetiére.
www.lifetimebrandseurope.com
A key date in New York’s trade show diary, NY Now brings the very best of gifting to buying teams from a range of top retail outlets.
The wholesale event in NYC, runs from August 13–16 at the Javits Center, bringing together a host of fantastic exhibitors touching on a varied assortment of categories from the gift, home and lifestyle markets.
Twice per year, top buyers come to NY Now to witness the hottest debuts, high-end designs, and must-have wares in the gift, home, and accessories industries. NY Now boasts three newly consolidated categories – Home, Gift & Lifestyle, and Jewellery & Accessories –
offering a perfectly curated space for retailers and buying teams.
Organisers say the trade show is “all about community – bringing together brands, designers, and buyers in the retail capital of the world to make the defining connections that supercharge their businesses”.
With three core sections across more than 35 product categories, the product range includes aromatherapy, pampering skincare and wellness to designs that celebrate recycling and luxury lifestyle, to artsy stationery and the most tempting eclectic gifts, as well as hot home décor and of course, tableware.
For summer 2023, NY Now has re-branded its Pavilion concept into the Bulletin Incubator, a new program that will refresh the event for the 10,000+ attending buyers.
NY NOW is the largest gift, home, and accessories wholesale trade show in New York, where brands, buyers, and designers gather to connect and discover. Held twice a year in NYC, America’s design capital, NY NOW and online wholesale marketplace partner, Bulletin, connect 4,000+ independent brands with 40,000+ U.S. and international buyers from independent stores, museums, department stores, bookstores, galleries, general gift shop, art & entertainment venues and many more. For more information, please visit www.nynow.com and www.bulletin.co.
The AW 23 edition of Top Drawer takes place this September at London’s Olympia. Positioning itself as the UK’s leading contemporary retail show, you’ll find brands such as Liga, Chive and Musango rubbing shoulders with interior and gifting exhibitors.
This September’s Top Drawer is set to impress with an extraordinary line-up of suppliers from both the UK and around the globe, with exhibitors hailing from as far afield as Australia, Chile and Japan! Buyers will have the opportunity to explore an extensive range of products and new season designs, with notable exhibitors including Abrams & Chronicle, Aery, Bookspeed, CHALK, Ginger Ray, Kikkerland, Lifeguard Press + Ban.do, LIGA, Lisa Angel, Morgan Wright, My Doris, Ohh Deer, Roka London, Suck UK and Wrap, among many others.
In addition to showcasing
More than 30 per cent of the exhibitor list at Top Drawer will be showing for the very first time!
well-established brands, over 30 per cent of the exhibitor list at Top Drawer will be showing for the very first time, so retailers are sure to discover a host of suppliers they’ve not seen before.
Through the Launchpad sector, Top Drawer also aims to put fresh, emerging talent firmly in the spotlight, providing them with opportunities to meet highcalibre buyers and helping them begin their wholesale journey. The designers who are hand-selected to be part of Launchpad always bring quirky, unique pieces that are bold and eye-catchingperfect for retailers looking for something different. The show is also excited to continue its partnership with the University of Arts London, which will showcase hand-selected products from talented recent graduates who are eager to increase their brand exposure.
Across the show, retailers can expect to discover a carefully curated assortment of cutting-edge products - from home decor and must-have gifts, to stationery
and seasonal accessoriesthat are sure to inspire in the lead-up to Christmas 2023. Beyond this, Top Drawer also offers a chance to forge lasting connections and gain valuable insights through the RetailFest seminars; with a lineup of brilliant speakers soon to be announced, these sessions will cover topics to help businesses flourish in the upcoming months, including discussions on how to create eye-catching social media videos, understand the Metaverse, using AI, mastering digital marketing and much more! Once again visitors can expect to be inspired with the return of The Better Trends Company who will be showcasing the leading trends for the upcoming season. These installations have become a staple of Top Drawer, enticing buyers and designers into their eye catching display of soon-to-be-in vogue products. Buyers can use this inspiration to shape their new collection, while designers can see how and where their own products fit.
Visit www.topdrawer. co.uk for more.
When contrasting or complementary tones meet, a collection can really pop. We highlight several collections where colours melt seamlessly together – think Dibbern’s Silhouette and Narumi’s Cloud – or, contrast but complement, as with Vista Alegre’s bright and bold Futurismo
Arthur Krupp’s melamine collection
Gold Ostra from the Chic brand, flawlessly integrates a lustrous gold rim with an alluring matte black interior, culminating in an unparalleled high-end and luxurious dining experience. This meticulously crafted collection wholeheartedly embraces the captivating two-tone trend, accentuating its chic and modern aesthetic. By harmoniously blending the opulence of gold with the sophistication of matte black, Gold Ostra transcends traditional tableware, transforming any dining setting into a captivating visual masterpiece that effortlessly embodies elegance and refinement.
www.finediningandliving.eu
Gourmet Two-Tone boasts a monochrome colour palette with a touch of red. Arthur Krupp fine melamine takes on an extremely minimalist design to bring an essential and refined style to the table. Along with Gourmet Matt, this collection can be used for fusion-oriented interpretations or, quite simple, to add extra style to ordinary recipes.
www.arthurkrupp.com
Dibber’s Silhouette from designer Bodo Sperlein is a prime example of how colour is king. The designer has introduced a subtle gradient, where the décor gradually falls away, allowing the deep, intense colours to blend seamlessly into the brilliant white of the fine bone china.
Silhouette features a vibrant, striking aesthetic in a diverse selection of colours. The outline which characterises the decor is reminiscent of the shapes and shadows observed in natural topographies, while an intricate motif brings a textural element to the design.
www.dibbern.de
Denby has a glaze library of over 40,000 glazes with over 200 glazes in use at the pottery for the current portfolio.
The ombre effect is very much in harmony with Denby’s glaze alchemy. Denby develops its own glaze recipes which it can trace back for generations and currently has a glaze library of over 40,000 glazes with over 200 glazes in use at the pottery for the current portfolio. It can take up to two years to develop a new Denby collection and each collection goes through a rigorous development process. Take Denby Statements – a limitededition collection designed for modern homes. Featuring striking ombre green, ombre blue and fern green glaze effects, these ceramics look as beautiful in use as they do on display. All pieces are handcrafted and skilfully hand-decorated by applying layers of glaze that evolve from modern creams and greys through to jewel-like greens and blues, as well as unique and naturalistic patterns of overlapping fern leaves on some pieces.
www.denbypottery.com
Decorium’s Triangle collection is a unique interior accessory featuring contrasting shades of blue and gold. The Triangle collection consists of three pieces – two pedestal panels measuring 18 cm and 28 cm, along with a covered candy bowl. Decorium says Triangle represents the pinnacle of glass etching and decorative craftsmanship. www.decorium.com.tr
Ardacam
Introducing the flawless seaside plate series: Auster. With the plate’s shape inspired by mussels, Auster is the perfect choice for restaurants and hotels to showcase their seafood dishes. The colourways which blend beautifully, help to add a touch of nautical charm to food presentations as Auster serves to enhance the flavours of your seafood menu.
www.ardaglassware.com
Narumi
The Colour Cloud collection from Narumi is a triumph, using watercolours inspired by nature. The graduated colour tones – sky blue, grass green, and raspberry red –are contrasted with the pure white colour of bone china. www.narumi.co.jp
Vista Alegre’sFuturismo collection offers a blast of vibrant, contrasting colourways. The collection is a contemporary reinterpretation of the pioneering movement of all modern movements, celebrating progress and marking a period of reinvention of artistic languages. Note the geometric shapes full of oblique lines, circles and divergent angles, bordered by lines of force, creating an idea of vigorous movement. The speed that futurists loved thus finds new expression in an elegant and timeless line, full of dynamism and expressiveness.
www.vistaalegre.com
Look closely at Porcel’s Lush Forest collection. The company used a process called Elements in its creation – an innovative approach to reactive glazes, inspired by nature. The intense dark blue and deep green glaze accentuate the collection’s connection to mother earth. Each surface appears to be similar and yet, due to the hand-applied decoration every porcelain piece has one-of-a-kind finish and the patterns are randomly determined during the firing process.
www.porcel.com
The Blade Runner Glass is the Double Old Fashioned Glass from the Cibi collection, designed by Cini Boeri in 1973 and made in Italy by Arnolfo di Cambio.
G&G Goodfellow are no strangers to working with Michelin star chefs, and their latest endeavour – Portfolio 6 – sees them harness the skills of said chefs to showcase G&G’s latest products
The last time we printed an inspirational brochure was memorable. We finished photography day before the first lockdown in 2020. They literally closed the doors on the hotel where we were filming as we packed up and left.
This time, it feels like we are living in an new era. Things look almost the same, but actually they are very different. Not just because hospitality has experienced an amazing boom since the end of Covid restrictions, and yet has to cope with extremely difficult challenges; but because we are
Founded by Paul and Valda Goodfellow, G & G Goodfellows is a creative design & distribution company with a 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 and more.
entering an age where digital technology is trying to take over many aspects of our life.
Who would have thought that artificial intelligence could be used to diagnose illnesses, write poetry and influence political opinions?
We are even seeing ceramic manufacturers design new products using not only AI, but digitally design some incredibly intricate patterns and shapes.
Who knows, maybe in two years’ time, this column will be written by AI! This whole publication might be created by a BOT – I hope not but then again, I am from a different era. ( I hope not too! – ed ) An era where human creativity was prized as a magical and unpredictable commodity. Where human error was hardwired into the creative process and was all the better for it. Who wants an intelligence which is perfect but entirely a product of algorithmic logic?
For now, thankfully, we at G & G are mainly still reliant on our own intelligence, and create things in an entirely human way. That’s not to say we are not averse to using the best that technology has to offer, within the realm of it being used in a way that suits our brand ethos.
So, with great excitement, here is what we’ve done:
Like everything human, our knowledge and expertise is an evolution of instinct and acquired knowledge. Our
new Portfolio 6 inspirational brochure is an evolution of everything that makes up our brand, but mixed with the innovative flair that is our trademark.
In 2019, we had been among the first to use augmented reality to make a printed brochure come to life with the
printed marketing to survive in the long term.
Establishing an emotional connection is the most important aspect for us. Our clients are immensely creative, and they need that feeling of being connected to products and a brand, for them to be interested enough to buy.
use of web-enabled video. It was revolutionary in 2019. We just didn’t have the opportunity to launch it until 2021!
Now, we have taken it to the max! Not only have we used AR to embed video into a printed catalogue, but we have some added new level of interactivity which enhances the emotional connection which print gives us, and therefore will help
Technological gizmos aren’t feted for their emotional connectivity, so for us to remain relevant and interesting to our customers, we have to connect on this emotional level using our heritage of producing the most inspirational food images. This only works if we create the right images.
Our challenge is to read market trends and then be just
“Our new Portfolio 6 inspirational brochure is an evolution of everything that makes up our brand”
ahead of where they are heading next. This time, we have focused intensely on where luxury dining is gravitating. We think luxury dining has very much left the muted, earthenware look behind, in a bid to differentiate themselves with a more
products specifically for our brochure. They not only have created stunning stoneware items but a series of turned wooden speciality pieces, as well as amazing and unpredictable crackled glass.
So, coming back to the
considered and elegant look based on quiet luxury.
Classical white china, juxtaposed with silver and unique character pieces is very much where the market is going.
As always, we have selected the most amazing chefs to help us represent these trends by showcasing their food on our products. We are privileged to be able to work with the likes of Ollie Dabbous and Adam Smith who are both Michelin star chefs and we are proud to highlight chefs who have something to say that is, as yet, outside of that sphere. Take Daniel Watkins who has yet again become the first to pivot to an emerging trend, that of fire cooking. Mike Shaw, breaking boundaries with fusion food in Manchester; Greg Marchand at Frenchie, who broke the mould in Paris for a new style of dining; and most unusual of all, ‘Mitch’ Mitchel of True Foods whose Chef’s Table may be situated in his food factory in North Yorkshire but managed
technology; we wanted to explore how we could make a brochure more interactive and not just something beautiful to look at. My graphic designer, Simon Cunningham, who has been the stalwart guardian of our brand image for many years; has not only been the brains behind our brochure; he has also stretched the boundaries of what we thought was possible in terms of using augmented reality.
Now, our customers can not only see a video of how the dish on the page was plated, they can also – with just a touch on the screen – call our office, send an email, go directly to our website to order the product, or make an appointment in our showroom!
More than that, instead of producing a catalogue the size of a doorstop, which noone can navigate, now, from every brand selection page, you can download the whole offering. So, you choose what you want to see, and how much you want to see.
to a score of 10\10 from top critic Giles Coren.
As for the products and brands we showcase in the brochure, we are very much into the ‘white-with-a-twist’ trend with brands such a Hering Berlin, Narumi, Montgolfier and Serax. While a softer take on stoneware but still along the lines of the whiter-shade-of-pale, we have Studio Mattes, which has created
I am incredibly proud that we, as still a small business, can grapple successfully with the new frontiers of technology; but do so in a way that recognises, respects and celebrates all that is great about human creativity.
AI may be more intelligent in some ways, but it will never be human, and I – for one – am thankful for that.
“We think luxury dining has very much left the muted, earthenware look behind”
“Classical white china, juxtaposed with silver and unique character pieces is very much where the market is going”Craquele plate, Studio Mattes Fossil plate, Studio Mattes Flower plate, Jacques Pergay
As they prepare to attend HOST in Milan with their latest collections, Stölzle Lausitz’s international sales director Jan Zschiesche talks to Tableware International about the company’s year so far
Jan, how has the year been for Stölzle Lausitz so far?
The year has been quite eventful for Stölzle Lausitz so far, despite the numerous challenges we faced in the market. One notable highlight was our successful launch of a highly comprehensive and captivating range of new products during the renowned Ambiente trade show in Germany. We are thrilled with the positive response and enthusiasm we received from customers and attendees alike.
Stölzle Lausitz launched six series for 2023 – what has reception been like to the collections?
The reception to our new collections
at Stölzle Lausitz has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding our ultra-light
We are delighted to witness such enthusiastic responses to these remarkable collections.
glasses, Fino and Cocoon. These two ranges have garnered exceptional feedback from customers and attendees alike. They embody elegance, delicacy, and a heightened sensory experience, showcasing our commitment to providing the highest level of taste and refinement.
Stölzle Lausitz launched six new collections for 2023 – available for both HoReCa and retail.
Aside from the stemware and tumblers – I’m interested to hear what the reception has been to Stones? It’s a really unique range.
Absolutely! The reception to our Stones range has been remarkable. Stones is appreciated for its distinctive and realistic stone appearance and unique touch. It adds a touch of uniqueness to any setting. Another current trend items we created for both home and professional use in restaurants, bars and hotels.
“The year has been quite eventful for Stölzle Lausitz”Cocoon CocoonMirrors
And likewise, the Mirrors assortment, is there still a demand for coloured glassware?
The demand for coloured glassware remains consistently high. We have observed a growing trend where customers are seeking decorated and customised products to help differentiate themselves in the market. The Mirrors collection caters precisely to this demand, offering a range of beautifully crafted and visually captivating glassware options, inspired by the Mugler Era.
Are all the series available to both retail and HoReCa?
Our entire range of products is specifically designed for the foodservice industry. We take great care to ensure that even our thin blown
Stölzle Lausitz says the demand for coloured glassware remains consistently high. “We have observed a growing trend where customers are seeking decorated and customised products to help differentiate themselves in the market,” Jan tells Tableware International.
ultra-light products are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and durable, perfectly suited for restaurant operations. We understand the importance of reliability in a demanding hospitality environment, and our products are crafted to meet these rigorous standards.
While our primary focus is the foodservice industry, we also recognise the interest and demand from individual customers in the retail market. Therefore, our products are also made available for retail purchase. This allows consumers to bring the same quality and elegance found in professional settings to their own homes, enhancing their dining experiences.
We know glassware providers had a
particularly difficult time last year with energy prices etc – what is the current economic situation like for Stölzle Lausitz?
Indeed, the past year was a challenging period for our industry, as we faced unprecedented and substantial cost increases. The energy costs are now showing signs of stabilization, providing some relief to the industry. While we cautiously navigate the changing landscape, we are optimistic about the future. We remain committed to investing in state-of-the-art technology to enhance our operational efficiency. We firmly believe in the power of continuous innovation and strive to be at the forefront of advancements in our field.
Finally, will we see Stölzle Lausitz at any more trade show this year?
Our next important trade show will be the HOST in Milano! See you there!
BHETA’s Exclusively Show, which took place on 13-14 June at The Business Design Centre, London raised over £13,000 for industry charity, The Rainy Day Trust (RDT). Exhibitors at the show were asked to donate products from their stands at the end of the twoday event for the charity to pass on to families in need or to sell and raise money. Housewares, gift, and small domestic electricals suppliers responded in style and a record five pallet loads of stock with a retail value of over £13,000 were given to RDT.
BHETA’s chief operating officer and show chair, Will Jones says: “It was a pleasure to help RDT with the very good and much needed work it does for people in our industry. It was brilliant to see a steady stream of people dropping off boxes of stock – and the total raised is a tribute to all the
companies and brands involved.”
Rainy Day Trust CEO, Bryan Clover adds: “The Exclusively Show is a tremendous event and to be chosen as the charity being supported this year was amazing. We are so grateful. The generosity of exhibitors and the support of show owner, BHETA was overwhelming. Much of the proceeds will be used to help families that are setting up home after a separation. We are also assisting Ukrainian refugees whose time with UK hosts is coming to an end after a year in the UK.”
As it wraps up for another year, BHETA’s Exclusively Show has raised more than £13,000 for The Rainy Day Trust…
