Tableware International June July 2020 by Lema Publishing

Tableware International Noritake.pdf 1 30/06/2020 4:13:54 PM

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: June/July 2020

CMY

Issue: 2

Volume: 142

134

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Often practical but never typical,

STEKLARNA ROGAĹ KA d.o.o. and RogaĹĄka brand are part of the Fiskars portfolio of brands and trademarks. www.fiskarsgroup.com

Rogaska collections are a reliable choice uniting appreciated and popular designs.

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

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

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

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At the heart Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930 of retail Fax: 00 44 (0) 1442 289950 Front cover illustration supplied by Noritake For more information see the website www.noritake.com Tableware International Noritake.pdf 1 30/06/2020 4:13:54 PM

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: June/July 2020

CMY

Issue: 2

Volume: 142

134

TableWare

INTERNATIONAL

lowly, slowly, slowly… tentatively dipping our toes into murky business waters, not entirely sure where we stand or how solid the ground underneath is. And yet, here we are with Tableware International’s temporarily renamed June/July issue. This should have been our May/June magazine – yet, thanks to the blistering shock of Covid-19, we are a few weeks late, but I’m sure we are forgiven! Normal service has now resumed, and I know I speak for my colleague Paul Yeomans, and the entire Lema Publishing family, when I say we are all incredibly pleased to be back. We are a global magazine and are acutely aware that each territory has combatted Covid-19 differently – retail has faced so many challenges in each region. However, through our online offering, (our new website, we hope you agree, is a far nicer place to navigate than its predecessor!), our bi-monthly magazine, and our annual Tableware International Awards of Excellence, we will continue to support the industry with all our might. After all, we’ve been here for more than 140 years, it takes more than a pandemic to shake us. So, tell us your news, give us your product information, use us for what we are here to do – that applies to everyone, from designers to manufacturers to retailers and everyone in between. Undoubtedly, the hospitality industry has taken a beating over the past number of months, but establishments have begun to reopen their doors. With that in mind, we spoke to some HoReCa tableware suppliers to ﬁnd out how they feel business will play out – turn to page 40 for some insight. Meanwhile, Ambiente’s director of dining Thomas Kastl tells us almost all exhibitors have rebooked for HoReCa’s Hall 6 in 2021 – something to take heart from. You’ll read what Thomas has to say from page 42. We also take a look at some recent collections designed for HoReCa on pages 46 and 47. In other news, Porcel tell us about the inspiration behind the gorgeous Adamastor. Head designer Filipa Ricardo gives us insight into how the collection was envisaged, representing the historic Portuguese connection to sea exploration – turn to page 34 to read more.

On page 18 and 19 you’ll find our interview with Steven Yeend, sales director with Noritake Australia, who took time out of his busy schedule to speak with Tableware International. Excitingly, he says Australia is experiencing a tableware renaissance. He reveals: “Many retailers have reported a sharp increase in sales of quality homewares in general, but specifically premium tableware. Initially, online retailers were the big beneficiaries, but, as we slowly emerge from lockdown, brick and mortar stores are also reporting increased interest in quality tableware.” We also take some time to look at emerging trends; the earthy honesty of terracotta or “Terra Cotta” as Pantone have dubbed it, is increasingly popular in homewares so we highlight a few products which make the grade, including a new launch from Georg Jensen. Meanwhile, our trend expert Donna Ferrari looks at collections which take their direction from land, sea and sky – see her input on page 30. Of course, some shows are still going ahead, including Las Vegas Market – turn to page 48 to learn more about the event which takes place in a new venue. You’ll uncover lots more throughout the issue, including a retail interview with Tavola a chain of homeware stores from Dubai who also happen to be 2020 gia Global Honoree. Speaking of gia, the awards for retail excellence looked a little different in 2020, taking place online. We caught up with Derek Miller, president of International Housewares Association about the changes and how gia will look in 2021 – you’ll find the interview on page 22. Of course, there is lots more throughout the magazine, and as I noted at the start of my editor’s letter, my colleague Paul and I are thrilled to be back... let's take the rest of 2020 by the horns and make it a good one.

“Normal service has now resumed, and I know I speak for my colleague Paul Yeomans, and the entire Lema Publishing family, when I say we are all incredibly pleased to be back”

Mairead Wilmot Get social with

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

June / July 2020

News & Trends 10 News A round-up of international stories 14 New Products All that is fresh 16

P roduct Trend A look at Terracotta's earthy tones

20 R etail An insight into Dubai-based Tavola 26 C ategory: Serveware Serving in style

24 Regulars

36 C ategory: Extra-special pieces Talking points at the table

24 Column: Retail Product mix examined 30 C olumn: Trends Donna Ferrari takes inspiration from land, sea and sky 38 Column: HoReCA Valda Goodfellow on moving forward 52 Column: BHETA Getting back to business

40 V iewpoints We hear from HoReCa suppliers

Shows 48 Preview Las Vegas Market is coming up

46 N ew Products: HoReCa Focus on fresh products 54 P roduct Trend Greys, greens and blues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a nod to calming colours of the moment

In focus

18 Interview We speak with Steven Yeend, sales director with Noritake Australia about the country's tableware renaissance and new product launches 22 I nterview We find out more about gia from Derek Miller, president, International Housewares Association 34

C ollection Dissection Porcel's Adamastor

42 Ambiente HoReCa Thomas Kastl talks hospitality The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or Lema Publishing Ltd. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

general News

NY Now cancelled Trade show NY Now has cancelled its October edition. In a statement released on 8 July, organisers said: “NY Now… has decided based on recent developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic, and after consultation with our community partners, to cancel the NY Now Fall Edition and co-located National Stationery Show, which had been scheduled for October 18-20, 2020,

at the Jacob Javits Center”. The statement went on to say recent developments had “made it impossible to bring buyers and brands together safely and successfully”. Tim Hart, SVP, NY Now, said organisers would move forward concentrating on the winter 2021 edition of the market, along with their online offering.

Stölzle Lausitz appoints co-managing director

Rosenthal pick up Elle design award Rosenthal’s Tongue by designer Bethan Laura Woods has picked up an ELLE Deco International Design Award. The prestigious award, also known as EDIDA, is the coveted prize for design creators – 25 editors-in-chief of the international ELLE Deco Magazine nominate their favourite collections. With a total of 14 categories, from lamps to furniture to Designer of the Year, Rosenthal's Tongue – which was created to mark the 100th Bauhaus anniversary – prevailed over competitors in the tableware category.

Stölzle Lausitz has appointed Ronald Brieger as co-managing director with responsibilities for the areas of production, technology and glass decoration. His remit covers the entire technical part of glass production from the design of new glasses through to shipping. Johann Nagl remains as managing director responsible for the areas of sales, marketing, e-commerce as well as finance and controlling.“Ronald has shown superb judgement in perfecting the pulled stem process and has had great success. With his production team, he managed to create such noble and finely blown glasses that can hardly be distinguished from mouth-blown glasses,” says Johann. Pictured: Ronald Brieger (left) and Johann Nagl

New role

Jane Mason has taken up a new role at DKB Household. Stepping into a newly created position, designed to strengthen and consolidate the UK sales and ecommerce operation, Jane is now UK sales and ecommerce director. Boasting a wealth of housewares experience, Jane spent 14 years with Le Creuset and more recently as global sales director for Craster Ltd.

Did you know? Tableware International has a new website. While oﬃces were closed for Covid-19, we were busy working behind the scenes to make sure we bring you the best online oﬀering. Visit www.tablewareinternational.com to see our faster, fresher website. Contact mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk to get your story online. 10 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Tableware for everyone

Christofle has introduced a new collection of note, and while not strictly for humans, the Royal Jack assortment definitely deserves mention! Designed just for the pampered pooches in our lives, the Royal Jack collection includes a deliciously decadent silver-plated, double-sided bowl adorned with Christofle’s signature regal hallmark – the goldsmith’s crown. Due to hit retail in September, the collection also includes a collar, leash and tags.

Shock as TableArt looted in riots TableArt, the store run by retailer Walter Lowry, fell victim to looting after recent riots in LA. The shop on Melrose Avenue was destroyed in June after a Black Lives Matter protest turned violent. Following closure due to Covid-19, Walter and his team had restocked in preparation to reopen just days later. “We had a full array of our products on display,” he told Tableware International. “This included everything from simple, everyday items, to very special, expensive items, many of which were limited editions or one-of-a-kind pieces. We were preparing to reopen by appointment only three days later, so the showroom was fully set up for business.” Walter and his husband Craig watched on CCTV as looters entered the store at about 8.40pm, finally leaving at about 1.30am. “The damage is significant – if they didn’t steal it, they smashed it,” he says. “The entire store is outfitted in custom cabinetry. All of this experienced significant damage and, in several cases, has been declared a total loss by our insurer.” Brands and customers have both reached out to him, he says. “We have had so many supportive emails and phone calls. This really means a lot.” The focus now, Walter says, is now on rebuilding: “We have never worked harder as we work through all this. At the same time, my entire team is focused on the goal – a new TableArt that will be better than ever.” See a full version of this story on Tableware International’s website – www.tablewareinternational.com.

Inspired by… rock

Nude Glass has introduced a dynamic new collection inspired by the disruptive nature of rock, pop and punk culture. The Rock & Pop Artist Collection is a collaboration between the Istanbulbased design brand and several young creatives who they commissioned to customise signature glassware. “Grafitti artists Kien and Cins 3000, illustrator Umut Karaman, and tattoo artists Erensu EkmekCiler and Luca Font have updated the brand’s minimalist aesthetic with bold, graphic designs that marry the timeless nature of rock culture with Nude’s contemporary simplicity,” the company says. The collection includes vases, water bottles, glasses and limited-edition Memento Mori skulls. Having launched this summer, you’ll find the range online at www.nudeglass.com.

Influencers and sales examined The role of online influencers was examined during Exclusively Digital recently. Richard Watts delivered two webinars looking at how crucial relationships with both traditional journalists and influencers now are, not only to consumer buying trends, but also to actual purchases. He explained: “Looking back over the last two years alone, the role of consumer public relations within a brand’s marketing mix has really transformed beyond recognition. The growing army of social media influencers,

bloggers and vloggers feels like an unstoppable force, none of us in the housewares industry should ignore.” The webinars formed part of Exclusively Week – held in midJuly – the online replacement for the London-based 2020 Exclusively Show which was cancelled because of Covid-19. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 11

general News

Pay attention to… LAV’s Gaia 12-piece stemless wine glasss LAV’s modern take on the wine glass taps into the trend for a simplistic aesthetic, allowing for a design-led tablescape. Gaia is a stemless wine glass set of 12 pieces, consisting of three separate quadruplets in large, medium, and small forms. The largest Gaia set is made up of four stemless glasses with capacity for a 20oz beverage while the medium is presented in a standard size of 16oz. The smallest quadruplet comes with a 12oz liquid capacity. Not just for wine, the practical, space-saving design works just as well for cocktails and water. Visit Lav-us.com for more.

Moser’s Tomáš Lesser is honoured Moser’s Tomáš Lesser – an engraver with the Karlovy Vary-based company – has become a Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. The honour was bestowed earlier this year in Paris by French Minister of Culture, Franck Riester. Lesser was joined by nine other artists including François Demachy, perfumer for Christian Dior, Anne-Marie Legrand, costume designer for the Paris Opera, Thi Thu Nguyen, designer of leather products for the Louis Vuitton brand, and Christine Maquel, designer of leather products for Hermès. "It is truly a great honour that my work has received such recognition," says Tomáš. "It is a prize not only for me but also for Vladimír Skála, who has been my mentor my entire life, and for the entire Moser glassworks. Without the stable base I found in Karlovy Vary, I would not have been able to dedicate my life to the engraver's craft and get to where I am now."

Did you know?

China’s leading international trade fair for the consumer goods sector, Interior Lifestyle China, has been postponed from its September 2020 date, and will now take place in September 2021 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

Coping with Covid... Seeba’s CEO Anand Baldawa discusses the complexities of making business happen during and after Covid-19

“The past few months have been more of a learning curve than any three-month period in the history of our business” Psst!

See page 28 and 40 for more industry insight into coping after Covid-19. 12 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

“Covid 19 is (unfortunately) not something we can refer to in the past tense, yet! That said, we are all hoping the worst is behind us. The past few months have been the worst ever seen – personal or professional – and our prayers are for hope, health and happiness for all of us. At Seeba, our focus has now shifted from surviving to reviving and possibly thriving. For us, the revival phase has included everything from reimagination, reform and resolve. We have essentially focused on rethinking the organization – across all levels and aspects, both vertically and horizontally. Bringing business back has been difficult but not impossible. Because of the global nature of this pandemic, our customers around the world, big or small, wholesale, hospitality or retail, understood the situation and the issues, and have been supportive and patient, to say the least. In essence, everyone knew that the matter was only about “when” we restart and not “if” we restart.

The bigger challenge though, was to manage the emotions and address the concerns of the team – which in my mind is a very critical factor of bringing business back. After all, what worth is the demand if there is no supply? At Seeba, we addressed this with a complete mind-set change. We started to think of ourselves as a start-up and not a corporate, a family and not just a business, a nimble and agile organisation that believes in the decentralised decision making. Daily internal calls, weekly customer or partner calls and regular check-ins helped us keep our finger on the pulse. We also changed our operating model (thanks to a detailed WFH suitability assessment) to become a flexible working company where everyone in the team decides what working level of flexibility format works for them best. We realised that giving full authority and flexibility to our employees actually improved their performance, kept them happy and motivated, which

ultimately, in turn, resulted into great customer service and satisfaction. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. We also swiftly moved to an “e-everything” model where we have had a serious acceleration of digital and technology / analytics. We’ve used new technology that has helped us stay connected and close to our customers and with constant communication and updates. Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised at the potential scope of digitising work (which was earlier dismissed as not possible!), as well as the efficiencies that it brought along. In closing, we believe that the past few months have been more of a learning curve than any threemonth period in the history of our business. It has helped us relook at everything but more importantly it has helped us change our mind-set from a (relatively) fixed one to an open, growth based one. It has also helped us look at the humane aspect of things, actions and decisions!”

www.rosenthal.de

.9283

Style meets function Functionality and style – key words when it comes to tableware design, particularly in today’s landscape. Noritake’s Colortex collection, which was introduced earlier this year, is ticking several boxes with its contemporary approach to dining. The dynamic collection, with its pebble-like exterior, is stackable and we know how on-trend modular pieces are. Each plate serves as a lid for another piece in the collection, making it easy to stack and store.

www.noritakechina.com

Focus on…

new

products

Let’s bring some product positivity back into the room with a fresh focus on exciting new, and recent, launches from some of the world’s best brands

Perfect contrasts WMF introduced the Kineo cutlery collection to retail in May with the collection already picking up a Red Dot design award. Inspired by modern architecture, WMF says the Kineo design language stands for “the beauty of contrasts”. The collection combines contrasting symmetrical and asymmetrical lines to create a harmonious experience for the eyes and hands – a modern look with an ergonomic fit. Boasting a premium look and feel, Kineo also has a protective Cromargan coating making it resistant to scratches.

www.wmf.com

Decorative beauties Wedgwood’s latest introduction – Jasper Folia Mini Pots – are crafted from its acclaimed Jasperware, first created by founder Josiah Wedgwood who took over 5,000 trials and experiments to perfect the material. Decorative, versatile and tactile, the pots are designed to fit with all types of home décor and come in four desirable colourways; warm white, dove grey, powder pink and shadow grey. They sit perfectly alongside other pieces from the Folia collection, which includes vases, lithophanes, frames and candles.

www.wedgwood.com

Feel the glow With its cool slate décor, Villeroy & Boch’s Manufacture Rock was already a super ontrend collection having been introduced to retail two years ago. Fresh line extensions have been added for 2020 – think a four-piece dip bowl collection, coffee and espresso cups with saucers, square and rectangular plates and platters, not to mention the introducion of Manufacture Rock Glow. Say hello to elegant copper accents in the guise of saucers which come in three sizes, a bowl and a flat bowl, all new for this year.

www.villeroy-boch.com 14 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Meet the maker

Design focused Kosta Boda’s gorgeous It’s All About You collection features the work of fashion illustrator Sara Woodrow with the latest line extensions hitting retail for Autumn/Winter Swedish fashion illustrator Sara Woodrow – a familiar name to design lovers in the Nordic country – has collaborated with glassmakers Kosta Boda on the eternally romantic It’s All About You series, first launched in 2015. Now, new extensions have been added to the line in time for autumn/winter. The artist, illustrator and designer works in a contemporary style with Kosta Boda explaining she “forges her own path”. Describing the essence of the collection to Tableware International, Sara says: “I wanted to come up with girls that were little parts of my personality, while also drawing lots of inspiration from the fashion world. I don’t know if you have ever had your

special someone go away? When the one you love is on the other side of the world and it feels as if you’re going to break and the days just go slower and slower. Eventually you see each other again and no feeling in the world is better. Love you, miss you, want you and need you.” The newest pieces to be added to the collection are aimed at lovers of sparkling drinks from Champagne to prosecco to mineral water. Kosta Boda explain that the bubbles are preserved thanks to the shape of the pieces while Sara’s artistry adds an on-trend element to the carafe and glasses. kostaboda.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 15

Trend TerraCotta

Inspired by…Pantone

Perfect pairing The exciting nine-piece Terra collection from Georg Jensen recently launched in the US market – with a release date for the rest of the world to follow in September. Perfectly tapping into the zeitgeist for organic and earthy yet striking accessories, Terra was conceived by pioneering Norwegian design and architecture practice, Snøhetta. The collection, designed for both indoor and outdoor use, marries terracotta and stainless steel with some pieces crafted from terracotta while others are made from stainless steel.

www.georgjensen.com

Colour me beautiful Highlighted by Pantone’s ColorWatch display at The Inspired Home Show “Terra Cotta” is a colour palatte du jour – think warm, earthy, natural shades. We look at some collections already tapping into the trend

On trend Always ones to pick up on a trend, Villeroy & Boch has extended their typically monochrome Manufacture Collier collection, adding a new colour to the mix. Joining Manufacture Collier Noir and Manufacture Collier Blanc is Manufacture Collier Terra – a collection of vases in a warm terracotta shade which adds an earthy, and on-trend, note to the collection. Villeroy & Boch add that Manufacture Collier Terre also coordinates with the Manufacture Glow and Manufacture Rock Glow.

www.villeroy-boch.com

Here is to rose! In somewhat of a nod to the rich, earthiness of terracotta, Denby’s 2019 collaboration with UK department store John Lewis on the Quartz Rose collection takes inspiration from a multitonal palette. “Rich deep reds are traditionally a tricky glaze colour to replicate effectively into reactive, textured glazes,” they told Tableware International. “We instead choose colours to complement this palette."

www.denbypottery.com

16 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Pantone has suggested “Terra Cotta” as a colour palatte to watch for 2021. As part of their work with Chicago’s Inspired Home Show, the authority recently shared the 2021 colour palettes and product examples that would have been displayed at the 2020 show’s ColorWatch display. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, has worked with Chicago for the past 20 years on the ColorWatch display – she studies exhibitors’ websites and submissions to select products not only on the basis of colour, but also considering form, finish, texture and scale. Of “Terra Cotta” it is said: “Terra Cotta reflects the natural baked earth and the need for warmth in nature essential to humankind. Its rustic inspiration is casually convivial. It relates to concern for the environment and sustainable practices. Terra Cotta embraces natural fibers, crafts and the support of local artisans. Pantone feels strongly about its popularity for 2021, because it is well grounded, as people seek warmth and the enduring values especially in these uncertain times.”

Minimalist moment Eli is the newest tableware assortment from Broste Copenhagen. The minimalist collection is characterised by round edges and soft colours, and although designed with a Japanese aesthetic in mind, it also evokes feelings of an earthy calmness typical of Pantone’s ‘Terra Cotta’ trend. Coming in five different colourways – all matte bar the soft blue shade which has a glossy glaze – Eli is made up of five ceramic items; two cups with or without handles, a small jug, a bowl and a rectangular plate. brostecopenhagen.com

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Australia In focus Noritake

Conifere A pure white dinner service showcasing fine lines and perfect form. Conifere is a particularly fine white porcelain design, a study in simplicity and textural beauty. The versatility of Conifere is inspirational – place it on a vivid, colour-saturated full-floral background and each piece pops.

Aozora Aozora is Japanese for blue sky and these beautiful colours, teamed with the artistic concept of dot graphics, creates an eye-catching new dining experience. This is a modern, casual dinner set that layers particularly well with other Noritake all-white collections, such as Marc Newson or Conifere.

The tableware renaissance With eating at home now a necessity rather than a choice, Australia is experiencing an exciting tableware renaissance – Steven Yeend, sales director with Noritake Australia, tells us more and reveals the company’s plans for 2020 On the Australian tableware market… “Prior to Covid-19, the tableware market in Australia was broadly defined by the ever-increasing popularity of contemporary styled casual products that reflect both the lifestyle and the diverse cuisine of Australia. Ironically, Covid-19 (and its associated changes in lifestyle) seems to have triggered a renaissance in branded tableware. Many retailers have reported a sharp increase in sales of quality homewares in general, but specifically premium tableware. Initially, online retailers were the big beneficiaries, but, as we slowly emerge from lockdown, brick and mortar stores are also reporting increased interest in quality tableware. Presentation has become a key component in at-home dining with consumers demanding a

“

On the typical Australian tableware consumer… “Noritake has traditionally appealed to two distinct sectors in Australia – formal dining and everyday family. In the ‘60s, almost every couple marrying in Australia was given a Noritake dinner service as a wedding present! Since then, Noritake has been conscious of retaining its existing followers while appealing to younger, more contemporary audiences. To this end, Noritake has collaborated with such design luminaries as Marc Newson and David Caon

Many retailers have reported a sharp increase in sales of quality homewares in general, but specifically premium tableware

“

18 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

pattern to fit the mood. The idea is to use a base of white dinnerware and then layer this with pieces in colour and/or pattern. Australians have a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and design where long-lasting, durable pieces are the preferred option. Colours currently trending are blues, known as a calming colour, plus earthy hues – all layered with white.”

higher level of form and functionality in tableware – which we can see reflected in the rapid growth, since Covid-19, in Noritake Australia’s dinner set sales. We are hoping this trend is here to stay!”

Steven Yeend – creating very contemporary collections whose fine lines and seemingly delicate proportions belie their durability.” On what is trending… “The Covid-19 lockdown accelerated an evolving trend in Australia towards a ‘mix’ approach to tableware – that is, ‘mix’ as opposed to ‘mix and match’ – whereby the dining table creates a sense of occasion, even for the everyday family meal. The look is to personalise the table setting by mixing colour, shape, texture and

On standing out in the market… “Noritake is often referred to as the ‘International Mark of Quality’ and has a history of more than 60 years in Australia. The brand has built an enviable reputation for its manufacturing technique – with both fine bone china and white porcelain – and the functionality of its pieces. When you buy Noritake you know you are buying something special, restaurant-quality tableware that looks beautiful on the table and will continue to perform for years. On retailing online… The past five years has seen Noritake

Guess what! Noritake Australia will soon trial microwave-proof gold designs which have already been wellreceived in the US market.

On new collections… Although internationally Noritake releases many new product ranges each year, Noritake Australia is very selective in which of these it adopts. The local tableware market is predominantly casual and very price sensitive, so our approach is a cautious one and often a case of less is more. It is not uncommon for the number of new introductions each year to number less than 10. Noritake Australia’s 2020 program has unquestionably been affected by Covid-19, with things such as disrupted supply chains adding an extra layer of complexity to managing our business. The focus has first and foremost been on addressing the unexpected surge in consumer demand that coincided with the lockdown. For the year to date, Noritake Australia has released four new collections, with plans for further addition having been pushed back a little in order to establish the ‘new normal’ in the tableware market.

On the 2020 collections so far… We have been really pleased with retailer and consumer reaction to our new collections. Conifere is a very welcome addition to the immensely popular casual white dinnerware category, while strong initial sales of the Japanese-inspired Hanabi collection reinforces Australia’s ongoing love affair with blue and white tableware. Finally, in what we believe will be the ‘hottest’ release in 2020, we have launched the Marc Newson by Noritake designer cutlery set. It is an extension of the wildly popular Newson by Noritake dinnerware collection and the many Newson devotees who have purchased this product will now be thrilled to be able to buy matching cutlery. On 2020 and beyond… Once the Noritake network is fully operational again, post Covid-19, we will look at what new products can be added to our existing ranges to take advantage of the current interest in all things Noritake. This includes the trialling of microwaveproof gold designs already being warmly received in the US market plus a variation on the popular Colortrio Stax collection, a design that will particularly suit local lifestyle trends in Australia. Our main focus though will be a new local project, currently in the developmental phase. This exciting collaboration between Noritake and a high-profile Australian celebrity chef will feature tableware with slick contemporary styling and next level functionality. The success of our collaboration with Marc Newson has illustrated how beneficial these high-profile partnerships can be, and we will continue to explore opportunities to match our famous heritage brand with current trends and influencers.

Newson by Noritake Australian-born Marc Newson CBE is recognised as one of the world’s most influential industrial designers and designed this dinner-service originally for Qantas airline’s firstclass passengers. Newson designed a comprehensive collection of tableware and Noritake continues to add pieces to the range in order to keep pace with evolving styles of eating – the most recent being the immediately popular deep plates.

One of the many legacies of Covid-19 will be an increased “emphasis on online retail, especially in the homewares category

Marc Newson Cutlery A premium collection of industrial-style flatware from Marc Newson who originally trained as a silversmith. Previously used in Qantas first class and business cabins, each piece is defined by its broad, flat design with a distinctive groove in the handle of the knife and spoons. Made by Noritake in quality 18/10 stainless steel, each set comprises 16 pieces – a knife, fork, soup/ dessert spoon and teaspoon for four people.

“

Australia gradually transition from a predominantly brick and mortar store business model to an online retail one. In a deteriorating retail market, department stores and independent retailers have become increasingly conservative in their buying habits, resulting in a reluctance to invest in branded tableware (and minimal width of range when they do). On the other hand, online retail with its infinite floor space provides the perfect platform for Noritake to showcase its brand, with retail partners only too happy to feature extended ranges of Noritake product. It has also allowed Noritake to connect to the key 21-30 buyer demographic. One of the many legacies of Covid-19 will be an increased emphasis on online retail, especially in the homewares category, and we are well positioned to take advantage of this.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 19

Retail Tavola

Masters of hospitality Middle Eastern culture revolves around family, friends and the sharing of delicious food. Tavola in Dubai – gia Global Honorees 2020 encapsulates these core elements of life in an excitingly modern yet ultimately homely, caring way as Michelle Hespe learns

ore than 20 years ago, a family dedicated to sharing its passion for cooking opened a retail store that has steadily grown to be one of the most reputable kitchenware stores in the Middle East’s Gulf region. The family always had a dream of expanding into other countries in The Gulf as they knew their fellow countrymen and women shared the same language, culture, habits and taste in cuisine. They sure were right – today Tavola operates 25 stores in six countries and the new ﬂagship store is a sign of what’s to come. Stepping back in time, the first Tavola store was a 185 m2 (2000 ft2) warmly lit store in the middle of a close-knit community where everyone knew one another, shared recipes and shopped at the same places for food. “When we opened that first store, there

wasn’t a specialty store anything like it,” says Tavola’s deputy general manager, Wakami Saab. “We offered a collection of highquality well-designed kitchenware, bakeware and tableware brands, and we had a wonderful sales team who loved cooking and baking and were passionate about what we were doing,” she says. “We were also blessed with wonderful customers who gave us ideas and supported us right from the start.” The customer comes first Many of those original customers are so loyal to the company’s roots that they still shop at the first Tavola store rather than go to one of the newer larger ones – it is still one of the company’s best performing stores, Wakami explains. And it’s obvious that the company has never stopped listening to its customers. “Listening to our customers is very important to all of us

Did you know? Tavola worked on a marketing campaign with over 20 inﬂuencers across six countries, reaching more than three million people. 20 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

at Tavola,” says Wakami. “In the earlier days it was a delight to see customers walking through the door holding brochures and leaﬂets recommending brands and products that they thought we should carry. And we’ve added many of those products, so our customers know that they’ve contributed to our growth.” Wakami and her team are planning the next step – inviting customers to sit with the staff in groups that will evaluate novelties and trends. “This is long overdue and we will soon make it happen,” she says. Taking care of customers is something Tavola staff take very seriously, and they treat customers as they would beloved family members. “Once a customer wanted a replacement for a dinner plate she broke, that was part of a collection no longer produced by the supplier,” says Wakami. “At that time, one of our colleagues was travelling in the US and they found the dinner plate on the website www.replacements.com. They brought back the plate for the customer so that she could complete her dinner set. Of course, she was overjoyed!” This kind of customer service is something ingrained in the staff, and training is taken very seriously.

the number of stores Tavola operates in six countries So seriously, in fact, that Tavola has a well-known training academy. “We train, and train and train,” says Wakami. “Alongside bringing the best-in-class products to our customers, we aim to offer the best possible service. Our staff are happy to see themselves involved in this level of training and that pursuit of service perfection.” Perfect merchandising Tavola’s latest store in Mirdif City Center Dubai is a modern, clean, shining oasis of style – crisp white walls showcasing meticulously organised products by brand and categories. The physical store is as easy to navigate as the well-executed website, and the dedicated demonstration stations throughout Tavola stores ensure that customers can experience products before they

“Once a customer wanted a replacement for a dinner plate she broke, that was part of a collection no longer produced by the supplier. One of our colleagues was travelling in the US and they found the dinner plate on the website www.replacements.com. They brought back the plate for the customer so that she could complete her dinner set. Of course, she was overjoyed!” more than three million people. “Every influencer we chose catered to a different group of people and had a different message to be communicated,” Wakami explains. “Finding a strong synergy between an influencer and the campaign was a key factor to get that genuine feel. People know when an influencer is promoting a product or brand that doesn’t fit with them, and then any intended impact is lost.”

purchase. In fact, the gia judges all commented that the store has “perfect merchandising.” Something the owners would not have dreamt about 20 years ago is the interactive ZWILLING Digital Wall, which customers can use by themselves if a sales executive is not available to see entire assortments that might not be offered in-store. For example, they can see a product in another colour that they like if it isn’t available in-store. The wall has a self-checkout mechanism so customers can buy an entire range of products of ZWILLING Group brands – ZWILLING, Staub, Miyabi, Ballarini – and have the products delivered to their home. Staff and customers can also use it to learn more about certain products, and everyone can watch videos on how pieces are made and be inspired by alternative uses of products, such as how a crepe pan can be used to bake pizza or a teapot can be used to serve hot soups. It’s a modern masterpiece of marketing.

Embracing technology The studios where private lessons and demonstrations occur are also a major part of the Tavola success story, especially because in the Middle East, privacy is paramount. With the rise of shows such as MasterChef and Iron Chef having caused a massive uptick in cooking supply stores and endless cooking lessons offered in studios and online, innovation and social media are inextricably wrapped up in everything that innovative operators are doing in this sector. Embracing this new wave of technology and communication, Tavola recently executed a successful campaign for a popular pressure cooker brand in the Gulf Region. It’s a concept that kicked off in the US and then became a craze – people sharing recipes that they’d made with the pressure cooker. The campaign was an extraordinary success. Working with over 20 influencers across six countries, Tavola reached

Winning a Global Honoree award Entering the Global Innovation Awards (gia) was an eye-opening experience for the team at Tavola. “We know our history and our strategy and core values but had never taken the time to write them down all in one place,” says Wakami. “So, the entire process reminded us of why we do what we do! We were already super-happy and proud to be nominated for the award, but winning a Global Honoree award was a dream come true! We were watching the live video on our couch with our loved ones and almost woke up the neighbors when we found out that we won!” Wakami admits that this challenging time (Covid-19 pandemic) that everyone is going through has affected her team and the business. “And so the award was the good news that everyone here needed,” she says. “Our plans to digitize our processes and our customer experience have been accelerated due to the current situation, and this is now what our focus is on moving forward.”

Coping with Covid When Covid-19 hit, Tavola’s first and foremost mission was to observe the authority’s directives to safeguard the staff and customers. “Secondly, we strived to stay in touch with our customers and meet their needs of the moment,” says Wakami. “So, we shipped by air from the source the bread makers that were running out of stock. We added a lot more products online and increased the number of our customer service staff. We also produced more video content and have recently been live-streaming on Instagram, working with expert chefs on various collaborations.” Wakami believes that inherently, people are social creatures and although many of Tavola’s customers find the store online to begin with, many of them then call or use WhatsApp to contact sales associates and service agents. “Our Tavola Studio experts reach out to our regular customers, who expect to hear from us,” she says. “Our customers know that we are there for them and they are very accommodating when we face hurdles and are not up to the speed they were used to. It’s like a family – people understand.” No doubt Tavola will come out of this bigger, better and more dedicated to their customers than ever. That’s just what innovative companies do. To learn more about Tavola, visit www.tavolashop.com and www.4homes.ae.

Sponsored and organised by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), gia (IHA Global Innovation Awards) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in homegoods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors, or participating in gia, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta. torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Explore/Awards/gia-Excellence-in-Retailing. For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2021 Show, taking place in Chicago on 13-16 March 2021, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 21

Interview GIA

Recognising retail

The 2020 Global Innovation Awards (gia) – typically held during The Inspired Home Show in Chicago looked a little different this year with the ceremony taking place online. Celebrating, as they do, global retailing excellence, the awards are highly coveted and are a stamp of recognition for homewares retailers who are doing it right. Tableware International caught up with Derek Miller, president, International Housewares Association to learn more about how gia will look in 2021 The Global Innovation Awards (gia) looked a little different this year due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Tell us what transpired and how organisers dealt with the situation. Without the ability to gather in person in Chicago, the entire gia family needed to adapt in order to complete the awards and duly honour this year’s recipients. We started with a virtual meeting with our expert judges, who actively reviewed and discussed the merits of each retailer and ultimately validated the full jury’s overall selections. We then developed a plan to film the awards, but were repeatedly delayed due to governmental stay-athome orders. Once deemed safe, we gathered a very small team together to host the awards and broadcast the results across the globe. It wasn’t easy, but the positive feedback and support received from the country winners, Global Honorees and our trade publication partners validated that we had made the correct decision. How difficult a decision was it to cancel the awards? As the gia family has gathered in Chicago for 20 years, cancelling the event was very difficult and stemmed from the global Covid-19 pandemic. gia takes place every year at The Inspired Home Show, and with its

But with the plan of celebrating gia at the next year’s show, the retailers were all very happy after all. There is now something positive and exciting to wait for! We understand the 2020 winners will still be invited to Chicago in 2021? Yes, all last year’s gia national winners are invited to Chicago for the 2021 show. This was very important for us when we worked on the plan after the 2020 show

“One lesson that all retailers likely learned was the importance of online sales and marketing as those with the ability to reach their customers digitally were the clear winners” cancellation, we really had no choice but to follow suit. Meeting the global winners in person and the many faceto-face interactions and networking opportunities that take place amongst the winners, trade editors and jury members were the elements missed the most – you simply can’t entirely replace those opportunities through an online-only experience. How did the global retail winners react to the change of plans? Of course, the cancellation of the show and with that the gia program in Chicago was disappointing to all of us – this would have been the highlight we had been waiting for.

Did you know? The 2021 gia ceremony will be bigger and better than ever with the 2020 nominees also attending. 22 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

was cancelled – we wanted to make sure that these retailers still get to experience the gia program at the show in Chicago. What will happen is that the companies that were chosen 2020 Global Honorees – Reina Batata Bazar Boutique of Argentina, Few & Far of Australia, Isetan of Japan, Central Department Store of Thailand, Promenu of Ukraine and Tavola of the United Arab Emirates – will receive their Global Honoree awards at the gia gathering in Chicago, but they will no longer compete for the 2021 awards. All the other national winners will get a new opportunity to now compete for the 2021 Global Honoree and special gia awards, and, in addition, there will be new national winners participating

from the above-mentioned six countries/areas. Obviously, retail has taken a hit in 2020, what would gia organisers say to retailers who are a bit cautious or concerned about putting their name forward for an international award such as this? This year, 2020, will go down in the history books as a very challenging year, and many retailers and product suppliers were negatively impacted. But, at least in the US, with most consumers spending more time in their homes, overall sales for home + housewares products have been positive. One lesson that all retailers likely learned was the importance of online sales and marketing as those with the ability to reach their customers digitally were the clear winners during the pandemic (alongside those retail establishments deemed “essential” such as grocery stores). Innovation comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and there is no doubt that the 2021 Global Innovation Awards will be filled with retailers that endured past challenges and adversity and are prepared to tackle the future. Please join us as we want to hear of your successes so that they can be properly honoured and ultimately serve as an encouragement to others! www. TheInspiredHomeShow. com/Explore/Awards/giaExcellence-in-Retailing

Retail Column

Model for success

24 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

thriving. When putting together my original merchandise mix for T is for Table, I obviously had china and dinnerware as a major category. Since this was not a consumable item, I needed other categories to complement the dinnerware that would turn more often. Linens, for example, were one of those items. Napkins often time get ruined and need replacing as well as table lines with stains that don’t come out. In my case, I built a base assortment that offered everything to do with setting a table; china,

”

ne of the keys to running and maintaining a strong retail business, whether online or brick and mortar, is your product mix. Having a strong selection of products is what will attract, and keep, your customers coming back. But “buyer beware” applies to retailers as well, because offering too many products in too many categories can cause confusion among customers, leaving them with too many options to choose from. Creating a strong and balanced merchandise mix is extremely important to you achieving your business’s financial success. There are some retail fundamentals I follow, and strategies I have learned over the years. Product breadth and depth are the two most basic components of my merchandise mix. But before I determine what I will carry and how much of it, I start with the marketability of the product in terms of my customer base and what’s trending. The broader the appeal, the stronger your ability to sell it. Then I look at profit margin, selling larger ticket items can generally be more profitable but may take longer to turn in your inventory. Conversely, selling many lower priced items may look like it’s profitable but when taking into consideration overhead, may be costing you money if the margin is too small. So, it’s that delicate balance of the right product at the right time in the right quantities, and look – if it was easy, we’d all be profitable and

About T is for Table

needed one set of china to show off a particular pattern (which I could order for a customer) but had many choices of napkins to go with that china pattern, along with the back stock of those napkins that customers could purchase on the spot. As a smaller store I had to specialise in certain types of product and offer customers a variety of colours and styles, whereas a big box retailer might offer both at multiple price points. While assortment strategy usually pertained to brick and

Creating a strong and balanced merchandise mix is extremely important to you achieving your business’s financial success flatware, stemware, serveware, linens, and table accents. Thus, even if someone didn’t need new dinnerware, we would have a broad range of products to complement the dinnerware they already had, and then layered on seasonal items to enhance their tablescapes. Obviously, many of the items I chose came with my own personal point of view – one that hopefully set me apart from my competitors. Keep in mind, an assortment strategy is not one-size-fits-all, it needs to be customised to respond to a business’s parameters. In my case, I chose to opt more on the breadth of my assortment versus the depth – at least as it pertained to categories. For example, I only

”

mortar business due to size and space, it now applies to click and mortar and e-tailing as well in order to gain a competitive advantage. If you want a basic commodity or consumable you may go right to Amazon, but if you want something more unique and upscale you may go to your favorite luxury brand or boutique. To be even more specific, when I want to bring a new vendor into my mix, I look at the following; how does it fit or complement my current product mix in terms of price, selection, material? If it is a metal for example, do I already have another vendor that satisfies that need? If I already carry pewter, aluminum, and sterling

Now 17 years old, T is for Table is a luxury independent boutique, with a focus on tabletop, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, that 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

serveware, and this new vendor would represent stainless then it would make sense if the quality and price fit into my inventory model. If I already had stainless serveware then I would have to look at the individual products within the line to see if they filled a void in my current selection. If there were enough items that met that criteria, then it may make sense to bring that vendor on. If there were only two or three items that filled that void, then it might not. The only time I have broken my own rule is if the product was unique and I knew I could turn it despite my normal assortment strategies (usually a hard-to-fine item) for example, a caviar server. These kinds of decisions can make or break a retailer and trust me, I’ve had some bad buys over the years, but I’ve come to understand that my assortment is really the most important strategic tool I have. It is a tool that consistently needs fine tuning and analysis. My advice? Create a model for your store and along with it, a price matrix. Watch your margins, review your turns and sell-through rates, and don’t be afraid to rectify mistakes and cut your losses. Finally, remember, as trends change, so must your assortment.

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Find: Thousands of new & innovative home, housewares and Internet of Things products Learn: About color and consumer trends, retail best practices, design and smart home Discover: Inspiring new retail concepts, merchandising and branding Visit: World-class retailers such as Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma and The Container Store

13 - 16 March 2021 | Chicago, USA

Category Serveware

Denby

Over and Back

Service, please! A forever staple in the tableware industry, serveware has been elevated and is now central to dining at home. Key pieces evoke a sense of family, togetherness, hospitality, warmth, sociability – we look at some options for retail

nspired by flowers from an English garden, the Somerset Collection from Alison Lynch is the designer’s latest collection of Cherrywood serving boards. Each board measures 10x10, perfect for serving an array of meats, cheeses, fruits and breads, and features an original hand-painted abstract design. The first three designs in the series are Delphinium (pictured), English Rose and English Ivy.

Taking a step across the Atlantic – in terms of inspiration, anyhow – New Orleans-based Beatriz Ball is another designer who knows serveware. In fact, the company feels passionately about it, explaining their pieces are designed for special moments. “Both decorative and multifunctional, these are pieces that withstand time and trends. Easy-care metal alloy serveware is handmade using eco-friendly materials. These pieces are guaranteed to make your loved ones smile,” they say. And that they

Rayware

Alison Lynch 26 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

W W W . Z I E H E R . C O M

Category Serveware do – see Ball’s Ocean Shell Wave Bowl with Dip, pictured right – the quintessential serving dish. As you would expect from a brand such as Denby, serveware plays a key part in their offering, and they have collaborated with famed chef James Martin on a collection. The Denby James Martin collection of serve pieces in white porcelain, for example, combine both looks and functionality and have proven a successful meeting of minds for both parties. Also included in The Denby James Martin Serve portfolio is wooden serving pieces – we particularly like the raised serving board set pictured left. Denby point out that the collection encompasses all consumers need “to create a touch of restaurant theatre in your home”. Similarly, Typhoon Housewares brings the global cuisine into the house with its World Food serveware collection which incorporates different sized platters, a trio of serve dishes and a wide range of serving bowls and boards which have been “inspired by local cuisines from all over the world”.

Beatriz Ball

Over and Back, who have a showroom at 41 Madison, are tapping into the prevalent bowl culture and the trend towards modular pieces with their Best Match collection. The multiuse stoneware set with lid can also function as a plate with the company saying it “is perfect for the relaxed lifestyle of the new generation. The clean functional design is perfect for the curated home”. Finally, Wedgwood, too, offer serving solutions, raising the glamour stakes with the gilded soup terrine and vegetable serving dish from the ornate Renaissance Gold collection, which also boasts a 25cm serving bowl. The brand tells us the Renaissance Gold pattern was “inspired by decorative motifs used by Scottish neoclassical architect and designer Robert Adam, showcased on the pure oval forms of the Wedgwood archive cameo”. Needless to say, this one makes for a most impactful table setting! It is fair to say serveware is having a global moment and there are pieces to meet every need.

Wedgwood

Viewpionts

Coming back from Covid From retail partners to opening up for business, we hear from key industry figures Hayley Baddiley, marketing director, Denby

On opening up for business… “Throughout these difficult times, Denby has endeavoured to remain in stock as far as we’ve been able, and to safely service demand while complying fully to all the issued guidelines, as well as our own additional safety measures. We have been safely phasing the return of our engineers and craftspeople and on 8 June, production was resumed at Denby’s original site in the heart of Derbyshire and is once again making its popular stoneware to meet the demand of both our UK and international retail and HoReCa customers”.

28 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

On the effect of lockdown…

Nikolan Dietz, marketing manager, Zieher KG

“Considering the variation of lockdown strategies, it is difficult to assess the effect on the global tableware/ glassware industry. Even if restricted hosting and dining is gaining momentum, the economic hit our partners in retail and the hospitality have suffered is tremendous. It will take them a while to recover and replenish their stock.”

On retail partners… “We work with very selected retail partners, all of which provide an attractive ambiance in their respective location to generate a positive shopping experience. Since these locations were in lockdown the impact was, and still is, hard. Consumers want quality and premium items – so they now start to recover faster than expected. To support our partners in this process we developed a Taste@Home campaign. We created a set including wine glasses and selected wines for our retail partners to sell to their respective customers. In addition to the set we offered a live tasting via online stream with our sommelier partner Silvio Nitzsche. This gave the consumer the chance to stay home, make themselves comfortable in their living room and enjoy a life demonstration of our products.”

On launching new collections… “There is no reason to hold back, Zieher is known to present novelties twice a year and we will try and stay true to that. But it will be a challenge to present the new products without the usual stages like fairs and exhibitions.”

A358

Vista Alegre

Trends Column

Tableware Trend Analyst

Donna Ferrari L’Objet Haas Brothers

Land

Donna Ferrari has worked in magazine publishing for over thirty years. As a consumer magazine editor she specialised in the tableware, homeware and bridal markets, and styled and produced stories related to bridal gift registry, wedding reception design and at-home entertaining. Personally, she has eleven different sets of dinnerware and closets dedicated just to tabletop accessories; she says she loves not ever having to set her table the same way twice.

Inspired by land, sea and sky Michael Wainwright

Tableware designers are drawing on nature’s marvels across land, sea and sky says our New York-based trend expert Donna Ferrari

As we abide by stay-at-home policies, look for the upsides of being a homebody, and have travel plans curtailed, increasingly we crave a view beyond our own front doors. Knock, knock, who’s there? The newest, well-timed trend in tableware. A trend packed with designs drawing from nature, but not just the usual plants, fruits and flowers, these new designs take inspiration from natural wonders across the universe.

On land...

Tableware designs modelled after site-specific topography is a tangible trend. L’Objet Haas Brothers, the collaboration label between two US based talents, has introduced the Haas Mojave dinnerware collection. Inspired by the panorama of North America’s Mojave desert, the pattern has an intricate and organic looking design suggestive of the desert’s sand dunes, pebbles, palm trees and cacti covered terrain — the pattern is available in all white or accented with 24-carat gold. From Portugal, Vista Alegre, along with its sister brands, Casa Alegre and Bordallo

Milestone by Mottahedeh

Pinheiro, have structured their new tableware and home décor collection to bridge everything from tableware to barware, decorative objects to collectibles and lighting. Center stage is the recently introduced Amazōnia collection developed with Brazil’s Ecoarts Amazōnia, a non-profit devoted to protecting the country’s culture and ecology. Designs on the seventy plus pieces in the Amazōnia home products group are based on renderings of the area’s indigenous life forms and vegetation, and the locations charted by the 18th century naturalist Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira and compiled in his book

30 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Herdmar

Porcel

Did you know? Vista Alegre’s recently introduced Amaz nia collection (pictured opposite page) was developed with Brazil’s Ecoarts Amaz nia, a non-profit devoted to protecting the country’s culture and ecology. “Viagens Philosophicas”. Part of the revenue from the sales of the collection will go to reforestation projects in the Amazon rainforest. Also from a Portuguese brand, and with an idea sourced from nature, Herdmar’s new Oak cutlery gives the impression it was hewn directly from the wood of a tree. Another significant trend happening in tableware creation is designers using a first-person experience to inform their designs. For his eponymous Michael Wainwright US tableware brand, walking barefoot on the beachfront sand drifts at Truro, a town near his home, energised Michael to sculpt the textured surface for his original Truro dinnerware pattern, now newly minted in the richly, rugged Truro Platinum and Truro Gold options. At Milestone By Mottahedeh, a US company, owner Wendy Kvalheim, and staff designer Wendy Rahn, gathered different leaves to envision the new Leaf dinnerware pattern — available in four colourways. They experimented with methods to strip the leaves to reveal the underlying skeletal filigree, used a litho printing process to preserve the delicate details in the leaf chosen for the motif, and then a double firing employing a specialised glaze to create an ombré effect.

Haviland

Orrefors

Sea

William Yeoward Crystal

At sea...

Tableware inspired by sights at sea is another current trend; here too we see designers incorporating their own stories into their designs. At Lenox, Tim Carder, VP of design and creative, describes watching a thunderstorm over the sea forming huge black thunderclouds and lightning strikes on the water. Charged by this personal experience he designed the new Dusk pattern, an addition to the brand’s Season’s Radiance range. For the Ultramarine collection of plates, bowls and limited-edition pieces, Annie Morhauser, founder and lead designer of Annieglass, a sustainably handcrafted glassware brand, chose to use a vibrant blue colour, a colour reminiscent of the water in the Monterey Bay near her coastal California studio. Danish brand Georg Jensen, and the Los Angeles based designer Kelly Wearstler, joined forces in creating the Frequency collection of tabletop and home accent pieces. The undulating shape of the design echoes the rhythm of waves and conceptually makes a connection between California’s Pacific coast and Nordic life by the sea. Another pattern making waves comes from French brand Haviland. Their new Océan Bleu dinnerware and porcelain gift sets are awash in hues of blue; gold toned manta rays and jellyfish designs accent some pieces. The sea swept trend in tableware can also take a

Lenox

Moser

Royal Limoges

Annieglass

deep dive into mythology and history. Portuguese manufacturer, Porcel’s Adamastor dinnerware, designed by Filipa Ricardo, is decorated with turbulently tossed shades of blue. The pattern is named for the mythologic creature Adamastor, whose name, adapted from the Greek for “untamed,” symbolizes the dangers of the sea. In another context, the pattern is meant to make a connection to the history of intrepid Portuguese explorers who sailed the seas during the Age of Discovery — the era leading to the advance of global trade. British brand, William Yeoward Crystal offers two new mouth-blown, hand-cut and hand-engraved vase and bowl collections inspired by the life-giving oceans of our planet: the cuts on the Oceania pattern are evocative of the ceaseless movement of waves and the sparkling light they reflect from the sun, and the Persephone collection, named for the mythical goddess, is decorated with cuts and engraved images of creatures like those that swim the ocean depths. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 31

Nikko

Trends Column

Star gazing...

Dunoon

Sky Richard Ginori

Artěl

The sky... So much in outer space — be it atmospheric, stratospheric, a lunar impression, interstellar, even the Big Bang— has influenced some of the newest out of this world tableware designs. From Italy, the Vietri Rainbow glassware collection contains the full spectrum of ROY G. BIV — an acronym that stands for the seven colours in a rainbow. The vapory, cloud-like images on Florentine brand Richard Ginori’s new Éther dinnerware, designed by Parisian native, and theatrical scenery designer, Constance Guisset, gives an ephemeral atmosphere to the pattern. This nebulous effect is meant to seemingly evaporate beneath the plated food. True to her roots, Guisset planed that the plates — decorated on both front and back— can be hung on a wall to act as scenery when not in use for dining. Made in Staffordshire, England, Dunoon’s Cair Nebula Blue mug, with a vibrantly coloured and 22-carat gold splashed décor by Caroline Dadd, imaginatively portrays a nebula — an interstellar cloud of gas and dust swirling in space. Italian artist and ceramist, Coralla Maiuri’s Apollo pattern, named for the ancient Greek deity said to carry the

sun on his chariot, bursts with a universe of vivid colours and gold leaf solar flares; all her production is handmade in Italy. Villeroy & Boch of Germany, worked with London based Studio Levien in designing the NewMoon tableware range of dinnerware, glassware and cutlery. The arc-shape of a crescent moon, a shape at the core of the collection’s styling, takes its cue from the play of light and shadow we see from earth as the moon waxes and wanes. Nikko Ceramics of Japan has a new pattern named Ryogetsu, which according to the brand’s US president translates as cool moon and uses the company’s propriety GP guard gold and platinum decoration technology to bespeckle the surface design like flecks of moonlight. Karen Feldman, founder and director of Artĕl, the Czech brand of handcrafted glassware, has launched Space Race, a barware collection named for the Cold War era of spaceflight competition between the US and the then USSR. The collection is offered in two motifs: Sputnik, featuring a likeness of the Soviet satellite in flight passing stars and planets and Apollo 11, which depicts an American astronaut, the lunar landing module and the earthrise in the background.

No trend here. For time immemorial mankind has looked at the stars with fascination, characterized them in creative ways, studied their movement with an aim to foretell the future, and made many a wish upon a shooting one. Here we see the newest dining with the stars tableware designs. Master craftsmen at Saint-Louis needed only look at the cosmic night sky above their location tucked within France’s Northern Vosges forest for the idea to create Comètes; a collection of vases and centerpiece bowls completely handmade and using the complex cased crystal technique. French atelier, Marie Daâge’s dreamy Constellation dinnerware collection, adorned with 24-carat gold stars, is made to order from a wide array of hand-applied colours. A table set with hand-painted Zodiaco dinner plates from Milan’s Laboratorio Paravicini, ensures each guest will have their astrological sign front and center at their place setting. Perfect for drinking morning coffee while reading the day’s horoscope, Villeroy & Boch’s NewWave Caffe Stars collection of mugs go the distance by aligning each of the twelve astrological zodiac signs with the corresponding astronomical constellation. Like the sky twinkling with stars, artisanal Italian brand Moleria Locchi’s, simply named, Cylindrical glass, glitters with hand cut stars gilded with gold. It is nice, here on earth, to have ways to touch the stars.

Did you know? French atelier, Marie Daâge’s dreamy Constellation dinnerware collection, adorned with 24-carat gold stars, is made to order from a wide array of hand-applied colours

Marie Daâge

Saint-Louis

Star gazing Villeroy & Boch

32 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Laboratorio Paravicini

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“From the start we knew we wanted something strong, with full coverage and depth”

Product Spotlight

Filipa Ricardo, head of design, Porcel

Collection Dissection Porcel

Adamastor by Porcel L

aunching to retail in 2020, Porcel’s Adamastor engrained itself into the hearts and minds of those who saw it at Maison & Objet, and again at Ambiente. The sophisticated, cobalt blue porcelain collection, imagined by Porcel’s head of design Filipa Ricardo, is inspired by the ocean, Portuguese history, sea heritage and impact on global culture. Boasting 14 pieces in the collection, from plates to platters, to cups to vases, all with a mythical, oceanic décor, Adamastor is named after a mythological character from the epic poem ‘The Lusiads’, which manifests itself as a storm 34 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

to symbolise the dangers of the sea – something Portuguese sailors had to overcome entering the Indian Ocean. Porcel explain the collection is decorated with two seperate fires, first at 1400°C for the blue colour, with a second fire to add the luxurious handpainted gold rims. Available for the global market, Porcel says the collection has been a showstopper so far, drawing plenty of interest from clients who are enamoured by Adamastor's bold blue shade and dreamy texture. Speaking to Tableware International, Porcel’s head designer Filipa Ricardo explained the collection was

born from “Porcel’s desire to have a new high fire blue. From the start we knew we wanted something strong, with full coverage and depth. Exploring textures is an interesting part of my design process, and this one had a genuine meaning, the inspiration was our history and global culture, and it built into an intense collection. Adamastor is part of our collective memories and I think we have done well to create such bold pieces.” For distribution, products and bespoke solutions contact Porcel's sales team by email: comercial@porcel.pt .

Collection breakdown ■ Porcelain collection designed by Filipa Ricardo. ■ Made up of 14 pieces, including cups and vases. ■ Inspired by Portugal's illustrious, historical relationship with the sea and exploration. ■ Fired twice – first at 1400°C and again to add the gold finish. ■ First introduced at Maison & Objet 2019.

Nude

Category Pieces to talk about

Wedgwood Retailing at a mere £12,000 – the Hitomi Hosono Shōka Vase is a reimagining of Wedgwood’s famous Jasper Portland Vase. Uniting old and new for her unique interpretation, Hitomi chose the fern as a decorative theme, then stained the unglazed stoneware body a bolder shade of turquoise blue and replaced the classical nymphs and scenes with an exquisite layering of white bas relief ferns. Wedgwood explain that Hitomi named the piece Shōka meaning ‘sublimation’ which, from the Latin ‘sublimare’, means ‘raised to a higher status’.

Breath-taking! That is one way to describe Nude Glass’s limitededition skulls which launched summer 2020. Part of its Rock & Pop Artist Collection, Nude has commissioned a series of global creatives to customise its glassware – the result is a raucous collection of must-have illustrated pieces. Graffiti artists such as Kien and Cins 30000, illustrator Umut Karaman, and tattoo artists Erensu Ekmekciler and Luca Font have updated Ali Bakova’s Memento Mori Skull with bold, graphic designs, turning the high-end home accessory into a canvas for street art and fashion. A series of miniature skulls accompany the hero pieces while a tabletop collection of vases, glasses and water bottles translates the artistic collaboration into accessible, everyday designs.

www.nudeglass.com

Extra oomph

www.wedgwood.com

From stand-out accessories to collections with a certain je ne sais quoi, tabletop décor has taken on a whole new level of extra now that dining at home is so in vogue. We highlight just a few pieces that make for great talking points at the table

Posh Trading Company The Matbox from Posh Trading Company takes placemats and coasters to the next level offering beautiful hand-crafted pieces in an array of glistening finishes or classic faux skins. Each box holds a complete dining set of coasters and placemats for either six or eight people, and when not in use, you have a stylish storage solution.

Artel

www.poshtradingcompany.com

Rosenthal Evoking summer, travel, exotic climes, and glamour – Jungle Animalier, the newest Rosenthal meets Versace collection, is a perfect marriage of the design house’s iconic jungle and animal prints, pared with traditional Medusa accents. Taking its inspiration from Versace’s Spring Summer 2020 fashion show in Milan, and the book South Beach Stories – a legendary collection of photographs of the Versace family, Jungle Animalier delivers bright colours on fine porcelain and includes a range of plates, coffee and tea sets, vases and decorative accessories for the home.

www.rosenthal.de 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Retro, monochrome chic – say hello to Artel’s MOD Dinner Plate in Black. The brand says MOD pays “homage to fashion with its bold geometric print reminiscent of Verner Panton textiles and the 1960’s Mary Quant dresses worn along London’s Carnaby Street”. The décor certainly taps into a mood and you’ll find tumblers and champagne flutes in the same motif.

www.artel.com

Monno

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

y the time you read this, the UK will be open for dinner! It has been a long time coming and the queues at the door – safe, socially distanced queues, of course – will show how desperately our restaurants, hotels and bars have been missed. The fabric of our social life is interwoven with food and drink, shared with family and friends in convivial surroundings – without it, we feel life is somehow less. But what will the hospitality experience feel like and how will it be changed by recent events? We know that social distancing is dictating the type of experience at the start but if, as some of our restaurateurs and hoteliers predict, the current restrictions will render many venues unworkable or unprofitable, then we will see some operators simply decide not to reopen under the current rules. Think about how people are in supermarkets – they wait to enter in a socially distanced queue but once inside, they simply forget the advice. If you

38 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

“

We have had to become really creative, looking at all of our tableware options which could be used to ﬁt within covered tray sizes

“

Column HoReCa

Embracing change... How we dine, how we socialise, how we interact has changed forever – but there is opportunity for the hospitality industry to adapt, says Valda Goodfellow add friends and alcohol into the mix, social distancing becomes simply unsustainable and definitely unpoliceable. The temptation for social contact is just too much, no matter what precautions the venues have gone (to great expense) to implement. A lack of proper guidance at this stage in the UK is responsible for the challenging and chaotic landscape our hospitality businesses have to contend with. But chaos brings opportunities, as well as challenges, and so it will be in these unprecedented times. Those who can recognise the opportunities and work through the chaos will reap the rewards when we reach our new ‘normality’. Let us first consider the chaos. As I write this, the UK has just reduced its social distancing guidelines to one meter, having previously stood at two meters. One meter would make a huge difference to the commercial viability of venues and could ultimately determine how many businesses will survive. Through our very British lockdown, we at Goodfellows have

kept a skeleton staff working to maintain some level of service while ensuring we keep in contact with our customers. Some chefs have been heroes in volunteering to make meals for our hospital and care workers, while others have been turning restaurants and pubs into takeaway food operations, just to help pay the rent. Some hoteliers, bar owners and chef/patrons are truly bereft that everything they have worked for is at risk of disappearing. Many corporate operators are manoeuvring to renegotiate high rents and cut staff to keep their businesses viable. Our customers are grateful that we have even bothered to just talk to them and see how they are coping. Being in the middle of a crisis with loved ones at risk is bad enough, but when your business is at risk too, the sense of isolation can be overwhelming. As a result of our discussions with customers, we have been trying to come up with solutions to pre-empt some of the enforced changed that this virus has created.

These solutions cover three areas; ■ Barrier and safety solutions– screens, sanitisers and signage ■ Covered service solutions – tableware and service items. ■ Disposable solutions – packaging for takeaway. I will not go into detail on barrier or disposable solutions in this column, but the covered service solutions will be of interest to readers. The need for covered service solutions emanates from a desire to provide practical and visible evidence to diners that they can have confidence in their food being free from possible contamination by those serving it. We expect buffet service will be either severely restricted or eliminated entirely. There will be few breakfast-buffet displays for people to browse and serve themselves. Hotel breakfasts will need to be served à la carte, or in the hotel room on a covered tray, or on covered plates. Many hotels are planning to send breakfasts to the room on trolleys, or trays, to be left outside the door for residents to bring into the room and serve

Fig

Studio Mattes

Montgolfier

Craster Dibbern

” Figgjo

themselves. The same style of service could be used for lunch and dinner. We have had to become really creative, looking at all of our tableware options which could be used to fit within covered tray sizes; and also, vessels that have their own covers which can be used on trays. This would mean trays need not be covered and could be brought to the table for individual service. We have placed all options together in a downloadable brochure, a link to which we posted on social media, added to our website and included in emails. The response has been amazing, it presents clients with all the solutions they need in one document. It is just one area less for them to worry about. Having addressed the chaos (at least in part), we can now turn our attention to the opportunities. In order to recognise these, we need to understand what is changing and what is likely to change. In the UK we were already going through somewhat of a change in

dining habits before Covid-19 and this has accelerated throughout lockdown. There has been a significant increase in meals being delivered into the home – not only fast food takeaways but also high-quality restaurant food. During lockdown this trend boomed, as the only form of restaurant experience people could access. Not only has this provided a valuable lifeline for restaurateurs, it has been a much-needed treat for consumers. The types of restaurant food being delivered to homes great and small, ranged from the best British fish & chips, through Michelin star restaurant meals and even partprepared meals to cook yourself. All of this has firmly established consumer demand for a highquality ‘at home’ experience which I do not think will abate after the threat from Covid-19 has subsided. While this will be seen as a threat to some restaurants, it can also be viewed as a fantastic opportunity for restaurateurs to extend their reach out of the restaurant and into diners’ homes. Chefs have also been appealing

In the UK we were already going through somewhat of a change in dining habits before Covid-19 and this has accelerated throughout lockdown

to diners who want to improve their cooking skills at home by livestreaming videos of themselves cooking recipes in their own kitchens. This builds on the massive popularity of home-baking already created by TV shows like The Great British Bake-off. These developments could present a fantastic opportunity for the tableware industry to appeal in new ways to consumers. Our ‘Goodfellows at Home’ website has been kept very busy with orders from consumers wanting to match their dinnerware to that of their favourite restaurants and chefs, or take images of their athome dining experience to be posted on social media. We are already working on extending our range for this consumer website and see it as an important part of our future business model. Other changes will occur in the style of restaurant service, purely because of a need to minimise physical contact. For the last few years, our most popular

”

styles of dining have been those that were more casual, with sharing concepts becoming the norm for most cuisines. This will need to radically change, and we will see a return to individual servings. At G&G we are now re-examining our selection of starter, main course and dessert plates, in terms of increasing our selection of those that are more design-led and impactful, as diners’ attention will be more than ever on what is on the table. Our next marketing campaign, Table Vision, will be built on treating the table like an artist’s canvas beautifully composed with cutlery and glassware, framing the plates as the focal point and highlighted with accents of decorative table lamps and vases. Where we go from here will depend on each individual’s circumstances and attitude to chaos and opportunity. I, for one, will be intent on looking for the opportunities. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 39

Kathryn Oldershaw, marketing director, Utopia

Viewpionts HoReCa

“Our focus has been on strengthening relationships and keeping close contact with all our distributors” Anne Kristine Rugland, CEO, Figgjo “Covid-19 has effected all suppliers worldwide, naturally there will be some long-term consequences. The future will be different but may hold opportunities also. Our focus has been on strengthening relationships and keeping close contact with all our

distributors. In times of crises, there is always an opportunity to stand out. We hope and believe that we have shown that our values – personal, enthusiastic, genuine and proud – are values we live by in both good and challenging times.”

Coming back from Covid Has Covid-19 had a long-term impact on tableware suppliers? We asked HoReCa providers their thoughts... “The market will require a lower price point as it gets back on its feet, and we are working to meet this need” Jeff Heaney, president, BauscherHepp “We anticipate a change in our business over the coming months and potentially, years, as a result of Covid’s impact. This crisis has altered how food can be displayed – the metaphorical pot has been stirred. We are trying our best to anticipate this ever-shifting landscape and meet the needs of customers who don’t even know yet what they might require. In the short term, buffet service is a challenge that allows operators to re-invent themselves. Large quantities of food for customers to gather around and serve themselves seems an unsavoury option now. In its place will probably be a flying buffet or some pre-plated model. Plate coverings increase in importance as fears of airborne germs are still at an all-time high. A nationwide shuttering of businesses means a considerable loss of revenue across the hospitality industry and reopening to accommodate new sanitation procedures and seating arrangements is costly. The market will require a lower price point as it gets back on its feet, and we are working to meet this need.” 40 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Tim Harper, sales director, Sango Hospitality “There will doubtless be casualties along the whole supply chain from manufacturing to “Caution is the wholesaling. watchword The timing of the and cash will lockdown did mean that be king” many smaller suppliers were tight for cash anyway and looking forward to receiving new orders from end-users focused on tourism which obviously never came – perhaps in the next few weeks? With larger suppliers and manufacturers who were, perhaps, more cash-rich, their issues will have been different as just shutting down altogether would not get rid of all the heavy costs and overheads. We know that two major tableware manufacturers in Stoke focused on hospitality have announced potential redundancies having been closed for 12+ weeks in the knowledge that demand will be very slow as lockdown is eased. We all have to accept that we're entering unknown territory and things will not be the same for a long time, if ever, to pull together and work more smartly and wisely, offer each other support in such an uncertain time. Caution is the watchword and cash will be king.”

“There’s no escaping the fact that the hospitality industry has taken a massive hit with the measures taken to control the Covid-19 pandemic. Slowly restrictions are being eased and the industry can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not going to be easy though, and for the industry to get through there will have to be some creative and innovative thinking from the movers and shakers in foodservice. The ‘before-Covid-19’ trend for sharing platters and small plates will take a back seat as restaurants will move to individual serves for hygiene reasons. All of these trends will impact on tableware and could result in an overall reduction in the market. On the other hand, with many restaurants moving towards pre-booking systems, rather than the casual drop-in or queueing, there may be more of a move to themed events to encourage custom. This could lead to an increase in demand for tableware that will tie in with themes, from Mediterranean or Thai feasts to events tied into sports occasions and holidays. During lockdown many independent and smaller chains diversified to support local customers with takeaway and delivery services. This has seen an increased customer loyalty amongst communities that hopefully should convert into increased dining-in trade as conditions allow. There is an argument that lots of venues will try to not change their operation too much so as to give customers a muchneeded dose of normality, but new regulations will force some new working practices. Again, this could have an impact on tableware in terms of designs. For the longer term it is a bit of a waiting game. Public perception has moved a lot during lockdown, people are still formulating how they expect to be served and how they will be served. It is a constantly developing situation. The impact is yet to be fully played out, but the good signs are that there is still a desire to eat out. The market is there, it is up to operators to make it happen. However, things will be shaped both by external forces as well as innovation from within the sector.”

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HoReCa Ambiente

The show WILL go on 2020 may have seen the hospitality industry come to an unexpected, shuddering halt but the show must, and will, go on, says Ambiente’s director of dining Thomas Kastl. He talks the future of hospitality…

Sier Disposables showcased their environmentally friendly collections at Ambiente, including recyclable packaging made of sugar cane pulp. Pictured is their Palm series, made from bark.

fter the successful premiere of the HoReCa Hall 6.0 at the last Ambiente, we are – despite the volatile situation since the outbreak of the pandemic – very pleased to clearly perceive the following: there is an immense wish and need for continuity from our HoReCa exhibitors in the hall. Almost without exception, all exhibitors in the hall have reregistered for Ambiente 2021. We are already engaged in intensive talks with them and with a far greater number of HoReCa exhibitors in other dining halls about the planning of Ambiente 2021. With every change, we also get to know our exhibitors better: how do they react to the coronavirus pandemic? What are the questions and issues they are dealing with? One of the questions currently

“Almost without exception, all exhibitors in the hall have re-registered for Ambiente 2021” 42 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

occupying our exhibitors in the hospitality environment above all is: how can trust be created through visible measures in hotels and restaurants on site? What will the buffet of the future look like? How can functionality under strict hygiene regiment be reconciled with lifestyle-oriented design? In these times, physical distancing and hygiene regulations force the industry to set new Strawbuddy Sweden showcased drinking straws made from reed, which impressed Thomas.

standards for guest experience – via take-away, delivery and outdoor consumption of food. Even at the beginning of the lockdown and the closures of restaurants and catering establishments, takeaway meals were a decisive liquidity-securing emergency solution. We are now observing that this emergency solution is developing into increasingly creative approaches within the hospitality industry.

HoReCa Ambiente

Global buyers will be welcomed back to Ambiente in 2021

Jan-Peter Wulf gave visitors to the HoReCa Academy a variety of insights into sustainable gastronomy concepts in Berlin.

Did you know? Delivery and takeaway are thus becoming more valuable and as well location-independent. More valuable, because the food can be delivered in more elaborate packaging – and location-independent as guests will have their food increasingly delivered inside as well as outside their own homes. Obligatory table reservations and tight time slots, which limit the time spent sitting together at the table, will accompany us even longer. Alternatives are needed here, too. For our exhibitors, these new mobile restaurant concepts mean new opportunities – also to combine delivery and take-

cocoa shells and were part of the Solutions special presentation at this year's Ambiente. In this context, I also found Jan-Peter Wulf's contribution to the new HoReCa Academy exciting, which, thanks to its highly international speaker line-up, was another exclusive additional offer for the industry. Wulf gave visitors a variety of insights into sustainable gastronomy concepts in Berlin. How are consumption cycles closed? How can the cost of goods be reduced? What does sustainable tabletop look like? What I remember here is a cup to go, made entirely from coffee grounds. But another trend is increasing

“It is very exciting to see which trends and potentials are currently emerging for the industry due to the changing guest behaviour” away with the meta-trend of sustainability. At the last Ambiente, for example, the Dutch exhibitor Sier Disposable presented recyclable packaging made of sugar cane pulp. The reusable beeswax packaging from the US manufacturer Bee's Wrap also offered our hospitality buyers an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic film and thus a sustainable food preservative. New exhibitor Strawbuddy Sweden had straws made of reed and showed how consumption to go works with a clear conscience. But I am also thinking of the muffin cups made by exhibitor Fackelmann, which are made from 44 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

in times of corona-related travel restrictions – the longing for global cuisines that conjure up a holiday mood for a few hours. Poke, Kimchi, Levant cuisine or Ramen – we have been observing the world's gastronomic convergence for some time now. What I find even more exciting, however, is that in the course of increasing fusion food restaurants, eating cultures are virtually merging – not only in Europe, but also in Asia and Latin America. Within these crossover kitchens, storytelling for me already begins with the use of dishes from several cultures. In European restaurants, food is eaten from ramen bowls, Peruvian ceviche is

Ambiente 2021 will take place from 19 – 23 February 2021 conquering global metropolises, and in mashup concepts like the Est Restaurant in Berlin, both dishes are served side by side in their corresponding bowls. Tabletop thus becomes part of the red thread that guides the guest through the hospitality concept of a hotel or restaurant. If a restaurant stands for regional, local cuisine, organic design can give people the feeling of a slow movement moment even in the midst of a big city. And it is precisely this homely feeling of warmth and authenticity that must be palpable. This year's Ambiente welcomed new exhibitor Figgjo in the new HoReCa Hall 6.0, for example. With Tri, the Norwegian brand has

developed a plate that has a very organic shape – an equilateral triangle with softly rounded corners. At the same time, the plate series meets the most important requirements of HoReCa-tabletop – stackability, durability and versatile use. It is very exciting to see which trends and potentials are currently emerging for the industry due to the changing guest behaviour. Whether outdoor dining experiences, high-quality takeaway concepts or the increasing desire for global cuisine, in 2021, Ambiente will again be the leading front-of-house platform where the global answers to these and other current hospitality trends will be presented for the first time.” ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

The HoReCa hall was hugely popular during Ambiente 2020

18'( 323 52&. &2//(&7,21 SGI

simple is beautiful

With the Rock&Pop Collection

simple is colorfully beautiful &

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The beautiful celebration of every bright moment from our lives. Designed by Ali Bakova Illustrated by Umut Karaman

*Limited Edition

ProductsHoReCa

Sambonet The Penelope collection from Sambonet exudes a sophisticated charm with a design philosophy typical of 1950’s Italian architecture. A series of bowls, centrepieces and a fun macaron stand in stainless steel combine Sambonet’s craftsmanship and innovation with small details in noble resin. The collection’s colourways make for interesting viewing – an intense gold is combined with a bold red, the warm shades of rum with a delicate pink, the reflecting stainless-steel surfaces with a cool green Amazonite and the must-have silver-plated proposal with the elegance of the black Obsidian. Penelope follows on from Sambonet’s Kyma and Madame collections.

Focus on…

www.sambonet.it

HoReCa

With restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes open for business, we take a look at products designed for the hospitality industry

Denby

Elia The Elia Double Wall Insulated Cooler is stunning in its simplicity and durability. Holding up to four bottles of wine, three bottles of champagne, eight bottles of beer and up to nine cans – this practical product is perfect for events, gatherings and small parties. Manufactured in 18/10 stainless steel, the double wall ensures a condensation free experience and is finished with a contemporary and stylish satin finish. Also available is an extralarge version holding up to eight wine bottles.

www.elia.co.uk

WMF Professional www.wmf-professional.com

Available to HoReCa and retail – Denby's Modus Collection has been designed with new shaped plates featuring a gentle curve that runs through the whole the plate for ease of use in HoReCa service. Bowls and plates in Modus also have Denby's 10 Year Edge Chip Warranty. www.denbypottery.com 46 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Bonna Bonna.com.tr

Villeroy & Boch Stella Cosmo from Villeroy & Boch has been thoughtfully designed for use on all culinary occasions – from breakfast to banquet. Innovative design and form composition means plate sizes are optimally tailored to the portion sizes of top gastronomy. The collection can be combined with all existing Villeroy & Boch series, in particular Stella Hotel and Stella Vogue. www.villeroy-boch.com

A blend of inspired but functional design – Bonna’s Hygge series was created with chefs in mind. Using fluid, simple lines to allow for unrestricted creativity in the kitchen, Bonna says they focused on the integrity of the forms, avoiding unnecessary details, thereby allowing Hygge to appeal for all types of food presentation. “The design is universal,” they point out.

Did you know?

The Sitello cutlery collection from WMF Professional sports an on-trend hammered finish but with all the benefits of being created for a professional kitchen. An extension of WMF’s traditional Signum line, Sitello boasts a total of 21 pieces, providing the ideal accompaniment for culinary experiences of every taste. Restaurateurs can choose between the highly polished, dishwasher-safe 18/10 stainless steel version and the silverplated version, both of which guarantee a long working life thanks to the thickness of the materials used.

Utopia has launched a range of products under the Serve and Protect umbrella. The company explains: “Protect is focused on protection for people, both customers and employees, to make sure it is safe and secure to work and dine in the current environment. Serve is using creative and innovative solutions to present drinks and dishes in a way that’s both safe and stylish.”. The Protect range includes three grades of masks – general, medical type 1 and K95 respirator, a digital infrared forehead thermometer from Berrcom and plastic protective screens. Meanwhile, the Serve range takes existing products and develops them for the Covid-19 world. It includes tongs, wrapped paper straws, lidded cocktail glasses (pictured).

Bauscher

www.bauscher.de

The Scope collection from Bauscher brings a rustic yet minimalist feel to tables. Consisting of plates, bowls, dishes, and platters – available in a smooth form or with an exciting relief pattern – Scope comes in three shades, a pure white or in two colour glazes: a warm grey and an on-trend green/blue shade. Bauscher says the shades vary slightly in each piece, giving the porcelain a hand-made feeling. Scope also stands apart from the other collections with its pattern, a rod relief. The structure has a particularly striking effect on the coloured pieces because of the darker nuance in the recessed relief rods.

Porland

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 39

Lykke is the latest collection from Porland – inspired, the company says, by the Danish concept of happiness. Making memories, spending time with family and friends, moments shared over meals – are all symbolised in the collection which boasts natural patterns and pastel colours. Produced with environmentally-friendly methods, Lykke is minimalist in décor but has been designed to help create and contribute to life’s special moments. www.porland.com

Show Preview Las Vegas Market

Las Vegas bound Las Vegas will play host to IMC’s Summer Market next month – we take a look at some of the show's upcoming highlights

he Summer Las Vegas Market will go ahead next month, with plenty of provisions in place to protect visitors and exhibitors from Covid-19, say organisers IMC. The market runs from 30 August through to 3 September with 2020 representing its 15th anniversary. Not only that, attendees can also look forward to the grand opening of The Expo, a 315,000-square-foot exposition facility that will house the market’s gift and home temporaries. “While the last few months have been tough, we’re excited to play a part in getting the industry back to business,” Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers (IMC) says. “Although some elements of the Las Vegas Market will look different this summer, we believe that next phase of the recovery process starts here.” Organisers have implemented

new safety protocols – visit www. TogetherSafely.com – for a complete rundown of how IMC plans to keep everyone safe. Covid-19 aside, visitors to the market will be presented with an exciting host of products to help keep business ticking over. In fact, if it is gift products you are after, you’ll have seven floors in Building C and in The Expo at World Market Center to peruse. Likewise, for home décor, the market features hundreds of resources on 13 showroom floors in Buildings A, B and C, and in The Expo. Show organisers say they have listened to feedback and will be introducing more of a digital edge to the market. In real terms, this means trend features will be presented through digital market channels before and after the event – think colour forecasting, market trends, advice on how to best handle business during and after Covid-19 and much more. www.lasvegasmarket.com

Keeping everyone safe In consultation with a top global epidemiologist, IMC will introduce new “Together Safely” protocols including the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), temporal monitoring, social distancing, occupancy control, hand sanitising/cleansing and significantly enhanced housekeeping. IMC encourages attendees to prepare for the market by familiarising themselves with the protocols at www.TogetherSafely.com. As an extension of Together Safely, IMC will institute new registration requirements this summer. Elements include contactless badging, phased access and capacity limitations.

Did you know?

This year the Summer Market has new dates and will take place from 30 August to 3 September.

Beatriz Ball in Vegas Beatriz Ball will exhibit at Las Vegas Market in the Ivystone Showroom, Building C, showroom C696. The company has welcomed the addition of a spacious and sophisticated new installation at Las Vegas Gift and Home Market. Featuring natural wood panelling and contemporary fixtures, the displays present each design in a warm and inviting modern setting. New introductions for Las Vegas include line extensions of classic Beatriz Ball shapes in metal alloy and a new collection of bud vases, in art glass tones of purple, smoke and clear. The Ivystone Las Vegas showroom is open during all gift and home markets and by appointment at other times of the year.

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Show Preview Las Vegas Market

C&F Home C 701

A visit to the C&F Home stand at Las Vegas won’t disappoint with an array of highly decorative table linens – from placemats to runners to napkins on display. Look out for the Monterey Mist collection which evokes a sense of coastal holidays or the Irina collection with its swirling, lace-like patterns.

www.cnfei.com

Pom Pom at Home C506

Pom Pom at Home will exhibit a selection of their products at Las Vegas, including the 100 per cent linen Willows Napkin which come in five colours. Also look out for the Yountville Napkin (pictured) in cotton gauze stripe with frayed edge and the Glenn Napkin – available in five colours.

www.pompomathome.com

Carol & Frank C 701

The Carol & Frank booth will showcase napkin, placemats and more, in several décors. The Midge collection of napkins comes in several colourways and are crafted by hand using the heritage artisan technique of block printing a floral design onto top-quality 100 per cent cotton. Also look out for the coordinating Cheryl Surf and Indigo patterns – described as fresh and bold.

www.carolandfrankstyle.com

catstudio

Rustic Arrow

Cat Studio’s whimsical designs are printed in vibrant organic inks and hand-applied to a 15 ounce frosted glass. You can tell your story with a custom collection of glasses celebrating all the places near and dear to your heart. The original Geography Collection by catstudio was founded in 2000, and is comprised of all 50 states, and an everexpanding list of cities, international and favorite vacation destinations.

Rustic Arrow brings a collection of wooden candle holders to Las Vegas. You can see the handwork on the edges of each piece giving it a rustic and unique charm. From a long list of different designs, they present these candleholders (pictured) with metal petals design on the top to add elegance.

C596F

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www.catstudiosales.com

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www.rusticarrow.com

Column BHETA

Moving forward Covid-19 hit the industry like a bolt from the blue, but now we take the lessons learned and move forward, says Will Jones

he last time I wrote for this magazine was back in March. Coronavirus was an appalling occurrence in China, but nowhere else; and while it was impacting the UK and European markets in terms of supply chain, no-one was predicting the level to which it would impact as it has in the four months since. In fact, I was discussing a period of post-election stability and the importance of businesses using that time to invest – crisis management was not the kind of investment I had in mind. Having said that, while Covid-19 has had dire economic consequences in some sectors, not all organisations and companies have found themselves impacted as adversely as they probably expected to be when the pandemic first became an everyday reality. Clearly there have been, and will continue to be, massive commercial negatives for the industry – suppliers and retailers alike. But there have also been some positive discoveries and the key thing is to acknowledge them and act now to maximise their potential in the future. As a trade association, over the past few months, BHETA has had a key role to play in supporting its members and providing them with reliable information. Thanks to some great partnerships with organisations like GlobalData and the CBI, excellent contacts with the leading retailers, the support of the association’s business service providers – and, of course, webinar technology – BHETA has delivered

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up-to-the-minute business data and advice. Thankfully, I hope we are now reaching a stage where the data and advice is more about how best to come out of a crisis, as opposed to what to do in the middle of one. The facts are that figures published by BHETA in its quarterly economic report for Q1, which came out in June, showed the UK homewares sector as having a value of £1695 million which is 3.5 per cent down year-on-year and £19.7 per cent down on a full-year forecast for 2020. Kitchen and dine outperformed the overall homewares market over Q1, despite expenditure -2.9 per cent on Q1 2019. Kitchen performed better than dine, supported by food preparation and cooking and baking, as consumers sought healthy food solutions after Christmas and New Year and, later on in the quarter, began to experiment with cooking and baking as they spent more time at home. The category’s worst performers were kitchen textiles, table linen, tableware and kitchen storage. However, a much more positive statistic is that interest in baking reached 500 per cent growth after lockdown according to Google Trends and while it has gone down from that peak since, it is still about double the normal rate. That shift in consumer focus to home-related products and projects from home cooking to home baking is one of the major positives to emerge from this pandemic – and the industry must capitalise upon it. Another striking factor has been the considerable increase in pace

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

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Another striking factor has been the considerable increase in pace of the switch from purchasing from bricks and mortar shops to buying online Will Jones, chief operating officer, British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)

of the switch from purchasing from brick and mortar shops to buying online. In both cases, BHETA’s findings are that these trends are likely to continue for the remainder of 2020, even as lockdown eases and the overall economy is squeezed. The lockdown attitude to homebased activities and the nurture of the family has proven something of an economic silver lining for many BHETA members, assuming of course they could reach the consumer via their own or other businesses’ online platforms. These two positive opportunities look set to continue as people remain largely home-based over the next 12 months, high levels of furlough persist into the autumn and consumer confidence in undertaking cooking and baking tasks has increased. Acting on its own advice, BHETA switched its 2020 Exclusively Show to a digital format and while the live show will return in 2021, digital elements will certainly remain due to their massive popularity. Exclusively Digital was a vibrant, busy and commercially productive

”

showcase. It turned exciting features of the traditional show, such as the seminar schedule, trend talks and media hub into their online equivalents and added new attractions such as the Launchpad, especially for new products from smaller companies taking part in Exclusively for the first time. The whole ‘event’ was a collaborative celebration of the brilliance and the resilience of the housewares industry – and long may that continue. No-one would pretend that the coronavirus pandemic has been anything other than a terrible phenomenon, but it is vital that the industry takes the positive learnings out of the adaptions it has had to make. Now is the time to look seriously at how those learnings can be turned into good to establish the way forward. For more information about BHETA, or to register for any of the BHETA webinars, contact Nicola Adams at the BHETA Member Services Team on 07946 078566, or email: na@bheta.co.uk.

Tableware International Noritake.pdf 1 30/06/2020 4:13:54 PM

CMY

Trend Grey/Green/Blue

Serene dream

“The fantastic thing about the colour blue is that it is probably the most popular colour in the world so you will always find it in the home in one way or another. Whether you are a completely blue fan and it’s in every room in the house or whether you want to use it as a ‘pop’ of colour. That is how I use blue in the home – for me it’s always been one of those colours that I have to bring in every room in the house.” Richard Eaton, design director, Denby. (Pictured left is Denby's Imperial Blue)

Alpine romance The colour palette for Rosenthal’s Mesh Mountain was recently expanded to include a nuanced grey. The shade has been inspired, the company says, by the expressive grey of mountains and joins the bestselling collection’s other colourways – forest, aqua, walnut and cream.

www.rosenthal.de

Tranquil shades of greys, greens and blues marry beautifully to create a sense of serenity in the home. Mix, match and layer tonal shades to for the ultimate table oasis

Cool hues Versatility is at the heart of Wedgwood’s Jasper Folia Mini Pots, a recent launch from the brand. Coming in four different hues – warm white, dove grey, powder pink and shadow grey – the collection perfectly captures the trend for tonal décor and multifunctionality. Oh, and they are deliciously tactile too!

Nordic living

www.wedgwood.com

Tonal dressing Tablescaping in tonal shades is key for setting a scene and Posh Trading Company’s coasters, placemats and box sets come in 'stormy sky' – a grey shade with green tones. Also available is the new matte blue colour, falling in line with current trends.

www.poshtradingcompany.com

A moment for grey Chilewich has embraced the notion that grey doesn’t have to mean boring. The company’s versatile designs combine texture and shade to make neutral colours interesting. Tonal table decorating at its finest with placemats, runners and more.

www.chilewich.com

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The personification of symmetrical design, Iittala’s Ruutu collection by designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec was first introduced in 2015. Ceramic vases were added to the complementary mix in spring 2020 with blue, brown, black and beige tones all accounted for. Pictured is a Ruutu vase in moss green.

www.iittala.com

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