Tableware International September/October 2022

The work of human hands

We have been creating with passion and commitment for over 230 years.

Porcelain from Ćmielów is synonymous with which is ensured by our employe es every day.

Our hands create your tableware.

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EXCLUSIVE DESIGN STATEMENT S

F OR THE HO ME

Villeroy&B och – Design and quality have been our benchmarks since 1748. And our successful collections are now also available for the home. Inspire your customers with Manufacture Home accessories in a unique slate look! Decorative highlights such as the Manufacture hurricane lamps in three sizes ideally complement the Manufacture collection and provide perfect gift ideas for satisfied customers.

Tableware Team

TableWare

MAIREAD WILMOT

PUBLISHER

PAUL YEOMANS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

MARK NAISH

CHAIRMAN

MALCOLM NAISH

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

PAUL NAISH

With Christmas just around the corner, it feels – possibly for the first time – that the industry is on the road to normality, maybe even recovery?

New York’s Tabletop Association show takes place in October and then we run head into first preparations for Ambiente in early February, leading – quite quickly – into March's Inspired Home Show in Chicago.

Of course, there is Spring Fair in the mix too –clashing, unfortunately for a few UK exhibitors, with Ambiente.

Regardless, there is an energy returning to the sector, a fresh sense that something is starting to happen, the heartbeat is coming back – somebody just needs to tell gas prices and inflation to get on board.

Heralding a return to the aforementioned normality, the sixth annual Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2023 has now launched with the winners to be announced at a casual soiree during Ambiente. We are thrilled to have the awards back at their spiritual home after a two year absence. Turn to page 18 to learn more about the event and how you can enter.

This issue of Tableware International boasts a stunning cover from Vista Alegre and inside we focus on not one, but two, Bordallo Pinheiro collections – Tropical Fruits and Cabbage with Lobsters – both remarkable pieces of work from the Bordallo Pinheiro creatives. Turn to page 28 to learn more about the processes involved in bringing the collections to fruition.

We also speak with Rupert Welch, MD of Robert Welch, to find out how business has been for the globally recognised brand who supply for both retail and hospitality.

“Like most businesses we are dealing with supply chain issues, increased

freight and production costs,” Rupert told us. “We monitor our pricing and have reacted accordingly, but we are agile in our approach to these issues as they are compounded by the cost-of-living crisis and an uncertain global economic outlook.” Turn to page 38 to read more from Rupert.

Meanwhile, Oleg Mykhaylenko, CEO of Ukrainian retail outlet ProMenu talks to Tableware International about how he and his staff are continuing to run their business in the face of adversity. Interestingly, Oleg says that while some suppliers were incredibly understanding of the difficulties Promenu faced, others were not. You can read what he has to say on page 20.

Traditionally, this issue features a guide to flatware which you’ll find on page 30. Not forgetting our look at the decorative tabletop market on page 44 where we gain good insight into what works in decorative and what doesn’t.

Our trend expert Donna Ferrari is, as always, as insightful as ever as she examines what is happening in the glassware market on page 40.

There is also a guide to 41 Madison (pg 64), Valda Goodfellow has her finger on the pulse of hospitality (pg 62) and one of my personal favourite topics – teapots – on page 72!

If you are at 41 Madison, we look forward to meeting you.

Mairead Wilmot

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“The sixth annual Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2023 has now launched with the winners to be announced at a casual soiree at Ambiente”

Photography

Lenox eyes international expansion

The Lenox Corporation recently announced a renewed focus on international expansion through strategic partnerships in Europe, Asia, and an additional distribution facility in Toronto, Canada. The company says it is also broadening its product portfolio to match the trends and needs of the specific markets.

Lenox has appointed two key leadership roles to help drive this transformation. Colleen Donoho is appointed as the senior vice president of international and new business development while Joanne Whate will head up the Canadian business.

"The leadership, talent, and market expertise brought by these individuals reinforce Lenox's position as the authority in the tabletop world," says Bob Burbank, CEO.

Sieger by Ichendorf extends Stand Up collection

The Stand Up glassware assortment from Sieger by Ichendorf has been extended to now include a small carafe, beer and long drink glass. The hand-blown collection was first launched last year and is unusual in that designer Michael Sieger drew inspiration from the playful lightness of a roly-poly toy. Since 2021, the crystal glass brand Sieger by Ichendorf has been combining Sieger designs with the artisanal expertise of Ichendorf Milano.

Juliska partners with the Veronica Beard brand

American ready-to-wear brand Veronica Beard has launched Bohmemian Vine – a tableware collection with Juliska. The fourteen-piece, limited edition collection includes dinner and dessert service, bowls, tea service, vases and two napkin choices. Described by Veronica Beard founders, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, and Juliksa co-founder, Capucine Gooding, as “soulfully imperfect,” the Veronica Beard x Juliska collection is designed to be mixed and matched. The Bohemian Vine Green Jardins du Monde ceramics capsule is part of a curation of textural layers to complement Bohemian Vine.

Mason Cash launches marketing campaign

British heritage brand Mason Cash recently launched a new marketing campaign – Mason Cash & Me.

The brand aims to engage consumers to bake through emotive and nostalgic narratives. From September to January 2023, Mason Cash and Me will reveal a series of six real-life bakers and home cooks in their own kitchens, while they create their favourite dishes using various Mason Cash products.

Products featured in the campaign include the iconic Cane Mixing Bowl, the stunning In the Forest range, the new Nautical Collection and more.

Porcel reveal new platform

Porcel has launched a new interactive platform allowing clients to create their ideal table.

Perfect Combinations is an innovative concept where clients can mix and match different Porcel collections both with each other, and the setting around them.

Once the perfect table is put together, users can share it through social media, send a request for more information directly to the company or even just save their selection for future inspiration. Perfect Combinations can be accessed through Porcel’s website and is completely mobile friendly, so you can create your ideal table scape anytime, anywhere. Visit perfectcombinations.porcel.com/en.

Rosenthal appoints head of global marketing

Rosenthal has a new head of global marketing and communications.

Sandra Viertauer took up the role recently and her task is to align marketing and communications with a stronger digital focus and to set the course for successful brand management in the future.

In her role, Sandra Viertauer reports directly to Rosenthal CEO Mads Ryder, who says: "In Sandra Viertauer, we have been able to attract a highly experienced and committed personality to head up marketing at Rosenthal. She will continuously develop the positioning and digital communication strategy for our brands and intensively drive our global marketing."

All smiles!

Hyve Group launches Source Home & Gift

Hyve Group, organiser of UK shows such as Autumn Fair and Spring Fair, has announced the launch of a new responsible sourcing show – Source Home & Gift. The show is to be co-located with Spring Fair and Autumn Fair and will run from 5 – 8 February 2023.

Organisers say Source Home & Gift “creates a new vision for responsible sourcing, with a focus on every manufacturer offering sustainable, ethical, and inspirational product ranges.”

They add the event “will provide visitors with the opportunity to connect with global manufacturers and co-create new products and ranges, introducing ethical and sustainable manufacturers from around the world to the UK market.”

For more information on Source Home & Gift please visit www.source-homeandgift.com

Inspired by...

Nextrade becomes nmedia.hub

Messe Frankfurt’s digital platform Nextrade will now be know as nmedia.hub after merging with nmedia. The merger creates a powerhouse of 400 top brands, 20,000 retailers and over € 1 billion in sales volume per year for the home & living industry.

"Now what belongs together is growing together," says Nicolaus Gedat, managing director of nmedia GmbH. "Our company and the name "nmedia" have enjoyed a high level of trust in the home & living industry for over 20 years. At the same time, the services and products of Nextrade and nmedia have grown together more and more over the last two years. For us as a joint nmedia team, as well as for Messe Frankfurt and EK/servicesgroup, it was therefore clear that the next logical step is to bundle all offers on the platform even more strongly and thus make it easier for retailers and brands to enter into digital business processes under one roof".

All services and products of nmedia and nmedia.hub (formerly Nextrade) can now be found on the new joint website www. nmedia.solutions.

Phil Kessler joins Typhoon Homewares

Typhoon Homewares has appointed Phil Kessler to the business.

Phil joins the team as senior national sales manager and brings a wealth of housewares experience with him, having previously worked for Luigi Bormioli for over 20 years. Phil’s focus will be on managing and growing Typhoon’s National Accounts, as well as working closely with Typhoon's outstanding network of independent sales representatives across the US.

Profumi Luchino, the new Ginori 1735 home fragrance collection, has been inspired by British artist and designer Luke Edward Hall’s best loved destinations – think the Cotswolds, Marrakech, Rajasthan, Big Sur, Venice.

The Profumi Luchino collection is composed of scented candles in molten wax and each fragrance is accompanied by a plate and a trinket tray, both handfinished and decorated with designs suggested by Luke Edward Hall, depicting the five locations. Finally, each fragrance has its own unique and distinctive object: a candlestick, an incense holder, a covered pot, a lidded box and sculpture candlestick inspired by a head of Ganymede.

Did you know?

Burleigh celebrated its 170th anniversary in 2021.

New luxe pieces from Beatriz Ball

Beatriz Ball has extended the Sierra Modern collection with Sierra Modern Strie. The designer has honoured the strie technique – which uses glaze and paint brushes to create a soft and subtle striped texture – with the luxe collection enhanced with a metallic finish. The assortment consists of trays and bowls in a – dishwasher safe –champagne gold colourway.

Fresh colourway for Burleigh icon

Burleigh’s Asiatic Pheasants collection has been given a fresh new look for AW ‘22.

The assortment now comes in a dark green, joining the blue and pink shades already on the market. Hand crafted to be combined, layered and curated, the delicate and refined

nature of the Asiatic Pheasants pattern now boasts a deep green colourway.

The green collections comprises of plates, bowls, cups, mugs and more.

Flavour focused

One of Rosanna’s newest collections, Erbe Italiane, boasts motifs inspired by four essential herbs in Italian cookery – rosemary, parsley, basil, and thyme. These vibrant original watercolours encourage us to take a lesson from the Italians and use fresh herbs when we cook to make outstanding meals to remember. All items are individually gift boxed and include dipping dishes, bowls, plates and an olive oil bottle.

Wedgwood partners with interior designer Sheila Bridges

Famed American interior designer Sheila Bridges has collaborated with Wedgwood on a limitededition capsule collection of tableware and teaware pieces. The design is inspired by traditional French toile and celebrates a complex history and rich culture, with the designer reimagining her acclaimed Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern in a bold, playful and colourful design on Wedgwood’s fine bone china. Shiela created Harlem Toile de Jouy initially as a wallcovering then expanded the collection to include fabrics, bedding, plates, glassware, umbrellas and clothing.

The special Wedgwood collaboration launched exclusively at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street flagship in New York City and Bloomingdales.com for SS22 and following the exclusive US launch, the collaboration became available globally on wedgwood.com from August.

Did you know?

Interior designer Sheila Bridges became intrigued by Wedgwood when she learnt that in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, designer and craftsman, Josiah Wedgwood was also active in the British anti-slavery movement of the 18th century.

Festive chic from Rosenthal

The Rosenthal meets Versace brand is on-point with its festive offering this season. The Medusa Amplified Golden Coin assortment is a stunning ode to Christmas with Rosenthal meets Versace´s new collection emphasising Versace’s iconic Medusa medallion logo in red and gold. The fine porcelain collection consists of plates, cups, dessert étagères and tree ornaments. Of course, each year a limited-edition collector’s plate is dedicated to the Christmas collection. This year it reads: “Joy awaits those who dare to dream of a life in gold.”

Online exclusive marks Botanic Garden’s 50th

In celebration of Botanic Garden’s 50th anniversary, Portmeirion has designed a 10-piece stacking set – shaped like a vase. Influenced by the space-saving Asian trends, Portmeirion’s design team loved the idea of hiding the plates, bowls, and platter away in many layers like a Russian Doll. Even the locking mechanism within the middle of the stacking set is patented. The limited-edition piece is an online exclusive for the brand and includes four different-sized bowls, two plates, and a serving platter that neatly stack into one stunning statement piece.

Eisch introduces Essenca

Eisch has introduced a new wine glass series – Essenca. Boasting Eisch’s Sensisplus feature which allows for full flavour development, which glass you choose to use does not depend on the colour of the wine but its character, which comes into its own in the Sensisplus glass.

The Essenca Sensisplus series includes glasses for three wine characters – refreshing, fruity and aromatic, bold and rich. Made of lead-free crystal using the latest Eisch technology, the glasses are light and thinwalled but with a high-breaking resistance. Visit the collection at www.eisch.de.

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi and Serax partner on vase collection

Serax has produced a series of vases by celebrated British-Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi and his good friend, artist Ivo Bisignano. The Sicily assortment follows on from the popular Feast tableware line.

Inspired by Sicily where artist Ivo Bisignano is from, the vase collection is influenced by Testa di Moro – pots in the shape of a crowned head – which are found everywhere in Sicily. They are based on an ancient legend and Bisignano gave it his own, slightly surrealistic twist: fish become pillars, lakes become fish, and mountains become kings and queens.

The Chef’s Table

We shine a spotlight on tableware being used as it is meant to be – in top restaurants around the world

The perfect serveware for fish and chips?

T&G’s Ocean natural medium wood crate in rustic acacia is just the perfect way to serve fish and chips. Featured here at the The Gannet Fish Bar @ Edinburgh Zoo. The restaurant is brand new to the zoo and offers sustainably focused fish and chips amongst other offerings, all from local suppliers.

Exquisite tabletop in Sardinia

The stunningly located Piccolo Restaurant in Porto Ottiolu, Sardinia is run by chef Fabio Nurra (pictured). The restaurant, based at the Piccolo Hotel, serves Sardinian dishes reimagined in a modern, innovative way. But it also has another very special feature – the Rosenthal Sambonet Terrace – an exclusive private area where guests can enjoy an exceptional dinner with special mise en place. Pictured is Rosenthal’s Dynasty tableware collection by Gianni Cinti and Sambonet’s Jet Set Siena gold PVD cutlery along with Sambonet’s Infinity Collection tableware pieces.

Presenting the best

Behold Haviland’s Les Présentations underplates and custom bread and butter plates featured in the highly acclaimed gastronomic restaurant La Truffe Noire in Brussels.

Les Présentations is a collection of eponymous plates, embodying the very essence of the Maison Haviland, situated between tradition and modernity.

Product focus: Taylor

Endorsed by the acclaimed two-star Michelin chef, Michel Roux Jr – the Taylor range of measuring products is suitable for the commercial catering market. Celebrating 171 years of history, it is the number one weighing and measuring brand in the US, already a tried and tested catering hit. Each set comprises a compact glass dual digital scale for measuring both liquid and dry ingredients with innovative touchless TARE technology, an instant read digital thermometer with an ultra-thin 1.5mm tapered probe that leaves smaller puncture holes in food to retain flavour, and a compact one-hundred-minute digital timer with clip, magnet and pull out stand.

The world’s leading digital wholesale ecosystem introduces JOOR Pay— a revolutionary global B2B payments solution

With JOOR Pay you can accept global payments and receive funds quickly while your buyers can pay later with 60-day net terms offered at no upf ront cost

To learn more about JOOR’s digital wholesale solution and request a free consultation, please visit JOOR.co

Enter the 2023 Tableware International Awards of Excellence now

The sixth annual Tableware International Awards of Excellence is now launched and winners will be announced during Ambiente 2023

Entries are now open for the Tableware International Awards of Excellence 2023.

The 2023 awards ceremony will return to its spiritual home at Ambiente, after two long years in exile due to Covid.

“We are delighted to launch the 2023 awards,” says Tableware International’s editor Mairead Wilmot. “This is the sixth year we have hosted the awards which have been designed to celebrate the great and the good of the tabletop industry. The awards are critiqued by a voluntary international panel of judges whose time we are very thankful for.

“With 15 different categories, there is something for every manufacturer. Our only rule is that whatever is entered must have been launched from 1 January 2022 onwards.”

Tabletop manufacturers, companies and suppliers are now invited to enter their products and collections into the 2023 awards, which comprises 15 categories covering the complete tabletop make-up. Entries can include a full collection, capsule collection, single product or extension(s) of an existing collection, but must have launched from 1 January 2022 onwards.

“I’ve spent a lot of time back on the road at various international trade fairs, and can hand on heart say the quality of collections out there is second to none,” adds Tableware International’s publisher Paul Yeomans. “It’s been fantastic meeting old friends in the

industry, and we are excited to see the quality of entries to our awards this year.”

Don’t forget entries are open to all table and glassware providers –whether exhibiting at Ambiente or not.

The categories are:

Serveware serving pieces, platters, bowls

Barware

tools, drinkware, serveware: collection or specific pieces

Flatware/Cutlery collections or individual items

Casual Glassware everyday use / machine-made Fine Glassware premium, crystal, mouthblown

Decorative – vases, bowls, candlesticks, photo-frames, figurines

Tableware International’s publisher Paul Yeomans

How to enter the awards

Entering the 2023 Awards of Excellence couldn’t be easier – simply log onto www.tablewareinternationalawards.com and enter your chosen categories.

Coffee/Teaware

full set and/or individual coffee/tea pieces

Metals

pieces made of metal

Hospitality Dinnerware collections used in hospitality

Hospitality Glassware glassware used in hospitality

Casual Dinnerware everyday, informal

Fine Dinnerware bridal, formal, premium, luxury

The Innovation Award collections or individual pieces with stand-out, innovative elements either in design or make

2023 Designer of the Year a designer whose work is considered excellent by colleagues

Don’t forget!

Entries are open from now until 11 November 2022.

Lifetime Achievement Award someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry

“It’s been fantastic meeting old friends in the industry, and we are excited to see the quality of entries to our awards this year”

“We are sure we will win”

For the Ukrainian retailer ProMenu , the Russian invasion – now more than half a year ago – resulted in extreme upheaval, both personal and professional. Oleg Mykhaylenko , CEO of Mirs Corporation and ProMenu talks to Tableware International about how he and his staff are continuing to run their business…

Firstly, how are you and your team doing since the war with Russia started?

This interview is taking place six months since the war started. So, right now, a lot of things look much clearer. During these long six months the mood and overall situation has been changed from panic on the first day of the war to now, where we are more or less stable in terms of understanding what is going on around us, of what actions we need to take. By this, I mean managing how we react to the situation and, of course, it’s been really difficult work to restore the business again. Unfortunately, the largest part of my team has moved to other countries, but thanks to the Covid period we can easily work remotely and very quickly to restore all majors for the business processes.

How is the overall retail scene in Ukraine?

Depends on which side you look at the retail. There are three kinds of retailers at the moment – the ones who closed their stores and won’t open anymore, the ones who didn’t close such as the

Did you know?

Online sales have increased for ProMenu in the six months since the war began.

food stores. Thirdly, the likes of us, the retailers who had closed but have reopened a few months after the Russian invasion.

Of course, at the beginning, when you don’t understand how to react to the overall situation, you just shut up shop, but then you measure if it is worth it to be opened or not. Of course, it depends not only on our willing, but also on the mall where the store is located. Because if it is not open, you can’t do anything about it.

What sort of impact has the war had on your business over the past six months?

We were closed for approximately three months from the moment of Russian invasion into Ukrainian territory, but even with this gap in sales we are able to cover approximately 40-50 per cent from the planned budget.

Remind us how many Promenu retail outlets there are and in what areas?

There are 16 stores of Promenu which are located in Odesa, Dnepr, Kyiv, Lviv. At this moment we are able to open 15 stores. We weren’t able to open one store in Kyiv in the Ocean Plaza Mall, and it is one of the best stores we have, because stakeholders of the mall have connections with Russia, so

there are too many outside factors at play.

Are you able to access new stock?

Yes, right now we are able to get new stock from our partners. But not at the beginning. It took some time to negotiate all possibilities and conditions with our partners. As well as there being issues with freight. So, now it really is a challenge if you want to bring products to Ukraine, but at least we have the possibility of doing it.

What challenges are you being presented with getting new stock?

Firstly, the main challenge was to get back to normal communication. The second step was to make new agreements with partners in order to buy the goods. And the real surprise for us was that some small companies were so loyal to us, they cancelled all our open invoices. So, can you imagine, they just withdrew all the debts and even sent a huge amount of money to support the Ukrainian army. We really had huge loyalty and support from partners who we just started working with, or who we didn’t buy from in great volume.

But there were also opposite situation and the most unexpected for us – huge companies, who we dealt with for 10/20 years, they started to block our new orders,

“We were closed approximately for three months from the moment of the Russian invasion into Ukrainian territory”

trade.ls ainte rnational.comK ons ta ntin Coll ect ion

CONS IDERED DESIGN

changing terms of cooperation to full prepayment and so on. It was really unexpected, and it took some time to regulate all these issues, but we managed it, we are Ukrainians!

What brands are you working with and how are good being supplied to you? By air/shipping/ by road etc?

Despite all the challenges we have faced during this long six months, we

are still working with all our partners who we cooperated with before the war. We were able to save the whole our portfolio. But even after six months of adapting to a new reality and life, the main problem is still logistics. At the beginning, there were issues with crossing the border, so trucks and drivers weren’t able to go and pick up the goods. There was a crisis with available trucks which brought crazy freight costs, queues

The fighting spirit

Oleg tells us how Ukrainians on the ground are felling right now

“Ukrainians are an undefeatable nation. We understand that, at this moment, there is a war not between Russia and Ukraine, but between good and evil. And I think the most important thing that Western countries realise is that the Ukraine is fighting not only for our country, but for the rest of the world too. We are really appreciating the help which we get from other countries and hope they will support us until our victory. We are sure we will win. And as people in Ukraine say: “Vse bude Ukraina” .

at the border and so on. Right now, everything looks more or less ok, of course we are comparing it to the first month of the war, not to a prewar period. Unfortunately, the sea is blocked and the only one way of getting any products is by roads.

What are your customers buying these days?

We do not see too many changes in the categories which people buy. At the very beginning, people were buying only the main things they needed for home – plates, cutlery and so on. A lot of people moved to new cities and needed to start from the very beginning. But right now, we have a mix of sales – sets of tabletop, presents and accessories.

Are your customers buying their products in store or online, currently?

Offline is different story right now. One really noticeable thing is that

the traffic of the client has changed.

The fact is, a lot of Ukrainians have left Ukraine, and those who are left in the country are trying to spend less time at the mall – it is not the safest place, and it can close if there is an alarm that rockets are coming.

There is also a change in the product categories which drive the customer traffic, for example, in the furniture mall there is much less people than there used to be, so, traffic generators for the malls right now are foods stores mostly.

As the result of overall situation, we have increased online sales twice. It is unbelievable, and of course, it reflects on offline sales volume. But we will do our best to keep both channels growing.

Will you be able to attend any trade shows this year?

Yes, of course, we already have some plans about visiting upcoming trade show in Turkey and Paris.

“The real surprise for us was that some small companies were so loyal to us they cancelled all our open invoices… but there was also the opposite”

FOR WINE LOVERS

Responsible retailing

Mary Ellen West’s store is different. Committed to filling her shop with socially responsible tabletop products has, at times, made her job harder. However, Mary Ellen is not new to the industry, and had a very clear goal – to open a shop where like-minded customers can buy tabletop products which they know are made by companies who pay attention to the world around them. Tableware International learns more…

Mary Ellen, tell us about your store – where is it, how long have you been open?

Aubergine opened on 24 October, 2019. I have excellent timing, clearly! We are located in Canandaigua, NY which is the western gateway to the Finger Lakes Region. It is an area renowned for its wine and beautiful scenery.

You’ve got an interesting store concept based around social responsibility. Firstly, what do you consider social responsibility, and what inspired you to open a store based on the concept?

Social responsibility is very difficult to define. We ultimately are doing what we can to avoid carrying products that were made under circumstances denying the employees the dignity and fair treatment due any human being. This refers to things like reasonable hours, regular breaks, work being performed by consenting

Did you know?

Mary Ellen’s store is called Aubergine but that domain name was already taken so you’ll find them online by visiting www.auberginetable.com

adults and under safe conditions.

Sustainability is also a concern, as well as any type of cruelty to man or beast. There are also concerns about currency manipulation and fairness on the global market. Initially I was not inspired to open the store based on the concept as much as I was inspired to open a tableware and gift store. I have always been something of a purist when it comes to the quality goods and more so with luxury goods. Not only was I raised with an appreciation for this particular segment of consumer goods, I was also raised to believe the mistreatment of people and animals is something that is completely unacceptable. My parents lead by example, and I do as well. The concept came out of my own frustration over the direction much of this industry and other industries are going in. I am a good salesperson, but I have to feel good about what I am selling. Now that the store is my store, I need it to reflect my own values.

Tell us a little about the brands you work with and what sort of products you stock at Aubergine Table?

We stock tableware and gifts which includes dinnerware, flatware,

glassware and linens. The gifts we carry are quite varied. The store is also in an area with a healthy amount of tourism so we have some local gift items. Home décor and home fragrance and good for the kitchen are other categories we have had success with. Brands that we are all familiar with are represented. The absence of a brand from my store does not mean the brand has been eliminated as a possibility. We are a newer and growing store so we will get them all eventually. There are brands I have also brought in because they fit within the perimeters but are also preforming a social good or are fair trade.

The larger brands we carry are Vietri, Casafina, Costa Nova, Mepra, Orrefors / Kosta Boda, Luigi Bormioli, Bormioli Rocco, LaRochere, LSA and Sferra. Smaller brands being Nicholas Mosse Pottery, JK Adams, Natural Olivewood, Brooklyn Slate, Verve Culture and many more. More recently we brought in some patterns from Carthage and Carmel Ceramica and a new locally made product called Covaley. We also just started to bring in de Buyer which I am incredibly excited about.

What challenges do you face

“Social responsibility is very difficult to define”

stocking products from socially responsible companies and countries?

If anyone would like to follow this model, they must do their due diligence. I have also learned it is necessary to document who you speak with when you ask your questions about where products

Brand awareness

Vietri, Casafina, Costa Nova, Mepra, Orrefors

/ Kosta Boda, Luigi Bormioli, Bormioli Rocco, LaRochere, LSA and Sferra are all brands Aubergine carries.

are manufactured. Never assume that just because some products offered from a brand meets your standards that all the products will meet the standards. I have had to be tough at times, stand my ground and insist they must take the products back. There are some things made easier using this model. The proverbial herd is pre-thinned for me. It makes it much easier when attending a market or trade show.

Are there any particular product categories that you really struggle to stock?

Stocking reasonably priced gadgets for kitchenware and wine accessories has been a source of frustration. The other is trying to carry books. I have had to stop carrying companion books to my other products and that is not helpful when trying to build big sales. It took us 2.5 years to find electric wax melt burners that fit our mission.

Where do you find/learn about new products? Trade shows/ online/ visiting factories? I am not new to the industry so I have a long list of companies I want to bring in. Many others I have been introduced to by my sales reps. Sales reps are a wonderful resource and once they understand what my needs are they know to let me know about other brands they represent or that they have heard learned about. One of my reps introduced me to Calasio which I am determined to bring in this upcoming spring. This is a company that is actually saving rainforest in the Philippines with their unique approach. Using something from the rainforest

Taking ownership

that grows out of control. Then they use the indigenous population to harvest it and turn it into the most beautiful luxury basket ware for the home while providing a working environment that any American would appreciate. The world needs to stand up and take notice of what they are doing and look for ways to use this model. The online wholesale marketplaces have been wonderful because you can plug in filters. Buyer beware, you still need to do the due diligence and ask the company where the

products are made. Never assume descriptions are accurate.

Who is a typical Aubergine Table customer?

Ours customers are a mix of locals and tourists, and not all buying dinnerware. Our dinnerware customers are typically looking to replace old dinnerware. Many people like our policies and it gives them some peace of mind. The fact that we are not carrying all the brands that everyone else does is attractive to our customers. We draw people who are looking for something different.

“All of the companies that are sending manufacturing to countries with questionable practices need to evaluate whether it is worth it. There are substantial savings by doing so but there is also a certain volatility as well. We have actually seen the supply chains break down post Covid and with current geopolitical climate it could get worse. There is also the matter of consumer confidence. We are talking about the plates people’s food rests on and the flatware they use to eat the food. Standards matter to people and so does safety. The consumer has more access to information than ever before. Are corporations ready to answer the consumer’s harder questions?”

“I have had to be tough at times”

We asked Aubergine Table’s owner Mary Ellen West what she would say to tableware/glassware suppliers who aren’t as socially responsible as they could be...

Getting the goods

We’ve all been through a multitude of issues over the last several years due to the pandemic. From shutdowns, to boosters, to rising inflation, and supply chain issues, who would have thought there would be so many variables to running your small business.

As we slowly seem to be approaching the end of the more serious health ramifications from Covid-19, we are still seeing deep supply chain disruptions and higher prices.

I recently read that many small business retailers believe that larger companies have an advantage over them in the current supply chain crisis because the larger chains have more buying power they get preferential treatment.

Therefore, they also have prioritised vendor status while smaller retailers are limited in resources and their ability to switch vendors.

While that may all be true, I’m in the camp that says smaller retailers still have a fighting chance because we are more nimble and agile than our larger counterparts, and in most cases better positioned to manage local supply chains and niche products. Still, supply chain challenges are continuing to be a hurdle to overcome.

As we all navigate this

strained supply chain, along with rising freight costs and inflation, I believe focusing our efforts on planning, sourcing, and communication is key to leveraging our businesses through these crazy times.

Planning

With the disruption we are all facing it’s important to take a hard look at your bottom line. With all the extra surcharge fees and increased freight, along with wholesale price increases, the cost of goods sold is going up and in some cases way up. It’s truly important to understand the numbers, even if they’re not perfect. This way you can better guide your decisions on pricing, mix, and overall strategy. Being informed is essential because it is not business as usual. You may need to ask yourself if it makes sense to stockpile certain products or place commitments with items that have a longer lead times. Obviously, this needs to be done carefully and strategically because small businesses are always resource constrained which is why solid planning really is key.

Sourcing

Sourcing goes hand and hand with your planning efforts. Use the last two years as your indicators. What product categories had difficulty with replenishment? What items are no longer being produced. I had several manufacturers discontinue either dinnerware or glassware lines due to overseas factory issues. In addition, I lost sales as customers didn’t want to wait more than six months for

The goods just weren’t available

products that in the past, they were able to get in a matter of weeks.

About T is for Table

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

www.tisfortable.com

Using some of the online wholesale portals such as Faire or Abound really helped us in this area. I had access not just to local suppliers but smaller European vendors as well.

Communication

Waiting for product

Retailer Michele says she has had customers waiting over nine months for some flatware.

Therefore, assess your vendors. Who among them may be your weakest link and can you find an alternative supplier for that product category? In addition, determine whether there are certain materials that may impact your suppliers. For example, stainless steel used for flatware comes primarily from China and India. Because of all the Covid shutdowns, sourcing this raw material that then goes to Italy or France where it’s forged has been increasingly delayed. I’ve had customers waiting over nine months for some flatware – who could have ever imagined? In other words, where are your risks and what can you do about them.

You may need to diversify and find some other vendors.

Regular communication isn’t just essential with your vendors, but also with your customer base. Higher costs are hitting consumers everywhere. They won’t be surprised if your prices have gone up too. I’ve had to endure many conversations about the additional surcharges we experienced and that I’ve had to raise prices for certain categories. Authenticity and honesty matters. Many customers found that Amazon couldn’t supply them any quicker than we could. The goods just weren’t available. We do a significant part of our business with custom orders. I had to be very realistic with delivery timelines to give realistic expectations.

It’s important to remind your customer the value you provide –do this often and consistently.

There is no one size fits all answer to our environment, but customers are still buying and spending – make sure you remind them where to shop. It’s not too late to act.

Many customers found that Amazon couldn’t supply them any quicker than we could.

Planning, sourcing, communication – Michele Trzuskowski on how she tackles supply chain issues from sussing out your weakest supplier with long lead times to using online wholesale portals

Tropical beauty

From the creative minds of the Bordallo Pinheiro team comes the astonishingly beautiful Tropical Fruits, or Frutos Tropicais to be authentic to its Portuguese roots. We look at this gorgeous new launch which is joined by another Bordallo Pinheiro introduction sure to cause a stir, Cabbage with Lobsters…

Renowned for its finely detailed, intricate collections – Bordallo Pinheiro has amassed fans across the globe for its gorgeously ornate, and cleverly designed, pieces.

And they do not disappoint with Tropical Fruits, the latest launch from the acclaimed Portuguese brand.

Tropical Fruits celebrates the richness in nature’s finest produce, an ode to what mother earth provides, as well as to what the Bordallo Pinheiro’s team of artisan creators are capable of producing.

“As for the design process and the complex production phases,” says Bordallo Pinheiro’s coordinating designer, Francisco Vieira Martins, “the whole process was very challenging, demanding and time-consuming,

culminating in an aesthetically and technically very rich line, and of great eclecticism, where manual operations clearly stand out. It exalts tropical naturalism, for this very accuracy, which has always been present since the creation.”

Achieving the colours, textures and shapes of each fruit required a process of experimentation based on several complex manual techniques. The final result is a collection comprising 24 pieces – think bowls, plates, salad bowls, platters and boxes – each piece so realistic you are momentarily transported to the most exotic destinations, and through the naturalistic and fantasy origin of Bordallo Pinheiro’s founder Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro’s work. Each piece in the assortment is meticulously hand-

The details...

Each stunning piece in the Tropical Fruits collection is hand painted with meticulous detail. In fact, each petal of the pitaya (dragon fruit) was individually made by the Bordallo Pinheiro craftspeople.

7the number of fruits which make up the Tropical Fruits collection

Cabbage with Lobsters

Another Bordhallo Pinheiro introduction is the stunningly detailed Cabbage with Lobsters. To create the collection, Bordallo Pinheiro used the intricate classic dishes created by founder Raphael in the 19th century as a base, combining vegetable elements with animals that mimic human characteristics. The lobster, therefore, appears clinging to the cabbage with its large claws, as if exalting the vegetable in a surreal dance. An inimitable imaginary that continues to come to life. In the complex exploration of the naturalist aesthetic, Bordallo Pinheiro used the cabbage and the crustaceans as a laboratory for the possibilities of modelling and the search for perfect glazes, demonstrating all the potential of the Fábrica de Faianças. Almost 140 years later, it continues to perfect Raphael’s artistic virtuosity - and humour - combining two emblematic elements in pieces of great dimensions and enormous technical challenge. Cabbage with Lobsters brings Bordallian sculptural art to the modern table in a celebration of sea and earth. This collection consists of six pieces, which can be used as decorative elements or to add something special to the table.

painted and can be mixed and matched on the table, further enhancing the vivid colours of each element or display it in mono-fruit, both options have strong visual impact.

Bordallo Pinheiro tells us the new collection is a tribute to the exuberance and details of nature at its purest state.

Seven different fruits make up the assortment – pitaia, kiwi, passion fruit, papaya, anona, coconut and avocado – all recreated using various manual techniques that lend them colours, textures and shapes so real you might think you are in the middle of a tropical forest.

“The whole process was very challenging, demanding and time-consuming, culminating in an aesthetically and technically very rich line”

Francisco Vieira Martins, coordinating designer, Bordallo Pinheiro

Polished to perfection

As innovative as ever, cutlery manufacturers are delivering top-tier assortments for buyers. We take a look at just some on the market, catering for everything from highend hospitality to casual dining at home

Beatriz Ball

owner and founder

Is anything in particular impacting the produc tion of flatware for your company?

None of us is immune to supply chain issues and rising prices, but we are fortunate in that we have plenty of flatware in stock right now. In fact, we’re offering our sage flatware at very attractive introductory pricing.

How are you dealing with these chal lenges?

We are diligent in placing orders well in ad vance to always have product in the pipeline.

Is how we use cutlery changing as people continue to embrace a more relaxed style of dining?

Beatriz Ball

Beatriz Ball’s VIDA bamboo flatware set comprises of 18-8 stainless steel with natural bamboo handles. The set includes a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon. Packaged in a branded gift box, the bamboo flatware finds a perfect match in the company’s three-piece Bamboo dinnerware assortment in luxury melamine. Beatriz Ball also introduces VIDA Flatware Set of 20 (Sage), a 20-piece flatware set composed of 18/0 stainless steel with moulded sage-coloured handles. Contains a total of four 5-piece place settings; each includes a dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, dinner knife and teaspoon.

It has been brought to our attention that the salad fork is disappearing from some assort ments, but we proudly include the utensil in our sets. Besides salads, they’re great for desserts and are the perfect size for children’s smaller hands.

What types of finishes are you finding most popular with consumers? PVD finishes have been very popular in recent years, is that still the case?

Though it never really went away in smart circles, bamboo is enjoying newfound popularity as part of the growing “grandmillennial” trend and a rediscovery of opulent décor. We are selling a lot of bamboo flatware because it works so well with our matching bamboo melamine.

How often do you find, on average, consumers replace or add to their cut lery assortment?

We are making our first forays into the world of flatware but are encouraged by the enthu siastic reaction we’ve received.

Villeroy & Boch

Cutlery in stainless steel and silver is ideal for any occasion, but for an elegant autumnal feel, knives, forks and spoons in matt copper or black are a perfect choice. Glasses and table accessories can be real features too: add bright splashes of autumn colours to your table and home with folded fabric napkins in rust-orange, matt copper-coloured or black –visit Villeroy & Boch to see their full assortment of stylish cutlery options.

www.villeroy-boch.com

Haviland

Effé 1875 is recognised for its excellence: the brand adorns the most beautiful tables in France and around the world. The Palmeraie flatware collection pairs perfectly with the latest collection from Haviland, Réves du Nil.

www.haviland.fr

Robert Welch

From the experts at Robert Welch, the Radford cutlery assortment is a modern English design classic, often described as “perfection in the hand”. It is the largest range of stainless steel cutlery in the world with more than 70 individual pieces, including useful everyday pieces to appeal to both consumers and hospitality customers.

Radford cutlery owes its origins to the contours and balance of traditional 18th century cutlery, a heritage imbued with timeless appeal. It is a perfect example of a modern classic with a large variety of additional pieces to choose from such as the cheese knives, carving sets, grapefruit spoons, oyster forks and a lobster pick to enhance the dining experience and add to the exclusivity of this timeless collection.

www.robertwelch.com

Elia

A welcome addition to Elia’s diverse cutlery offering, Clara is timeless in its bold simplicity. Designed with clean fluid lines and a handsome profile, the generous handle ensures it is a real pleasure to hold. Finished in 18/10 stainless steel, this range has proven popular in both the retail and catering markets with its truly sophisticated design.

Clara cutlery is launching in a new stylish black and silver 24-piece gift box set for retail. Each gift set includes six table knives, six table forks, six dessert spoons and six tea spoons.

Meanwhile, Elia’s Maypole Cutlery has proven popular with its unique and striking design. Fully forged in 18/10 stainless steel and manufactured to an exceptional specification, Maypole features mod estly tapered cylindrical handles, encircled with a delicate band.

www.elia.co.uk

Adam Walker sales manager, Elia

Is anything in particular impacting the production of flatware for your company?

As with many other industries, cutlery is facing many of the same challenges to production. Including increased energy costs, raw material increases and ongoing inflation. Although the supply chain situation is improving, production space and cost prices are still volatile.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

As the Elia product range has so many cutlery patterns and items and as stock holding has always been important for the company, we have been able to supply and service our customers with cutlery ranges and patterns that have perhaps previously not been considered or have been overlooked. Of course, Elia has not been immune to the production issues that everyone has faced, but thankfully and due to long-standing and good supplier relationships, we have been able to secure production and our stock is constantly being replenished.

Andrea Waters

head of brands, Portmeirion Group

Is anything in particular impacting the produc tion of flatware for your company?

The rising cost and sourcing of materials and labour has certainly changed in recent months so does pres ent a different set of challenges, that said, this is not unique to homewares, most industries are facing the same challenges at this time.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

Portmeirion Group have our own production facility in the UK in Stoke on Trent which enables us to have an agile approach to production challenges. We have strong relationships with our external suppliers which enables us to ensure ongoing communication and transparency – flexibility and the ability to adapt is key at this time from a UK made and sourced point of view.

Is how we use cutlery changing as people con tinue to embrace a more relaxed style of dining?

This is definitely a really interesting area as casual dining and the love of a plethora of different food cultures continues to rise. Consumer behaviours are changing and this applies to ceramics as much as it does the cutlery. The need for a ‘traditional’ cutlery set is still relevant, but evolving with the way people dine and eat is always front of mind when developing new tabletop solutions.

What types of finishes are you finding most popular with consumers?

PVD is a classic finish so continues to have appeal with consumers.

How often do you find, on average, consumers replace or add to their cutlery assortment?

Replace is likely not often as a cutlery range can be a considered purchase, but cutlery has expanded in to serve cutlery, pastry forks etc so adding to cutlery is certainly something we see an increase in.

Portmeirion

The Sophie Conran for Portmeirion flatware assortments – such as Floret and Arbor – have been designed to be loved, adored and cherished. The collections will add a subtle shine to your everyday dining experience.

Robbe & Berking

Sambonet

Subtle elegance and a return to classic form – the Sambonet Queen Anne cutlery collection is a best seller for every occasion. Note the collection’s beauty and simplicity of shape, and its comfort during handling.

Amefa

Individuality is increasingly becoming an important criterion for differentiation. For the launch of customised knife blades, Robbe & Berking presents a series of blades inspired by natural marble. Available in Martelé, Riva and Belvedere, and just like real marble, almost no two blades are alike. A special highlight is The Box with top in marble optic and offering space for a 24-piece cutlery set.

A cutlery collection with a clean design that stands out for its modernity and slim lines. Soprano (pictured) is made of high gloss 18/0 stainless steel and brings a contemporary look to the table. Amefa’s Drift, meanwhile, offers elegant design. Featuring a classic teardrop handle with subtle sloping edges, the Drift collection delivers the perfect combination of quality and functionality. Amefa’s finest collection of cutlery is called Amefa Premiere – distinctive designs crafted from the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel and beautifully finished to the last detail.

Anand Baldawa, CEO, thinKitchen

Is anything in particular impacting the production of flatware?

The global market is being impacted by the shortage of resources leading to an increasing cost of all aspects of manufacturing – man, machine and materials. Stainless-steel prices have increased as it’s been high in demand and low in supply. High energy prices have been a concern as the global market was recovering from the pandemic. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has added to this challenge as the supply of the nickel – a key ingredient in stainless steel products has been limited.

Norilsk in Russia is the world’s secondbiggest exporter of Class 1 nickel and

Josh Rammell, marketing manager, Utopia Tableware

Is anything in particular impacting the production of flatware for your company?

due to limited supply of the same from Russia pushed the prices even higher. Similarly shipping and freight costs has been increasing since 2020 because of the higher fuel cost and the war in Ukraine has only intensified this situation. At Seeba | thinKitchen we are making it a point to plan our order management and production well so that we can minimise price escalation for our customers.

Is how we use cutlery changing as people continue to embrace a more relaxed style of dining?

For everyday use cutlery, consumers usually prefer timeless and elegant design that feels just as comfortable in the hand as it does on the eye.

Mix and match of metals also seems to be trending for example you will see black flatware with silver, gold, or platinum accents or alternating silvers and golds in

glossy sheens or matte finishes. However, what we have seen go out of fashion is trendy/fad-based cutlery or cutlery with intricate designs that cannot be used in multiple settings.

What types of finishes are you finding most popular with consumers? PVD finishes have been very popular in recent years, is that still the case?

PVD finishing continues to be popular as it comes with brilliant decorative finishes which makes cutlery interesting, different and gives it a modern look.

In terms of PVD finishes black is back in trend, which is not surprising since it is simple yet uber stylish. In recent years we have also seen an increase in the demand for textured cutlery with matte/ satin finishes such textures helps with highlighting the main colour of the tableware.

Utopia

While there were large increases in the cost of the raw materials for steel at the beginning of the pandemic these issues are now abating. Similarly, supply chain issues are also easing but it does require careful forward planning and strong relationships with suppliers. While the energy issue is causing a rise in costs across Europe, it can be worked around with a diverse manufacturing base.

How are you dealing with these challenges?

With most of the supply side issues now known and understood it’s possible to plan around them. The important thing is to keep customers informed and up to date as the situation changes, setting reasonable expectations and trying to offer stability of supply and service.

Is how we use cutlery changing as people continue to embrace a more relaxed style of dining?

The traditional cutlery launch needed to be twelve pieces, and include many specific styles for different needs. Now we’re seeing the main volume and popularity around six core pieces. This makes it easy for restaurants to explore a range of cutlery styles for different menu choices. Of particular note here is the increasing prominence of steak knives. They are widely used, and not just for meat. They open up a lot of possibilities for diverse and unique styles.

What types of finishes are you finding most popular with consumers? PVD finishes have been very popular in recent years, is that still the case?

PVD coating still has a strong position, as it allows a range of different looks to be achieved, either to match with or contrast against other tableware items. Utopia’s Turin (black), Rio (copper) and Bullion (gold) ranges have been some of the most popular recently. There has also been a trend towards vintage and satin finishes, such as Orsay and Astoria made by Utopia’s supply partner, Eternum. This is because they work well with other current trends, including the popularity of earth tones, vegetarian inspired menus and the rising popularity of more relaxed dining experiences.

HEPP

The Signature collection from Utopia offers a contemporary design with clean lines. Paired with Signature’s elongated handles make it the perfect companion to larger tableware pieces. The collection is 18/10 stainless steel, gauge 3.5mm, a range of 10 pieces and comes in a box of 12.

www.utopia-table ware.com

The award-winning Trilogie by HEPP is distinctive, characterised by its graceful, three-sided handles – the triangular cross-section at the end was inspired by cut tree branches. As you’ve come to expect from Hepp, this new line is ergonomically designed and well- balanced. It’s no surprise that Trilogie has already received one of the highest distinctions – the Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. 22 pieces of 18/10 stain less steel cutlery are accompanied by a triangular napkin ring.

The Robert Welch way

The Robert Welch name speaks volumes. The company’s reputation has been built on years of excellence, their narrative is of luxury, performance, style and quality. With both hospitality and consumer a focus in global markets, Tableware International’s Mairead Wilmot caught up with managing director

Rupert Welch to learn more…

Rupert, how has business been for Robert Welch recently?

Robert Welch had to adapt over the course of the Covid pandemic and benefitted from increased demand through lockdowns which saw direct and indirect online sales increase. We are renowned for our cutlery, especially Radford, the largest range of stainless-steel cutlery in the world, but sales of our Campden cookware and Signature Knives have also been particularly strong. Like many businesses we are still suffering the effects of the pandemic with continued

supply chain disruption and manufacturing challenges. However, we have adapted, emerged stronger and are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities both here in the UK and in our expanding global markets.

Which sector is performing best for you – hospitality or consumer retail? Both! We continue to see strong consumer sales through our retail partners and are developing our trade offering to attract new customers who are keen to add the Robert Welch brand

“EVERYTHING WE DO IS ANCHORED BY THE ENDURING DESIGN PRINCIPLES THAT WE HAVE HELD DEAR FOR ALMOST 75 YEARS”

Rupert Welch, managing director , Robert Welch Designs

Did you know?

Radford is the largest range of stainless steel cutlery in the world with 71 individual items.

The assortment was extended specifically to appeal to hospitality customers.

both instore and online. Hospitality bounced back with particularly strong sales of cutlery and our Drift range of serve and tableware. We are also growing our brand presence in all sectors across global markets such as the US, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

The brand is such an iconic name in the business – do you feel a pressure to uphold, and progress, the standards set by Robert Welch himself?

Everything we do is anchored by the enduring design principles that we have held dear for almost 75 years. We talk about the “The Robert Welch DNA” which runs through the entire business from our design philosophy, exacting manufacturing standards and the relationships we hold with our customers and consumers. The Robert Welch Way is truly at the heart of everything we do.

What are the biggest challenges the company faces?

Like most businesses we are dealing with supply chain issues, increased freight and production

costs. We monitor our pricing and have reacted accordingly, but we are agile in our approach to these issues as they are compounded by the cost-of-living crisis and an uncertain global economic outlook. We obviously can’t influence these global issues, but we are nimble and are adapting our business operations and investment in stock to ensure product availability and we continue to provide our customers with outstanding customer service and sales and marketing support.

The Radford range is one of your best-known collections and I believe it is the largest stainlesssteel cutlery range globally, how regularly do you add to it?

Yes, Radford is our most popular and revered cutlery range and currently consists of 71 individual items. The range has developed beyond knives, forks and spoons to include gourmet dining and serving so by choosing Radford you really don’t need to look anywhere else. You can just keep adding to your collection!

We extended the range specifically

Market growth

Robert Welch is growing its brand presence in all sectors across global markets such as the US, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

to appeal to our hospitality customers, but the size of the collection also gives our retail customers confidence when choosing Radford. We continue to constantly review the range to see if there are any items we are missing, recent additions have been the drink stirrers and an amuse bouche spoon.

Which are your most popular collections for retail, and HoReCa?

Our enduring cutlery ranges offer something different to complement the style of any hotel or restaurant. Radford remains ever popular but designs such as Quinton have the added appeal of being available in a Vintage finish which fits a variety of styles

How much time is put into designing your assortments?

Take the ranges within the Master Collection as an example. The same attention to detail is applied to a tiny condiment spoon as to a soup ladle, we never compromise on function and quality. Our Master Collection features some of our best design led and iconic designs as well as pieces that are particularly challenging in terms of manufacturing.

Do you find consumers are paring back on what cutlery they use in the home?

favoured in today’s interiors. We have also seen a lot of interest in our unique textured ranges such as Sandstone and Blockley Slate which is new to Collection 3.5® and offers a tactile feel in the hand as well as adding an accent to the table. Our stunning Drift Collection is a big hit with the hospitality sector. Made with 18/10 stainless steel the collection is specifically designed for hotels, restaurants and cafés and includes serving bowls, trays and stands, jugs and pitchers, tea and coffee sets and barware.

We have found there is a trend towards eating more casually at home. Bowl food for example continues to be popular so we have designed slightly wider fork heads and many sizes of spoons and sporks. However, everyday family dining and formal entertaining are still the primary sales drivers for cutlery in all sectors.

Of course, Robert Welch is not just cutlery with tableware, barware, kitchenware too – as a brand are you interested in expanding your growth into different category sectors?

We are always reviewing our collections and have several

“Hospitality bounced back with particularly strong sales of cutlery”

Drift Serve and Tableware

Radford Bright Cutlery

The Collections explained...

Rupert explains the concept behind Robert Welch’s Collection 3.5, Collection 5.0 and the Master Collection…

“We are proud of our reputation for beautiful cutlery. Every item is designed to last a lifetime, manufactured to the highest standards and is a pleasure to use. The design and look of any table is a personal reflection of style but with an extensive range of 34 distinctive designs and choices of pattern and finish, weight in

the hand and price, choosing cutlery can seem overwhelming. To help, we created two main cutlery collections: 3.5® and 5.0® and then in a class of its own, Master Collection.

Collection 3.5 is made from a slightly thinner 3.5mm gauge of stainless steel, giving each piece a lighter feel in the hand; an entry-level option. All 12

designs within Collection 3.5 are at the same price point. Collection 5.0 is slightly heavier but still well balanced and more of a premium choice. Again, all 17 designs have the same price point to make purchasing easier. The Master Collection includes design-led statement pieces requiring the highest levels of manufacturing expertise and these are priced individually.”

design projects underway. However, we remain true to the enduring principles of design and functionality. Our diverse collections including Drift Service and Tableware, Campden Cookware and Burford Bathroom fittings and accessories have familiar design cues which are instantly recognisable as Robert Welch, and we instinctively know where to draw the line.

Is working with different source materials something you would like to do more of? We designed the dinnerware and cutlery for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, but we are really known for designing stunning pieces in stainless steel and this will continue to be our strength. Mixing materials to complement stainless steel is always challenging but finding

suppliers who can work to the same exacting standards as the factories we have developed deep and long-lasting relationships with, is also difficult. We pride ourselves on product quality and will not compromise.

Do you find there is a pressure to constantly innovate new products?

We have a continual program of product development to satisfy the demands of our customers and changing consumer trends. Our strength is designing products to last a lifetime.

What is your opinion on trade shows? Will you be attending Ambiente, for example?

We will have a presence at Ambiente 2023 as face-to-face meetings and showcasing our

product ranges are hugely important to us. However, the last two years have shown that strong relationships can also be built with customers in other ways such as video calls. Going forward, we expect to use a mix of platforms to show our latest offering and an example of this is shown through the interactive hospitality lookbook we have recently developed. This is proving to be a strong selling tool that can be easily presented over a video call to anywhere around the world! (www. robertwelchhospitality.com)

Finally, what is next for Robert Welch Designs?

We’ll continue to develop timeless design-led products which marry function and form but we’re also looking forward to building the Robert Welch brand worldwide.

Campden Cookware

Signature Kitchen Knives

Sandstone Bright Cutlery

Blockley Slate Cutlery, one of the latest launches from Robert Welch

Tableware Trend Analyst Donna Ferrari

Best in glass…

Tablescaping with a motley mixture of colours, textures and patterns combined in an Instagrammable arrangement is the most up-to-date way to set a table. Keeping with this trend we see a rainbow of colourful, visionary and fanciful new ideas in glassware at the ready. Trend expert Donna Ferrari dives into the top trends in glassware…

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.

Colour galore

Colour in abundance features in the latest trove of glassware products. A cupboard full of coloured glassware will make lively add-ons to change-up a table setting creating different looks and different moods.

Micheluzzi Glass’s Mosso collection, mosso means motion in Italian, is the brainchild of sisters Elena and Margherita Micheluzzi, daughters of maestri vetrai (Italian for glass master) Massimo Micheluzzi. A common practice at a glassworks is to identify flawed glasses by pinching them while still soft. These castoffs inspired the sisters to view imperfection though a modern sensibility. The collection is specifically created in the irregular, unique shapes to convey a gentle, natural movement and in a set of colours that recall the Venetian lagoon. The glasses offered in six colours in the collection IVV calls Todo Modo, an Italian expression meaning every way, do just that. Well suited for the trends in today’s flexible lifestyles they are easy to grip, stackable and able to serve any type of drink, an amuse-bouche, a dessert… you name it. LSA’s Dapple drinkware and decorative pieces employ an undulating surface texture that refracts light to create an effect like dappled sunlight. Whilst the four colour names in the range — Water Blue, Earth Brown, Woodland Green and Sun Amber, conjure other elements of nature. At Polspotten the Tubular Wine Glasses, in a set of four, each have a colour of their own and notably different sandblasted wave-like patterns. Interior designer India Mahdavi’s vivid, colour-filled Mabouls glassware group includes drinkware and the votive holder shown.

Micheluzzi Glass

LSA

India Mahdavi

Tonal trend

Another on-trend glassware colour is smoke. Tagged as a hue with a retro vibe and cosmopolitan cool, this tone is making a comeback as seen in many of the latest glassware collections.

Founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s Estelle Colored Glass brand offers, along with other colours, the Estelle Martini Glass in the très sophistiqué colour she describes as Gray Smoke. Sieger by Ichendorf is amplifying its Stand Up collection of curved base glassware with a new size carafe and a tall glass tumbler offered in two styles, Transparent and Smoke. Lenox’s Tuscany Classics Stackable glassware makes a point of including Smoke in the collection’s

Dazzling

line up of other popular colours. At Orrefors designer Lena Bergström chose to reintroduce the Carat Candlestick in Graphite as a new version of her original creation in clear crystal. Artěl’s Viden highball glass, part of a barware collection and shown here in Smoke, took inspiration from the aesthetic of the early 20th century’s Wiener Werkstätte’s edgy ideas in graphic designs. Eleven other colours, plus clear, are also available.

Crystal's true calling is to dazzle the eye and the latest trends use a dynamism in cuts and concepts to reveal this brilliance in new-fashioned ways. Veering from a traditional approach, a trend we see are simplified cuts creating powerful, uncluttered motifs. Equally, trends in sculptural shapes built of crystal that showcase the material’s allure with a new verve.

Saint-Louis the Cadence collection of barware, decorative objects and lighting designed by Pierre Charpin plays up the purity of the crystal with precision cuts in an interplay of horizontal and vertical lines and in newly conceived, ultra-contemporary silhouettes. The simple but striking horizontal cuts in William Yeoward Crystal’s Marina barware give the classical cased crystal technique a chic, modern styling. Lalique’s Wingen pattern enlists a rhythm of graphic lines to dramatically define its satinfinished crystal barware in a modernist mode. Rogaska’s Gem vase’s variable arrangement of raised crystal facets look like a collection of oversized cut precious gem stones and gives crystal giftware a neoteric point of view. The Baccarat x Kim Seybert collaboration features a selection of items including hard placemats, table linens, coasters, and, shown here taking its cue from the sparking prism-shaped crystals on the chandelier of the same name is the dazzling Zenith napkin ring (also available in black and red editions).

Artěl

Orrefors

Sieger by Ichendorf

Estelle Colored Glass

Lenox

Lalique

Rogaska

Baccarat x Kim Seybert

Saint-Louis

Trends

Raising a glass

Serving a libation at its best is a serious science and the trend to create glassware designed to optimize its aroma, taste and temperature is a serious business. For home bars to those at the fanciest of F&B watering holes here are some of the latest glasses for the best tipple or caffeinated experience.

Waterford’s Connoisseur Collection

Aras Rum Snifter & Tasting Cap with its easy to sip from shape and a cap to capture and concentrate aromatics make a team to enhance the tasting of a brown spirit served straight. Fred Glass For Spirits, designed by Leonardo Borra, offers the tactile impression one’s hand is one with the glass and allows the hand to warm spirits like cognac and whisky to release their nose. Nude Glass’s Nude No.3 martini glass designed in partnership with No.3 Gin and envisioned with research by Dr. Junfeng Yang is defined by a thick base in the bowl engineered to keep a drink cold for longer. From Viski the Glacier Double-Wall Chilling Wine Glass does just that with the aid of the brand’s proprietary cooling gel between the glass’s double walls. Eisch’s Gin Tonic Tasting Glass, developed with spirits expert Jürgen Deibel, intends to maximize the experience for tasting gin neat or with tonic. Sghr Sugahara Skal beer glasses takes their name from the Norwegian word used to make a toast; the shapely design is available with a smooth or textured finish. Lenox's Signature Series wineglasses are offered in two shapes — the Warm Region glass and the Cool Region glass. Conceived with the help of sommelier, Victoria James, the premise for the two bowl shapes is based on where the wine came from — a warm or a cool climate, factors James advises most effect a wine’s profile. One of two different icons is etched on the foot of a Signature Series wineglass to represent a distance closer or further from the equator, meaning the glass is for a wine from a warmer or cooler region. Nespresso, together with Riedel, have designed the Nespresso Reveal Espresso Tasting Glasses. As the trend for what is known as third wave coffee sweeps the globe — a trend defined by a bean’s terrior, specialty roasts, sustainability and brewing methods — new ideas in vessels for drinking coffee have become a hot commodity. Riedel’s expertise in glassware designed to focus flavour on the palate and enhance an olfactory experience led to the creation of the Reveal collection’s three shapes for mild to intense espressos and those served lungo.

Infinite possibilities

Themes from nature, always an influence on trends, can be represented in infinite possibilities in the art of glass making. Some of nature’s plants, animals and insects are on view in the trend for glassware designs that are imaginative and ideal for #sharing.

Vanessa Mitrani’s Blossom Mug is an example of the designer’s use of mixed media and her limitless ability to Ichendorf Milano’s Cactus in light blue, one of six colours in the Desert Plants wineglass group designed by Alessandra Baldereschi is characterized by the designer’s signature style to blend whimsy with naturalistic elements. The latest home collection dropped from Gucci Décor’s creative director Alessandro Michele includes, among other fantasy themes the animal totems represented in the Lion head, Tiger head and Bee drinkware. A hand-painted

Lepidoptera on Aerin’s Concave Painted Butterflies tumbler, designed by Ted Muehling and produced by Lobmeyr brings no risk, as in the old wives tale, of it stealing butter, ergo its moniker — butter + fly. From La Rochère, the French glass factory in production since 1475, the Bee collection, fashioned after the Napoleonic bee, has long been a best seller. Mindful of the major trend for tea consumption the brand has introduced the Bee Tea Infuser Mug with a wood lid cum saucer sustainably sourced from forests in France’s Lorraine and FrancheComté regions.

Vanessa Mitrani

Gucci Décor

Aerin

Nespresso/Riedel

Sghr

Eisch

Viski

Fred Glass For Spirits

Nude Glass

The cohesive interior

Decorative tabletop – from vases to candles – has become a go-to category for buyers looking to expand their retail portfolio while satisfying the consumer’s desire for a cohesive home aesthetic. Mairead Wilmot takes a look at just some of the decorative options supplied by tabletop

The decorative category has always been a logical extension for tabletop companies looking to maximise profitability. And while decorative may be the next natural step in the tabletop journey – arguably, it is governed by the faster moving, trend-driven home décor sector. There lies a jarring juxtaposition between the slower pace of high-end tableware production versus the fast-fashion influenced home décor sector. That being said – if you are producing decorative

pieces for retail to sit alongside your tableware collections, you will have an attentive audience for as long as you are producing cohesive ranges.

“Design trends are really important to the category, particularly in terms of appealing to new consumer groups,” agrees Portmeirion Group’s head of brands Andrea Waters. “But so is longevity, our ceramics are made to last so choosing the right trend is important in terms of creating collections that have appeal and span the ages.”

For Portuguese brand Porcel, president Ana Luísa Roque says

“We figure that decorative pieces should always stand alongside tableware”

Ana Luísa Roque, Porcel

their inspiration for decorative pieces is generally an extension of their tableware collections.

“These pieces are created to enable a consistent home decoration, as well as providing the client with versatile and timeless items that fit well in any setting,” she points out. “We figure that decorative pieces should always stand alongside tableware, in order to create a more diversified offer for our clients. This is also an incentive for the setup of more creative tablescapes that incorporate both of these elements.”

Denby has recently added to its decorative/home décor portfolio, Richard Eaton, design director tells us. “The new Studio Blue Accent pieces are as much art as they are functional pieces and in today’s market where people are looking for value, having something that is both beautiful and functional, and can be used in a number of different ways, adds more value and desirability to a piece.”

Richard continues: “Is the decorative tabletop category trend led? I think what is applied to tableware or home interiors you can apply to decorative products because some are designed to fit within an interior

trend which might be a colour or a particular look, others may want a classic look that is outside of contemporary trends. I think trends are as relevant within decorative products as they are within the rest of the home and everything in between.”

Functionality and design are the main drivers of trends in the decorative tabletop category, says Jodi Fleishman, marketing director of Gibson Homewares.

“Tabletop pieces offering both utility and aesthetic find their way to the hearts and lifestyles of consumers. Consumers became creative in enhancing their cooking skills during the pandemic; now that home entertaining has resumed, they are excited to showcase their new-found cooking and baking skills with more decorative tableware and serveware.”

Statement serveware is seeing an injection of interest from consumers, agrees Portmeirion’s Andrea Waters who says “statement and serving pieces are definitely on trend and add something new and standout to a dinner set.”

Buyers are also looking for something which is not just attractive but serves a purpose – there is an inclination towards

functionalism from consumers looking to maximise value on their purchases.

“Something that has a function to it rather than purely decorative is really important but that doesn’t diminish how beautiful something is or how great it looks,” says Denby’s Richard Eaton. “For example, a vase, whether you are a person who buys a bunch of flowers every week, so you want a perfect vase or you are the kind of person who buys the vase because you appreciate it as

worked very hard in creating decorative pieces that look fabulous, but are extremely easy-care, so you do not hesitate about using them all the time. For instance, our linen items come out of the washer and dryer looking perfect, not a wrinkle on them.”

This sort of flexible approach to decorative tabletop means manufacturers and consumers are meeting half-way, companies are extending their portfolio with complementary home décor assortments – think home fragrances, vases, serveware, planters – and consumers are buying into the concept because these decorative pieces are often not just multifunctional, they can be enhanced with accent pieces in the same motif for a cohesive interior aesthetic. It’s win-win all round.

“Statement pieces, vases, showstoppers are always popular – consumers love

a piece of art, both are equally as important.”

In terms of what is trending design wise, Beatriz Ball points towards floral motifs, colour and pattern, paired with “interesting shapes that can be either a nod to the past or present”. These, says Beatriz, offer “a welcome departure from the restraint of the greys and other neutral colours and simple forms that have dominated the design world for many years.”

In a nod to product practicality, which is demanded by today’s consumers, Beatriz adds; “I have

to have a showpiece in their collection,” Portmeirion’s Andrea Waters says and Porcel’s Ana Luísa Roque agrees: “statement pieces like vases are the most popular amongst our clients, especially shapes such as Galia. These are a favourite both with our own decorations and for the elaboration of custom-made projects.”

As the decorative category continues to grow, so too does the opportunity for tableware producers to be creative – after all, who doesn’t love a cohesive interior?

“Choosing the right trend is important in terms of creating collections that have appeal and span the ages”

Andrea Waters, Portmeirion Group

“Trends are as relevant within decorative products as they are within the rest of the home”

Richard Eaton, Denby

Beatriz Ball

Portmeirion

Portmeirion

Botanic Garden’s iconic motif deco rates a wide assortment of products including these glorious vases –perfect for lovers of the series which is now 50 years old.

Royal Selangor

It would be futile to deny that the ductility of fine pewter isn’t considered a drawback, but it is this same inherent characteristic of the alloy that grants pewter its most treasured qualities: its ability to reproduce exquisite de tail, its beautifully subdued patina when aged, and its soft warmth when compared to cold sterility of aluminium or steel. Mallea takes advantage of this commonly perceived weakness in tandem with traditional production methods, punctuating forms in fluenced by early Scandinavian industrial design with a series of decorative controlled folds. Each item’s series of indentations are shaped individually so no two pieces are alike. This vase, in addition to holding flowers, nicely holds a standard bottle of wine too!

Koransha

The deep, signature lapis lazuli colour for which Koransha is known for appears here in a design featuring grapes and gold leaf, making for a vivid vase. The Golden Grape over Ruri flower vase boasts a refined elegance designed to enhance everyday decor – perfectly at home in a foyer, Japanese-style or Western-style room.

Nambé

From the designers at Nambé, the architectural Pebble Twist Bud Vase is a stylish addition to any home. Boasting a contemporary twist design, the piece is made with Nambé alloy and is designed by Steve Cozzolino.

Sieger by Fürstenberg

The Luna vases collection from Sieger By Fürstenberg is sculptural in nature. In three sizes and with a tapering conical form, the vases can showcase both smaller and more lavish floral bouquets. They are available in pure white and with a black-and-white striped pattern – refined with 24-carat bur nished gold. As a group, the vases make up an elegant and classic mix.

FUTURISMO

A celebration of art and modernity

Porcel

Porcel offers a range of high-quality decorative pieces, meant to grab the attention all throughout the house. The best way to introduce them is by choosing pieces that feature the same collection as your finest table ware sets, in order to consolidate the overall look. Take note of the Belle Époque decorative pieces - a recent addition to Porcel’s collection.

Sambonet

From Sambonet, the Penelope Wine Cooler and Ice Bucket express the balance between lightweight and steadiness. Wine Cooler’s conical shape is cleverly calculated to hold the bottle – or half-bottle – even when in use.

As well as for the Ice Bucket, it takes up little space on the table. The pieces’ stand free up space on the table, keeping the same style. A solution that can be easily matched to different mood.

Sambonet Penelope Wine Cooler and Ice Bucket are part of Sambonet Penelope, an exclusive capsule collection to suggest new concepts for service at the table.

www.sambonet.com

Kosta Boda

Crackle from Kosta Boda, launched in 2020, is a collection of vases and bowls - mouth blown in Kosta and created from the elements of nature. The shape is carved in clay by hand, and the crackled surface is formed with an old technique where the hot glass is placed in cold water. The result is sculptural pieces reminiscent of ice. The crackled surface will catch the light from the crack of dawn until sunset - telling the story of fire, earth and water.

Beatriz Ball

Beatriz Ball has designed vibrant products featuring patterns of red and green that are ideal for the festive season. “I wanted to create a pattern that could be used any time of year, particularly since the easy-care fabric needs absolutely no ironing, comes out of the dryer without a wrinkle, but also using some lovely red and green tones, so also perfect to build and create a Christmas story on your table” said Beatriz Ball. The Norelle runner has matching Norelle napkin and charming reversible easycare placemat sets that create an instant happy table and all at a great price point.

Gibson Homewares

The Martha Stewart Seawell Collection features rattan serving trays, caddies, and placemats. Made from 100 per cent rattan, each piece features a natural, golden-brown color for a warm, rustic style and an intricate weave for strength and durability.

Sculptural serving plates and bowls provide novelty and charm in presenting appetisers and soups. The Martha Stew art Patterson collection offers a selection of figural pieces such as pumpkin tureens and leaf tidbit dishes and platters.

Artel

Artel’s elegant Sakura motif on the Kirshner bowl shape captures the graceful beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms featuring delicate white flowers tinged with pin, set against a lustrous pearl finish. The piece is mouth-blown, hand-painted and hand-engraved and hand-gilded.

Denby

Denby’s Kiln collection includes home decor pieces such as hand-crafted beauti ful vases and candles in Denby ceramics, reed diffusers and napkins. The beauty of this collection is that the ceramic items such as the candle holder can be re-purposed and enjoyed around the home with a variety of different uses from drinks vessels to plant pots and bud vases.

Utopia

The Kiln vase is a piece that makes a statement, is eye catching and beautiful as a display item alone or ideal for displaying foliage or flowers.

While Denby decor pieces are produced to complement Denby patterns, they are equally at home as stand-alone pieces.

Often overlooked, candle holders are a simple and costeffective way to set a tone for style and create an ambience through lighting. Utopia have aimed to have a diverse collec tion of candleholders, they can change the mood of a table either inside or out. Utopia’s range of candle holders includes ribbed versions, criss cross designs, stud effects, bubble finishes, chunky retro shapes and smooth minimalist finishes. All have heavy bases for stability and safety. Colour varieties include red, blue green, amber and smoky grey – something to fit in with most décors and themes.

Nude Glass

Taken from the Mist range by Tamer Nakışçı, this Dusty Rose vase combines an exploration of colour and texture with an elegant and contemporary silhouette. Available in three sizes, each piece is made from leadfree corrugated crystal and adorned with a ripple pattern which makes flower stems appear slightly blurred — as if seen through the

Haviland

Three decorative objects enrich the Rêves du Nil collection – two vases and a tray. These magnificent pieces add elegance and sophistication to interiors and the Haviland touch is demonstrated, once again, with the hand-painted rim edge in gold that completes the porcelain pieces.

FRAGILE

Poole Pottery

For a punchy colour and to make a statement with an amazing handpainted vase, Poole Pottery can be relied upon. Admirers of Poole decorative ware often use it for just that reason especially when they create simple interiors and then add a pop of colour with an amazing Poole Vase. Poole uses a traditional method of casting each vase in earthenware clay on traditional wooden benches specially designed for the purpose. In addition to the assortment of vases for which Poole is renowned are beautiful and tactile figures of tortoise, bird and fish. Every Poole piece is supplied in a stylish gift box, perfect for gift giving and storage.

Vista Alegre

Vista Alegre has developed a new partnership with Christian Lacroix Maison for a porcelain collection titled “Fête Vos Jeux”. This playful collection includes a unique set of dice, dominoes, and a memory game which double as elegant decorative objects full of glamour. In addition to these multi-purpose, decorative pieces - “Les Dés Amoureux”, “Le Domino Romantique” and “Le Jeu de Mémoire Blind Date” also include dessert plates and coffee cups. Featuring four different patterns, the “Fête Vos Jeux” collection is designed with delicate materials and romantic motifs, making it as fun as it is charming. These pieces, presented in a gift box in line with the creativity of the collection, make a distinctive and unforgettable gift.

Nymphenburg

The breathtakingly pure Orchid branches from Nymphenburg are a timeless decoration and the brand now offers a new variety of porcelain flowers – painted and unpainted - attached to the bronze branch.

Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch’s Manufacture range is the epit ome of urban coolness. For all those who can’t get enough of the minimalist, modern look, the Manufacture world can be experienced with all the senses: in atmospheric candlelight and with exclusive fragrances.

Manufacture Rock Home is extending the natural look of the Manufacture collection throughout the entire home, with candlehold ers and hurricane lamps that create fascinating interplays of light and shadow. The slate-look bases complete the effect: flickering candlelight on the rough surface emphasizes the realistic stone texture.

Lalique

On the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of its factory in Wingen-sur-Moder, Lalique’s emblematic motifs, Bacchantes, Mossi, Languedoc and Champs-Elysées, have been given an intense blue coating. This magnetic and symbolically charged colour is an invitation to revisit the brand’s iconic crystal pieces.

There may be trouble ahead?

With a near doubling in wholesale gas prices since May causing unprecedented increases in energy prices, coupled with rising inflation, things may look bleak for many. Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA, examines the situation for the housewares sector and says it’s not all bad news…

BHETA’s latest economic report (Q2) into DIY, garden, housewares and small domestic electricals coincides with BHETA’s latest member survey, and the outputs are very complementary. Whether we look at big data or qualitative feedback from companies and brands at the coalface of the market, the same message is clear. The macro-economic picture is seriously concerning, and there are no BHETA members expecting growth in the overall economy over the next 12 months. But, having said that, numbers of members are more positive about their own business prospects, with 17 per cent expecting a better or much better year. In fact, only 1 in 10 expect the next twelve months to be ‘much worse’, and just over half predict it will be only ‘slightly worse’. It seems it’s all about clever adaption in order to continue taking advantage of a sector which remains positive.

It would, of course, be madness to deny the situation we seem to be in as a nation. The Bank of England has forecasted the United Kingdom will enter a recession in the fourth quarter. A near doubling in wholesale gas prices since May is causing unprecedented increases in energy prices. This will exacerbate the fall in real incomes for UK households and further increase UK CPI inflation in the near term. We can quote a whole load more evidence of downturn and only have to listen to media to see case study upon case study of scary consumer situations.

Gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.6 per cent in June 2022 but was up 1.9 per cent in the 12 months to

June. Production fell by 0.9 per cent in June, mainly because of a fall of 1.6 per cent in manufacturing. Construction also fell by 1.4 per cent in June 2022, following seven consecutive months of growth. The UK manufacturing PMI fell to 46 in August 2022 from 52.1 in July, pointing to the first contraction in factory activity since May 2020. Total construction new orders decreased 10.4 per cent (£1,355 million) in Q2 2022 compared with Q1 – this is the largest quarterly fall in construction new orders since Q4 2020 (11.7 per cent).

A very sobering picture and disastrous for some. The kitchen and tableware categories are not among the worst affected – assuming we take action where we can. Of course, we are down on those peaks of 2021, but thanks to lockdown’s influx of new cooks, bakers and home entertainers, a still buoyant housing market, and the likelihood that home entertaining will remain big as hard-pressed families curtail eating out – this category remains one of the most positive places to be.

GlobalData tells us that UK employment remains strong, and the housing market is relatively robust. So, there are positives. Weakening economic outlook is reducing the price of oil and some raw materials.

Retail sales volumes rose by 0.3 per cent in July 2022 following a fall of 0.2 per cent in June 2022; sales volumes remain 2.3 per cent above their preCOVID February 2020 levels, despite the YOY downturn. UK average house prices increased by 7.8 per cent over the year to June 2022. Albeit down from 12.8 per cent in May, the average UK house price was £286,000

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

in June, which is £20,000 higher than the same time last year. The knock on to home improvement – whether to sell or to stay – remains a positive factor to consider.

So, despite the many alarms we now face, maybe it is not surprising that BHETA members are realistic but not despairing in their view of the immediate prospects. While 53 per cent expect UK orders to decrease, 29 per cent expect a rise; and there is there is more confidence in export, with 38 per cent predicting a rise in orders and only 27 per cent expecting a decrease. Home entertaining and home cooking remain bigger categories than they were before lockdown. Google searches have declined versus this time last year but remain higher than 2019. In short, there are now more people interested in the category, but they will have less disposable income to spend, so focusing on showing value – including more expensive items showing long-term ‘buy best buy once’ – is clearly the way to go.

As you would expect the over-riding concerns for BHETA housewares members are inflation, raw materials cost and energy prices, and the impact on consumer demand – 93 per cent are concerned about retailer acceptance of price

rises and 83 per cent concerned about supply chain issues, although at a lesser degree. The salutary fact is that the pandemic caused may companies to take steps that today’s economic threats would have made mandatory. In other words, they are ahead of the game. According to BHETA’s member survey, lockdowns caused four out of ten businesses to change strategy, although for some that actually meant speeding up changes that were already underway. One of the big potential shifts is in routes to market. With 58 per cent of members currently bringing in containers from Asia, just under a third are actively interested in switching sourcing back to European suppliers, with 15 per cent having recently done so.

We need to keep educating and informing the new cooking, baking and home entertaining market –while, of course, offering support to the trade. We need to look carefully at supply chain for a myriad of reasons. The key message is that we have been forced into an era of quicker changes than we might have liked, but many are such that we should have had on the agenda anyway. While we adapt as we must, it is vital we keep the consumer on side.

The kitchen and tableware categories are not among the worst affected – assuming we take action where we can

Spotlight on…

The elaborate polishing of Zwiesel’s refined handmade glasses makes them the perfect choice for special occasions. With its extravagant shapes, black stem and striking cut, the Glamorous series celebrates the 1920s and Art Déco design.

Artesa is elevating cocktail season with its new Serving Tree –a definite talking point! Ideal for all types of celebrations, this is an impressive way to display and offer an array of cocktails. The bronze colour coated tree boasts 12 individual sections for holding either glasses or party cones. The perfect centrepiece! lifetimebrandseurope.com

Raise a toast

Cocktails are never not in fashion, but with the festive season approaching, they come into their own more than ever. We shine a light on some must-have glasses available to retail and hospitality…

www.zwiesel-glas.com

Bright n’ bold

The coloured glassware from Gibson Homewares sparkles with subtly tinted hues of refracted light. An array of soft, optimistic brights, combines with texture and other details to makes this rainbow hue four-piece embossed glass collection, the perfect addition to any table.

www.gibsonhomewares.com

Vintage chic

Nude Glass brings us the Vintage Margarita and Martini glasses, designed to pay homage to classic cocktail stemware. Expertly crafted in lead-free crystal glass, each bowl features an elegant and intriguing silhouette guaranteed to elevate cocktail carts or bar cabinets.

eu.nudeglass.com

Polished perfection

Artel’s Faceted motif draws its inspiration from 18th-century German vessels that used the same style of cutting and polishing. The unique angular appearance of the mouth-blown glasses makes a bold statement. The double old fashioned comes in a rose colourway, while the highball comes in fuchsia and amber.

Crystal clear

Lucaris Crystal presents it assortment of high-end crystalline glasses designed for the hotel and catering sector. Two series have specifically been designed to enhance the cocktail experience are Rims and Rims Orient. The smooth surface and curved edges of Rims might seem simple at first glance but allow for endless mixing possibilities while encouraging bartenders to get creative and think of new mixing ways. The series consists of 10 different cocktail glasses tailored to suit a large variety of drinks from champagne-based cocktails to martinis and long drinks.

Rims Orient, its striking counterpart, takes inspiration from 1920s barware. The exquisite cocktail coupes and glasses with their grooved texture are sure to capture the attention of your guests and turn drinks into real showstoppers. RAK Porcelain is the official distributor for Lucaris Crystal in Europe.

Extra sparkle guaranteed

Utopia’s Botanist range has an effervescent bubble feature built into the glass wall to add extra sparkle to the serve. A versatile cocktail collection with key shapes including shapes for on trend small serve items. These glasswasher safe glasses are suitable for the busiest of bars and restaurants. Shapes include Nick and Nora, couple, martini and flute.

Street style

The Street barware collection – designed by Jan Johansson – has merged Orrefors’ Scandinavian design tradition with inspiration from New York’s world-famous grid system of streets and avenues. The crisp purity of crystal permeates each glass, from champagne to cognac glasses, and –naturally – a martini glass. In addition, Street includes a decanter and ice bucket with black details to provide contrast against the clear glass.

Inspired by… delicious design

Vista Alegre brings us a collection of glassware inspired by the colour and sweetness of macarons, the kings of French confectionery! The Bicos assortment of glasses have been specially designed for delicious liqueurs. Just like the little macaron, the Bicos range is a universal classic and offers six glasses in six different colours. www.vistaalegre.com

TableWare

Pure elegance

From Villeroy & Boch, the Purismo collection is a winning combination of strong curves and clear shapes. Purismo offers glasses of every kind from spherical wine goblets, flat champagne bowls and tall, long drink glasses – fine wines, creative cocktails and elaborate desserts are shown off to their best advantage in an extraordinary way and will delight every day.

The taste of perfection

The Sip of Gold tumblers from Sieger By Fürstenberg pair waferthin porcelain and the finest precious metal. Originally made for champagne, they are highly versatile and can be used for many other drinks – just perfect for enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Lovingly handmade in Germany, each tumbler is unique – with a wall thickness of only around two millimetres.

Striking drinkware

Spode’s Creature of Curiosity collection boasts a set of striking gold stem wine glasses – not just for wine, of course. Creatures of Curiosity collection has been inspired by the Victorian obsession with all things weird and wonderful from the natural world, with an unmistakably Spode twist.

A moment for martini

The Sip of Gold tumblers are available in pure white or black, with precise reliefs or exciting decors – 38 models in total. The latest series is named Beautiful Creatures. It pays tribute to the beauty and variety of animal species.

Embrace the colour

The carved double old-fashioned set of 6 (multi) from Beatriz Ball’s glass collection contains a half dozen colourful masterpieces of the glassmaker's art – guaranteed to inspire joy. Each a different hue, and etched with a different design, they are sold as a mixed set of six.

Paderno fully appreciate the art of crafting the perfect martini. After all, it is the only cocktail recognisable from its glass, to be handled from the stem to keep it fresh. The minimalist design of Paderno’s martini glass teamed with the polished finish of the steel make it a super stylish option.

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.

“Great ideas are timeless”

Much like fashion, what food is presented on goes through a cyclical process, falling in and out of favour. From glass to copper to wood, Valda Goodfellow looks at what is coming back into vogue

They say what goes around comes around, and we see this many times in the revival of trends and products. It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that this is simply a lack of original ideas, but I don’t think so. Great ideas are timeless. Yes, they fall out of favour for a while but then someone rediscovers the magic of these once-favoured products – whether they are culinary dishes such as a classic soufflé, mid-century furniture or the dreaded 1970’s flared trousers.

Take the soufflé for instance. It is very much having a moment and demand for soufflé pots is rising

like, well, a very fluffy soufflé.

It is a thing of beauty when done well and shows off skills in the kitchen in a way not many other dishes can by sight alone. To truly make soufflés look as dramatic, decadent and luxurious as they can be, we offer spectacular silver and copper sleeves or pots that really elevate the spectacle. Believe me, the soufflé will be everywhere this autumn. I have talked previously about the increase in demand for silver, which is definitely experiencing a revival all of its own, so I won’t expand on this now.

Did you know?

Copper used to be seen on every table, whether formal or casual food was being served and demand was at its peak about 10 years ago. Gradually, we have seen other items – such as cast iron and ceramics –taking its place as tastes change. We predict copper is coming back in a big way, with both luxury dining and casual dining set to rediscover the visual appeal, functionality and durability of the iconic metal.

Mauviel is the last great French producer of significance keeping the tradition of copper production alive, while maintaining its relevance and place on the table, through innovation and quality. Its products are found around the world in the best kitchens and best restaurants and will be on shopping lists again this autumn. They work amazingly well for

Mauviel copper mini roaster

Soufflé is having a ‘moment’ with demand for soufflé pots on the rise.

Designed by...

G&G has designed a small range of wooden items under the sub-brand GoodfWood, in conjunction with craftsman Ken Holland.

sharing dishes, as well as individual servings, and fit effortlessly into the continuing trend for brasserie dining. We believe the use of copper will find its way into new cuisine concepts in a way which has not been seen before.

Copper works brilliantly with wood, as the natural elements enhance each other’s visual appeal as well as creating a sense of honesty and integrity in the concept. That was why it was such a winning combination for gastro pubs and brasseries.

Tables featuring wooden serveware are less common these days, environmental officers dissuaded restaurateurs from using it in direct contact with food. Think how many steak boards were used by restaurants a few years ago!

Wood is incredible. It can be used in so many ways, in so many forms that it is no wonder its appeal will be subject to reinvention time after time. We have worked a lot with wood –from using it to create anything from risers for characterful food displays to individual mini cone

holders made from exotic woods.

We are now working with an incredible craftsman who is using fractal burning to create wood items that take on a whole new dimension.

Fractal burning is a recently developed technique which uses a high voltage electricity source applied to wood to create natural branching patterns. It looks other-worldly and when combined with rivulets of coloured acrylic can produce stunningly original pieces of wood art, ideal for displaying canapés or petits fours among other things.

G&G has designed a small range of these items under the sub-brand GoodfWood, in conjunction with Ken Holland, to show the industry how amazing these products can look on the table. We will also take commissions for bespoke development and small batch production. We really love using wood for innovation as we know we can offer everyone a sense of uniqueness without it costing the earth. Of course, all wood used

for these products comes from sustainable wood sources.

Finally, I would like to turn to glassware.

Twenty years ago, the use of glass plates in restaurants was prolific but like so many materials, it fell foul of being mass-produced, quality eroding and – it has to be said –some misuse or lack of appropriate care. I have long nurtured the wish that demand for glass tableware be revived. Amazing producers

like MyGlass Plate have maintained an exclusive-level demand and I applaud their creativity and dedication but the more general level of demand has not recovered to former levels.

It may never do so, but that does not mean there is no desire for its unique beauty. Glass, like wood can be used creatively to produce unique items and adds a dimension to food presentation that is hard to beat. We have already seen a revival for glass used for dessert presentation, particularly for retrodesserts, but we will use glass in a way which will reinvent its use in dining and hopefully reinvigorate demand across the dining scene.

Across all materials we are now looking to work more in collaborative way; not only with producers but also operators and chefs, to provide unique and some reinvented products for today and tomorrows trends. So don’t think it’s a lack of ideas that leads people to reinvent or rediscover, it is because some good ideas will always find appeal, apart from 1970’s flares that is!

Tables featuring wooden serveware are less common these days… think how many steak boards were used by restaurants a few years ago!

Wood flat amuse walnut board from GoodfWood

100%CHEF Lactarius mushroom glass

The show

goes on!

This October sees the return of The New York Tabletop Show to 41 Madison. Now under the guidance of the Tabletop Association, the building’s permanent tenants will showcase their latest collections.

“We are excited about the upcoming show,” says David Zrike, president of the Tabletop Association. “Pre-registration is outpacing past shows with many of the world’s leading retailers attending. The members of the association are busy setting up their showrooms with lots of exciting new products.”

The tradeshow is, of course, one of the key events for the American tabletop sector and Tableware International looks forward to attending to visit the likes of DaumHaviland on Floor 6 in Suite 604. Drawing on its roots in Art Nouveau, Daum continues to portray the richness of vegetation motifs with its new collection. Daum, fascinated by the beauty of nature, offers us a tropical voyage in a lush wilderness where leopards and hummingbirds play hide and seek in the dense tropical foliage which visitors to 41 Madison can enjoy. Orrefors and Kosta Boda will also be showcasing their assortments on Floor 9 where you’ll see Kosta Boda’s impressive Crackle Recycled – a new colourway in their Crackle collection – along with the beautifully refined Grace glass collection from Orrefors, designed by Erika Lagerbielke. Bringing the best of British to 41 Madison, Typhoon

Homewares will be on Floor 8 with brands such as Mason Cash. Buyers will be able to explore the range including this Sweet Bee Mixing Bowl which is intricately embossed with flying bumblebees and features a delicate honeycomb rim. Not forgetting serveware with the Mason Cash nautical platter assortment which are available in medium and large sizes and feature an on-theme shell decoration.

Of course, Portuguese powerhouse Vista Alegre will also be at 41 Madison, and you’ll find them on Floor 9 with Bordallo Pinheiro Collections such as Futurism and the gorgeous Fete Vos Jeux will be available to buyers, as will Bordallo Pinheiro’s impressive Tropical Fruits and extraordinarily intricate Cabbage with Lobsters – which you can read more of on page 28/29 in this issue.

www.

more details on the show.

In with the new

Jars Ceramics will open a new showroom during the upcoming New York Tabletop Market at 41 Madison. We take a closer look at the French brand…

This October, Jars Ceramics will open a new showroom at 41 Madison during the upcoming New York Tabletop Show. The French brand will present, for the first time, its entire ceramics portfolio for the US market.

“We’ll showcase new stoneware pieces with rich glazes and colors including deep and moody blues, greens, and blacks in the Wabi and Dashi Collections and vintage, charming pastels in the Canine Collection,” says Tara

The history

The Jars Ceramics story began in 1857, in a small village in the Drôme, in the south of France. Pierre Jars created a workshop made of a collective of ceramists: a community of craftsmen who make each piece by hand.

Steffen, director of marketing USA.

“We’re thrilled to open a New York City showroom so we can bring the Jars Ceramics brand vision to life through a multi-layered experience in our new space. The showroom is designed to showcase Jars unique manufacturing aspects and engage the creative entrepreneurs who love fine tabletop: chefs, interior designers, design and lifestyle store buyers, lifestyle influencers, stylists, and media.”

Meet some new collections

Cantine – this fresh, modern interpretation of classic 1950s dinnerware silhouettes are beautiful and practical. The pieces are fully hand-made by French artisans. The vintage shapes with warm, soft colors reflect the subdued hues of the French riviera. Each ceramic is unique: the magic and alchemy of high intensity firing.

Dashi - a unique range of bowls for broths, ramen, or rice with plates to add.

Jardin de Maguelone –an assortment with a subtle and matte pallet of colors, the powdered touch softens with time and use.

The move to this permanent showroom is timely for Jars who are already known in the US market thanks to partnerships with tabletop distributors and luxury retail stores. Now, however, they will be presenting their full story – branding and products –in a cohesive manner.

“The showroom is key step in allowing the company to chart its own course and reach

out to the consumer who is selective and passionate about including fine, organic objects of beauty in their homes and on their tables and in their everyday lives,” Tara tells us.

Jars prides itself on its organic, natural approach to ceramics creation – all of its excess clay and broken raw pieces are treated and reused, for example. All clay raw materials are natural and purchased from certified quarries in France and Germany while the final clay (paste and slip) is a unique Jars recipe perfected over 150 years of stoneware production.

In short, the brand has a great story to tell and with products designed for both retail and hospitality, they have a lot to talk about at the New York Tabletop Show – visit them on Floor 16. www.jarsusa.com

Did you know?

All Jars stoneware is handmade and 100% made from natural materials (both clay and glaze). They are manufactured with respect to the environment and when discarded at the end of a long-life span do not cause any pollution. Jars prioritizes conservation of natural resources, the limiting of waste material and the efficient use and reuse of energy.

Talking shop

Sam Hood

Co-founder and chief creative officer, AMARA.com

What are your customers looking for from their tableware at the moment?

We’ve definitely seen more interest in colourful tableware and our customers are certainly not pattern averse, they’re embracing design and even texture.

Have you noticed a trend towards any particular style of dining?

Brands are offering more bread plates and, more recently, we’re seeing canape plates come to the market which our customers are loving. People are definitely enjoying the ‘small plates’ food trend at home.

Have you encountered any issues sourcing stock?

Certainly. With the continuation of the issues we had during the pandemic as well as issues that derive from Brexit, the impact has been significant.

What sells best for you – local or international brands?

We have always sold international brands, which I would say still are our most popular. However, we sell UK based brands too, and we are always looking to find new brands to partner with.

Have you noticed an uptake in bridal registries this season?

Although we don’t offer a bridal registry ourselves, we do work with The Wedding Shop as a recommendation to our customers.

Is pre-packaged gift-ready tableware a seller for you/ attractive to customers?

Very little of our offering comes in gift packaging, but we do offer a gift-wrapping service on most of our products.

Nicola Hattersley Category lead tabletop, John Lewis

What are your customers looking for from their tableware at the moment?

It is all about coloured glaze rather than pattern. Although white tableware still provides the core foundation, customers are becoming bolder in their choices and we are seeing customers mixing and matching across ranges.

Have you noticed a trend towards any particular style of dining?

Dining is definitely more relaxed and casual than before. It is all about sharing, and so bold serve bowls and platters continue to be popular, but we are also selling huge volume in smaller bowls for nibbles and dips.

Have you encountered any issues sourcing stock?

We are not encountering issues with actual manufacturing but the transportation of goods especially trailers in Europe has caused issues.

What sells best for you – local or international brands?

Our John Lewis own brand ranges are our biggest sellers and then it is well established brands in the UK, such as Denby who we work closely with and that customers trust that are performing well.

Have you noticed an uptake in bridal registries this season?

We no longer have a bridal gift list but we have seen high demand for Mr and Mrs mug sets showing that there are an abundance of weddings happening this year.

Is pre-packaged gift-ready tableware a seller for you/ attractive to customers?

This is a focus for us only at Christmas time when we see the demand and we develop a number of ranges that are gift boxed to inspire consumers. I think that there is scope for brands to think about this more in how they can develop gift solutions within their ranges.

As we move into a busier buying season, two leading retailers – AMARA and John Lewis – tell us what their customers are buying (think coloured tableware and relaxed dining)…

“I think that there is scope for brands to think about this more in how they can develop gift solutions within their ranges”

“Brands are offering more bread plates and, more recently, we’re seeing canape plates come to the market”

thinkCommitment

Viewpoints

Carsten Kulcke,

general manager global business unit hotel, WMF

The UK has seen inflation reach a 40-year high, how much of an impact do these types of localised economic events have on your sales?

Local events have a major impact on local business. Recently, we have observed exchange rate fluctuations, inflation and Covid-related closures.

There is the normal commercial and operational side of these issues that we deal with every day. But all of these factors also have a major impact on consumers and, therefore, on our hospitality customers.

Like Covid, inflation is no longer a local problem, but a widespread concern that naturally leads to a decline in disposable income and therefore, travel and entertainment spending. Our task is to react fast and be agile to these events and to support our hospitality customers with solutions and services that help to meet these various challenges.

Are you still seeing bottlenecks in your supply chain?

Our supply chain efforts are showing good progress so we have already increased, and will continue to increase, the availability of core products despite very high sales figures. Most goods are already available or will be available within the next four to eight weeks.

Is the price of freight causing concern or having an impact on business and if so, how are you dealing with it?

Freight rates are at levels that no one could have imagined before the pandemic, resulting in an ever-increasing share of costs allocated to transportation. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, as freight rates are slowly declining. They are still at historic highs, but they are moving in the right direction while freight services stabilise.

Michael Eichinger, head of marketing, product & communications, Zwiesel Glas

The UK is seeing inflation reach a 40-year high, how much of an impact do these types of localised economic events have on your sales?

This is not yet visible in decreasing demand but will most probably be seen with some time leg. Inflation is a result of increasing costs all along the supply chain which also affects us as well.

A higher focus on optimisation of processes is required to partly absorb the costs. However, we are also forced to pass on the costs to our customers. Are you still seeing bottlenecks in your supply chain?

We still have challenges due to broken supply chains across the entire spectrum of bought goods, which we believe we can handle by stocking up. The greatest supply uncertainty is currently in the gas supply. Is the price of freight causing concern or having an impact on business and if so, how are you dealing with it?

The freight price has had a negative impact on the entire company, and on customers as well. We were partly able to compensate this by relocating our buying-in partners to production sites located somewhere next to our area, but partly the price has to be borne by the end customer and is reflected in the last price increase.

“The greatest supply uncertainty is currently in the gas supply”

“Freight rates are at levels that no one could have imagined before the pandemic”

From inflation to freight, we hear how WMF and Zwiesel Glas are dealing with global issues affecting the tableware industry…

Vista Alegre

Vista Alegre have recreated the magic of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In a partnership with Ilustrarte, Vista Alegre created the Tea With Alice tea set. This is a Teresa Lima creation, taking the work she had already done in a Portuguese version of the book a step further.

Time for tea?

A beautiful teapot is a work of art, an inspired piece of craftsmanship that represents so much in the home. It serves a dual purpose –bringing comfort and warmth – but also acting as a centrepiece on the table, a good teapot can be a real talking point! We shine a spotlight on some superb options available for buyers now

Denby

From Denby, Brew is a beautiful yet functional smaller teapot available in the Halo, Studio Grey and Studio Blue motifs. Designed to hold two cups of tea, perfect for when one cup isn’t enough and great for sharing. It comes complete with an integral stainless-steel strainer for loose tea.

Utopia

Utopia’s Barista range is most often associated with coffee lovers but it includes a stylish 45cl teapot designed especially for the discerning tea drinker. Made from a vitrified porcelain body with a flip top stainless-steel lid, the teapot is perfectly balanced for pouring and has a removeable metal strainer for holding all varieties of loose-leaf tea.

Available in green, bule, grey and white the teapots are dishwasher safe. The colourways match in with other items in the Barista range including cups and saucers, jugs and mugs.

Royal Selangor

The Sense teapot from Royal Selangor boasts a satin black fine china lid and bamboo handle. The perfect vessel for a favourite breakfast tea or fragrant green tea while its design also blends seamlessly into any living space.

Portmeirion

Miller London and Portmeirion have collaborated to create The Chelsea Collection – an enchanting fine porcelain afternoon tea collection. Embellished with 22 kt gold accents, the Chelsea teapot features beautiful birds perched upon a tree.

Spode

Originating from Morris & Co, this Pure Morris design is perfectly executed into a tableware and gifting collection with the expertise and skill of Spode. Made in Spode's factory in the heart of The Potteries, Pure Morris by Spode features a mix of heritage designs in a subtle, soft grey. This Pure Morris teapot features the adored Strawberry Thief design in a soft grey colourway.

Koransha

Koransha, the Ruri Flower Circle Crest Tea Set boasts a lapis lazuli glaze – the result of many years of technical advances. Strict quality control has meant the glaze has been refined to produce a unique luster that emanates pure luxury.

Porcel

The beautifully intricate Vivian from the masters at Porcel

a textured surface with specially crafted motifs

an antique style. The teapot is enhanced by the addition of a golden ring, with just the right amount

class.

Dunoon

time for tea with Dunoon’s set of Secret Wood fine bone china teapots, Tea for One teapot, cup and saucer.

designed and beautifully illustrated by Jane Fern in her realistic and detailed watercolour style featuring colourful garden birds, small animals, ladybirds, butterflies and bees

on and flying around slender branches filled with catkins and red berries.

Melody Rose

Enjoy a regal cup of tea from this beautiful and quirky fine bone china teapot with the London inspired Skull in Crown design from the Melody Rose Rock and Roll collection.

Exquisitely handcrafted fine bone china teapot

22kt burnished gold drip lid. Pours

hand

to seven cups.

Sieger By Fürstenberg

Tea lovers will find everything they need with the MY CHINA! dinner service from Sieger By Fürstenberg. The hand-formed spout of the teapot serves without dripping. The stainless-steel sieve is easily removed with the lid and can be kept in a separate porcelain beaker. The accompanying tea warmer and additional accessories complete the service for perfect tea indulgence. With six decors named Paraíso, Ca’ d’Oro, Treasure Platinum, Treasure Gold, Wunderkammer and Emperor’s Garden and the Stella relief, every tea lover finds his or her favourite design.

Burleigh

Uniquely decorated by skilled craftspeople with Burleigh’s centuries-old technique of tissue transfer printed from copper rollers, each Burleigh teapot is cast by hand from English earthenware clay at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent. Burleigh is one of the potteries to still include a strainer in its teapots, ensuring the perfect pour every time. Lovingly placed by Burleigh Teapot Casters, there’s a ‘grid’ within each teapot that will stop tea from dripping and ensure an elegant pour. This clever piece of clay allows tea to pass through the spout in a much more controlled and evenly distributed way. With two sizes available in most patterns and an optional for gift-boxed pieces in recyclable packaging, they make a beautifully practical gift. Pictured is the Calico range.

London Pottery

Designed by renowned ceramicist and London Pottery’s founder, David Birch, this elegant bellshaped teapot brings a bit of charm from the English countryside to every teatime. The eye is immediately drawn to an illustration of a majestic hare, set against a moss green background and framed by wildflowers. Made from lightweight but durable porcelain, it’s sure to last and accompany many glorious tea times.

Designed to be collected, the rest of the range including bird, fox and badger designs.

Haviland

Haviland’s dishwasher safe tableware collection Rêves du Nil boasts a beautiful teapot as part of the exquisite porcelain assortment. Inspired by the Egypt of the Pharaohs, this prestigious service is a real poetry of the East, which stages the most beautiful representations of Egyptian art and gives birth to them under the name of Rêves du Nil. A kaleidoscope of flowers and symbols of one of the greatest civilisations, the Egyptian culture

through the assortment.