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Market focus
Inset: Tabletop theatre with Filigree glassware from The DRH Collection. Below right: Ravenhead’s Entertain Cocktail Sets includes shapes for margaritas, mojitos and martinis.
Raising
the bar
Cocktail making, statement pieces and nostalgia are influencing demand for glassware and barware, as well as a ‘thirst’ for knowledge and some extra time to enjoy a glass of wine or a G&T at home. PH raises a mocktail glass while investigating current trends and developments.
Inset: Elia’s graceful Meridia coupe glass: “The thin walls deliver a crisp and delicate finesse to this well balanced and poised stemware collection,” says Adam Walker, sales manager.
“With the closure of bars and restaurants, we saw barware trends skyrocket as consumers equipped themselves with everything needed to create cocktails at home, with some even creating areas for mini bars and bar carts,” reflects Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director at Lifetime Brands Europe. With the lifting of restrictions making entertaining inside the home possible again, Claire thinks that “barware is still more of a focus than ever,” as consumers can show off their new cocktail-making skills. She also acknowledges that working from home has created a routine for some: “It has been well documented that consumers have tried to create clear distinctions in their day when working from home by having a cheeky tipple when finished!” She adds: “Statement pieces, including glassware, are a musthave, as everyday gatherings are transformed into true events, spurred on by social media.” Claire points out the popularity of the BarCraft brand which has “everything PROGRESSIVE
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from ‘Instagramable’ bar carts and shakers to sets that include recipe leaflets, as well as dozens of barware tools and accessories.” New gift boxed cocktail sets contain “all the tools a budding mixologist needs” and new glassware “picks up on key colour and pattern trends for Autumn/Winter and beyond with tortoiseshell pattern and ridged textures.” At the Rayware Group, Ravenhead brand manager Lee Woodhall also recognises consumers’ investment in home bars “with retro cabinets, cocktail glasses and coloured glassware being a popular choice.” He continues: “Consumers are also enjoying experimenting with new flavours and recreating their favourite drinks at home using online tutorials as a guide.” Social media is accelerating the
