Progressive Tableware Worldwide 2021 by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

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April 2021

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LEADER

WELCOME... ... to the fabulous, debut issue of Progressive Tableware Worldwide, our exciting new, page turning magazine that has kept the team very busy over the past year, pulling together a magazine that’s fresh with tableware news and views from around the world. Why have we launched it now? Well, as publishers of Progressive Housewares, Progressive Gifts & Home, organisers of The Excellence In Housewares Awards and The Greats Gift Retailer Awards, we’ve enjoyed a long history of being at the heart of homewares product retailing, both domestically and internationally. Our team travels to trade shows far and wide, and it has become evident in recent years that the tableware, homewares and giftware markets are as close as ever – as is evidenced at many of the industry’s events, from London to Chicago and from Frankfurt to Hong Kong. To this end, we felt it was a great time to have our own input to the tableware category, taking advantage, for those involved, of our incredibly wide circulation of major, online and independent retail buyers. With so many people discovering their inner Nigella during the pandemic, tableware has been very much a part of the home dining experience both in the UK and internationally, with people wanting to re-create that restaurant vibe at home. And with summer on its way, tableware that’s linked to outdoor entertaining is guaranteed to have the tills ringing. With all of this in mind, we take a look at global trends to discover what will be on the shelves, and on our tables, over the coming months. Think gold and modern metallic ﬁnishes, says Beatriz Ball, founder of her eponymous company in Brazil, while Lifetime Brands Europe’s commercial and marketing director, Claire Budgen, highlights natural materials and mindfulness, and Anand Baldawa, ceo of Seeba in India, spotlights smaller sets of cutlery for nuclear families. (Turn to pages 14-17). Staying with global trends, we catch up with Tara Solberg, owner/founder of gia award winning store Few & Far in NSW, Australia, who explains how the pandemic has impacted positively on tableware. (Turn to page 13). Back in the UK, James Lawless at David Mellor in London, shares his optimistic views for the future of the sector (turn to page 21) - something we’re happy to raise a glass to in our focus on glassware feature. It highlights the growth of home bars over the past year, with serving favourite tipples in the right glasses a priority. (Turn to pages 30-31). Plus, we take a look at the HoReCa sector, to discover how after closures and restrictions during the pandemic, the market is now springing back to life. (Turn to page 33). Elsewhere in this issue, we also take a look at the latest collection from designer tableware brand Royal Doulton (turn to pages 22-23); catch up with all the latest trends at Seeba (turn to pages 26-27); hear from Paul and Valda Goodfellow at G&G Goodfellows (turn to pages 10-11), and learn more about handcrafting at Denby (turn to page 29). But ﬁrst, to catch up with all the latest industry news and what’s happening on the international trade show front, turn to pages 6-9.

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News Retailer Face To Face: Few & Far, NSW, Australia Global Trends Retailer Face To Face: David Mellor, London, UK Spotlight On . . . Glassware Feedback: HoReCa

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THE PTW TEAM: John Barry, Jo Howard, Fiona Pavely, Sue Marks and Rob Willis.

Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP www.max-publishing.co.uk Subscriptions: Subscribe at Max-Subscriptions.net

THE TEAM: Editors: Sue Marks – sue@suemarks.co.uk Jo Howard – joh@max-publishing.co.uk. Fiona Pavely – fiona@shelan.co.uk Advertising: John Barry – johnb@max-publishing.co.uk Design: Mark Grayson – markg@max-publishing.co.uk Publishers: Jakki Brown, Rob Willis, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder – hello@max-publishing.co.uk

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TOP STORY

Virtual discoveries

Below: Sophie Conran for Portmeirion tableware in the virtual showroom.

With the lack of trade shows at the start of 2021, leading tableware suppliers are harnessing technology to ensure their customers keep up to date with developments. Portmeirion Group is showcasing its new 2021 collections via a bespoke, state-of-the-art virtual showroom and immersive digital platform that hosts events and live appointments. New collections – including tableware collections from Sophie Conran and Spode’s Creatures of Curiosity - are presented with the use of a high quality, fully integrated, face to face virtual world, “which looks and feels like a premium real life showroom,” explains Jacqui Gale, chief commercial officer at Portmeirion Group. She elaborates: “It is so much more than a presentation or a Zoom show and tell. The graphics are life-like as the customer walks through an almost real world. Their view and their movements are just as if they are in a beautiful showroom – browsing shelves, touching products, information to absorb, chatting as they go.” Jacqui adds: “It is easy to navigate with full video and voice chat. We will miss exhibitions and fairs this year, but we won’t miss the tired feet. Retail is working hard to overcome the legacy challenges of 2020 and we want to show we will find solutions to help – especially with as personal an experience as possible.” In addition to showcasing new products and collection extensions, the showroom also houses Portmeirion Group’s best-selling classic ranges. Meanwhile, Denby’s retail and hospitality customers are enjoying visits to Denby’s interactive virtual showrooms. Using Matterport 3D technology, customers are able to browse and discover new designs, seasonal ranges and best selling collections. “This development and investment in technology for Denby is the result of market changes, which have been expedited by the pandemic,” states Jason Maughan, head of sales. “Denby has seen record increases across all our digital partners who are looking to source sustainable tableware and gifts.” Floor markers help Denby customers to move around the virtual showrooms and shelves feature ‘hotspots,’ which provide more information about ranges. Accessed via the new extended trade area on Denby’s website, customers can visit in their own time, or via a guided appointment. Below: Some outdoor dining inspiration using Maxwell & Williams tableware from Lifetime Brands Europe.

Tables in the windows In the run-up to retail’s reopening in England and Wales on April 12, Lifetime Brands Europe ran a window display challenge for independent retailers, adding to the excitement of the long-anticipated date. Commercial and marketing director Claire Budgen provided some suggestions for tableware stockists: “How about putting Maxwell & Williams or Artesà in the window? Both brands offer uplifting designs and beautiful serveware, which are perfect for the start of outdoor entertaining and savouring the company of family and friends once again.”

Tower’s mighty tableware Tower Housewares continues to expand its ever-growing portfolio with the launch of its first tableware. Simon Oliver, housewares sales director at RKW says that Tower’s new Barbary & Oak collection “is inspired by fashion, entertaining and design trends from around the world, and uses bespoke colour palettes and hand-crafted finishes to create an artisan feel.” The range name relates to two national emblems of England. “The Barbary lion is a symbolic animal of England, where in the Middle Ages, the lions kept at the Tower of London were Barbary lions and their image was adorned on flags as a symbol of strength, courage, dignity and pride,” Simon explains. “The mighty oak is the national tree of England, representing strength, beauty and endurance.”

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Above: Barbary & Oak stoneware dinner set by Tower from RKW.

Inset: Jozef Youssef sharing insights at the HoReCa Academy at Ambiente 2020.

Plate expectations With the reopening of hospitality, high dining venues may be reflecting on research by Jozef Youssef, chef and founder of the Kitchen Theory think tank in London. Conducting in-depth studies for the HoReCa Academy at Ambiente 2020, Jozef’s report concluded that ‘Investing in designer crockery pays off.’ Considering how food is experienced with all senses, Jozef studied how the shape or colour of a plate can make the food appear to be of an even higher quality. His research evaluated the perceived value of a dish in correlation with the price of the plate, as well as how our perception of enjoyment is impacted by complex interaction between numerous sensory stimuli.

Supporting Autism awareness During April’s World Autism Awareness month and beyond, Beatriz Ball is donating 100% of the profits from the sales of its Autism Awareness keychain and ornament to Autism Speaks. The latter is dedicated to advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Company founder Beatriz Ball’s youngest grandchild Bo inspired the company to adopt Autism Awareness as a corporate cause.

Herend’s Phoenix rising Herend has been inspired by the legendary phoenix rising from the ashes, with a new Phoenix collection that includes hand decorated plates. “Through the example of the phoenix, the Herend collection carries a timely message: with the power of our inner energy and the fire within us, we can overcome the difficulties that the changed world puts in our way,” reflects Herend’s marketing manager Dora Nagy. Said to be the world’s largest porcelain manufactory, Herend says that it employs the most porcelain painters and porcelain makers in the world, passing on their exceptional expertise from generation to generation. The company has released a virtual tour of its new releases for 2021, accessed via its website. Above: Herend’s Phoenix wall plate.

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PROGRESSIVE TABLEWARE NEWS Below: The housewares industry is looking forward to meeting face to face.

TOP STORY

August timeline for Exclusively Above: HRC 2022 is working on an experience-led feature within its tabletop section.

HRC Connects will launch in March The organisers of the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Show (HRC), which will be taking place at ExCeL in March 2022, have been working on an experience-led feature within the show’s tabletop section. It will highlight key trends and create an opportunity for hospitality and foodservice visitors to engage with suppliers and reflect the creativity and diversity of the sector. “To help the industry bounce back stronger, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to develop a new digital community that will complement our live events going forward,” explained the show’s event manager Ronda Annesley. “HRC Connects focuses on connecting hospitality and foodservice operators with suppliers, enabling new product discovery through virtual showcases and acting as a central hub for industry thought leadership, discussion and analysis.” Below: Browsing the aisles at Autumn Fair.

The Exclusively Show will be returning to its popular live format at The Business Design Centre from August 24-25, with 95% of stands sold following a positive industry response from exhibitors and visitors. With restrictions lifted by June 21, and the success of the vaccination programme, the organisers believe that the show in late August will mark a return to a significant level of commercial ‘normality’ for buyers and suppliers. “This will be the first event of its kind in this industry for almost 18 months, and the show could well prove to be a real sign of a return to normal trading,” enthuses Will Jones, chair of Exclusively (and show owner BHETA’s chief operating officer). “The safety of all Exclusively visitors and exhibitors is, of course, paramount, and the Exclusively team is working closely with the venue in terms of all necessary protocols for registration, hospitality, events, meetings and the total visitor/exhibitor experience to ensure that everyone can be confident in attending and enjoying the event.” The show will include expanded versions of all its most popular features such as the Brand Showcase, the Trend Tours and Displays and the Scarlet Opus seminar programme, as well as new features such as The Launchpad, aimed at smaller and start-up companies, exhibiting at Exclusively for the first time. There will also be an Exclusively Digital programme alongside the live show. Over 130 companies and over 300 brands will be exhibiting at the show, presenting a comprehensive showcase of tabletop, cookware, lifestyle, household and gifts in the UK. Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk.

Autumn Fair will return in September Hyve Group has announced that Autumn Fair will return to the NEC Birmingham from September 5-8 2021. Housewares and gift suppliers that already signed up to exhibit include T&G, Ultimate Products, My Gifts Trade, Tower, Premier Housewares, The Wood Life Project, Kikkerland, Rex International and Half Moon Bay.

International Consumer Goods Show cancelled The International Consumer Goods Show, which was scheduled for April 2021 - a hybrid event comprising Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld – has been cancelled. Instead, organisers Messe Frankfurt have confirmed that the shows will revert to their previous format and will take place individually next year, with Ambiente opening its doors from 11-15 February 2022. Meanwhile, a Consumer Goods Digital Day was held on April 20, giving suppliers and retailers an opportunity to get together. It was supplemented by Nextrade, an order and data management portal for the home and living sector. Above: Dining is a key sector at Ambiente.

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07 PROGRESSIVE TABLEWARE

The UK’s premier showcase of hoUsewares, TableTop & small elecTrical brands

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TOP STORY

Cutlery centre-stage Above: Stan at his workbench (Photo: Ian M Spooner/Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust)

Cutler Stan was a legend Believed to be the last of Sheffield’s ‘litte mesters’ aka cutlers, Stan Shaw died at the end of February, aged 94. Attracting collectors from around the world, his clients included Elvis Presley, the Queen and US presidents. Stan started out as an apprentice, making knives with handles made from materials such as mother of pearl and tortoiseshell. He created knives completely by hand, having learnt all the separate aspects of the trade, which were traditionally subdivided. In a BBC interview in 2018, Stan said: “I always try and make the next knife better. You never do but that’s the attitude you’ve got to have.” Sheffield Industrial Museum Trust remembers Stan “as an exceptional and talented knifemaker, a little mester, a Sheffield legend and a true gentleman.” Below: Some of Goebel’s pop art Mugs to Go.

Below: The Cutlers’ Company is one of the most ancient livery companies in the City of London, having received its first Royal Charter from Henry V in 1416.

The Cutlers’ Company has launched an annual design competition, aiming ‘to create an extraordinary snapshot of British design in the 21st Century and offer young designers of the future a chance to explore the delights of making such intimate everyday objects.’ Arts, crafts and design students and graduates have been invited to create a set of contemporary cutlery, consisting of a knife, a fork and a spoon. The winning design will be produced in collaboration with a professional craftsperson/manufacturer and will be scaled up in order to produce a six piece dining set. This cutlery will become part of the permanent heritage collection of the Cutlers’ Company but will also be used regularly at Company dinners. It is anticipated the competition will culminate in 95 years, in 2116 when the Company will celebrate its 700th anniversary. Alice Welch, director of Robert Welch Designs is part of a prestigious line-up of judges for the new cutlery design competition. “From the first conversation about this competition, I really wanted to be a part of such an inspiring idea - to offer designers the opportunity to innovate, create, consider the manufacture potential and function, while appreciating the nature of interaction with the user,” reflects Alice. “Cutlery is more than a tool to eat with, it is a sensory experience and can make a profound difference to the dining experience.” The Cutlers’ Company competition judging panel also includes Chris Hudson MBE, who runs Chimo Holdings in Sheffield, a family cutlery manufacturing business, part of which dates back to 1750.

T&G celebrates café culture

Art on the move Recognising that consumers are keen to take favourite drinks outdoors, but do not necessarily want to lose their fine bone china experience, Goebel has launched Mugs to Go. The extensive range of mugs are adorned with artwork for all tastes, including fine art classics by Claude Monet, Katsushika Hokusai, Vincent Van Gogh and Gustav Klmit, as well as contemporary pop art and quirky illustrations. The fine bone china mugs fit standard cup-holders and have removable, reusable plastic lids.

Architectural glassware LSA International’s 2021 collections reflect the overlapping of personal and professional space in the home, informing “new concepts,” including glassware for home offices and vases and planters to help to “bring nature indoors,” explains LSA’s creative director Monika Lubkowska-Jonas. A new short brand film featuring Monika’s narration explains the creative thinking about the launches. “Architectural and geometric shapes sit alongside decorated glass, evocative of mountain peaks and the iridescence of bubbles or gemstones,” describes Monika.

T&G is getting set to celebrate the reopening of hospitality around the world, as pandemic restrictions begin to lift. Marketing manager Jenny Handley enthuses: “As restrictions ease and a glimmer of normality returns, the global trend of café culture will be the way forward for us all, the chance to meet friends and family, enjoy a coffee and cake. That feeling of a taste of freedom is within our grasp and around the corner.” She continues: “Spring is here, cafes and restaurants are starting to open for outdoor service and what better way to celebrate than inviting customers back to enjoy a little alfresco café culture.” T&G Catering’s offering includes serveware such as glass domes, natural wood boards, along with new glass storage jars, natural wood display crates and chalk board signs. Jenny notes: “It’s about being creative and giving people confidence that they can at last enjoy a treat! These items certainly have global appeal, as the trend of café culture is a worldwide phenomenon, and they are also perfect for using at home, keeping food safe, stored and tidy.” Above: Some of T&G’s serveware, including glass domes, in situ.

Artful tableware is uplifting In her insightful webinar on colour trends in the home, Lee Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Colour Institute observes that consumers are choosing plates to adorn their living and home-working space. “Recent studies show that art in the environment improves the mood, relieves stress and enables people to work more effectively. Everyday objects and housewares products can be arranged as objects d’art — such as decorative plates arranged on a wall or sculptural plants in colourful, textured ceramic containers Above: In her customary style, Lee — to provide visual variety at affordable prices.” Eisemann presented her colour trends Lee also explored and updated the key colour palette for homewares, webinar wearing the current Pantone Colours of the Year: Ultimate Grey and including tabletop, for 2022. These include the “ebullient” Vivify Illuminating Yellow. palette, “reworked and resourceful” Folkloric palette and “comforting and reassuring” Terracotta, as well as the “soothing” Composed palette. Lee’s presentation was part of the IHA (International Housewares Association) Connect Spring virtual event in March. Lee is a regular keynote speaker at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago.

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GOODFELLOWS: ADVERTORIAL

Left: Bonna Luca plate has an intriguing mosaic pattern.

Serving up the Good Times When husband and wife team Paul and Valda Goodfellow began trading in 2012 it wasn’t without an element of risk. The country was mid-recession, but having previously owned and sold a successful company, Continental Chef Supplies, the couple were optimistic and excited at the new opportunity that awaited them. Below: Costa Nova Notos Ovals with square raiser.

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s Valda explains, with experience under their belt already, the pair believed they had something to offer the industry; it was just a case of looking at what they thought the market needed and building from that viewpoint. “It was really interesting to stand back from everything you think you know and take time to see what is actually happening,” Valda comments. “When you are running a business that is full-on all the time, you don’t have the time or the opportunity to stand back. You just try to keep up with things that are happening around you.” For the Goodfellows the customer is at the heart of their business and having always appealed to the chef, their emphasis with G&G is on putting food on the plate to sell the plate, complete with a ‘Sexy Plates’ strapline being their own unique take on the food porn terminology that identifies great plates as sexy and beautiful. “We think chefs and restaurateurs appreciate that we are professional, but we understand how they talk and think,” explains Valda. “We started using ‘Sexy Plates’ on social media and it immediately became a term that customers started using to describe our products and so it stuck.” G&G Goodfellows’ ideal customer is anyone in hospitality who wants to serve great food beautifully and creatively; whether they are a chef who wants a signature plate, a restaurateur who wants a whole concept for a range of venues; or a hotelier or caterer looking for specific items and they attract interest from all over the world. With an ethos of being big enough to cope but small enough to care, the G&G team have been involved in far reaching projects, the biggest of which Valda remembers well. “The biggest was a project in the City, for an office building which involved every style of dining from a fine dining offering, through to meeting room concepts, staff dining comprising hot and cold counter concepts covering various types of cuisines and grab & go concepts,” she explains. “When you have so many different areas under one project, not only is it creatively challenging but it also requires complex organisational and supply chain issues. Our service carries through to assisting during on-site unpack and setting up, so that the customer actually gets exactly what they want, when they want, where they want. The unpack support is really important for customers, as their staff would not recognise the products being delivered, so checking off large orders saves everyone a lot of time and effort resolving potential queries post-delivery. The customer was looking for this level of service and came to us to deliver that.” The G&G product offering is just as broad, and in normal times the business would have a stream of new products coming through, as the pair love to discover new designers, brands and creations from existing manufacturers. Despite the pandemic, the company released its inspirational brochure Portfolio 5 into the market, along with a raft of exciting new products. “We thought that requirements might have changed

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GOODFELLOWS: ADVERTORIAL

since the first lockdown, but actually customers’ tastes seem to have picked up where they left off,” explains Valda. “As we offer ranges that are suitable across a number of cuisines, we always have things that appeal. For higher level dining, Montgolfier and Studio Mattes sell really well because they both offer individuality and customisation options, which means that each customer has something which can be totally unique. Both produce small batches of crafted products with reactive glazes, so no two plates are ever exactly the same. “For more casual dining, Costa Nova and Bonna are among our best sellers. Costa Nova offers beautiful, functional and durable stoneware that really fits with casual dining. Bonna produces amazing value, highly durable porcelain with a great selection of glazes and styles.” New products ready to be served for 2021 include new ranges and items from all of these producers, including concepts for ‘sharing’, individual ‘chef’s plates’ and Bento-style options. “Where we see a need for a product and we can’t find it from our producers, we work with them to design and produce those products,” says Valda. With the hospitality and events industry being pretty much on hold throughout 2020 due to Covid-19, G&G, like the rest of us, are now looking forward to brighter things to come in 2021 and beyond. The Goodfellows showroom has been operational to some degree since the end of the first lockdown, with a steady stream of customers coming through ever since. The focus changed from large events to supporting chefs with cooking videos from home who were looking to add on tableware to sell to consumers and the team were continually thinking about what they could do to offer solutions that would make opening-up easier. “I think the big food development has been meal kits, along with consumers wanting great tableware to take their social media images on when they cook their meal kit at home,” comments Valda. “Some chefs, like Jason Atherton, got into the home cooking video really quickly and we supported him with our Goodfellows at Home website shop for tableware. I really admire all those chefs and restaurateurs who pivoted quickly into the home market. I think the surprise regarding current enquiries from

customers has been how they are so keen to just get back to cooking as normally as they can. Eating out is an experience that should be joyous not feared.” Predicting trends in such a changing market can be difficult, but G&G are conﬁdent that presentation will be a top priority among chefs and restaurateurs when the time comes to welcome diners back to the table. “It remains to be seen how consumer demands will affect what changes or tends will emerge but we see chefs and restaurateurs are increasingly wanting to trade up in terms of their presentation style,” says Valda with optimism. “I think they want to ensure that when diners come back, they will feel that sense of joy and excitement that is sorely needed. So, the trends seem to be at present for some great signature plates, with a quick return to sharing and small plates. The demand for stoneware still remains strong, but it has to be really good quality with original and authentic designs, not the mass-produced look-alike designs that have emerged in the market over the last couple of years. Some of the Michelin chefs are leaning towards more elegant plates, but something that still makes a statement.” From 2012 to 2021; the years haven’t always been easy for G&G Goodfellows, but despite all the odds the business continues to thrive. The founders have a clear passion, care and understanding of the sector and readily admit to never stopping thinking about what they can do better. The husband and wife team are a great balance to each other, remain totally involved in every aspect of the business and are always ready for whatever the next change may be.

Above right: This stoneware is unique but rustic. Left: Montgolﬁer shine charge plate. Above left: These two items were designed as a platform shape that could be used as a tray.

Below: Dry ice concepts are catered for.

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GfK Insights RETAILER FACE TO FACE: FEW & FAR, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Left: Sponsored and organised by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), gia (IHA Global Innovation Awards) is the global awards programme that recognises overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home and housewares retailing.

Tara Solberg, together with her husband Danny, is the owner/founder of Australia’s Few & Far, which won a prestigious gia Global Honoree award in 2020. There are three stores, all of which are based on the South Coast of NSW. Tara shares her view on how the pandemic has impacted on tableware over the past year, as well as where the sector is heading.

A Global Perspective

“The pandemic has changed the way we live in many ways,” reflects Few & Far’s founder Tara Solberg. “People are dining together at home more regularly, rather than eating out at restaurants, and are therefore looking for ways to enhance this experience through the introduction of beautiful tableware. Due to the fact that many of us are now working from home, this has led many Australians to move to rural or coastal areas and escape the city, where they can work in a more 'relaxed' Few & Far: The Lowdown environment, enjoy more meals at home l Tara and Danny Solberg travelled the world each year as designers and subsequently created Few & Far because they wanted to bring home and spend more everything they saw. increase in the sales of time dining outside.” l They opened their first Few & Far shop 12 years ago in Huskisson, outdoor tableware, At Few & Far, Jervis Bay, NSW, with an emphasis on sourcing and importing their own pieces, and creating a ‘slow’ shopping experience where people such as acrylic tableware is, and “wander through, inhale and enjoy.” glassware and more has always been, a l A further two stores have followed in Berry and Bowral, NSW. 'robust' bowls and strong category, platters, as well as with Tara noticing cheese knives and salad servers.” an increase in sales over the summer period. As for shopping in a bricks and mortar store “Australians are really embracing a feeling of compared to ordering online, Tara says shopping in a 'gathering' and coming together, especially as a family store environment has many more benefits, both throughout the holiday periods,” she continues. “We physically and emotionally. are therefore feeling optimistic this will continue, as “Through a store environment, you can really engage the winter months approach, allowing for a 'slower' your customer through curated and thoughtful dining experience and with the opportunity to still merchandising displays, laid out to encourage them to travel domestically, our experiences are enriched by 'visualise' how good food and thoughtful settings.” they can use She is also anticipating a greater demand for these particular tableware that’s linked to outdoor entertaining. “The items and ability to travel domestically has meant that connect with Australians are really embracing local travel in all them forms – Airbnbs, camping and caravans. This has led emotionally. The to a more 'outdoor' life, which in turn includes more customer can BBQs, outdoor gatherings, picnics and cheese platters potentially leave and wine on the lawn. We are noticing a significant with a lot more than they thought they needed from an in store experience and feel good about their purchase!”

Above: A table setting in store.

Left: Tara Solberg outside Few & Far in Berry, NSW, Australia. Far left: Few & Far has seen a signiﬁcant rise in sales of outdoor tableware, to include acrylic glassware.

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GLOBAL TRENDS

Dressing the table Our tablescapes can transport us to distant realms, nurture us or ﬁre up our imaginations and creativity. PTW explores some of the trends and movements that are inﬂuencing today’s tableware and table settings.

Top right: Sierra Modern Maia bowl and servers from Beatriz Ball, part of a collection that features new metallic ﬁnishes of gold, rose gold and gunmetal.

Right: Launched in April 2021, Porcel’s new Maris d’Or brings elements of the sea to the tabletop. Below: Portoﬁno by iconic French porcelain brand Haviland embraces the vibrant colours of the Italian Riviera.

A touch of luxury “Gold is deﬁnitely trending in home décor—particularly with younger consumers seeking a luxe lift in troubled times,” says Beatriz Ball, founder of Beatriz Ball, based in New Orleans and renowned for its highly polished metal tableware. “Perennially appealing, gold is transformative; it renders a design elegant, classic and luxurious.” Incorporating ingots of metal alloy, Beatriz Ball has developed a proprietary process to create modern metallic ﬁnishes that are “easy-care and practical, as well as jaw-droppingly beautiful,” notes Beatriz. The

sunbeams on sea waves,” says head designer Filipa Ricardo. Moreover, the innovative shape of the tableware pieces “resemble the soft movement of the waves”, as well as patterns left on the sand, explains Filipa, who describes the collection as bringing “a dynamic element to the table” with a “unique tactile experience.” Importantly, pieces can be matched up with other Porcel collections, such as Adamastor and Matcha. While global travel continues to be restricted and consumers invest in their homes for entertainment and distraction, tableware can, of course, add to a spirit of adventure and exploration. Haviland presents the Portofino collection, “which draws inspiration from the colours of Portofino,” the fishing village on the Italian Riviera that is known for its “golden reflections and shades of blue mosaic,” states Morgan Thompson, Haviland’s vice president of sales and marketing in the US. “Each square is embossed and illuminated, revealing the finest details of exceptional craftsmanship.”

Timeless cutlery

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company also prides itself on “unexpected shapes,” that are crafted by artisans. However, rather than decorative art, Beatriz Ball’s collections, including Sierra Modern dishwasher-safe bowls, platters and serving utensils are made to add lustre to everyday life. Meanwhile, renowned for its luxurious ﬁnishes, Porcel has launched Maris d’Or, which uses gold paint on its undulating rims to resemble “the reﬂection of

“When it comes to choosing cutlery, we feel customers tend to go for timeless elegance and brand quality,” acknowledges Anand Baldawa, ceo of Seeba, whose ethos is to provide enduring classics rather than following fashion trends or fads. However, Anand observes: “We have seen an increased discussion around smaller sets for nuclear families, and demand for matte or satin ﬁnish in stainless steel. Another trend we have seen is the “mix and match” style. For example, customers tend

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GfK Insights GLOBAL TRENDS

Inset: Natural and practical: Tramontina’s extensive range of wooden handled cutlery and steak knives includes Jumbo (pictured).

to mix and match the same pattern, but in different finishes.” Anand also highlights: “Minimalism is also an increasingly discussed topic. As a result of buying less, we see customers not hesitating in buying upwards.” At the iconic Australian cutlery brand Stanley Rogers, Simon Rees, head of sales UK, Fackelmann Brands concurs that consumers are trading up, particularly as a result of “the significant shift in consumer behaviour which has impacted the homewares industry globally over the past year.” He reports: “As an Australian homewares brand renowned for quality and timeless style, we have seen a dramatic uplift in demand across all cutlery.” Simon reflects on the time consumers have spent at home due to the pandemic: developing new culinary skills, discovering new hobbies and entertaining at home instead of dining out or travelling. He highlights: “This shift in consumer behaviour has resulted in a redirection of spending towards quality items to make their homes the ‘new normal’ place to entertain.” However, taking a longer view over the past few years, Simon notes that: “The biggest influence on cutlery designs, colours and trends, and all other housewares for that matter, is Instagram. Consumers now look at products through a lens and ask themselves, “How will this look on Instagram?” before they buy.” He continues: “The result is they are investing in standout cutlery designs that will add that wow factor to impress followers and guests, whether it be the distinctive hammered finish of Bolero, or the slim handles of Piper to add a touch of designer style to the table.” Simon recognises that: “The UK and Australia are considered conservative in their choice of cutlery compared to the United States or Middle Eastern countries. However, Stanley Rogers has a knack for creating patterns

Far left: Distinctive hammer ﬁnish: Bolero cutlery by Stanley Rogers from Fackelmann Brands.

with lasting style which appeal to most markets.” He cites Stanley Rogers’ Chelsea collection as “a modern classic, with its bevelled tear drop shape made from heavyweight, forged 18/10 stainless steel.” With 10 factories and 15 offices and distribution centres worldwide, serving 120 countries, Tramontina is used to embracing different trends at any one time in different parts of the globe. However, as Tramontina UK managing director Alex Frubel points out, the movement towards sustainability and ‘getting back to nature’ is undeniably international. “The company takes sustainability extremely seriously,” explains Alex, “and wherever possible certiﬁed raw materials are used, packaging is recycled and recyclable, and the supply chain is valued from beginning to end with environmental protection a priority.” This ethos is reﬂected in Tramontina’s hugely popular and expansive range of high quality cutlery with real wood, dishwasher-safe handles.

Above: Stylishly simple: Dora cutlery by Seeba brings timeless elegance to a table setting. Bottom: The Olio collection from Royal Doulton is reminiscent of found, handmade objects and offers a combination of materials and ﬁnishes with both glazed and unglazed details.

Embracing eclecticism London designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have worked in partnership with Royal Doulton to update the brand’s popular Olio collection. The word Olio refers to ‘a miscellaneous collection of things,’ reﬂecting the essence and intentions of the range, which was ﬁrst launched in 2015. “When we set out to design the Olio Collection, we wanted to create pieces that work with how people live and use their tableware. People don’t really have just one set of tableware in their cupboard – they might buy a jug from this place and some plates from that place and some glasses from a trip to Italy, or wherever it might be. So people actually have curated collections of things that work well together,” comments Edward Barber, designer, Barber Osgerby. Hence the eclectic nature of Olio, which includes sustainable wooden serveware and stainless steel cutlery that is all designed to be mixed and matched. Barber Osgerby’s designer Jay Osgerby adds that the relaunched collection aims to “really highlight the materials - we have embraced the tactility of the ceramic and paired back the glazes as well as updated the colours.”

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GfK Insights GLOBAL TRENDS

Nature and serenity “Mindfulness and nature have been a driver for trends across dining categories, including tabletop,” states Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director for Lifetime Brands Europe. “Consumers have never wanted the natural look more, with natural materials and finishes proving to be continually popular and transcending seasonal trends.” Claire cites spring summer additions to the Creative Tops range of placemats and coasters in natural hessian or a mindful mandala pattern. She explains: “Two new styles of woven placemats add modern, natural rustic beauty to table settings. Made from hessian, they are sustainable and biodegradable, also making them an eco-conscious choice, which is really at the heart of the consumer’s desire for a natural look and feel.” New dinnerware by Mikasa from Lifetime Brands also reflects the desire for natural materials. “Crafted from natural Portuguese clay and available in a reactive muted blue and a natural white colour, they bring nature’s essence to the dinner table,” states Claire. The need for a sense of calm is recognised by Mesa, the Portuguese trend-focused ceramics manufacturer. Ines Rebelo de Sousa, communications and marketing officer for Mesa explains that its Xisto Cobalto “is a providing tranquillity as well as ‘mixing and matching’ collection of soft rounded shapes inspired by the with existing pieces in the home, and Modern Deco, trend of simplicity and serenity in interiors.” The range which reimagines the glamour of the 1920s and “features tactile ceramics in soft shades of blue and combines pieces of Impression tableware with brown, which are truly versatile and made to last in Brooklyn Blue paint, plush velvet and iridescent your home or at your restaurant.” metallic textures. Nicola adds that ‘Pause’ is another Last autumn, Denby introduced Impression, with its interior trend that embraces Impressions’ calming four tones “carefully chosen to create a calming hues in order to “nurture mind and body and provide modern palette,” notes Nicola Wilson, senior designer. space to breathe in the home.” Consumers can create their own bespoke edit to reflect personal style, selecting from shades of blue, charcoal, cream and Singing the blues pink, alongside patterned pieces Bunzlau Castle invites consumers to mix which feature “four nature inspired and match across its collections of designs.” Recognising the relevance European made ceramics, glassware and textiles in the brand’s blue “DNA colour of global cuisines, the collection palette” in order to match interior styles features a wide variety of shapes and “from a modern look to country style,” sizes of bowls. says Leanne van Doleweerd, account manager for Europe. To celebrate the launch of “We encourage people to find their own Impression, Denby explored the latest style and explore their own creativity in interior trends in partnership with order to create that unique place you can experts in wall decoration Graham & truly call home,” emphasises Leanne. Brown. These include New Neutrals:

Above: Soft shapes and soothing colours: part of Mesa’s Xisto Cobalto collection. Far left: Natural harmony: Creative Tops placemats and Mikasa dinnerware from Lifetime Brands Europe. Left: Highlighted by Denby on the launch of its Impression range, New Bohemia is an interiors trend that “places emphasis on the provenance and authenticity of materials.” Bottom: Blue patterned tableware by Bunzlau Castle from Clip BV provides a myriad of opportunity for personalised styling.

Inspiration from the past Danish designer Sebastian Holmback was inspired by the earthenware pots of the ancient Greeks when he created Amphora – a new set of thermo tea and coffee jugs for Stelton. With a curvacious body and distinctive ‘broad shoulders’, the design blends ancient and modern style, and uses three colours (black, peach and white) that complement the Stelton Danish Modern 2.0 range. The Amphora jugs are made with replaceable glass inserts and matt plastic exteriors.

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GfK Insights FACE TO FACE: DAVID MELLOR, LONDON

David Mellor – which has retail outlets in London’s prestigious Sloane Square and Marylebone – is renowned for its design-led contemporary tableware and kitchenware, as well as its own brand designs, (to include its award winning cutlery), which are exclusive to the stores. The shops also offer the ﬁnest examples of British craft products, the best international design and a Wedding List service. Progressive Tableware Worldwide spoke to the company’s sales and marketing manager James Lawless, about why he’s feeling very upbeat about the future of the tableware/dining sector.

elicious food – to include restaurant fine dining at home - has definitely been a big trend during the pandemic, with Michelin star meals flying out from restaurants such as Rick Stein, Heston Blumenthal and Marcus (Wareing), while home cooks have delighted in showing off their culinary skills. “As people have been forced to spend more time at home cooking for themselves, it seems as though they’ve come to appreciate good kitchenware and tableware design like never before,” highlights David Mellor’s sales & marketing manager, James Lawless. “Customers have had more time to educate themselves about craftsmanship and the provenance of products too,” he continues. “The pandemic has really helped people realise that they want to be surrounded by beautiful things and this absolutely includes tableware. They want designs they can enjoy, objects to treasure, as well as unique pieces that reflect their personality and values. During the lockdowns, even when cooking just for themselves, meals were turned into elaborate occasions and sometimes injected with a sense of fun. We noticed customers buying for different themes and investing in a smaller number of pieces but with greater style, all with a view to sharing images with friends and family. This probably reaches its pinnacle with the ‘tablescaping’ phenomenon on social media.” Also driven by the pandemic has been a greater demand for tableware that’s linked to outdoor entertaining. “Outdoor dining has been growing steadily over the last few years anyway, but the pandemic has supercharged this,” concurs James. “Where previously, this area always leaned toward the simple and practical, customers are now willing to invest in quality. They’re giving more thought to putting outdoor table settings together and are willing to invest in designs that will stand the test of time.” He adds that experiential retail is the way things have been heading for a while, predicting that postpandemic, people will definitely be heading to the shops less, but will want a fuller, more unique experience when they do choose to venture out. “We’ve always strongly believed that it’s vital to hold

Table Talk Above: The David Mellor store in London’s Marylebone.

Left: An outdoor table setting.

and feel tableware - especially cutlery,” James emphasises. “Doing this instore with expert advice is always best, as it’s very hard to replicate online. Everyone’s hands and dining preferences are different, so handling the physical object is the only true way a person can tell. It is worth bearing in mind that most people use their cutlery three times a day, so statistically, people probably spend more time with their cutlery than they do in their car, so it’s important to get right! Our expert shop staff can offer advice to help customers show their style as well as improve their daily lives. This level of personal service is invaluable and difficult to reproduce on a screen.” As for the coming months, James says that the company is feeling very optimistic. “Our welldeveloped online retail department has been an absolute godsend throughout the pandemic and has kept us going. Also, the ﬂexibility we have with small batch manufacturing of our own products in our own UK factory has been a huge help too. Now, like many businesses who’ve been able to ride the chaos of the pandemic and the Brexit transition, we’re very excited about being able to open our stores up again. We’re deﬁnitely sensing pent-up demand from retail customers who are keen to get out shopping, and many of the great restaurants we supply are opening up again too. We’ve adapted our physical stores, completely renovating one, and are delighted to welcome people back!”

Left: David Mellor Pride cutlery and Deco china.

PROGRESSIVE TABLEware

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ROYAL DOULTON: ADVERTORIAL

Royal Doulton serves up its Signature dishes Right & below: All images shown are from the Royal Doulton 1815 Signature range.

At a time when a simple pleasure such as dining with friends and family has never felt so important, or so missed, the latest collection from designer tableware brand Royal Doulton is one to really be enjoyed. London may have looked a bit different since the beginning of 2020, but it has always been a City of Stories and Flavours - a melting pot for open minds and cultures, where imperfections spark ideas and food is an invitation, to connect with meaning, form friendships, explore, inspire and be inspired.

Connecting through a love of dining

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Since 1815, Royal Doulton has been at the forefront of contemporary design and craftsmanship, bringing premium quality tableware with a unique and individual look to everyone’s table. For over 200 years Royal Doulton has embraced cultural diversity and been inspired by the stories and ﬂavours from the colourful urban villages of the city of London. Today Royal Doulton is a global lifestyle brand with products designed to create meaningful and authentic connections around food. Royal Doulton continues to work with leading talent from many creative disciplines, with recent design collaborations including Barber Osgerby, Gordon Ramsay and Ellen DeGeneres. Now, Royal Doulton celebrates craftsmanship, colour and uniqueness with 1815 Signature, a range that is available in a soft and stylish palette of chalky pink, fresh coral, cool green and soft blue – all perfect for spring picnics and long sultry summer barbecues. The colours contrast against the timeless white porcelain base – the perfect casual tableware to serve a signature dish, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Colourfully contemporary The design-led mix and match range is crafted to build a uniquely individual collection – focus on favourite hues or make a statement with a combination of colours to create a very personal style. This carefully edited selection of practical and contemporary shapes is inspired by hand-thrown pieces – each with hand-poured glazed designs, making every piece different, for unique dining experience whether solo or with good company. Whether it’s a catch-up coffee with friends, a casual family lunch or a go-to meal after a hard day’s work – everyone has their own signature dish that they love to share. The relaxing colour palette and handmade feel of 1815 Signature is certain to make any moment special. Sold as single items or in small sets, 1815 Signature is perfect for just one person or a couple and has been specially designed for small city apartments and kitchens. This range can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces from the 1815 range, making it the ideal starter collection for anyone new to Royal Doulton. Sold in sustainable packaging that can be re-used and recycled, every piece from the 1815 Signature Collection is dishwasher and microwave safe – designed to make busy urban living that little bit easier.

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GfK Insights ROYAL DOULTON: ADVERTORIAL

Refreshed and rejuvenated The collection sees a new visual identity for this household name in tableware, following a brand renewal undertaken by Hasan & partners. In order to rejuvenate and reposition the established British brand, the agency drew inspiration from Royal Doulton’s design led heritage, founded in London’s culturally diverse communities, creating a revitalised brand vision appealing to today’s urban cityzen – a youthful, socially and culturally engaged, design conscious consumer. Commenting on the brief Eka Ruola of hasan & partners said “For us as marketeers, the turn-around of a legacy brand constitutes the ultimate challenge; how to leverage the brand heritage while authoring a compelling new brand story to attract a new audience. Adding the global market presence to the equation raises the bar further.” Royal Doulton’s Carolina Bade added: “The new communications approach and visual identity celebrate Royal Doulton’s rich London heritage as a progressive design led brand. We wanted to reinvigorate the brand and bring the Royal Doulton casual dining experience to a younger and design aware consumer in cities around the world. The diversity of urban life and the city as a hub for

creativity has always inspired Royal Doulton and I’m excited to see the brand become more relevant and a part of everyday living once again.”

Urban living, city dining Referencing Royal Doulton’s contemporary design codes and handcrafted casual tableware ranges, Hasan & partners accentuated the brand’s inclusive and accessible appeal, developing a new brand proposition - City of Stories and Flavours - created to inspire people to appreciate meaningful connections and experiences around the table. The campaign is driven by ‘Life made of meaningful moments’, a creative platform to show everyday situations where Royal Doulton plays a central role – highlighting the emotional connections and human interaction that make these moments meaningful and unique. “In the strategic work we focused on finding and demonstrating the role Royal Doulton plays in modern life. As any contagious proposition, this should entail both recognisable familiar elements as well as novelty. We aimed for a shift in perspective from consuming products to utilising products for creating meaningful experiences. As many of the important moments in life take place around the table, Royal Doulton is well staged to elevate those moments”, explained Dan Rönnqvist, Client Services Director at hasan & partners. Commenting on the new brand identity, Chris Bolton, Design Lead at hasan & partners explained: “The visual identity was created following the philosophy of ‘perfectly imperfect’ - a range of identity assets play a contrasting role to one another. From an eclectic colour palette range, symbolizing the imperfect, to a clearly defined grid system, embodying the perfect. The bold and relaxed nature of the brand is made visible through these unique, contrasting combinations.” The first result of these efforts, 1815 Signature sets the stakes very high for future projects, to be expected from this market-leading tableware brand.

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SEEBA/THINKITCHEN ADVERTORIAL Right: Timeless designs that are suited for all occasions and that fits every kitchen.

Over 3 decades of serving up happiness with Seeba/thinKitchen With 35 years of experience in manufacturing and distributing premium, highquality kitchen products behind it, the Seeba Group has witnessed its fair share of changing trends and developments in kitchenware and tableware since its formation.

he second-generation family business headquartered in Mumbai, India exports premium kitchenware, tableware, and serveware products globally, It’s also, via its “agency” business thinKitchen, that imports and distributes international, leading brands in the domestic market via an Omni channel model catering to institutional, B2B and B2C customers whether online or offline. Housing some of the biggest names in the category including Amefa, Brabantia, Burleigh, Dartington, Denby, Zoku, Jamie Oliver, John Beswick, Royal Brieley, Luigi Bormioli, Cole & Mason, Zyliss, Richardson Sheffield, and Royal Prestige, the product range is equally as impressive, with close to 7,000 contemporary kitchen and lifestyle products across various ranges, styles, finishes, and settings. Whether the customer is wholesale or retail, international or domestic, online or offline, Seeba’s motto is always the same “to deliver happiness by creating quality kitchen and home experiences” values of reliability, transparency,

and high standards (professional or personal) have helped garner a reputation as a major, reliable, trustworthy player in the industry. Thirty-five years is a long time in terms of tableware trends, with fashion coming and going yet some staples remaining, as classic, simple, and timeliness - just as with any other industry. So what are the current trends in the marketplace that Seeba is seeing, in terms of product and customer demands? Unsurprisingly perhaps, the global health pandemic and resulting changes in our lifestyles has resulted in changing consumer lifestyle choices with respect to time, space, experience, wellness, and responsibility. Seeba|thinKitchen has been a good place to meet consumer demand for time and space-saving products, as well as those that are customisable, multi-functional, and improve wellness and overall quality of life. More specifically with respect to India and the Indian consumer landscape, the four key parameters that will drive kitchen spend include Affluence (rise in household income),

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SEEBA/THINKITCHEN ADVERTORIAL

Attitude (flight to value and quality), Awareness (growing global connectivity, travel, and media), and Access (both digital and physical) Seeba’s Anand Baldawa notes: “Customers universally go for quality, which is timeless. A more recent trend we have seen is the ‘mix and match’ style. For example, customers tend to mix and match the same pattern, but in different finishes. Separately for us, Denby, Amefa, and Dartington (our partner brands for Dinnerware, Flatware, and Glassware, respectively) have typically been trending the sales charts.” The company’s expertise in creating quality kitchenware and homeware, along with its ability to undertake exclusive and made-to-order projects, together with its customercentric approach has enabled it to respond to these trends head-on. All this means, that as the world of tableware enters a new post-pandemic era, Seeba is ready to move forward again, with a focus on sustainability and the future generation of customers, naturally. “With the pandemic, in-home dining and cooking experiences have become more prolific, hence people require quality cookware and serve ware, which will continue in the long term,” explains Anand. “Over time they are also seeking to upgrade their product choices to more healthy and sustainable options. Younger consumers are also looking for brands with ethos and values that reflect their own, hence brands that focus on quality, reliability, and have a customercentric approach will continue to forge ahead.” The increasing introduction of various types of plate, cookware, and cutlery is expected to build opportunities for the manufacturing side of the business in the future, while the availability of new

designs and different colour options in housewares products is predicted to significantly drive the growth of the market in the coming years. In the hospitality sector, Seeba expects to leverage its advantage of being the only platform in India that exclusively houses some of the biggest brands in the tableware and kitchenware industry – Amefa, Brabantia, Burleigh, Dartington, Denby among them. Whatever the future may bring, for Seeba the focus will always be on providing the highest quality, best in class service, looking to serve clients in the international market as well as in India. Building on its strengths in quality manufacturing, international sourcing, reliability, on-time delivery, this is a company that will always also want to ensure that it is technologically ahead of the curve so that serving up happiness remains at the heart of the Seeba family.

Above: The Cairo range is elegant and classy.

Far left: Simple, subtle, and elegant designs to suit every style from traditional to contemporary. Left: Beautiful and contemporary designs that are a perfect fit for today’s homes.

Contact: anand@seebagroupcom • +91 9870191191

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Yes, they really are dishwasher safe, which is indispensable in a HoReCa setting – the handles come out of the dishwasher looking every bit as good as they were the first day they were purchased so, you can have the beauty and warmth of natural wood with the convenience of being dishwasher safe.

Tradition and passion are at the fore for Tramontina and, for them, it’s not just about the product but also the pleasure the product can bring. Over the years, they have evolved an ethos of bringing Brazilian hospitality to the global market where people get together to enjoy good times and create lasting memories. Supplying both the HoReCa and retail sectors, the company’s portfolio is brimming with quality and innovation across cookware, cutlery, knives, utensils, Churrasco/Barbeque, serveware, bakeware, food storageware, utility products and even furniture. Cutlery is a key category for the company. Their instantly recognisable and renowned Original Jumbo steak knives and forks can be seen in many restaurants and eateries around the world, as well as being available to the retail market.

Cookware is another key category for Tramontina and when it comes to professional kitchens (and domestic ones for that matter) the choice of different substrates and the range of items available is enough to satisfy the most professional of chefs. One of the most widely used pieces in professional kitchen is the ever-versatile fry pan and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Along with fry pans Trento cast iron offers a wok, sauté, and numerous casseroles, making it ideal for oven-to-table serving.

The Professional collection lives up to its name, with a host of items geared up for the professional kitchen, at the heart of which is a selection of fry pans including this aluminium range which features three layers of non-stick, rivetted handle and a removable silicone glove.

Offering many outstanding features, they really are a superior product: super-sharp serrated stainless-steel blades make light work of the thickest of cuts; the very distinctive stainless-steel rivets guarantee safety and security as well as a very characteristic appearance; sculpted ergonomic handles are made from high quality polywood (real wood) from FSC certified forests which are dishwasher safe, impact and high temperature resistant and, uniquely, come with a 5-year warranty.

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Tramontina.co.uk

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16/04/2021 14:14

DENBY ADVERTORIAL Right: Modus - Excellence in Housewares Top of the Table Table Award Winner 2020.

Far right: Modus vase (shown left). Below: Clay ware entering the biscuit kiln for the first firing.

Modus opera: handcrafting by Denby

here has never been such an appreciation of all that is handcrafted in the UK. The pandemic has unlocked the nation’s creativity resulting in a growing trend of consumers of all ages trying their hand at home crafts, including pottery. In fact, the Open University saw a 622% spike in registrations for creative subjects during the first lockdown. This May, Denby will launch its ‘Handcrafting’ marketing campaign, which has been designed to inspire craft loving consumers, and is a timely reminder of Denby’s own credentials in craftsmanship - every piece of pottery it produces is a unique piece made by true artisans. Traditional skills have been used and passed down the generations at Denby for over 200 years, alongside the ability to turn local stoneware clay into beautiful and practical pieces of pottery which will stand the test of time. Each piece of Denby passes through 20 pairs of skilled hands before it receives the seal of approval and passes from Denby’s hands to yours. Denby’s new Modus tableware collection - which achieved Progressive Housewares Excellence in Housewares Top of the Table Award 2020 - exhibits all Denby’s craftsmanship. The name of the collection is abbreviated from ‘Modus Operandi’, as Denby’s award winning collection combines all the qualities and skills which give Denby its character. In addition to tableware items, Modus also includes home décor pieces such as handcrafted vases and, more recently, oil diffusers and luxury candles, which are all made in England and presented in Denby handcrafted ceramics. To achieve the Modus design, Denby combines layers of pattern and texture on simple contemporary forms which are designed to make a big impact. These textural glazes, tonal colours and rich highlights all blend together to give depth and warmth to this stunning collection that has a touch of decadence and elegance with true design details. The ombre effect is created by applying two different colours of glaze by hand. First, the warm grey is applied, and then the items are decorated again with a soft off white glaze. The glazes are applied to overlap a little on each item, which differs depending on the shape. It’s only when the items are fired in the kiln that a reaction occurs and the colours combine to create the ombre effect, which in turn creates a unique, bespoke piece. Denby is well aware that it’s the people who produce the pottery with care who imbue the character unique to Denby: from Stuart who makes the pugs of clay in the slip house, to Sue who effortlessly puts the handles on mugs and Chris who sprays the

bowl and platters with the same spray gun he’s used for 20 years, to name just a few. The Modus collection will be moulded, fettled, sprayed and decorated by many of Denby’s artisans throughout the factory, and you can see the care and dedication each individual contributes to the uniqueness of each piece. Denby is the only UK manufacturer who creates and mixes its own glazes, and this is carried out inside their Derbyshire pottery which has always been their home. Understandably, the recipes for each glaze are kept secret. It takes years to develop the skills needed to hand decorate a piece of Denby - although most employees have over 20 years of service - whether it’s dipping, banding, painting, rinsing or glazing. It is a true art form, only achieved by a handful of artisans. As with all artists, Denby’s craftsmen and women develop their own signature look. Many only use their own equipment and tools, developing their unique way of recreating the glazes which in turn gives every item that bespoke and treasured look and feel. Denby has much to share in its Handcrafted campaign which includes film background of its crafts people, details of how stunning ranges are created and what makes them unique. There will be details of their new prestige hand thrown vases being launched, and Denby ‘Makers Month’, in which Denby celebrates and champions some of Britain’s best creative businesses to combine and inspire craft loving consumers. Following a tough year, Denby is inviting some of Britain’s independent makers to showcase their creative business to new audiences via Denby’s platform. There is lots for Denby to share which is available for their customers’ websites. Denby’s new virtual showrooms are open for viewing on www.denbypottery.com/trade

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SPOTLIGHT ON... GLASSWARE Right: Beverage expert Olly Smith and German glass-producing powerhouse Stöelzle Lausitz from EP Brands.

The Glass is Always Half-Full With bars, pubs and restaurants having to close up shop due to the pandemic, many of us made good use of our time during lockdown to create our own home bars and enjoying a drink or two at home has quickly become the new going out. As people become connoisseurs of their favourite tipple, serving them properly is a priority, opening up new opportunities and trends in the glassware market.

teve Platt, managing director of EP Brands (European Product Brands) elaborates on the growth in consumers entertaining and drinking experiences at home, during the past two years. He says: “This has generated signiﬁcant consumer demand for glassware products that further give them the ‘dining out’ experience at home. Therefore, we have been working with the vivacious wine expert Olly Smith and German glass-producing powerhouse Stöelzle Lausitz to deliver his exciting new collections of crystalline glassware.”

association between himself, The Three Wine Men and industry leading crystalline stemware producer Stolzle Lausitz, Olly has now gone on to develop this relationship. EP Brands is delighted the market can now enjoy exceptional crystalline glassware using global leading pulled stem technology, with Olly producing his own exclusive ranges to further complement and enhance any seasoned or new drinkers’ preferred tipple!”

Top Tipples

Crystal clear

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As drinkers test their mixology skills at home, more and more are looking online in pursuit of the best recipe. Here are the top ﬁve most popular home cocktails, according to online marketplace On Buy. • Mojito • Pina Colada • Espresso Martini • Negroni • Margarita

By combining the 130 years of manufacturing expertise of Stölzle Lausitz with the expert knowledge of wine and other beverages from Olly, the two parties have teamed up in a co-branding project for the development of new exclusive glassware ranges for the UK retail market. Steve, adds: “Olly Smith has established himself as the UK’s leading celebrity wine expert. Sharing his passion and vibrancy for all things wine and ﬁzz with the Inset: Decanterino BBC’s Saturday POP is designed for the immediate Kitchen, The Mail on oxygenation of wine. Sunday and The Three Wine Men, he has given UK consumers a spirited insight into their favourite wines and beverages.” After a productive 5-year

Breath of fresh air

Technology is also being used to enhance the taste of aging wines and spirits to be enjoyed at home, as Decanterino testiﬁes. A new development in glassware, Decanterino POP features a patented system using microspheres technology for the immediate oxygenation of wine and spirits. Architect Carlo Benati, owner of Wine Design, Decanterino’s parent company, explains: “The use of microspheres increases the contact surface with the wine, triggering a ‘controlled dynamisation’, enhancing the organoleptic characteristics of both wine and spirits that have been through an aging process. This technology makes it the most effective and fastest aerator on the market.” Much more than a decanter, Decanterino POP is a fun tool, a game that excites and enhances the rite of administration and conviviality. Easy to carry, perfect for serving one glass, it is a great help for professionals and wine and spirit lovers in equal measure.

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GfK Insights SPOTLIGHT ON... GLASSWARE

Left: Zieher prides itself on its innovative designs.

Shaken, not stirred quite extreme ways to be innovative, be it in case of The home cocktail culture is also influencing brands material or shape, quite often both,” comments such as Dartington Crystal, with managing director Nikolan Borger, marketing manager at Zieher. The Neil Hughes, commenting: “As a leading brand in company’s new bar collection is one such example, quality glassware we keep close to market changes enriching the bar scene with new and how their products are used in the characters which are predestined for home. We were early adopters to the independent creations beyond the trend for gin Copa glasses and we cocktail mainstream. quickly developed both stemmed and Made of particularly break-proof and stemless gin glasses as a key part of temperature resistant borosilicate our drinkware offer. glass, all glasses in the range not only “The assembly of a good G&T requires offer an extravagant outer shell, but a little more effort than simply with a capacity of up to 500ml, also opening a bottle and pouring, and provide plenty of space for this may well have sparked the Inset: Dartington has introduced extraordinary experiments and current trend in mixing a wider glasses specifically shaped for rum countless recipes. variety of drinks at home.” and whisky. “Matching accessories, such as As the home cocktail culture has trays and straws, made of glass grown, so has demand for the or an unusual skewer made of correct style of glasses to borosilicate glass, create create and serve them, argues possibilities that go far Neil. “We are now seeing beyond serving a drink. Each strong demand for martini, jar playfully picks up on a margarita and coupe- saucer different theme and thus exudes glasses as a result. As well as a a good portion of humour in its own good tasting drink experience, these way,” concludes Nikolan. glass styles also deliver an impressive We’ll drink to that! visual result for social media sharing.” The growth in exploring a wide range of premium spirits at home has also allowed Dartington to develop specific glass shapes for both rum and whisky. The Whisky Experience glass is one such example of the Dartington ‘shaped for flavour’ approach, with a glass designed to optimise the nosing and tasting sensations. The single glass format and presentation tube pack also make it a very affordable gift solution for any whisky drinker.

Below: Dartington were early adopter of the G&T Copa glass trend.

Drinks with friends So what will glassware trends serve up next to ensure that businesses can stand out from the crowd and appeal to drinkers, whether at home or in bars and restaurants as the world begins to open up? “Glassware and its design are topics that have been around for decades if not centuries and it is not easy to create something really new, so designers go to

PROGRESSIVE TABLEWARE

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Le Creuset’s selection of Stoneware Serving Bowls make striking additions to any tabletop. Whether you choose to serve small plates in the Stoneware 12cm Snack Bowl or make a statement centrepiece with the new Stoneware 24cm Serving Bowl, each of these products are effortlessly versatile – and can be used in the fridge, freezer and oven alike. With the iconic three-ring design and an array of classic colourways to choose from, there’s a Stoneware Serving Bowl ideal for every kitchen.

Tableware

Le Creuset T: +44 (0)1264 343909 W: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Lesser and Pavey launches

Rectangular, round or square, the Appolia range of

new additions to the highly

ceramic dishes from Peugeot is available in three different

successful range of stylish

sizes and in four trendy colours. You can easily cook for

hand painted stemless

two, four, six or eight people. Perfect to cook your gratins,

glassware featuring

meats in sauce, lasagne, tarts as well as your desserts – the

dragonﬂies, ﬂowers,

Appolia range retains heat and keeps food warm for up to

bumblebees, ladybirds and

30 minutes making them ideal for oven to tableware. They

much more of nature. These

also support freezing temperatures allowing you to safely

are the newest additions to

pass directly from the freezer to a preheated oven (from -

the Lynsey Johnstone range.

25° to 250°C), without risk of a thermal shock.

Each item is beautifully gift

Burton McCall

packaged and will make a

T: +44 (0)116 234 4611

perfect gift.

E: sales@burton-mccall.com

Lesser & Pavey

W: www.burton-mccall.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

DMD brings its customers a bit of Spring to their stores with the new Pressed ﬂowers collection. A beautiful delicate ﬂoral decorated collection of porcelain teaware and home accessories. Products include teapot, two-tier cake stand, cup and saucer, mugs, tea plates, bowls and serveware. David Mason Design W: www.davidmasondesign.co.uk

As chosen by the Ambiente trend show 2020 ‘Deco’ a 1920’s inspired range of dark wood serving, sharing and dining pieces with sharply deﬁned lines and geometric art deco style proved popular. To complement the sophisticated wood serving pieces T&G introduced Tip Top CrushGrind® mills in gold and the Oblique CrushGrind® salt and pepper mills with gold tops. Opulence and ﬁne dining are a key trend for 2020 and ‘Deco’ from T&G certainly delivers gold! T&G T: +44 (0)1275 841841 W: www.tg-woodware.com

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FEEDBACK: HoReCa

New Normal on the Horizon Left: Coral tableware from Utopia.

It’s been an unusual 12 months or so for the HoReCa sector, to say the least. With closures and restrictions in place due to the pandemic, followed thankfully now by a gradual re-opening, it’s a time that has brought it its own set of trends, with a market that is more than ready to spring back in to life. We take a look at how manufacturers have been responding to the changes and ask them what they’re most looking forward to next.

Jackie Thomas, sales administrator at Sango Hospitality “We have seen a continued trend for reactive glazes which our artisans at the factory excel at. Another big trend currently is the straight sided presentation plate, as seen on our Kaden collection. We supply these in classic white and also the beautiful colours of our Java range. The stunning colours of our Ora collection are also used across the range which we call Rustic Kaden. These presentation plates were designed with the chef in mind and they’re perfect for professional food presentation and can be used alone for dramatic effect or as sharing plates to mix and match with our Ora, Classic or Java collections. With our biggest markets being the UK, Italy, Australia and, of course, Indonesia, we are looking forward to more product development and further adding to our collections once the market starts to recover from the effects of the pandemic. There’s a lot of new product queuing-up to be launched. Obviously, our industry has been hit particularly hard, so it will be great to see restaurants back open and starting to slowly get back to full capacity which will then allow their requirements to get back to what they once were.”

Josh Rammell, marketing manager at Utopia “Within the hospitality market, trends are always evolving with the tastes of the consumer. With the restrictions and lockdowns of the last year it has been a hard time for trends to take shape, but looking at where the market is, we feel the following are key in the market right now: shorter and cleaner serves, cut lines and soft angles are becoming a dominant trend. Glasses such as Utopia’s Nick and Nora, Negroni glasses and classic cut tumblers are all popular. It is also now established that you need to serve wine in the right shaped glass for the type of grape. Matching the bowl shape and overall feel of the glass to the wine will not only bring out the ﬂavour and aroma, but it will add to the ambience and enhance the overall experience of the drinker. Another trend is for coloured glassware for water, and table drinks are seeing a resurgence of popularity. We expect this trend to continue into the summer as restrictions ease and the public look for a bit of fun and frivolity from the hospitality industry. The whole industry has been affected by the pandemic in many ways, from the supply chains to the hospitality establishments. What we are most looking forward to is seeing our industry getting back to what it does best, serving and connecting people. Being an escape and release for the public to enjoy experiences together.”

Left: Ora white breakfastware from, Sango Hospitality.

Below: Monno Design is making its foray into the hospitality sector.

Right: Samiul Islam, md of Monno Design.

Samiul Islam, managing director of Monno Design “The closure of hotels and restaurants due to the pandemic has naturally led to people cooking and dining at home more than we have seen in decades. As a direct consequence, the retail sector has seen a huge boost in homeware sales. We supply premium porcelain and ﬁne bone china to several well-known retailers in the USA (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), the UK (John Lewis & Partners) and Europe (Habitat, E.Leclerc), and all our customers have seen an uptick in tableware sales. The once languishing retail tableware sector has become a major growth driver for many and adoption of e-commerce has also become a necessity for all businesses, meaning we are now supplying more boxed sets than open stock items. We expect to see innovations in packaging going forward as these are bulky, fragile goods. Just before the pandemic hit, we were eagerly planning our foray into the hospitality world. We have traditionally been a retail focused manufacturer but the growth of the HoReCa sector was too prominent to ignore. Duly, we have developed completely new HoReCa focused ranges to cater to the needs of hospitality customers. This year, we are looking forward to commissioning a new kiln and auto cup-making line which will double our existing capacity. Works are already underway at the factory and we are ever closer to achieving our vision of 20 million pieces per year.”

PROGRESSIVE TABLeWARE

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GLOBALLY UNITED 11. – 15. 2. 2022 Ambiente is the pioneering international trade fair for the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors. It offers expertise, a huge array of products, the latest design trends and a venue for knowledge exchange. It gives a global overview across all segments and opens a window onto the future. Ambiente is the consumer goods market. Information at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

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