What’s On The Table?

What’s On The Table?

There’s no doubt that; COVID-19 has changed our lives irreversibly, especially when it comes to dining. We speak to eight industry professionals to learn more about the impact that the pandemic has had when it comes to choosing tableware and glassware, as well as the latest market trends and forecasts.

 

EXPERTS OPINION

Stuart Duff
Corporate chef for the UK and
Ireland, Hilton Hotels & Resorts

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

The impact of COVID-19 has been huge on our business. We are looking at solutions that involve minimal contact with crockery and glassware; so disposable products are being used as an immediate way to tackle the issue.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

As a company, we are looking at tiffin service where multiple dishes can be transported in one delivery. Melamine products are also being considered because the market standard has improved.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

There are many quality suppliers in the market. Currently, Churchill, Villeroy & Boch,Steelite, RAK, My Glass Studio, Dalebrook, Brakes, and Lockhart all supply the Hilton brand.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?

Yes, there will be a surge in biodegradable products. However, they have to be fit for purpose and deliver the quality that is expected from a Hilton customer.

 

Wissam Kasdallah
Executive sous chef, Safir Hotel

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

COVID-19 has impacted the entire hospitality sector, especially this segment. The impact includes decreasing the distribution network between manufacturers and retailers. However, we must stay optimistic.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

Online platforms showcasing products are a great way to meet the needs of customers.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

We deal with an array of suppliers, and we sometimes ask the local players to create products that meet the requirements of our customers and their profiles. As mentioned previously, it is an evolving and rapidly changing market.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19

For the time being, we all have to adhere to the instructions of the medical and governmental authorities and follow the guidelines and protocols. At a later stage, the trends will become apparent. We have to be ready for life post COVID-19.

 

Greg Malouf
Modern Middle Eastern
Michelin chef – Author

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

There has been little to zero impact. More attention is definitely being paid to the cleanliness of tableware. All our kitchen staff wear gloves and are tested monthly for COVID-19.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

We may see trends such as innovative crockery and nonporous glass plates.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

Japanese, Spanish and Australian tableware brands are leading the way in terms of quality and innovation.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?

Not in restaurants, as customers are fed up with dealing with take-out delivery style disposable tableware and want the real thing.

 

SUPPLIERS’ FEEDBACK

Alain Eid
GM, Restofair

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

Some of the suppliers halted their production lines for at least three months.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

Our European supplier developed a special antibacterial nanotechnology coating treatment action that is effective on all stainless steel products and lasts a lifetime.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

UK, Germany, UAE and France are in the top three, while the Scandinavian countries and The Netherlands are climbing up the ranks with their innovative and trend-setting collections.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?

Biodegradable tableware had started to emerge before COVID-19. However, many hotel and restaurant guest are not accepting to the idea of eating a refined dish on a biodegradable plate.

 

Carla Faissal
Owner, BOUTIC’ HOTEL

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

From a positive angle, the COVID-19 crisis has launched a new dimension to sales, focusing less on shared plates and large platters and more on individual portions.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

Regarding our brands specifically, the main technological challenge would be to produce tableware with a beautiful hand-finished look that would also deliver durability for heavy-duty use.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?

This is a temporary solution that will hopefully come to an end when the virus fades away. However, I am a fan of bamboo as an outdoor, unbreakable option. Bamboo is eco-friendly, dishwasher safe and simply beautiful.

Daniel Fischer
Area sales manager for the
Middle East, Seltmann Weiden
Porcelain

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

Sales in HORECA stopped suddenly, but retail requests remained the same.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

Self-service buffets need to be advanced; everything needs to be covered correctly.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

The big brands like Villeroy & Boch, RAK and BHS are still doing a great job.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?If so, how will the hospitality sector accommodate such demand?

Biodegradable hopefully yes but not disposable. Porcelain is made entirely from natural materials, which makes it biodegradable. Governments and the hospitality industry need to agree on a workable solution.

 

Damien Leruste
VP sales and marketing for the
Middle East, India and Asia,
Degrenne

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

This crisis, which occurred against the backdrop of globalization, has led us to seriously reconsider our sourcing strategies. As a French brand with clear expertise in our field, we have noticed that consumers are paying greater attention to the brands they purchase and the quality, origin and innovative nature of the products they buy. More than ever, we are focusing on how our items are actually used in order to offer the best solutions possible. Our iconic COCOTTES collection, L’Econome by Starck© dishware set, and plate covers are all part of our “Food Safety” range. In response to this unprecedented crisis and to best support hotel and restaurant professionals, the brand is launching an assistance platform for the first time in its history.

 

MD, MG Supplies

 

How has COVID-19 affected the tableware market?

Clients did not have the budget to reorder or renovate. Secondly, they had an obligation to invest in the sanitizing processes to prepare for reopening.

What are the recent technological advances in this field, and what trends are you forecasting?

The advances in our field center on the materials used in the manufacturing of the tableware, which make them more durable or more environmentally friendly.

Who are the current and emerging international market leaders in professional tableware?

The leading market players are those who are working on their adaptability to the market.

Do you anticipate a surge in the usage of biodegradable and disposable tableware post COVID-19?

Biodegradable and disposable is already in high demand, but I do not see it lasting. Guests visiting hotels, restaurants or those using a catering service are looking for better experiences than what they do at home. I see more single-portion tableware trending in the long term.

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About author

Rita Ghantous

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.

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