L’art de la table

How would you describe the French tableware industry at the moment? Is it healthy?

Degrenne: France has a long, historical, prominent position in the world tableware industry, not only due to its gastronomic tradition but also down to its well-known ‘arts de vivre à la française’ (French art of living), inspiring people all over the world. Of course, Made in France stands worldwide for high-quality, elegance, refinement and beauty but also a centuriesold savoir-faire. The French tableware industry perfectly reflects those values and it’s a real reference in the premium/ luxury segment. Unfortunately for decades we experienced in France a strong industrial delocalisation with a reduction of French manufacturers and

brands that couldn’t resist globalization, mainly driven by low prices. Today, even if producing in France still represents a real challenge in terms of costs, more and more companies and brands realise – as Degrenne always did - that Made in France is a real addedvalue for the consumers, especially in the last five/six years. And even more after the Covid crisis that obliged all of us to reconsider our consumption and buying habits with a new responsible social and environmental approach.

In this sense, I could say the French tableware industry is healthy and is experiencing real momentum in terms of sales and international development even if it will take some time to rebuild a strong local industrial landscape.

La Rochère: The French tableware industry has been going through a dynamic period during the last two and a half years due to the Covid situation.

Despite a drop of demand in the foodservice sector during lockdown, retail demand has boomed. My feeling is that consumers have been rediscovering home entertaining. Besides, it seems people are more and more attracted by the Made in France products, and local craftmanship. It’s good for our industry and the right time to further highlight meaning, and peace through our tableware offering.

Sabre: There is not a simple answer to this, everyone’s strategy has been very different in the last five years. Some companies had focused for years on national HoReCa and left regular retail. Some had been less exposed to their our know-how. Finally, the second half of 2022 is more difficult. Energy costs have risen and inflation of all costs creates new conditions and a heavy atmosphere.

Consumer behaviour thus changes and competition from overseas is back. More than ever, we need to bring consumers joy,

national market and those had been much more resilient.

Degrenne: Degrenne exports 40 per cent of its production in more than 80 countries all over the world. The United States market still represents