Cover Story Zwiesel Fortessa Group
"Every entrepreneur aspires to create something meaningful and lasting" When Zwiesel Kristallglas AG merged with Fortessa Tableware Solutions in 2022, a formidable partnership of nearly 20 years was taken to a next level. The owners Prof. Andreas Buske and Scott Hamberger tell Tableware International what drives both themselves and the Zwiesel Fortessa Group forward
Tell us about the opportunities you saw with merging Zwiesel Glas and Fortessa. Professor Buske: At the time of the merger, Zwiesel Glas and Fortessa could already look back on almost 20 years of successful co-operation. The combination of the two companies has created a unique global enterprise in the tableware industry, in which both companies com-
in the end customer segment, Fortessa has been a leader in the North American high-end hotel and catering industry as well as in the retail business for years. The merger was therefore a logical step in the company's strategic development and international positioning. Mr Hamberger: My background is entrepreneurial. My
“Zwiesel Glas has never just been about glass, but has always echoed the possibilities inherent in glass” Andreas Buske bine all their joint activities. We are united by one vision: together we want to become the global market leader for tableware (glass, porcelain and cutlery). We have realised that we are even stronger together, because with Zwiesel Glas and Fortessa, two market leaders have joined forces: While Zwiesel Glas was recognised as the global market leader in crystal glassware for the high-end hotel and catering industry for the sixth time in a row in 2023 and is also developing successfully 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL
brother Eric and I founded an international trading company when we were still in college. We focused on tableware because we identified inefficiencies in the channels of distribution and realised there was a better way to do business. We realised there is something important missing: a focus on service matters and a direct-to-end-user orientation. We created the special “Fortessa experience”, and this distinct customer focus is still driving every single decision today.
In addition, we grew up in an environment of hospitality with happy memories around the table – shared stories, delicious meals, and warm laughter. So, the confluence of a business opportunity with a field that we enjoyed made for a great start-up business back in 1993. And, over decades, the family business grew into a leader in the field. My role has been one of growing with the company. In particular, I have always worked to envision the next three to five years of development in order to ensure continued relevance and competitive advantage. Today, we have an incredible team that executes on a daily basis so that my role focuses on supporting them and making sure they have the conditions for continued success. As owners, for Andreas and me creating the Zwiesel Fortessa Group represents a dream come true, the chance to take two excellent companies and create a world leader in our industry. I think every entrepreneur aspires to create something meaningful and lasting, which is exactly what we are doing with the Zwiesel Fortessa Group. What motivates you? Buske: Zwiesel Glas has never just been about glass, but has
always echoed the possibilities inherent in glass. We strive to create unique products at the highest level of manufacturing skill and craftsmanship that offer extraordinary experiences of enjoyment and community. Products that lend a special touch to every table setting and are simply part of refined taste worldwide. Eating habits, lifestyles, family structures, everything is changing. We want to help shape these developments. We are constantly adapting to the needs of the market. We want our customers to come back as enthusiastic buyers, then we know we have done it right. One of our recipes for success is certainly our focus on class instead of mass, and the Made in Germany production of relevant assortments for both the upscale hotel and gastronomy sectors as well as premium retailers all over the world. Coupled with an excellent service, this is what our customers appreciate. Our great trump card is that we are constantly developing as a company and consistently pushing our themes – brand and market development as well as high-quality manufacture and machine production. Hamberger: The main thing that motivates me, and I know