6_7_9_Progressive Tableware NEWS.qxp_PROGRESSIVE ELECTRICAL
16/04/2021
13:26
Page 6
PROGRESSIVE TABLEWARE NEWS
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.”
06 PROGRESSIVE TABLEWARE
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.