Adam Dennis
MEA Sales Manager Churchill
What are the current global trends in dining and how are these affecting the regional tableware market?
At Churchill, a brand distributed in the region by MG Hotel Supplies, we conduct intensive and thorough industry research on a global basis. The biggest food trends we are seeing in the international marketplace are Asian fusions and the trend for clean, sustainable eating. In this global community, consumers are better traveled and more adventuros than ever before. They are seeking out authenticity and the flavors they tried while travelling is fueling the growth of Asian cuisines. At the forefront of consumer buying decisions, is sustainability and the environment. This is where we see a shift towards plant-based dining, waste reduction and local produce that has less food miles.
What is in demand for local/regional buyers and what, compared to last year, has changed?
Innovation is in demand driving customers to look for something new based on shape, color, texture and pattern. We continue to see the demand for innovation rising, with no sign of colored tableware going anywhere. In line with the trend for more sustainable food choices, we are seeing a rise in sales driven by a desire to buy a tableware product that is made to last.
What are the top selling brands and what’s behind their popularity?
Our colored portfolio continues to grow, with studio prints and stonecast collections being hugely popular. Chefs and GM'S are looking for something unique that will suit their restaurant interior and overall food style, but that still performs to the rigors of a hospitality kitchen. Both stonecast and studio prints are extensive ranges with a wealth of color variety. This means individual vendors can mix and match the colors, shapes and textures to create individual tableware combinations. Tableware becomes an element of the overall design of the interior, a part of the customer experience and is essential to enhance the style of food presentation.
What are this year’s trendiest colors, shapes and materials?
While variety is the most popular request from customers, there is still large demand for neutral tones and textures. Neutrals become the base to which more vibrant accent colors can be added. We continue to hear that the best colors and textures for food presentation come from nature and this principle has formed the inspiration for many of our most successful ranges including Studio Prints Stone, Bamboo and Isla.