Design. Perfect hygiene. Infinite recyclability. These are just a few of the many qualities that make glass a material that is experiencing a major revival on out-of-home tables. In fact, the market for glass tableware products is driven primarily by demand in the restaurant and hospitality industries: according to a report by Fact.CMR, the commercial segment accounts for 74 percent of the global market. Geographically, Asia-Pacific leads the market with a 34 percent share in 2023, while sustainability is gaining in importance among the drivers.

Such an evolution is also reflected in design, with minimalist lines and irregular textures inspired by nature, natural colors reminiscent of stone and wood, complemented by the use of materials such as borosilicate glass. Customization is also on the rise, thanks to technologies such as digital printing.

In Cerve’s case, this has led to the birth of a new brand, as the company explains: “Anima is the new brand of professional glasses and stemware for producers, wineries and high-end restaurants. A fusion of traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation, at the heart of which is the design of mouth-blown goblets that are highly performing in tasting, handcrafted by expert master glassmakers, in Lumina crystalline glass in the absence of lead, a raw material of excellence.”

Professional wine tasting is also a fast-growing area for Riedel: “The markets reflect wine trends from world’s major labels, with Europe and the United States as the areas of focus,” comment Francesco Alabrese, Sales Manager Italy at Royale, and Stefano Canello, Vice President of Sales at Spiegelau-Nachtmann. “The main technological innovation is the ultralight machine-blown glass, an important step forward in quality, but it is in the details that the difference is really made, also to satisfy new segments such as low-alcohol beverages.”

Still on market scenarios, comments Matthias Delrue, Southeast Europe Director (Italy & Balkans) at Arc International: “In Europe we are observing a growing impact of technology, and in particular AI, and alternative consumption trends such as click & collect, as well as health and sustainable trends and regulatory developments. Arcoroc's offering of easily manageable tempered glass re-use products is a response to these new trends driven by new generations. In collaboration with care professionals, Arcoroc has also developed a range dedicated to people with reduced independence, which enhances the lightness, strength and washability of opal glass.”

The endless variations of glass in hospitality, restaurants and out-of-home will all be in the Tableware area of Host 2025, at fieramilano - Rho from 17 to 21 October 2025.