Tableware, together with service, is an almost invisible detail that makes all the difference. And every two years HostMilano offers a preview of future trends.

“We see a reinforced confirmation of pre-pandemic trends. Customers are still looking for fully-coloured, decorated items with a handmade touch while still expecting the highest levels of quality and robustness,” explains Bertrand Lecante, marketing director of RAK Porcelain Europe. “Contract caterers and mass catering companies are now investing in higher quality kind of products whereas they used to buy cheaper and simpler products. They want their customers back in the outlets and want them to feel like they’re in a trendy and casual restaurant which involves more appealing dinnerware.”

At HostMilano, Lecante was positively impressed by the approach the industry, distribution and Horeca operators have been taking towards investing, refreshing and reinventing. “This shows a real and strong ‘re-opening’ trend which we are very excited about.”

Rak will soon be launching a complete collection with a powerful feature that will respond to the increasing safety requirements of the industry and avoid hygienic hazards for both users and consumers.

Roberto Pierucci, CEO of RCR Cristallerie Italiane, believes there is a huge demand for sustainability in place settings, both environmental and in terms of spatial management. “With a recyclability rate close to 100%, glass is a major protagonist of the circular economy. Consumers today are sensitive to ecology and very aware of the enormous damage caused by the use of plastic. But they also care about the aesthetic appeal and exclusivity of Italian design, the safety of materials, various performance features and how easy they are to wash and store. We are seeing a return to glasses and tumblers that are cut or decorated with colour, which makes possible more personalisation.” All the more so because “drinking glasses are very intimate objects: they come into contact with our mouths, so great care must be taken over the choices made to increase the pleasure of anything from the everyday act of drinking water to enjoying a cocktail.”

RCR has launched the concept of sustainable space: “Bars and other establishments need to optimise the space behind the counter, in order to improve the area where food and drink consumption happens. It’s important that drinking glasses take up a limited amount of space, and that they are suitable for all occasions and add value to the furnishings.” Hence the first range of stackable glasses featuring an innovative system that prevents them getting stuck together. There is also an eco-friendly bottle suitable for middle to high-end table settings that can also be put in the fridge. All RCR materials are made of Eco-Crystal Glass using a fume-free process and renewable energy sources.

The days at HostMilano were “rich, intense and interesting. It was a great event with so much energy after a pause of nearly two years. The number of visits exceeded our expectations, especially as regards the new contacts we made with foreign customers.”