Suppliers you should know: Top tableware

Al Diyafa
Exploring new market segments

Al Diyafa set up its first showroom in the UAE in 1998 in Dubai, followed by a second showroom and warehouse in 2001 in Abu Dhabi.

The company is the exclusive retailer for Paderno’s Arthur Krupp tableware and hollowware line in the UAE. The German range is aimed at fine dining restaurants, and its reinforced edges for the porcelain line are highly resistant to chipping, giving them versatility and durability for everyday use.

Additionally, Al Diyafa recently began stocking Kisag hand blenders from Switzerland, and will begin distributing American brand Metalcraft’s table-top pieces from July 2014. The company will also increase stock levels of its core brands in an effort to reaffirm its position as one of the leading stockists in the country.

Commenting on recent trends in tableware, Al Diyafa business development manager Adam Rahmani said: “There is a noticeable demand for varying tableware styles and patterns by outlet type. Our larger hotel customers often require a distinctive tableware identity for each and every outlet.

Most recently we have seen interest moving away from traditional porcelain chinaware in some outlets toward more eye-pleasing presentation options such as cast iron cookware and platter presentations which we have been able to serve well with our Lava cast iron brand.”

Tel:+971 4 3474727 / +971 2 6813733
Email: aldiyafa@emirates.net.ae
Web: www.aldiyafa.com

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Churchill
Keeping up with trends

UK-based tableware manufacturer Churchill has a long history of bringing the highest quality ceramic products to the industry.

The company recently launched Bamboo, a subtly embossed white range that is inspired by nature. Export business development manager Glenn Ewart believes the trend in the region is also moving toward warmer tones and rustic feels that embrace wood, metals, and hand painted designs.

To this end, Churchill has also launched Stonecast, a hand painted range inspired by decoration going back centuries, which draws inspiration from organic shapes, while the hand painted finish looks great in either fine dining or casual settings. In other news, Churchill has also secured business with the Walt Disney Corporation, as well as a contract with Starwood Hotels & Resorts for its Middle East properties.

Ewart has noticed the main challenge for hoteliers is visualising how their choice of tableware will fit with their concepts.

“My role is to be consultant as well as sales manager, as we look at concepts, renderings, and designs to see how we can fit the tableware to the concept. Design elements are a huge part of our work now with hoteliers as well as menu concepts with F&B managers, and chefs,” he explains.

Tel: +44 7974919548
Email: glenn.ewart@churchill1795.com
Web: www.churchill1795.com

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Direct Hotel Supplies
Strong on stock

The latest product from Direct Hotel Supplies (DHS) is Bartuff polycarbonate drinkware. According to DHS partner Manesh Balani, unbreakable drinkware is fast growing in popularity in venues where the danger and inconvenience of broken glass is a problem, such as hotel pools and nightclubs. “Bartuff’s cutting- edge design elevates outdoor drinkware from tawdry to stylish, while ensuring durability with its non-breakable feature,” he says.

As a one-stop solution for hospitality operating supplies, DHS maintains a large stock of items. “A key challenge for hoteliers is that although they are presented with a wide option of products by suppliers, replenishment of small quantities is a major problem due to lack of stock. This is where DHS makes a difference. We maintain a robust stock of chinaware, glassware, cutlery and buffetware. All our items are easy for hoteliers to incorporate into their existing lines of tableware and our delivery is quick and efficient,” explains Balani.

Commenting on trends in the region, Balani says hotels and restaurants have gone back to basics, with the popularity of white chinaware in standard round, square, and rectangular shapes growing. Another trend is the use of ‘monoportion’ pieces, which allows guests to sample more options, while kitchens reduce wastage and manage food costs.

Direct Hotel Supplies was established in 2002 and includes a team of 10 employees who handle all services, including delivery of supplies.

Tel: +9714 347 9449
Email: info@directhotelsupplies.com
Web: www.directhotelsupplies.com

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A. Ronai
Catering to a variety of needs

A Ronai LLC is the Middle East distributor of some of the world’s biggest brands in hospitality, including Steelite, Oneida, Glass & Co. and other trademarks.

The company’s Genware range has expanded to include more decorative yet practical items, with Steelite tableware and Oneida flatware both bringing new ranges and additions to existing lines.

“Some of the trends over the last year include asymmetric designs both in glass and chinaware. Coloured plateware used as signature pieces has been in use for many years but trends are now leaning towards the complete collection. Steelite Craft range offers six colours that can be mixed and matched or used alone to highlight a colour feature of the outlet. Chinaware will always be a timeless trend to showcase elegance and exclusivity,” explains A. Ronai managing director Gavin Dodd.

While budget is usually a big challenge for hotels, Dodd suggests considering the cost of tableware over the life of each product rather than only the initial costs.

Ronai has also recently become the distributor for F. Dick chef’s knives, a German company that has been manufacturing quality knives for decades. With the launch of Ronai Uniforms, the company also hopes to bring a new dimension to the uniform industry in the Middle East and will be launching a new uniform catalogue with options for front and back of house as well as spa and work wear solutions by the end of the year.

Tel: +971 4 3414409
Email:enquiries@ronai.ae
Web: www.ronai.ae

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Truebell
Focused on client training

Truebell has recently partnered with Vista Alegre, the sixth largest tableware group in the world, and has launched a new line of glassware from Riedel in partnership with Coca Cola. Riedel is among the leading brands supplied by Truebell. The company also markets the brand by hosting demonstrations and wine tasting events.

“The size of the portfolio and the equity in the brand mean that it is always in demand and we are supplying to most of the fine dining and premium sector in the region,” explains Truebell general manager of the hospitality division Daniel Hall.

“Whenever we hold a training session people are always surprised at the difference the correct glass can make to the wine drinking experience. We are always happy to hold a training/introductory session for new or existing customers. It can give the staff more knowledge about a brand and this in turns helps with their confidence and ability to answer questions on the product.”

In recent months, Truebell has added several new brands and ranges to its portfolio and can now offer turnkey solutions for development projects.

“We are working closely with chefs, management and procurement to ensure that all the latest trends and technologies are available to them. By being able to supply all categories of tableware, it reduces the complications for the customer in terms of delivery, invoicing, payment and also communication,” says Hall.

Working closely with chefs, the team at Truebell has observed a move away from the traditional and homogenous nature of table design to a more eclectic layout. “Patterned porcelain, coloured glass and materials like slate, stone, glass and wood are much more popular now. This allows signature dishes to be presented in a more flamboyant and interesting way,” says Hall.

Tel: +971 6 5342111
Email: hospitality@truebell.org
Web: www.truebell.org

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Villeroy & Boch
Providing customised tableware solutions

Villeroy & Boch is focusing on producing lead-free crystal glass and lead-free glaze as part of its efforts to go green. “From our factories to our offices, we have implemented strict regulations all validated by our EMAS and ISO certifications that have been awarded in recognition of our efforts,” says Villeroy & Boch director hotel & restaurants Burkhard Schmidt.

When picking tableware for an F&B setting, Schmidt says: “The occasions you are using your tableware for are crucial: big buffet arrangements require a wider range of items than an individual dinner setting. And a European café gourmet arrangement demands certain pieces, so does Asian food or American dining. Visual effects play another decisive role for restaurants and hotels, providing that all-important first impression.”

Villeroy & Boch has also introduced a new decorated tableware collection called Amarah, available in colours such as taupe, red sun, terra and aquamarine. With the growing trend for bespoke pieces, the company also offers custom-made solutions for restaurants and hotels to differentiate their offer and create new concepts in dining.

With its growing premium bone porcelain ranges, Villeroy & Boch is also able to create various collections to suit a range of occasions. “Casual dining has become more prevalent. Dining outside the confines of traditional hotel restaurants we have become so used to in the Middle East region is getting more and more popular.

Here the trend is more towards decorated porcelain with a bit of mix and match. Instead of consistent colour, pattern or shape there is rather a mixture of textures, colours and forms that blend harmoniously like with our new decorated collection Amarah,” explains international key account manager NME hotel & restaurant Lloyd Lamprecht.

Tel: +(352) 46 82 11
Email:info.hr@villeroy-boch.com
Web: www.pro.villeroy-boch.com

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Welsh Slate
Catering to the need for natural materials

Tableware manufacturer Slateware has launched ‘Occasions’ – a stylish collection of platters for professional food service establishments, designed specifically for canapés, finger food, and buffets.

The company’s bestselling range – Slateware – was originally designed with three collections to cater to various visual tastes.

The collections are: Fine — designed with elegant sharp lines to complement the contemporary presentation of food; Dressed — with edges hand-dressed by craftsmen to reflect slate’s natural texture using centuries-old methods that make the product appear charmingly simple; and Honed – which highlights the natural veining exclusive to Penrhyn Quarry (where the slate is produced). Each piece is hand-polished to give an ultra-smooth luxurious feel.

“Tableware needs to excite diners as much as the food served on it so it’s important that it is not only fit for purpose but also aesthetic. Every item in the Slateware portfolio is completely food-safe, as well as dishwasher, microwave and oven-safe.

Natural slate is non-porous which allows food to be served directly onto it and for food to be kept hot or cold depending on the requirements. Many items also feature grooved borders to capture sauces and slate feet for ease of handling and a stand-out effect on the table,” says Welsh Slate managing director Chris Allwood.

Slateware by Welsh Slate is produced from the Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, which is over 500 years old, and is recognised among the finest natural slate in the world, while proving to be popular at restaurants around the world.

“The ongoing trend for natural materials engenders an atmosphere that is both familiar and practical and is evidenced by the particular popularity of products such as sharing platters for sushi, tapas and antipasti which reflect a more relaxed trend towards casual dining,” explains Allwood.

Tel: +44 1248 600656
Email: enquiries@slateware.co.uk
Web: www.slateware.co.uk