Tabletop Trends: Metal-tastic! The resurgence of metalware and metallic finishes
Metal-tastic! The resurgence of metalware and metallic finishes
Metalware and metallic finishes have become a significant trend in the hospitality and dining sector, with chefs and operators seeking distinctive ways to present their dishes. They can be flashy or (relatively) subtle, and while they tend to make for a striking presentation, they can be aesthetically pleasing and practical, contemporary and rustic. Anything that makes your customers’ customers go ‘wow’ helps create a point of difference – and metalware can certainly achieve that. For dealers, metalware presents an opportunity to offer clients a product that enhances food presentation while being a long-term investment in quality. Here some of FEA’s suppliers take a look at what’s happening in this corner of the LET market.
There’s been a resurgence in demand for metallic tableware in hospitality, restaurant and catering settings. Stainless steel is in high demand, whether brushed, mirrored, or hammered, and finishes like copper, gold and black remain popular. Contemporary stainless steel designs are very on-trend, with clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist aesthetics. There’s also a trend for reinventing serving pieces made with classic materials, giving them a contemporary twist by adding a metallic finish. Stainless steel has a timeless quality and there are many shapes, sizes and colours available to give the market the diversity it requires. It’s a highly resilient material that withstands the rigours of a busy professional kitchen while maintaining its high-shine elegance.
A wide range of customers are using metalware. They include restaurants, fine dining establishments, boutique hotels and luxury resorts, as these finishes enhance table settings, creating a premium dining experience. Caterers use it to add sophistication to weddings, banquets, and corporate events. Hammered metalware is highly favoured by Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. This is all about enhancing the customer experience – it’s not just the food, it’s what it’s served on.
Metalware trends change, so companies may buy a happening gold colour this year and then something else next. If their brand standard is to be on-trend, then they might spend simply to upgrade their kit, which is an opportunity for dealers and suppliers!
Metalware can bring a new dimension to table presentation, for example with small plates and tapas. It can add theatre, richness and sophistication, while its ability to reflect light brings a special visual attraction. It’s brilliant for juxtaposing with other materials, mixing with ceramic, glass, wood or stone. It lends itself to a variety of different décors, from the industrial chic to the rustic and the retro – and including luxury settings, too. It brings a modern, upscale look to table settings, and it’s durable, resistant to chipping, and versatile.
While stainless steel is relatively low maintenance, copper, brass and other finishes may need more TLC, for example with a polish. Stainless steel can be dishwasher safe, other metallic finishes may not be. Obviously the customer needs to know if the metalware needs hand washing – it could impact on their operation, so check with the manufacturer before recommending to your customer! Some metallic finishes, especially gold and copper, can be prone to scratching or tarnishing over time. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, as they may scratch, and dry immediately after washing, to avoid water spots. Avoid prolonged exposure to acidic foods, as the metal may tarnish. Store carefully, to avoid dents or scratches. Miniature cast iron serveware is great for serving starters and nibbles, and the material means dishes can be prepared in ovens or under grills, but it’s recommended that it is hand washed.
The use of products such as cast iron in tableware and serveware reflects the growing preference for low-maintenance options that are long lasting. Indeed, metalware taps in to the increasing focus on sustainability, since materials like stainless steel, copper and aluminium are long lasting and recyclable. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for long-lasting, recyclable materials is expected to boost this market’s dynamics.
Thanks to the following suppliers for help with this article – check out their ‘Hero’ metalware products (images in the carousel at the top of the page).
Contacto
Hero products: Mini Pans with stainless steel handles; and Insulated Oval Bowls, double walled in stainless steel.
contacto.co.uk
FEM
Hero products: the Pujadas range of stylish stainless steel miniatures, available in copper and a stainless steel finish, are suitable for individual servings or small batch cooking.
fem.co.uk
Lifetime Brands
Hero products: the Artesà brand includes cast iron serveware and a range of serving pieces using materials like slate and wood with hints of metallic brass finishes.
uk.lifetimebrandseurope.com
TableCraft
Hero products: the mirrored stainless steel Sea Food Tower, the Cast Iron collection, and the Brickhouse and Lattice collections in mirrored stainless steel.
eu.tablecraft.com
Thunder Group
Hero products: sauce cups – operators portion control foods with them and, as they’re ordered relatively frequently, they help dealers maintain close relationships with customers.
thundergroup.uk
Wilmax England
Hero products: the hammered stainless steel serveware collection is made from 18/10 stainless steel and is available in both classic silver with gold-tone handles and matte bronze.
whitcoltd.com/wilmax
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If you are a distributor or dealer of light equipment and tableware and want to experience the latest trends and innovations to hit the market then please register your interest to attend and we will make sure that you are notified as soon as tickets are live.
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This article is part of Tabletop Trends - FEA's quarterly light equipment and tableware sector newsletter.
Tabletop Trends is produced and distributed by the Foodservice Equipment Association, the UK's largest independent foodservice equipment trade association. All suppliers listed in this article are FEA members. A full list of Light Equipment and Table suppliers can be found on our Meet Our Members section - simply select Light Equipment / Food Prep from the Product Type drop down menu
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