The tableware market - Italy (2023)

The global tableware market has experienced significant trends and changes starting from 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably impacted consumer spending and e-commerce adoption within the sector. The Italian market has seen a shift in company dynamics, with a decrease in the number of enterprises followed by a notable increase in 2020. During 2020, consumers increased their average spending on table, kitchen, and gift items by 18.4%. Economic uncertainty led 41.3% of consumers to reduce spending, while 40.6% couldn't access physical stores due to lockdowns. E-commerce has surged, with 24% of Italian tableware enterprises engaging in online activities, 75% of which operate through their own websites or social pages.

Exports and imports of various tableware products have shown fluctuations, with increases in certain categories such as porcelain tableware exports, which grew by 53.23% in 2021. There has been a growing emphasis on sustainability, with 13% of companies acquiring new customers due to sustainable operations. Changes in shopping behavior are evident, with online shopping via home specialty store chains and e-commerce platforms rising from 19.1% to 34.8% in 2020, and traditional retail channels experiencing a reduction in preference.

Main Trends in the Italian Tableware Market

The Italian tableware market demonstrates a nuanced relationship with cultural and traditional culinary practices alongside a growing inclination towards sustainability and Made in Italy products. With the market's segmentation encompassing an array of products from cutlery to kitchen utensils and small portable appliances, it caters to diverse consumer needs and preferences which fluctuate with fashion trends. Italian consumers exhibit a strong predilection towards quality and eco-friendly tableware, as emphasized by the managing director of Tognana and president of ART, Giusto Morosi. A notable shift is observed toward total-look proposals that seamlessly blend textiles with porcelain decorations. This trend signifies the consumers' focus on harmonizing aesthetic appeal with utility and ecological considerations. Additionally, the rise in sales of stemware, glasses, and cocktail accessories corresponds to the changing recreational patterns at home, indicating a market adaptation that fosters an at-home entertainment experience akin to dining out.

The market data echoes the overarching trend of sustainability, as 13% of manufacturing companies reportedly garnered new customers on the merit of their eco-conscious supply chains, and likewise, 12% prompted their suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. Energy consumption, recycling, and waste disposal feature prominently in the measures implemented by businesses to reduce their environmental footprint, signifying the sector's movement toward a greener future. E-commerce has burgeoned, with around one-fourth of tableware enterprises integrating online sales into their business models—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated this trend. A significant slice of businesses, conduct their e-commerce via company websites or social media pages, reflecting the sector's response to the pandemic's impact and evolving consumer purchasing behaviors. Channel-wise, in 2020, home sector specialty store chains saw their preference share dip to nearly 40-45%, while online shopping surged, marking an increase to between 30-40%. This shift highlights the growing importance of digital platforms in consumer purchases, driven partly by restrictions during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a variable impact on consumer spending, where the reported reduction in expenditure was largely attributed to economic uncertainty and health concerns, prompting over 40% of consumers to curtail their consumption. In summary, the Italian tableware market is experiencing a transition driven by consumer demands for quality and sustainable products and the growing importance of online sales. This evolution is marked by a stronger engagement with eco-friendly practices, a shift in consumer preferences molded by the necessity of at-home dining experiences, and an accelerated adoption of e-commerce, which might.

Prominent Forces in the Tableware Market Landscape

The tableware market showcases an eclectic mix of players, each bringing its distinct flavor to the world of dining aesthetics and utilities. From the affordable yet stylish offerings of global home furnishing titans to the bespoke elegance of high-fashion houses, the tableware universe is a playground for a diverse range of brands.

• Ikea - The Swedish Giant in Accessible Tableware A venerable name with a global footprint, Ikea is renowned for its vast array of home furnishing products, including tableware that is both functional and fashion-forward. Their products are characterized by clean lines, minimalistic designs, and affordable prices, making sophisticated dining experiences accessible to the masses.
• Kasanova - The Contemporary Home Décor Haven Kasanova presents itself as a treasure trove of contemporary tableware and kitchen accessories. With a focus on modern designs that cater to the tastes of a chic clientele, Kasanova blends practicality with avant-garde aesthetics, endearing itself to those who seek innovation in their culinary spaces.
• Maison du Monde - A World of Eclectic Table Settings Maison du Monde brings to the table an assortment of tableware inspired by global trends and diverse cultural motifs. Their products range from exotic table settings to classic European elegance, offering a world of choices for customers aiming to curate a distinct dining ambiance.
• Leroy Merlin - The DIY Aficionado's Choice Leroy Merlin situates itself squarely within the realm of do-it-yourself enthusiasts who take delight in crafting their personalized dining environments. Their tableware selections often relate closely to other DIY home improvement projects, allowing for a harmonious home aesthetic.
• Zara Home - Fashion-Forward Dining Essentials An extension of the Zara fashion empire, Zara Home brings the same trendsetting looks from the runway to the dining table. The brand captures the essence of contemporary fashion in their tableware line, offering sleek and stylish pieces that appeal to fashion-conscious consumers.
• Bottega Veneta - Luxurious Artisanal Craftsmanship Venturing beyond the world of high-end fashion, Bottega Veneta extends its craftsmanship to tableware, offering an exquisite collection that embodies luxury and exclusivity. Their products resonate with those who appreciate handcrafted perfection and the brand's iconic minimalist chic.
• Dior - The Designer Dining Experience Dior elevates the dining experience to a fine art, with tableware collections that exude elegance and haute couture sens.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 13/07/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Global tableware market value
• Economic performance of companies referring to ateco code: 25.99
• Household consumption expenditure on glasses, tableware and household utensils
• Imports and Exports of Porcelain Tableware and Tableware
• Imports and Exports of Spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, dessert shovels, fish knives, butter knives, sugar tongs, and similar kitchen or tableware of base metal
• Imports and Exports of Glassware and Glassware
• Imports and Exports of Cookware
• Reasons why spending on table, kitchen and gift items in 2020 was lower than in 2019
• Number of enterprises engaged in the manufacture of tableware, cookware, tableware, kitchen utensils and non-electrical household accessories, metal articles for bathroom furnishings
• Legal form of enterprises engaged in the manufacture of tableware, cookware, tableware, kitchen utensils and non-electrical household accessories, metal articles for bathroom furniture
• E-commerce activities carried out by enterprises active in the manufacture of tableware, kitchen and gift items
• E-commerce channels used by enterprises active in the manufacture of tableware, kitchen and gift items
• Sustainable enterprises active in the manufacture of tableware, kitchen and gift items.
• Measures used to reduce the environmental footprint by enterprises active in the manufacture of tableware, kitchenware and giftware.
• Number of enterprises active in the retail trade of household utensils, glassware and tableware
• E-commerce activities carried out by enterprises active in the retail trade of tableware, kitchen and gift items
• E-commerce channels used by companies active in the retail trade of tableware, kitchenware and gift items
• Channels used for purchasing kitchen, table and gift items.
• The Benefits of Buying Table, Kitchen, and Gift Items Online.
• Websites used to purchase tableware, kitchenware and gift items
• The reasons for purchasing a kitchen or tableware item for yourself or your family
• Aspects that determine the choice of a table or kitchen item to give as a gift
• Consumer price index of various tableware products