The tableware market - France

The French tableware market, which incorporates various segments such as cutlery, cookware, kitchen utensils, and decorative items, faced a significant impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic with an 80% sales drop in April 2020 compared to the previous year. However, the sector recovered by June 2020, limiting its annual loss to 7%, thanks to a surge in online sales which grew by over 50% and clearance store purchases. The international trade remains crucial, with exports reaching 264 million euros, yet imports led to a trade deficit of 46 million euros, primarily due to substantial ceramic and glass item imports from China. While traditional production suffers, there is a notable trend towards Made in France goods, which saw glassware and cutlery segments rise by 12% and 11% respectively. Despite challenges, the sector sees renewed consumer interest post-pandemic in 2021, with a spike in sales driven by the reopening of cafes, hotels, and restaurants, and an inclination towards home aesthetics and comfort.

Evolving Tastes and Trends in the French Tableware Market

Amidst the vibrant and culturally rich backdrop of France, the tableware market has encountered its ebbs and flows. Over the years, the French tableware market has adapted to a myriad of changes, reflecting dynamic consumer demands and global market trends. Despite a challenging period marked by the pandemic's onset, the industry has shown resilience, evidenced by diminishing losses towards the end of 2020, bolstered by a significant rise in online sales, which soared by more than half compared to the previous year.

The domain of tableware extends beyond table settings, embracing cutlery, kitchen gadgets, small portable appliances, and intricate decorations. The market's segmentation showcases a reasonably uniform distribution across various product categories, with both tableware and cookware taking the lead, each representing over one-fifth of the market share. French households direct their spending chiefly towards tableware, glasses, and preparation utensils, a pattern that is also mirrored through a gradual inflation of consumer prices in this sector, growing by a modest rate close to 6% over several years.

Drilling down into the dynamics of this industry, manufacturers exhibit multifaceted sales channels but heavily rely on retail sales, which were close to 40%. Conversely, wholesalers demonstrate reliance on fewer distribution channels, where retail and "RHC" (most likely referring to hotels, restaurants, and cafes) dominate, with retail sales just under half and RHC commanding over half of their sales.

The French rank mainstream brands high, with Ikea leading in market share, followed by a patchwork of local retailers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet, specialized stores have witnessed a downtrend, with number and surface area experiences a contraction. The surge in e-commerce has palpated through the tableware sector, representing about 10% of the total market – a significant change considering the annual growth rate of e-commerce outstripping that of the overall sector.

Despite this, physical stores remain steadfast, with an innovative thrust towards design object status for tableware, leading to its inclusion in varied retail environments. Internationally, French tableware is defined broadly, including peripherals like decorative items and kitchenware. Although such inclusivity complicates a unified global analysis, focused studies reveal promising growth potential.

The global market value of tableware stands robust, with forecasts of continuous expansion, energized by developing economies' economic growth and soaring design advancements.

Key Players Shaping the French Tableware Market

The French tableware market is home to a diverse palette of players, each bringing their unique contribution to an industry characterized by both tradition and innovation. The landscape is dotted with large specialized groups, diversified conglomerates, dedicated SMEs, and influential retail brands, whose efforts combined, shape the contours of the market.

• Arc Holdings - A Titan in the Glassware Segment Arc Holdings stands tall with its dominance in the glassware industry. Representing a significant portion of French production, Arc Holdings is known for its dedication to glass products, manifesting a clear strength in exports and innovation in design.
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• Baccarat - Synonymous with Elegance and Luxury The name Baccarat gleams with prestige, as this renowned crystal manufacturer exports about 80% of its exceptional products. With its ties to the luxury brand Hermès International, Baccarat is a testament to French craftsmanship and design, celebrated on the global stage.
  
  
• SEB - Innovator in Cookware and Small Appliances SEB is an industry leader in the cookware and small portable appliances segments, known for its continual pursuit of innovation. Their product range caters to both domestic and professional needs, underlining SEB's role in revolutionizing kitchen experiences.
  
  
• Maison Française du Verre (former International Cookware) - A Global Force in Kitchenware As the name suggests, International Cookware brings an international perspective to the table, with products that find resonance across diverse markets. The company leverages global trends and consumer preferences in its wide assortment of kitchenware items.
  
  
• Degrenne and Hermès International - Diverse Luxury Both Degrenne and Hermès International are vast empires that cover a broad spectrum of the tableware industry. While Degrenne provides an array of products from cutlery to decorative items, Hermès International, beyond its association with high fashion, distinguishes itself in the luxury tableware domain.

Specialized SMEs: The Backbone of the Industry

The industry thrives on the diverse array of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in different tableware segments. Names such as Tarrerias Bonjean, De Buyer, Revol, Pillivuyt, and The Forge of Laguiole are synonymous with quality and the 'Made in France' appeal that's coveted worldwide. These SMEs often focus on iconic French styles like the Laguiole knives, and their robust export business underscores their international acclaim. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 19/12/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Breakdown of sales by product family
• Distribution of annual expenditure by type of product
• IPC of Glassware, tableware and household utensils
• Manufacturers' sales structure
• Sales structure of the wholesale trade
• Number of specialized tableware stores and sales area
• Market share in value of the main retailers of furniture and decorative items in France
• Growth in e-commerce sales
• Global market for tableware
• Structure of French tableware production
• Manufacture of ceramic articles for domestic use, ornamental
• Workforce in hollow glass manufacturing
• Sales of tableware
• Number of searches for the term "tableware" on google
• Main criteria for choosing tableware
• Favorite style of dishes
• Annual expenditure on tableware products
• Percentage of French people who own a table service for special occasions (birthdays, receptions, etc.)
• Number of table services
• Sales evolution by segment
• Turnover before tax - Accommodation and catering
• Sales and annual growth in foodservice
• Number of international tourists and revenues from international tourism
• Monthly sales of tableware products
• Sales of silverware and tableware
• Main countries supplying tableware
• Main tableware customer countries
• Structure of tableware imports
• Structure of tableware exports