United Kingdom Glass Tableware Market Trends

Market Driver – Rise in Demand Due to Thermal Resistant Property

The demand for thermally resistant glass tableware has been rising significantly in the United Kingdom market over the past few years. Thermal resistant glassware allows consumers to safely use hot pans, pots, or dishes directly on the table without the risk of cracking or breaking. This has provided convenience to households and led to increased usage of such products.

The sudden shift towards working from home amidst the pandemic has driven more home cooking activities and dining. Customers want tableware that can withstand the heat from freshly cooked food without safety concerns. The thermal resistant quality helps allow people to enjoy hot meals seamlessly without transferring dishes between the table and kitchen. This has streamlined the dining experience for many. Moreover, the rise in socially distanced gatherings and outdoor picnics has boosted the need for thermal shock resistant glass products that stay intact even when served hot food outdoors.

Sustainability has also become an important criterion for consumers worldwide. Glass is considered more eco-friendly than plastic or delicate ceramic tableware that produces sharps on breakage. Based on a 2020 survey by United Kingdom Environmental Protection Agency, 70% of British homes said they opt for glass over other materials for its longevity and recyclability. Thermal endurance further enhances the utility of glassware, reducing wastage. As environmental awareness increases, glass tableware with heat resistance will likely dominate the market.

Market Driver – Increase in Demand Due to Sterile as Their Unique Property

The unique property of glass being sterile is a major factor fueling demand for glass tableware in the United Kingdom. Glass does not support bacterial growth making it very hygienic. This property has become highly valued in the current health-conscious environment especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. As people focus more on home cooked meals and avoiding outside food due to virus risks, they prefer using glass containers and dishes that can be easily washed and sterilized using high temperatures. Furthermore, findings from United Kingdom government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs survey in 2021 suggest nearly 75% of British households are more inclined to choose sterile dishware for safety and hygiene.

The increasing health awareness has led to a major shift in preferences of consumers who now seek dishware that not just looks good but also keeps food safe. Glass being non-porous, no cracks or crevices for bacteria to hide in, makes it the ideal tableware material. The sterile nature offers an extra layer of assurance to families with kids and elders. This unique feature of preventing spread of illnesses through daily use items like plates and bowls is driving repeat purchases.

Market Challenge – Usage of Disposable Plates in Small Restaurants Due to No Maintenance Cost and Low Prices

The growing trend of using disposable plates in small restaurants is significantly restraining the growth of the United Kingdom glass tableware market. Disposable plates provide convenience to small restaurant owners as they do not require any maintenance. Glass tableware needs to be washed and maintained after every use to avoid breakage. This maintenance process is time consuming and labor intensive for small restaurants with limited staff resources. Additionally, running a full-scale dish washing operation also requires installation of dishwashers which further adds to initial setup and operational costs.

In contrast, disposable plates can simply be thrown away after use, eliminating all post dining cleaning efforts. This allows small restaurant owners to focus more on food preparation and customer service rather than backend operations. From a cost perspective as well, disposable plates work out much cheaper in the long run. The average cost of a glass plate is about 2-3 pounds whereas a set of 10 disposable plastic plates can be purchased for under 1 pound.

Adoption of disposable items is steadily growing across cafes and takeaway joints in United Kingdom high streets. As per United Kingdom Environmental Services Association, the consumption of plastic plates, cups and cutlery increased by 5% between 2020-2021 in England alone.

Market Opportunity – Increasing Eating Places

The United Kingdom glass tableware market has strong potential to grow alongside the rise of eating places in the country. As socializing moves beyond homes to more restaurants and cafes, the demand for elegant and durable glass tableware from establishments is surging. Various industry reports suggest that the food services sector in the United Kingdom has been expanding in recent years and is expected to continue on an upward trajectory. For instance, the number of restaurants, cafes and bars in the United Kingdom increased from 144,363 in 2015 to 162,440 in 2020 according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

As more dining options open up, the requirements for glass tableware that can withstand commercial kitchen usage is increasing. Restaurant owners and managers need high-quality, aesthetically-pleasing items that can be reused extensively. Glassware fits this need perfectly with its hard, non-porous surface and versatility of styles.

The post-pandemic times are likely to further bolster this growth opportunity for glass tableware suppliers. With pandemic restrictions easing, people are becoming more comfortable with indoor dining and socializing in public places. This will drive higher demand at restaurants, cafes and pubs across the United Kingdom.