Magazine: Shapes and colours

In the last few years no big change occurred in the world of table setting and tableware, there are constant and changing elements, and in colours white dominates – Yvette Krubl, communications manager of Metro Hungary Kft. told our magazine. She added that following the latest trends is in the interest of both manufacturers and retailers, and there is demand for this from bars and restaurants too, as in many cases the table setting can make a place different from competitors. White is eternal in the world of restaurants because many chefs say food looks best on white and this colour also demonstrates hygiene. Basic tableware still relies on traditional round shapes and the trend that prevails in cutlery is that of classic design. According to Bence Vig, managing director of Progast Kft. fashions come and go in table setting too. At the moment natural materials and shapes recalling nature are very popular. Attila Galló, Horeca manager of SCA Hygiene Products Kft. told Trade magazin that the quality of napkins used reflects the level of the restaurant. In higher-positioned restaurants they use textile napkins. At a bit lower level they opt for 40x40cm paper ones imitating textile, in the medium category we see 33x33cm 2-3 layer tissues, and in fast food restaurants or public service catering units there are simple 1-layer paper napkins. Ms Krubl added that ‘innovation’ is taking place constantly and follows two directions at METRO: they are always on the lookout for new products from domestic and international manufacturers, and they also develop their own products.

Metro’s Aro product range consists of cheap and reliable products, and represent the traditional style, while H-line products are in line with current trends in terms of both design and material. Mr Vig is of the opinion that there is smaller demand for classic fine dining. The bistro-style has been the success of recent years. While 5-6 years ago hotels had their logo put on Tork napkins, today only a few of them spend on this rather cheap marketing tool – we learned from Attila Galló. As economic recession is slowing down, demand for quality products like Progast’s is on the rise, but this increase is modest. These days taste can be influenced not only by products but also by services (putting on logos, guaranteed replacement, prices, etc.), this is the reason why METRO pays special attention to this category. The number one factor in napkin buying is still the price, but SCA Hygiene Products Kft. hopes that as the level of Hungary’s restaurant culture keeps rising, there will be a positive change in the table setting and tableware culture too