Market
Pottery and ceramics are a strong indicator of the art and lifestyle of a given age. Indeed, archaeologists rely on pottery fragments to establish the level of sophistication of past civilizations.
Today, consumers are more demanding and discerning than ever before. The rise in home entertainment has been matched by the introduction of contemporary, functional tableware. At the other end of the spectrum, the decrease in traditional family meals and rise in solo eating, TV dinners, and convenience foods have seen companies extend their casual tableware ranges.
When it comes to gifts, despite many alternatives, the ceramic form is sought after as offering true qualities of heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and real, long-lasting value. In fact, ceramic giftware has enjoyed considerable growth — gift-giving, home decoration, and investment being the main motivations.
The key markets worldwide for premium ceramic tableware and giftware are the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Australasia. The global market overall is estimated to be worth more than $2.1 billion.