There are multiple different types of tableware. In fact, as the restaurant sector has become more diverse in past decades, various new styles and tableware materials have become popular. However, restaurants are not the only businesses that purchase products from tableware suppliers. Hotels, resorts, institutions, and catering businesses also buy large quantities of tableware and other restaurant supplies. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the sector and share some of the most reputable tableware suppliers in the country.
Key takeaway: Tableware suppliers are companies that sell various tabletop products such as glassware, dinnerware, or accessories. Some manufacturers also distribute their own product lines. It’s more common for a wholesaler to offer not only tableware but also a variety of other restaurant supplies such as linens, janitorial supplies, kitchen utensils, and storage solutions.
What Is a Tableware Supplier
These are distributors that specialize in B2B sales of different products from the tableware category. Most of them also operate brick-and-mortar stores where they sell a variety of restaurant supplies. Some manufacturers of tabletop products sell their products directly to hotels, restaurants, and other businesses instead of using intermediaries like wholesalers and retail stores.
A tableware supplier offers a range of disposable and durable products. Some wholesalers focus on a specific niche market in the industry such as glassware. Others aim to offer a wide variety of additional products such as wholesale paper goods, accessories, and cookware. Nowadays, most tableware suppliers aim to combine retail sales, eCommerce, and wholesale sales.
Products Offered by Tableware Suppliers
Depending on the manufacturer or the distributor, the products offered may vary. For example, some producers of high-end glassware might sell only their product lines. On the other hand, broadline distributors also offer tableware goods and other restaurant supplies. They might have a wider variety but less flexibility. Let’s examine the main subcategories of products offered by tableware suppliers.
- Dinnerware. That includes different types of plates, bowls, and full dinnerware sets.
- Drinkware. From champagne flutes to espresso cups, there are dozens of different drinkware products.
- Flatware. This subcategory includes cutlery and kitchen utensils.
- Serveware. Salad bowls, trays, and condiment holders are among the main types of serveware.
- Kitchen and tabletop accessories. From cigar ashtrays to napkin rings, there are various types of tabletop accessories offered by tableware suppliers.
Reputable Tableware Suppliers in the US
There are not many distributors that specialize in tableware. Instead, wholesalers aim to offer a wider array of products to food service businesses and retailers. That’s why most business owners will choose to partner with distributors of restaurant supplies or broadliners that offer all kinds of accessories, tabletop products, and cookware. However, there are some companies that have established themselves as reliable tableware suppliers.
Blue Pheasant
The company operates an online retail store where individual customers can purchase single items. However, they specialize in wholesale sales of various dinnerware products and restaurant supplies. Blue Pheasant offers all types of tableware, kitchen tools, accessories, linens, and other goods needed in the hospitality industry. In addition to their main brand Blue Pheasant, they also sell goods under the brands Thucassi, Pigeon and Poodle, and Made Goods. Their handmade products combine aesthetics and practical design.
Solia
The company specializes in being a disposable tableware supplier. They offer a variety of packaging solutions, disposable supplies, and drinkware. Solia also aims to answer the demand for sustainable products by offering a variety of eco-friendly goods. The company was established in 1995 in France but offers tableware and food packaging products all around the world. Solia USA partners with thousands of businesses across the country that search for various disposable products. Their extensive customization options are among the many advantages of partnering with Solia USA.
Libbey
The company is known for its high-end luxury glassware and dinnerware. With a history of more than two centuries, Libbey is among the pioneers in the American tableware industry. They aim to offer various lines of affordable and luxurious products in order to fit the budget of any food service establishment in the country. Libbey partners with restaurants, hotels, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, cruise lines, and various other businesses. Their products can be found under different brands such as Nachtmann, APS Germany, Schonwald, and Spiegelau.
Other Online Retailers and Wholesalers
In addition to the companies mentioned above, there are multiple marketplaces or eCommerce stores where restaurants and caterers can purchase wholesale tableware. The Webstaurant Store is a good example of such a platform. BlueCart’s marketplace also allows purchasers to choose between different tableware suppliers and buy a variety of products.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tableware Suppliers
Are you interested in selling wholesale restaurant supplies? Or perhaps you wish to read more about starting a catering business? Either way, there are multiple resources available on BlueCart’s website. Below we’ve answered some of the common questions regarding tableware suppliers and the industry of tabletop products.
What Is Tableware Made Of?
There are multiple materials that are used to make tableware. Porcelain is the most popular one. Porcelain tableware can be used for many years as it’s a highly durable material. Glass and metal are also popular materials for tableware. Glass is primarily used for glassware and bowls. The most common metals for tableware are stainless steel and silver (common for high-end flatware). Plastic is also one of the most common tableware materials. It’s common for single-use and disposable tableware. Nowadays, there are multiple sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable plastic. Wood can also be used for platters, utensils, and serving bowls. Bamboo fiber is a biodegradable alternative for disposable tableware.
What Are the Different Classifications of Tableware?
There are four main categories of tableware: flatware, glassware, serveware, and drinkware. Choosing the right type of tableware is crucial for restaurant businesses. That’s because these goods play an important role in improving the customer experience at food service establishments. For example, Michelin-starred restaurants might use elegant crystal glassware and high-end silverware. On the other hand, fast-food restaurants use disposable tableware. As a growing number of customers search for eco-friendly businesses, a lot of companies that use disposable tableware have switched to biodegradable alternatives. There are multiple options for drinkware, flatware, and plates that are eco-friendly and biodegradable.
How to Choose a Tableware Supplier?
There are multiple factors to consider when searching for tableware distributors. For example, some businesses might prefer to work with broadline distributors instead of specialized tableware suppliers. The main benefit of choosing broadliners is that they also offer various other goods and food products at wholesale prices. However, their high MOQ might be a big disadvantage for some purchasers. Another important factor is the reliability and quality of products. In fact, some businesses in the restaurant industry purchase tableware directly from renowned manufacturers and brands. Sustainability is an important factor, especially when choosing a disposable tableware supplier. Using eco-friendly alternatives instead of single-use plastic tableware is important for many customers. That’s why companies often choose sustainable suppliers that follow green practices.
BlueCart: The Platform for Restaurant and Tableware Suppliers
With thousands of distributors and tens of thousands of buyers, BlueCart’s marketplace is the right place for wholesalers to find new customers and businesses to find suppliers. Schedule your free demo today and see why BlueCart is one of the most popular wholesale ordering software solutions in the US.