Although the tableware market is moved primarily by individuals buying table sets and accessories, a large portion of the market also relies on bulk sales. From restaurant businesses to caterers, various companies purchase tableware wholesale. That’s especially true for disposable products that are often bought by the fast food industry or for outdoor events. In this post, we’ll examine B2B sales of drinkware, flatware, and dinnerware. We’ll also share more about the different businesses that purchase products from tableware suppliers, the most common categories in this market, and where to purchase them.
Key takeaway: Tableware wholesalers offer a wide range of products to their customers in the hospitality sector. Buyers often prefer to purchase directly from manufacturers as they offer various customization options and better wholesale prices. Broadliners and distributors of wholesale restaurant supplies also sell tableware wholesale.
Who Buys Tableware Wholesale
When we talk about purchasers of tableware, the most obvious businesses that buy such products are restaurants, hotels, and resorts. They serve many customers and need various types of tableware products. Furthermore, customization is also important for food service establishments. They purchase plates, cups, and other products that fit their establishment’s needs and style. Let’s examine the companies that buy tableware wholesale.
- Restaurants;
- Hotels;
- Resorts;
- Airlines and cruise lines;
- Catering companies and event planners;
- Institutions such as schools, universities, and hospitals;
A lot of businesses purchase tableware wholesale to resell it at retail prices. That includes retailers such as supermarkets and home decor stores. Various online retailers also purchase large quantities of tableware products and accessories. The same is also true for businesses focused on the sustainable niche market. They might purchase biodegradable or other eco-friendly tableware goods and sell them to retail customers.
Different Types of Tableware
Various materials can be used for tableware. Porcelain is the most popular one for durable tableware products used by households and restaurants. Here are the different types of tableware.
- Ceramic-based materials. That includes not only porcelain but also bone china and stoneware.
- Glass. Regular or tempered glass can be used to make stylish tableware. Although glass is primarily associated with drinkware, it can also be an elegant solution for bowls and plates. Lead glass (commonly referred to as crystal glass) is also used for high-end glasses used by Michelin-starred restaurants and other renowned establishments.
- Plastic. It’s the most used material for disposable plates and cutlery. However, in recent years, a lot of companies have been switching from single-use plastic to biodegradable alternatives.
- Paper and cardboard. They are common materials for party tableware sold wholesale and retail. In addition to restaurant suppliers, distributors of wholesale paper goods might also sell cardboard plates and cups.
Main Tableware Categories
When it comes to sales of tableware wholesale, the most bought products are disposable plates and cups made of plastic and paper. However, their low price is one of the reasons why the market share for disposable tableware wholesale is smaller compared to the glass and ceramicware segments. Let’s examine the main categories of tableware.
Plates, Bowls, and Other Dinnerware
Most people associate the term tableware with plates and other types of dinnerware. Retail customers usually purchase them in sets. However, business owners that buy in bulk might purchase large batches of dinnerware. This subcategory is the most common one for disposable tableware.
Drinkware
From wine glasses and mugs to tea cups and other porcelain drinkware, there’s a wide variety of products in this category. Many businesses prefer to purchase common drinkware from their broadline distributors as these products are prone to frequent breakage. High-end establishments might purchase drinkware directly from manufacturers as they offer more customization options.
Cutlery, Flatware, and Utensils
Although they are commonly made from stainless steel, some luxury restaurants purchase high-end silverware or cutlery with gold-plated finishes. Utensils are among the most used items in kitchens. As such, food service businesses often purchase them in bulk.
Accessories
This subcategory includes multiple different products with different applications. Napkin rings are a common accessory offered by distributors of wholesale tableware. That’s also true for condiment holders and shakers. Centerpieces used as decorative elements during special occasions or at high-end restaurants are also sold by tableware wholesalers.
Other Tableware
From serving trays to cigar ashtrays, there are other tableware products that are offered by distributors of tableware goods. Some of them are purchased less frequently as they are rarely used.
Specialty Products
This subcategory includes holiday-themed product lines, seasonal collections, or tailored solutions for weddings and other special occasions. A lot of manufacturers aim to offer custom products as they are in high demand and have higher profit margins compared to classic tableware sets that can be found at multiple stores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tableware Wholesale
Whether you want to find suppliers or read more about the trends in different sectors, BlueCart is the place for you. There are thousands of resources in different categories and industries available on our website. Below we’ve answered common questions regarding sales of tableware wholesale.
Where to Buy Tableware Wholesale?
There are many online and physical stores where companies can purchase tableware wholesale. Lots of businesses prefer to visit restaurant supply stores and inspect their product before purchasing them. In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, various eCommerce platforms also offer buyers the opportunity to find bulk tableware. That includes online marketplaces such as BlueCart or online-based retailers and wholesalers like The WebstaurantStore. A lot of catering businesses and restaurants also prefer to purchase their wholesale disposable tableware directly from manufacturers. This allows them to get even better prices by skipping intermediaries.
Can Individuals Buy Tableware Wholesale?
Yes. Some physical stores are open to the general public. Keep in mind that they might still have minimum order quantities (MOQ) or sell products in large batches. Many manufacturers also offer their products to individuals in their online stores. This allows them to sell directly to customers instead of selling to retailers with reduced profit margins. Individuals who wish to buy large quantities of plates or drinkware usually organize a picnic or another event and they look for party tableware wholesale. That’s why many grocery stores or other retailers also sell disposable tableware in large quantities.
How Big Is the Global Tableware Market?
According to researchers, the total size of the global market for tableware products is more than 42 billion USD. That includes ceramic products, glassware, plastics, and tableware made from other materials. The main drivers for the expansion of the global market are increased consumption in developing countries such as India and the growing hospitality sector. One of the trends in the global tableware market is the reduction in demand for single-use plastic products. That’s especially true in the US and other developed countries where consumers search for eco-friendly alternatives from sustainable suppliers.
BlueCart: The Place to Buy and Sell Tableware Wholesale
Whether you operate a business in the restaurant industry and wish to find vendors in various fields or are a wholesaler of restaurant supplies, BlueCart is the right tool for you. Our wholesale ordering software allows distributors to easily showcase their products and find new customers. Buyers can also benefit from our marketplace and compare prices between different suppliers. Schedule a free demo and examine the power of our software for wholesale sales today!