Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has outlined the incremental opportunities for housewares suppliers thinking to expand into the foodservice sector. Keith Warren, chief executive of the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA), formerly CESA, was the guest speaker at a BHETA webinar and gave BHETA members an overview of the foodservice market in general and specifically in the light of Covid. He cited high levels of investment and the consequences of ongoing change and dynamism as significant opportunities for diversification.
In a comprehensive analysis of the foodservice market, Keith outlined the current changes in supply chain and a view of future trends, urging housewares suppliers to study the opportunities which exist despite the impact of Covid on the hospitality industry.
Catering utensils and tableware form a significant category within foodservice across both commercials (ie profit-making catering) and non-commercial or cost-sector as it used to be termed. Moreover, despite the pandemic, demand in this category has remained relatively stable. Despite significant downturns in income for operators during the lockdown, underlying trends in favour of eating out, take out food and home delivery remain strong and therefore sector investment remains high. The key issue, explained Keith, is the rapidity of change as the dynamics of the market alter in line with contemporary trends, something accelerated by the impact of Covid.
Keith also supplied an overview of typical pricing and margins, giving BHETA members all the background they could need to pitch products into this fast-moving market.
The FEA not only targets the UK but can make export introductions into the European and global markets, providing the information in respect of BREXIT, alongside the impact of the pandemic.
Commenting on the webinar, BHETA’s chief operating officer, Will Jones said, “This webinar gave a highly current and detailed outline of the opportunity presented by foodservice to kitchenware and tableware suppliers. Media reporting into the impact of the pandemic on hospitality, in general, tends not to explore the details of the sector many of which remain incredibly positive for suppliers and especially new suppliers. It was great that BHETA could bring these facts to the attention of its membership.”
All BHETA webinars are free for members, but any company interested in joining BHETA can attend one free trial session. To register for any of the BHETA webinars, or for more information about future events, contact Nicola Adams at the BHETA Member Services Team on 07946 078566, or alternatively, email on na@bheta.co.uk
