Global Houseware Industry
The worldwide houseware and specialties industry generated more than $19 billion in 2010, having recorded a yearly growth rate of less than 1% for the four preceding years, reports MarketLine. Market growth is expected to jump to a yearly growth rate of almost 5% between 2010 and 2015, with consumption volumes predicted to see yearly growth of less than 0.5% for the four-year period ending 2010 to exceed 567 million units. The houseware and specialties industry encompasses the sale of cutlery, flatware, bakeware, beverageware and dinnerware.
Key Segments
- Global demand for foodservice disposables is expected to record 5.5% yearly growth to exceed $53 billion in 2015, according to research from Freedonia. Rising foodservice industry gains will drive expansion. Disposable serviceware represents the largest market segment, and includes single-use utensils, dinnerware and cups. In terms of growth rates, however, disposable packaging represents the fastest growing market segment and involves disposable bags, wraps, trays, lids, domes and foodservice containers. Disposable foodservice packaging demand will be driven by service restaurant sector growth. Apart from restaurants and other eating establishments, expansion in the disposables market is also driven by the retail sector, with convenience stores and grocers offering wide ranges of prepared food products.
Regional Market Share
- The US cutlery and flatware market encompasses non-precious and precious plated metal cutlery and flatware manufacturers. Supplier Relations estimates the market reached almost $4.5 billion in 2010, with gross profit of close to 57%. Import, from more than 60 countries, hit $1.5 billion in the same year, while exports registered less than $1 billion to just over 130 countries. Total domestic demand attained almost $5.5 billion in 2011.
- The US kitchen utensil, pot and pan manufacturing industry generated just under $1 billion in 2011, with gross profit of almost 32%, reports Supplier Relations. Import from more than 45 countries exceeded $0.5 billion. Exports reached close to $31 million, from more than 80 countries. Total domestic demand reached a value of $1.5 billion in 2011.
- The US software and hollowware market generated revenue in excess of $49 million in 2011, with gross profit of almost 23%, according to research from Supplier Relations. Imports from almost 45 countries hit over $375 million, with export totaling almost $34 million into more than 95 countries. Total domestic demand exceeded a value of $390 million in 2011.
- Russia’s tableware and decorative products market accounts for around 33% of the nation’s overall houseware market, reports BRIC Data. Russia imports a large quantity of tableware and decorative products from China, and domestic producers have been boosting productivity to rival with imports. Steel, ceramic and aluminum products lead the Russian tableware and decorative product market segment. The market is expected to continue recovering from the economic recession in coming years.
- The UK’s glassware market continues to record strong growth reports private research firm KeyNote. The UK is home to well-known fine crystal and high-quality tableware producers, including Wedgewood and Waterford. In 2010, the household utensils and tableware market segment recorded more than 4% year-on-year growth to exceed $6 billion. The market is expected to record yearly expansion of less than 2% between 2010 and 2015, when the market should reach glassware and ornamental retail sales of just under $585 million.
Industry Leaders
Japanese furniture and houseware company Nitori is the world leader in furniture and houseware supplies, reports Canadean. In the US, Bed, Bath & Beyond recorded best financial, growth and operational efficiency performance in 2011. Discount retailer Tuesday Morning recorded the worst performance among home furniture and houseware supplies companies.
In addition to Nitori, and Bed Bath & Beyond, other leading players operating in the global houseware and specialties industry include Howden Joinery Group, Carpetright, NAFCO, Pier 1 Imports, Howden Joinery Group, JD Group, Cost Plus and The Brick Group Income Fund.
Market Outlook
Consumers are moving away from antique and conventional patterned designs to opt for more modern alternatives. Companies will respond to this change in demand by offering wider product ranges that feature a greater choice of patterns, styles, colors and designs.
Global Industry Analysts predicts most growth will come from Asia-Pacific through 2015. Dinnerware currently represents the leading market segment, but glassware is forecast to record the fastest rate of yearly growth in the next three years.
Leading Industry Associations
- International Housewares Association www.housewares.org
- Canadian Houseware and Housewares Manufacturers Association www.chhma.ca
- The Cookshop and Houseware Association www.bira.co.uk
- International Housewares Representative Association www.ihra.org
