LONDON — The global tabletop and homewares sector has a new focal point with the release of the highly anticipated September/October issue of Tableware International. Available to read online now, this latest edition serves as a comprehensive snapshot of an industry in transition, balancing decades of rich heritage with forward-looking innovations. From major anniversary milestones of beloved family-run houses to the official launch of the 2027 Tableware International Awards of Excellence, this issue is designed to be an essential resource for retailers, manufacturers, and designers alike.
Industry professionals can access the complete digital publication directly via Issuu.
Main Facts: What’s Inside the September/October Issue
This bi-monthly edition curates some of the most compelling stories, product categories, and strategic marketing shifts currently defining the global tabletop market.
- The 2027 Awards of Excellence: Tableware International has officially announced the launch of the prestigious 2027 Tableware International Awards of Excellence. As has become tradition, the grand ceremony will take place during Ambiente in Frankfurt, the world’s leading consumer goods trade fair. Full submission criteria, categories, and event details can be found on page 14 of the new issue.
- Cover Star – Bordallo Pinheiro: Gracing the front cover is the iconic Portuguese ceramics brand Bordallo Pinheiro. Board member Nuno Barra provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the brand successfully honors, preserves, and evolves its founder’s artistic legacy for modern consumers (page 28).
- Milestone Anniversaries: Family business and multi-generational leadership take center stage. Maxwell & Williams marks its 30th anniversary, with Max Grundmann discussing the dynamics of working in unison with family (page 32). Simultaneously, German luxury brand Dibbern celebrates 60 years, with brothers Ben and Jan Dibbern sharing how they have built upon their father’s foundation while forging a distinct, modern path for the company (page 46).
- Strategic Insights with Arcturus Group: Matteo Blandi, Chief Marketing Officer of Arcturus Group, offers a masterclass in modern retail strategy. On page 54, he unpacks Rosenthal’s immensely successful "Year of Gifting" activation, explaining the psychology and consumer trends that made the campaign a commercial triumph.
- In-Depth Category Focuses: The editorial team delivers comprehensive deep dives into essential market sectors, including flatware (page 34), decorative tabletop (page 28), and a dedicated trend forecast exploring the rich, warm palettes of the autumn season (page 48).
Chronology: A Timeline of Heritage and Future Vision
To fully appreciate the weight of the stories featured in the September/October issue, it is helpful to look at the chronological milestones that have shaped the featured brands and the publication itself:
- 1884 (The Bordallo Pinheiro Foundation): Established in Portugal, artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro begins creating earthenware that mirrors nature, blending naturalism with humor and brilliant technical mastery—a foundation that Nuno Barra continues to scale globally today.
- 1966 (The Birth of Dibbern): Founded in Germany, Dibbern establishes a reputation for uncompromising quality, minimalist design, and manufacturing excellence. Sixty years later, brothers Ben and Jan Dibbern are actively steering the brand into its seventh decade.
- 1996 (Maxwell & Williams Launches): Entering the market three decades ago, Maxwell & Williams sets out to make designer homewares accessible, affordable, and stylish for everyday living. Under the guidance of leaders like Max Grundmann, the brand has grown into a global household name.
- Present Day (The September/October 2026 Edition): Tableware International publishes its latest digital issue, bridging historic brand anniversaries with cutting-edge retail campaigns like Arcturus Group’s "Year of Gifting" and setting the stage for the upcoming 2027 Awards of Excellence.
- February 2027 (The Horizon): The tabletop community prepares to converge in Frankfurt for Ambiente, where the culmination of the 2027 Tableware International Awards of Excellence will be celebrated live on the global stage.
Supporting Data & Editorial Breakdown
The September/October issue is structured to provide stakeholders with actionable data, aesthetic inspiration, and executive-level perspectives. A page-by-page mapping of the core editorial features highlights the depth of the publication:
| Page | Feature / Topic | Key Figure / Brand | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page 14 | 2027 Awards of Excellence | Tableware International | Global competition details ahead of Ambiente. |
| Page 28 | Cover Feature & Decorative Tableware | Nuno Barra / Bordallo Pinheiro | Preserving artistic legacy and scaling naturalistic ceramics. |
| Page 32 | 30th Anniversary Profile | Max Grundmann / Maxwell & Williams | Multi-generational collaboration and accessible design. |
| Page 34 | Category Focus: Flatware | Various Industry Leaders | Material innovation, ergonomics, and tabletop styling. |
| Page 46 | 60th Anniversary Profile | Ben & Jan Dibbern / Dibbern | Transitioning family legacy into modern luxury. |
| Page 48 | Autumnal Trends Forecast | Tableware International Editorial | Seasonal colors, textures, and consumer dining habits. |
| Page 54 | Marketing Strategy & Activation | Matteo Blandi / Arcturus Group | The mechanics behind Rosenthal’s "Year of Gifting." |
| Page 56 | Decorative Category Deep Dive | Industry Experts | The evolving role of statement pieces in home decor. |
Official Responses and Executive Insights
The insights shared by industry leaders in this issue offer a rare window into the resilience and strategic agility required to thrive in the modern tabletop sector.
Speaking on the enduring appeal of Bordallo Pinheiro, board member Nuno Barra emphasizes the delicate balance between honoring history and driving commercial innovation. Through insights detailed on page 28, Barra notes that a historic brand cannot survive on nostalgia alone; it must continually reinvent its narrative while remaining fiercely loyal to the artisanal techniques that made it famous.
Meanwhile, the dynamics of multi-generational leadership are brought to light by Max Grundmann of Maxwell & Williams (page 32) and Ben and Jan Dibbern of Dibbern (page 46). For the Dibbern brothers, taking the reins of a 60-year-old family-owned enterprise meant respecting their father’s uncompromising standards for bone china and functional design while injecting a fresh, contemporary perspective to attract younger, design-conscious demographics. Similarly, Grundmann outlines how family synergy has allowed Maxwell & Williams to navigate 30 years of shifting retail landscapes without losing its core identity of accessible, high-end design.
On the commercial and marketing front, Matteo Blandi, Chief Marketing Officer of the Arcturus Group, offers a compelling breakdown of consumer behavior on page 54. Discussing Rosenthal’s "Year of Gifting" activation, Blandi explains that today’s consumers are looking for meaning and emotional connection in their purchases. By positioning tabletop items not merely as utilitarian goods, but as thoughtful, enduring gifts for life’s milestones, Rosenthal successfully unlocked a powerful revenue stream that defies broader retail downturns.
Implications for the Global Tableware Industry
The release of Tableware International’s September/October issue arrives at a critical time for the homewares and hospitality sectors. As inflation, shifting supply chains, and evolving consumer habits continue to pressure the market, the strategies highlighted in this issue offer a clear roadmap for success.
- The Power of Heritage with a Modern Twist: Brands celebrating major milestones—such as Dibbern’s 60th and Maxwell & Williams’ 30th—prove that longevity is built on adaptability. Consumers increasingly gravitate toward brands with authentic stories, but expect those stories to be told through contemporary digital and physical retail experiences.
- Experiential Marketing Drives Sales: Rosenthal’s "Year of Gifting," as dissected by Matteo Blandi, demonstrates that creative marketing campaigns can reactive stagnant categories. By reframing everyday luxury as gift-worthy art, brands can capture higher margins and inspire non-traditional buyers.
- Preparation for 2027: The official announcement of the 2027 Tableware International Awards of Excellence signals to manufacturers, designers, and artisans that it is time to ready their most innovative products for global evaluation. As the premier accolade in the industry, the upcoming awards at Ambiente will undoubtedly set the design benchmarks for the years ahead.
Read the Issue Today
Industry professionals looking to gain a competitive edge, discover upcoming seasonal trends, or read the full interviews with Nuno Barra, Max Grundmann, Ben and Jan Dibbern, and Matteo Blandi can access the September/October 2026 issue of Tableware International online now.
