Libbey Inc. is one of the largest glass tableware manufacturers in the world
Libbey debutted more than 350 new products at the 2017 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, demonstrating its commitment to grow sales through innovative, trend-right and problem-solving new products.
With more than 350 new products on show at the 2017 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Libbey Inc.’s commitment to grow sales through innovative, trend-right and problem-solving new products was on full display. These products range from dinnerware designed to help address cleanliness challenges in high-volume foodservice environments to premium glassware uniquely engineered to enhance the experience of drinking bourbon.
Libbey also opened a new Chicago product showroom on 20 May to provide a forum for Midwest foodservice distributors, and hospitality and foodservice buyers, restauranteurs and hoteliers to explore Libbey’s tableware portfolio.
“We’re taking foodservice product development to the next level by targeting our new offerings to specific trends and pain points our customers face,” said William A. Foley, Libbey chairman and chief executive officer. “Well-researched and strategic new products like these are a core tenant of our strategy to respond to a tough and ever-changing foodservice environment. We’re using all the tools at our disposal, including previous capital investments, to create momentum and meet market opportunities head on.”
Constellation™ is the first-ever porcelain dinnerware with built-in Microban®* technology, exclusively available from Libbey. Microban technology provides 24/7 product protection and helps dining establishments confidently ensure a fresher dining experience while proactively defending against improper cleaning and handling**. Microban protects the dinnerware against the growth of odour- and stain-causing bacteria that can pose risks to foodservice cleanliness. Microban technology is integrated into Constellation’s fully vitrified glaze for an additional layer of defence that will not wash or scratch off. This advanced silver-based technology creates an inhospitable environment for microbes, to protect the plate by preventing microbes from growing and reproducing on the surface of the plate.
New to Libbey’s Syracuse® China collection, Constellation dinnerware answers customer demand for brighter white dinnerware with a new colour called Lunar White™.
Libbey also introduced other new dinnerware products featuring market-inspired organic shapes, on-trend colours and mix-and-match patterns.
Libbey is continuing to maximize the impact of 2013 investments in ClearFire® glass technology at its Shreveport, La., plant by expanding the overall Master’s Reserve® collection to address primary beverage industry growth drivers, which include bourbon and premium cocktails.
In 2016 alone, sales of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and rye whiskey were up 8% to USD 3.1 billion. And, while bourbon is one of the fastest growing domestic spirits in the United States, the dominant glass for serving bourbon is imported. Libbey has responded to this market opportunity by partnering with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® to create the ideal bourbon glass. As America’s Glassmaker™, Libbey is providing the perfect, uniquely American glassware for “America’s Native Spirit.”
Tea is one of the most popular and fastest growing beverages among Millennials – 87 percent drink tea on a regular basis. Libbey has partnered with VIVA® Scandinavia on tea service products that deliver the high-end experience Millennials expect from a handcrafted cocktail or craft coffee. Designed in Denmark and handcrafted by skilled artisans, the VIVA Scandinavia collection includes tea pots, cups, saucers and infusers.
“The new products launching at NRA represent some of the most innovative in Libbey history,” said Foley. “The collective impact of our recent investments in innovative, groundbreaking glassmaking technology and strategic alliances with the likes of Microban, Kentucky Bourbon Trail and VIVA Scandinavia show that we aren’t letting up anytime soon. Expect Libbey to keep serving up our experience with innovative products for years to come.”
Based in Toledo, Ohio, Libbey Inc. is one of the largest glass tableware manufacturers in the world. Libbey Inc. operates manufacturing plants in the United States, Mexico, China, Portugal and the Netherlands. In existence since 1818, the company supplies tabletop products to retail, foodservice and B2B customers in over 100 countries. Libbey’s global brand portfolio, in addition to its namesake brand, includes Crisa®, Royal Leerdam®, Syracuse® China and World® Tableware International.