The shape we're in
There's been an upturn in demand for a more contemporary array of shapes, materials, colours and designs, according to Sonya Bateman, marketing manager of AFE Online.
You can find a huge collection of shapes and sizes through the company's Fine Dining Brochure, new mini catalogue "Refreshed", and web site AFE Online.
It offers several exclusive ranges from manufacturers such as Wedgwood, Steelite and Churchill.
AFE Online
Go salsa!
Churchill has found a compromise between white and coloured patterns with its new Salsa Squared collection. These are four sizes of square plates, featuring a wide band of colour down one side. The 7.25in and 11in plates feature an orange border, while the 9.5in and 12.75in feature a green border. There's also a 3oz or 4oz green Sauce Dish, which can be used for dips, sauces and olives.
These new items fit in well with Salsa, part of the Accents Collection. This is a vibrant design featuring red chilli peppers with orange and green borders. Items include a large Pasta Plate, cappuccino and espresso cups and saucers, as well as a selection of round plates and serving bowls.
Churchill
A new vista
The Vista range of cutlery from Robert Welch Tableware is three-dimensional. Featuring gentle curves, the knife is shaped to sit bladed down on the table. Other ranges include Ammonite Hollow, a contemporary version of the traditional pistol grip handle design. The range is unusual as all items (except coffee and tea spoons) are available with hollow handles.
Robert Welch Tableware
White and square
Quadro from Steelite is a range of traditional white square plates, which can be used as a plate or as a support. Crafted from albalite, it is chip resistant and durable. Also new is Prima, a new embossed shape inspired by natural textures and surfaces. It is made from steelite for chip resistance and durability. It is dishwasher, safe, freezer safe and microwave oven proof.
The company has also introduced a number of ranges of 18/10 cutlery from Hepp and Elia. The patterns include designs from traditional to ultra contemporary which enhances Steelite's ceramic tableware collections.
Steelite
Bend it, shape it
The Wizard can be a dish, a bowl or a display - the choice is yours. Made from strengthened synthetic rubber, it can be twisted inside out, upside down, turned, pulled, pressed or bent into exactly the desired shape.
It can be used for displaying fresh fruit, as a salad bowl or as a holder for bar nibbles.
It costs £29.95.
Gilberts Food Equipment
A touch of sushi
Sushi and the skills of sushi chefs is the inspiration behind the new custom designed range of Veriplast sushi trays and lids.
It's available in four serving sizes from the smaller single serve to family or multiple serving sizes. The trays have classic, black bases of strong polystyrene and a "bamboo" design moulded into the base. The clear, anti mist lids are made from shatterproof PET.
Veriplast International
Bright and colourful
"Fireworks" from Dudsons shows what an impact colour can make. Aimed at coffee shops and beverage service, there are two types of mug - 10oz/28cl and 12oz/34cl plus three sizes of cups 31/2oz/9.5cl, 71/2oz/21cl and 11oz/31cl. Available in four colours Midnight Blue, Marigold, Flame and Dark Green. They can be used with the solid Paintbox colour saucers or plain White.
In strong contrast, Dynasty is a range of holloware, cups and mugs in pure white. This complements its Chamonix and Tudor White flatware items. It is produced in fine china body. All products are dishwasher and microwave proof.
The Tundra range has a blue stoneware finish .
Dudson
Tough and stylish
Give summer buffets a touch of style with Huhtamaki's Super Tuff platters, which are silver laminated trays in 14in and 17in sizes.
They are made from expanded polystyrene with a laminated surface which means they can carry both hot and cold food.
What's more, they can be chilled or frozen with their contents and returned to hand held temperature in seconds.
Available in individual packs of 10 within a case of 100.
Huhtamaki