Is there a future for pottery manufacture in Europe?

This is a big subject and worthy of debate! Over the last 20 years the ceramic industry in Europe has undergone massive change.

The tableware sector (cups & plates etc) in Europe has seen severe downsizing with manufacture shifting to the lower cost economies in China and Asia. The change in consumer habits in western europe to less formal dining has meant a change in perception of pottery from a collectable item to a throwaway one. This is particularly noticeable with the younger generation who want fashionable ware for casual dining.The result has been a massive reduction in demand for the high value products and a growth in lower value products. This has been reinforced (in the UK) by the growth in supermarket sales by companies such as Tesco who constantly drive down prices forcing manufacturers to import or close down. That said there is still a place for the niche manufacturer who can move quickly with new and quality designs. Brand value is still important in this higher end sector.

The giftware sector (figures and decorative ware) has also been hit by the same trends as above. Collectable figures and plates are less popular among the younger generation whilst fashionable branded giftware has been more popular. Again there is a lot of competition in this sector from Asian imports so strong brands and new designs are critical to success.

To answer the question- is there a future -the answer is yes but only for the niche manufacturer who can be constantly innovative and build a brand of value. Speed of new products to market will be a critical factor!

What do you think? I would be happy to recieve your comments.

Pottery and ceramics find so many uses in our homes!

In these days of credit crunch blues, recent events have made it clear to me that the pottery making in the UK is still alive and well and doing fine. Unique designs and small scale production and customer service seem to be order of the day as the larger producers have been hit hardest by the downturn in the hotel and gift markets.

The term 'Pottery' is uniquely used by the general public to describe anything ceramic and we should not underestimate the impact these forms of ceramic have in our daily lives. Ceramics are evident in our homes in so many areas. Drink tea made with water purified with a ceramic filter in a bone china cup. Cook your evening meal on your ceramic cooker hob. Keep warm by sitting by your gasfire with its insulating ceramic bricks, and ceramic logs or pebbles. Take a shower in your bathroom lined with decorative ceramic wall and floor tiles, and your bespoke table top washbasin. Relax and read a book under the light from a sculpted ceramic lamp. You might even want to watch your TV with its many ceramic parts!

Even outside, ceramic pots of all shapes and sizes as well as other unique ceramic animals, toadstools, fairies, wind chimes, sun dials, coloured glass gravel and BBQ chimneys add individuality to our gardens.

Clearly many of these items are still made in the UK and provide employment and job satisfaction for many.

It is comforting to know that virtually all of these items are reusable in some way and should not find their way back to landfill sites. Keep selling the message 'ceramic is green' ! (Avid potters -sorry for the pun!)

I often wonder what the most unusual or surprising use for ceramic there is out there?

Please let me know if you find something interesting! For more ceramic information visit the Potters Friend's website www.pottersfriend.co.uk