Tabletop Trends: From eye-popping patterns to BPA-free containers
From eye-popping patterns to BPA-free containers:
a roundup of new products at FEA’s LET Forum 2026
FEA’s biggest Light Equipment and Tableware Forum, described by one attendee as ‘a fantastic couple of days,’ saw 22 exhibitors launch a dazzling array of new products. Here’s a round-up of some of the key concepts.
Amefa will be launching more of its group brands into the UK market, including Bredemeijer, which focuses on tea with, for example, nine different caddies, and Medard de Noblat, with vitrified stoneware tableware collections such as Explore and Braise. On the cutlery side new products included Juntos, focusing on sharing and bites; Pizzeria, which is aimed at pizza restaurants; and Atlantic, a collection designed for operators serving high tea or ice cream.
Bluestem Group, which specialises in supplying domestic products for HoReCa sites such as student accommodation and Airbnbs, launched new models under their Statesman brand, including a digital toaster and a smart kettle – tell Alexa what temperature you want (there’s a choice of six) and off it goes. They also highlighted new pizza ovens, electric or woodfired, plus Ariete’s popular Positano and Capri kettle and toaster ranges that feature striking, Mediterranean-inspired patterns.
Bolsius is a new LET Forum exhibitor. The candle manufacturer says that only 22% of the hospitality market buy candles, a market worth around £15million. This means that the opportunity to grow this market sector is huge. After reviewing the market in many areas they identified that as well as consumers starting their decision journey online, ambience and service were key drivers – and a real flame is very attractive. Hero products include the Relight range which burns for 30 hours, comes in recyclable coloured plastic cups and is designed to sit in a variety of Relight glasses, including designs that create patterns on the table.
Cambro focused on the BPA ban, with the launch of Fresh PRO containers, a BPA-free polypropylene alternative to polycarbonate. The range features colour coded lids and drain shelves, and is available in a choice of sizes and shapes. The SafeTrak range has a label printed into the side that can be filled in then cleared when the container is washed, offering a hygienic, reusable alternative. The company also showed EPP food transport boxes with Smartheaters, which monitor the temperature and boost it back to 65°C, even when unplugged.
Catertherm was also new to the Forum. Their new Hot Tray is a plug and play product for the buffet, available in three different adapted GN sizes. It can be used as an extension for a standard buffet, or as a ‘put out and put away’ hot tray, giving plenty of flexibility. Also new were heat lamps and the company showed a wide range of AluChef aluminium cookware, most of which is induction compatible.
Chef Set, a UK manufacturer and supplier of professional light catering equipment, made its debut appearance at the Forum with the launch of its new 2026 catalogue, featuring more than 250 new product lines. Showcased products included fry baskets, combi oven trays, Gastronorms, and other essential commercial kitchen accessories including a10kg electronic, slimline kitchen scale and smashed burger presses. Among the launches were two new knife sharpeners; a two-stage manual model and a three-stage electric version, as well as Chef Set’s UV LED counterfeit note detector, providing businesses with a simple and effective solution for detecting counterfeit notes.
Contacto’s big launch for 2026 is an extensive range of specialist bakery products, including cutters, dough scouring knives, piping nozzles, pastry fillers and a spatula with a built-in thermometer for temperature-sensitive products such as chocolate. Also new are sauce dispensers with integral ice packs, to keep product fresh, a range of chef ‘s tools including a heavy duty vegetable slicer, and jugs and drinks containers made of (BPA-free) Tritan.
Dynamic Mixers was also a new LET Forum exhibitor. Having invented the commercial, heavy-duty stick blender, the French manufacturer has now developed the first commercial stick blender with a temperature gauge. The MD95 has already won an award and allows operators to monitor the status of their mix continuously, helping with precise control of products like pastry. Also on show was a new crepe machine.
Dayes showcased its Tala Naturals range, part of the wider Tala Performance portfolio. The Naturals collection features a broad selection of sustainably sourced acacia wood products, including boards and platters complemented by glass and ceramic elements. New for 2026 is an elegant acacia sharing board complete with three glass bowls, designed for stylish serving and entertaining. The company also specialises in BPA-free bakeware and everyday kitchen utensils, alongside a new multi-functional spice mill featuring CrushGrind technology, suitable for grinding salt, pepper, herbs, and a variety of spices.
Dualit has been manufacturing handmade toasters for 81 years. Originally specifically designed for hospitality, as well as being a classy addition to the breakfast scene they are long lasting – the more so as they are repairable. The company showed a selection of its range, including conveyor toasters. Dualit has diversified over the years, and also displayed equipment such as coffee and beverage machines, panini grills and soup kettles.
FEM showcased a range of innovative catering and serving solutions from Pujadas, with a strong focus on the colourful Cool Line collection. The induction-ready GN pans and cookware combine striking presentation with professional performance for modern kitchen and buffet environments. Also featured were stylish bronze cast-aluminium cookware, flexible modular buffet trolleys, chafing dishes with glass lids, a compact 100-plate trolley for event catering, and durable utensils from Vollrath backed by a lifetime warranty.
Grunwerg launched a new range of Wood Fibre boards, including pizza serving boards and paddle boards available in four sizes and in black or natural finishes. Heat resistant up to 160°C and dishwasher safe, the boards were shown alongside pizza scissors that come apart for hygienic cleaning. Also on display were brightly coloured Condimates acrylic salt and pepper mills, Gliss Cutlery, and new Greenworks utensils made from recycled plastic. The company additionally showcased Commichef lightweight cast iron casseroles and its range of colour-coded knives.
Lifetime Brands’ eye-catching Pisa range of brightly patterned cafetieres and cups was a stand-out on the company’s stand. Meanwhile one of the company’s biggest sellers is the MasterClass range of oven-to-table, induction-ready cast aluminium cookware, and the new tagine was on show. Other new products included a range of utensils celebrating 30 years of the KitchenCraft brand, a Bubble Tea cup, wooden platters, miniature cast iron cookware and, from the Jamie Oliver Big Love collection, a range of stoneware tableware with a raw edge.
Metcalfe showed new pendant heat lamps from Roband. Available in two styles and five colours, their clever glide mechanism is smooth, accurate and easy to set. The lamps have a silicon grip, so the height can be adjusted even when hot. Roband have designed their own bulbs, which are long lasting and have extra safety features of Teflon coating or with a protective outer layer depending on the style. Also new was the Metamix range of immersion blenders and Roband’s Sycloid X conveyor toaster, which toasts all types of bread, including sourdough. It has a host of clever features and can toast up to 450 slices per hour.
Mitchell & Cooper was highlighting its Bonzer range, focusing on the brand’s robust construction and reliable performance, both of which are underlined by the can openers’ lifetime warranty. New in the EaziClean protective gloves range is a puppet style glove using heat-resistant silicon – as the name suggests, the gloves are easy to clean. The Nemox artisan gelato maker can produce a batch in just 20 minutes – it’s a strong seller for kids’ menus, for example in pizza restaurants. Also popular are the company’s portioners – with new concepts on the way.
Nimbus was another new LET Forum exhibitor, showing the Falcon Housewares range of enamel tableware. Although the stand primarily showed the classic white with blue rim design, the company is soon to launch alternatives including speckled designs, alternative colours and collections with attractive encapsulated images featuring chicken, highland cow and a striking fish design. These designs will not scratch or tarnish in commercial use. Nimbus was keen to point out that enamel tableware is a natural product containing no PFAS chemicals, that’s sustainable, hardwearing, attractive and great for freezer-to-oven-to-table, and finally dishwasher.
Signature launched two new brands at the LET Forum. Scaritech is a French designer and manufacturer of tools for bakery, pastry and catering. Products range from dough scoring knives, scrapers and cutters to mobile, stacked flour bins, dough-proving boxes and dough shaping mats. Meanwhile the Mythos range of rechargeable table lamps offers a striking and original centrepiece that enhances ambience. New from cutlery specialist Pintinox were chic champagne buckets in a choice of elegant colours and stylish wired baskets for their buffet collection.
TableCraft showed a host of new buffet lines including glass beverage dispensers with capacities up to 9.5 litres. Glass and stainless steel jugs are elegant, tall and slim to save space in crowded buffet displays, while the arresting Hive range of platters and double walled bowls are made from stainless steel with a honeycomb design. New copper serving dishes are ideal for hot buffet counters, especially for Asian foods such as curries. TableCraft also showed its latest melamine tableware, which has the heft and feel of ceramic and comes in a choice of colours.
Thunder Group had a new dolly for its waste bins, as well as a new 64 litre bin that fits under the counter. The dolly makes it easy for staff to move the bins around and dispose of the waste. The company’s larger 87 litre bin, which also fits the dolly, is available in four colours. Other new products included tortilla and taco holders, high heat scrapers, colour coded chopping boards in three sizes, colour coded chef knives and brightly coloured melamine plates and bowls. They also showcased their alternative GN pans and colour coded storage containers in Tritan and polypropylene for when the upcoming BPA ban arrives on polycarbonate products.
Waring Products was another new LET Forum exhibitor. The USA manufacturer offers no less than 15 different blenders, from small bar units up to 4 litre models with 3.75HP motors. The Ellipse has two motors – one that sits on top of the unit and has a rechargeable lithium battery to power a dasher, which scrapes the sides and pushes the mix into the blades. It makes blending quicker and smoother, especially for thicker products. Also on show were a new juice extractor that increases yield by up to 30%, the WFP16 food processor with 16 blade options, and the Evolution X range of stick blenders, most with removable shafts for easy cleaning.
WMF Professional was another new participant at the Forum. The company has a history of 170 years and offers an extensive range that includes buffet solutions, porcelain tableware, glassware and high-end cutlery. WMF prides itself on the quality of their materials and craftsmanship, with a variety of finishes tailored for the HoReCa market. Their latest offering is the EVO cutlery range. Designed for price-sensitive projects, EVO combines a contemporary aesthetic with affordability, making it an excellent choice for various dining environments.
Zodiac launched a new tableware range from Turkish ceramics manufacturer Pioli. The range is available in six different collections: Sol, Oliva, Smoky Matte Blue, Reflect, Sakura and Oriental. Developed specifically for the HoReCa market, every piece is chip-tested, comes with a five year chip warranty, and is thermo shock proof up to 180°C. With a mid-range price point and short lead times, the company says the products are already doing well.
