News Zappy purple or pale blue? Ten trends from the FEA’s LET Forum

Zappy purple or pale blue? Ten trends from the FEA’s LET Forum

Light Equipment and Tableware (LET)

Ten Trends in Light Equipment and Tableware: zappy purple or pale blue?
FEA’s 2026 LET Forum was the biggest yet, with 22 exhibitors and a host of new products

Despite tough market conditions, the LET Forum 2026 was the biggest yet, with 22 suppliers launching a huge range of new light equipment and tableware products. This year also saw a significant number of new exhibitors, who were showing their latest concepts to a variety of their distributor customers, from the biggest groups to leading independents.

“Both suppliers and delegates were extremely positive about the sector,” says Paula Sherlock, chair of FEA’s LET product group. “There was a definite feeling that, while Q1 of 2026 had been tough, Q2 was already looking promising – and the prospect of good weather, combined with the likelihood of ‘staycationing’ being popular this year, would only encourage that further.”

There was plenty of discussion over the latest trends – reflected in products designed to enhance areas such as staff wellbeing, sustainability, productivity, ambience and cost savings. On the business side of things, global issues are impacting the supply chain, increasing costs and lead times, with some suppliers looking to meet the challenge by sourcing products from Europe rather than further afield.

So what about the trends? Here is the Top Ten from the Forum:

Muted colours – Scandi is strong, and pastels are still big business with light blues and pale olives amongst the leading runners.. And yet…

Bright colours and patterns – that’s right, the Forum was in two distinct minds, with a somewhat confusing emphasis on bright colours and striking patterns, making a huge contrast with the pale pastels. So the choice is there… zappy purple or sky blue? Or both? One supplier suggested that restaurants were going for muted, while bars wanted punchy, striking bright tones.

Flexibility – many restaurants don’t want a rigid set up, they want equipment and tableware that gives them flexibility. Mix and match plates and bowls, multifunctional appliances, modular buffet systems… And if the operator wants to refresh things on the table or counter, it may only need a couple of pieces make a statement.

Tableware material variety – you name it, the option is there. Ceramics, of course. Melamine, of course – though perhaps less than in previous years. Then there’s enamel and other metal tableware and serveware – notably copper and polished stainless steel, inspired by the Asian restaurant sector.

Staff shortages – so more emphasis on equipment that makes life easier and quicker, from stick blenders and spatulas with built-in thermometers to storage containers that won’t jam together when stacked.

Wellbeing – in line with the staff shortage issue, there was lots of emphasis on equipment that will help protect staff, with a focus on ergonomics and practical solutions, such as lighter cookware and storage containers.

Copper… has it had its day? – there were far fewer copper products at the year’s Forum. Some suppliers said customers were looking at stainless steel instead. Copper is stylish, but it takes more looking after. Perhaps it’s a victim of the staff shortage crisis?

Ambience – the importance of setting the right tone was a big discussion point with lots of suppliers, from choosing the cutlery to lighting the table.

Portioners – lots on offer, these simple and effective tools are helping operators meet the challenges of food waste, consistency, and cost saving.

Polycarbonate alternatives – the BPA ban looms large and is a big talking point for the LET industry. Hence lots of companies are offering BPA-free alternatives of, for example, storage containers.

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