This past weekend, TabletopJournal was fortunate to be a guest at the Steelite International 2014 Annual Sales Conference “Tomorrow’s Trends, Today”. With an opportunity to see this hospitality leader up close, we were curious to see how Steelite might be planning to continue the industry – leading growth pattern they have been on for the past several years. In a nutshell, it was a totally fascinating weekend and we extend a very sincere thank-you to Steelite for inviting and allowing us to be a guest.
The Steelite esprit de corps among the organization is great to see in a time when much of what you read or hear within the hospitality tabletop industry is less than optimistic. And, it’s clear that the passion for success evoked by Steelite International CEO Kevin Oakes and echoed by John Miles, Steelite Americas, President and Neil Hooper, Managing Director for Europe and Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific is running through the veins of every frontline Steelite salesperson, employee, and brand ambassador.
But, it isn’t simple luck that has brought them here. Through years of hard work, development of a singular passion, and a dedication to providing customer solutions, Steelite has achieved success in the Americas and around the world that many would like to have. The current mission for this UK-based company seems to be continuing to spread its influence and products within the hospitality tabletop industry, with an eye towards dominating it. Plain and simple.
However, the double-digit growth achieved (again) by Steelite in 2013 won’t be replicated without a plan and the proper tools to help execute the plan. Both were on full display throughout this weekend’s Annual Sales Conference. Once again, a large variety of new product introductions, covering both existing and new product categories and, even new materials, will be paving the roads to Steelite’s success in 2014 and beyond. Here, are just a few of the many new products showcased at this event.
Rona’s new Single Malt Whisky glass is the perfect vessel for operators to take advantage of the continued appreciation for high-end whiskys of all types. TabletopJournal has been saying that all whiskys of a special character should be served in a special way….and, now Steelite brings you Rona’s glass that especially designed to bring out the all the nuances of the top-level whiskys you are serving your guests.
With a rounded belly of appropriate size and a tapered top and sheer rim, this specialty beverage glass will truly allow your whisky to develop to its peak, concentrate its bouquet to a rich and complex finish….providing guests with the perfect, enhanced and elevated beverage experience.
Bormioli Rocco has been known as innovative and design driven glassware company that elevates the overall dining experience since 1825. Their new inAlto stemware range continues that tradition. Produced in Bormioli Rocco’s “Star Glass” material, inAlto has the perfect clarity required for enjoying great fine wines and the added resilience of the XLT treatment means this new stemware range is perfect for the most prestigious restaurant and hotel wine lists.
With Steelite’s success with Bormioli Rocco’s Electra, Ypsilon, Swing-top Bottles, and more….we have little doubt that you be seeing inAlto showing up on the top tables in finer restaurants very soon. 
The new product parade at Steelite shows no signs of slowing down….in fact, it’s just the opposite.
Oh…and, did we mention that a new Steelite website, along with a new array of supporting collateral materials and catalogs are all on the way? Expect these before the mid-year.
And, as we have written before, with such an extensive array of tabletop products, it requires a skilled and professional organization. And there lies what we consider to be perhaps Steelite’s most impressive asset – it’s people. From manufacturing and warehousing…to sales and marketing..to finance, logistics, and customer service, the highly-engaged and customer focused infrastructure to support the strong demands of an increasingly global hospitality industry seem firmly in place at Steelite International.
Today, when hospitality customers choose their tabletop products, they quickly realize they are also choosing more than simply a product. Choosing Steelite as your tabletop company seems like a great decision. Yes…it’s a special time at Steelite, with perhaps the best yet to come. Stay tuned.
