Tableware

Finnish high-quality ceramics and design tableware are very well known worldwide thanks to such iconic brands as Arabia, Iittala and Pentik. But the country is home to many more manufacturers of all sorts of tableware made of porcelain, glass, wood, steel and new innovative materials.

Below are five examples laid out before you.

BRINGING NEW IDEAS TO TABLEWARE: TONFISK

Based in the country’s oldest city, Turku, this design company primarily manufactures refined porcelain coffee and tea sets, but its product line is growing year by year and includes also plates, bowls, serving trays and wine glasses.

Recognised both domestically and internationally as an inventive design brand, Tonfisk is no stranger to experiments with new ideas and materials, like merging porcelain and wood in its tableware, but never at the expense of functionality.

“We are continuously trying to develop something new to ensure that each product has some kind of novel feature,” stated CEO Brian Keaney. “Functionality is also important to us; the product needs to look good and work well.”

HANDCRAFTED BY ARTISANS: BJARMIA

Since its founding in 1974, this manufacturer of unique handmade ceramics has seen a lot of twists and turns, but its inspiring relationship with northern nature and strong belief in craftsmanship has remained unchanged.

Bjarmia’s tableware designs are inspired by the rich cultural heritage and diverse nature of Kuusamo, where the ceramic workshop is located, and cater to the needs of modern consumers: all items are oven, microwave- and dishwasher-proof.

“Our products are handmade, and it’s allowed to show,” said CEO Kaisa Valkama-Kettunen. “We don’t use any moulds or stamps. Every single line is carved by hand, and that’s why every cup and plate is different – and that’s also the objective.”

SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR DINING WARE: KUPILKA

Whether you feel like having a picnic in the nearest park or camping in rough Arctic conditions, this brand has the right tableware for you. Kupilka’s distinctively round cups, bowls, plates and cutlery are designed to combine modern usability and respect for old Karelian traditions.

Durable, lightweight and recyclable, all Kupilka products are made from a proprietary natural fibre composite, and the entire manufacturing process is claimed to be emission-free. This eco-friendly approach has helped Kupilka to gain a strong foothold in the Nordics and beyond.

“Our products are targeted towards the typical modern person who cares about nature, wants to take care of themselves and spends time outdoors,” noted international business manager Laura Bondavalli. “Ecological values are everything to us.”

ELEGANCE AND STYLE: VAJA FINLAND

Simple, chic and timeless are the words that best describe the tableware by this Porvoo-based manufacturer of high-quality ceramics. Established in 2011 by two industry professionals (and Arabia’s ex-employees), VAJA Finland creates functional ceramics that will stand the test of time.

Designed for modern homes and all occasions, the product line is constantly growing and includes elegant mugs and cups, jars and jugs, bowls and saucers, as well as a range of matching kitchen accessories. Clear lines and graphic decorative patterns are the brand’s most distinctive features.

“We at VAJA Finland create beautiful and smart design that surprises with its functionality and remains for generations to come,” stated founders Fred Owren and Henna Lamberg.

ERGONOMIC BABY TABLEWARE: SKANDINO

Jyväskylä-based Skandino has carved a niche for itself in the market of baby tableware by offering products that are safe, ergonomic, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Innovation is at the heart of Skandino's offering, with the products designed to facilitate self-feeding, support the development of fine motor skills and prevent potential oral motor problems in children.

“First, a cup was developed in co-operation with speech and occupational therapists, and then the entire tableware [collection] was designed so that it supports the development of a small child's eating skills,” commented founder and CEO Emmi Lemmetty-Garcia, who is also a communication teacher and a mother of two.

In addition to encouraging healthy development in babies and toddlers, Skandino has set itself a goal to encourage the reduction of harmful plastics in products targeted at them. All of its tableware items are made from an ecological biocomposite containing 98 per cent natural raw materials, such as pinewood and sugar cane.

The company’s approach has resonated well with families in Finland and beyond. At the moment, Skandino’s products are available across Europe, with ongoing discussions on distribution co-operation also in Japan and the US.