Handicraft Home India manufactures this dinner bowl, which comes in ceramic.

Suppliers are urged to link with industry organizations to boost skills, resources and capabilities.

The table and dinnerware industry in India is made up mostly of SMEs, which are encouraged by the government to join trade associations, and improve design and export processes.

The utensils, cutlery and glassware manufacturing units generally have their own clusters, which are geographical concentration of companies that create the same or related items. These groups are beneficial for sharing knowledge and capital, and increasing the competitiveness of the sector through collaborations and projects. The proximity of the enterprises to each other, furthermore, helps with distributing labor for high productivity.

The national administration, therefore, promotes the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Program of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The project assesses the needs of clusters in terms of technology and QC upgrades, procurement of accreditations, and market research. The establishment and operation of Common Facility Centers offers training support to members in terms of research development and exporting.

Consolidation of clusters, however, has its own concerns. The most crucial of these is lack of awareness among enterprises regarding the existence of trade groups and schemes from the government. Coordination among different clusters is also difficult because most members belong to the unorganized sector, which are small, family-owned businesses that are not officially registered under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or MCI.

The establishment of a Research Center for each trade group for design training and market trend updating is also needed to help SMEs improve their competitiveness and raise market value.

Exports

This 26-piece cutlery set from Metal Exports India is made of stainless steel.

According to the MCI, overseas shipments of table and dinnerware jumped 10 percent in fiscal year 2013-14 compared with the previous period. Foreign revenue dropped slightly by 1 percent from 2011-12 to 2012-13.

The US is the largest market, accounting for 35 percent of shipments. The UK is the second-largest destination at 11 percent. Other important markets are Indonesia, the UAE and Egypt.

Suppliers cite some countries from East Europe as buyers whose orders have steadily climbed over the past 12 months. These markets include Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania.

Competitive advantages

The industry has several strengths contributing to its continued development.

The cutlery sector, in particular, is one of the fast-growing segments. Although most suppliers are SMEs, they are able to cater to customer specifications in terms of materials and design.

The wide pool of artisans who are skilled in engraving and located in various craft villages is also another factor that propels the industry forward.

Raw materials are likewise easy to procure, particularly stainless steel, copper, brass, glass and ceramic.

Another competitive advantage is the glassware segment’s ability to meet customer requirements for chemicals used, material strength and application of various finishes.

This article is an excerpt from India Sourcing: Table & Dinnerware, published by the Hinrich Foundation. For the full report with complete Industry Overview and 18 suppliers, click here.

Product gallery

The following is a selection of home and garden decor models made by India suppliers. For detailed industry and production information, and supplier outlook over the next 12 months, visit India Sourcing: Table & Dinnerware. For information on related industries in India and other emerging economies in Asia, go to www.developingcountrysourcing.com.

Fab Exim

Model: FE-4303
MOQ: 100 sets
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $12
Description: Candle holder; aluminum; nickel-plated finish; 15 and 20 inches

Fab Exim

Model: FE-789
MOQ: 1,500 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $5
Description: Mule mug; copper; hammered finish; 8x14cm; in various sizes and shapes

Fab Exim

Model: FE-1659
MOQ: 200 pieces
Delivery: 45 days
Price: $20
Description: Fruit holder; aluminum; nickel-plated finish; three levels; 10x19 inches; in various shapes and sizes

Handicraft Home India

Model: HHI139
MOQ: 100 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Price: $45
Description: Chafing dish; brass; chariot design; 33x20x38cm

Handicraft Home India

Model: HHI142
MOQ: 100 pieces
Delivery: 45 days
Price: $38
Description: Chafing dish; brass; 33x30cm

Handicraft Home India

Model: 191
MOQ: 500 sets
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $9
Description: Dinner thali set; stainless steel with brass edges; one plate and five cups

Handicraft Home India

Model: 131
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 45 days
Price: $10
Description: Jug; stainless steel; engraved motif; silver finish; 9x25cm; in various designs and sizes

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This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.