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[November 2000]
Global Show Pinpoints UK Ceramic Tile Trends
Porcelain tiles and 'rectified edges' - allowing tiles to be butt-joined were among the fastest growing trends at the global International Exhibition of Ceramics for the Building Industry and Bathroom Furnishings (Cersaie) in Bologna, Italy.
The Spanish Tile Manufacturers Association (ASCER), representing the largest group of suppliers of tiles to the UK market, showcased their entire new product ranges, which are en route to British homes and premises.
Exhibitors said that the use of outdoor porcelain tiles - with frost-proof properties - was increasing in the UK. Porcelain tiles are designed to have a very low level of absorption, making them ideal for the British weather.
Trends in sanitaryware are also affecting the top-selling tile colours. With gold bathroom fittings in decline, platinum and silver are increasing in the British market and this is reflected in tile trends.
Cersaie was also said to have revealed a trend towards larger tiles, as they help create a more spacious appearance. One Spanish tile manufacturer, Aparici, saw an increase of 40% in the number of large-size bathroom tiles supplied to the UK last year.
ASCER's latest statistics, unveiled at Cersaie, show that the British demand for tiles is still increasing. Along with France and Portugal, the UK market grew by more than 21% from January to May 2000.
ENDS