By Claire McGuinness – Core Catering Brand and Business Development, Southern Africa
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Stoke-on-Trent, England affectionately known as “The Potteries,” for a deeper look into the rich ceramic history of this iconic British town. For centuries, Stoke-on-Trent has been considered the ceramics capital of the world, and my visit to Steelite International, one of Core Catering’s exclusive partners, was a fantastic opportunity to explore the birthplace of some of the finest tableware used in hospitality today and to meet the people who are involved in each aspect of the Steelite business.
Stoke-on-Trent earned its reputation as a ceramics hub due to the abundance of natural resources in the area—particularly clay and coal, which fueled both the kilns and the rise of a booming pottery industry in the 18th century. The Trent and Mersey Canal, running through the town, played a key role in transporting materials and products, connecting Stoke’s ceramics to national and international markets. Today, the town’s legacy endures, with a number of leading manufacturers still producing world-renowned ceramics here.
My first stop was the Potteries Museum, where I immersed myself in the historical journey of ceramics, from local artisanal roots to global styles. Stoke’s pottery industry is famous for pioneering techniques and exquisite craftsmanship, and this was a great prelude to my visit to Steelite.
Steelite International is a standout company in Stoke’s ceramics landscape, combining tradition with innovation. Known for their alumina-strengthened vitreous tableware, they produce over half a million pieces every week, serving the global hospitality sector. Sustainability is at the heart of their operations, with Steelite employing ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems to reduce energy consumption and waste. They also utilize recyclable materials, reflecting their commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Steelite acquired Williams Edwards Ltd, who are renowned for their design and production of bespoke
chinaware for luxury hotels, restaurants, and retailers worldwide. This one brand now sits alongside multiple others and creates a comprehensive range of premium products to choose from.
Walking around Steelite’s vast facilities, I saw firsthand how they blend traditional skills with modern production methods to create durable and elegant tableware. Their sustainability initiatives extend far beyond the products themselves, encompassing everything from energy-efficient kilns to minimizing their environmental footprint.
This visit reminded me of the rich heritage behind the products we offer at Core. Through partnerships with forward-thinking companies like Steelite, we continue to bring world-class, sustainable tableware to the hospitality industry, ensuring our clients have access to both durable solutions and products that respect the environment.
Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery legacy is alive and well, and Steelite’s commitment to excellence and sustainability exemplifies the future of ceramics in both hospitality and home. My visit was a great reminder that tradition and innovation can indeed go hand in hand. We look forward to learning more from our partners at Steelite and sharing this knowledge with our clients here in Southern Africa.
Take a moment to read about the new craft range from Steelite.
