2024-11-07
Enchanting Italian crystal
When the crystal glasses gently click together, we realise - it is a special moment. Whether it's a reunion of long-time friends or a celebration of a special occasion with family and loved ones, crystal glasses always signify celebration. We invite you to take a look at the latest in sparkling crystal glasses.
CREATED VALUE
The Baltic wholesale network PROMO Cash&Carry and PROMO Food Service, well-known to Lithuanian HoReCa representatives, serve as a great source of dishware innovations and design trends, representing globally renowned brands like Villeroy & Boch, Riedel, Rosenthal, Vista Alegre, Fine Dining & Living, Mepra, and others.
At PROMO Cash&Carry, one can also find products from some of Europe's most prominent crystalware manufacturers, such as Italy's RCR Cristalleria Italiana and Germany's Stölzle Lausitz. These are highly valued by both home users and top restaurants in the country.
"Currently, the selection of crystal glasses is particularly diverse—ranging from classic shapes to more distinctive designs often chosen for home use. However, regardless of the crystal glass's appearance, the key focus remains on its created value: unlike regular glass, crystal always offers a distinctive resonance, reflects light more beautifully, and adds a sense of occasion to any event," comments Olivija Šakytė, Product Group Manager at Sanitex, the company operating PROMO Cash&Carry stores, working closely with hospitality sector clients.
ENCHANTING ITALIAN CRYSTAL
Founded in 1967 in the heart of Tuscany, RCR Cristalleria Italiana has gained widespread popularity not only for its impressive range of crystal products—introducing around 40 new designs annually—but also for its commitment to sustainability. The company’s factory operates exclusively on renewable energy and produces zero emissions. Moreover, RCR Cristalleria Italiana products are 100% recyclable, crafted using three distinct manufacturing techniques.
"This Italian manufacturer has elevated the millennia-old tradition of crystal glassmaking to a new level. Their glasses are made from pure raw materials, making them not only exceptionally clear but also highly durable, withstanding over 4,000 dishwasher cycles. RCR Cristalleria Italiana produces both blown and pressed EcoCrystal glasses," explains Olivija Šakytė.
While blown crystal glasses delight classic design enthusiasts, pressed crystal opens the door to unique and innovative designs. Among the latest RCR Cristalleria Italiana collections, the striking Etna, Marilyn, Tattoo, and the elegant Alkemist series stand out, captivating attention with their distinctive style.
"Inspired by the eruption of Sicily's iconic volcano, the Etna collection captures attention with its striking geometric patterns. As the manufacturer describes it, this design embodies the perfect imperfection of nature, allowing light to refract and reflect across its intricate layers of engravings. This interplay of light enhances the brilliance of the glass and emphasizes the clarity of EcoCrystal crystal," explains Olivija Šakytė, Product Group Manager at Sanitex.
The Etna collection includes not only wine and champagne glasses but also highball and lowball tumblers, ideal for serving water, whiskey, or refreshing beverages.
Another vibrant collection from RCR Cristalleria Italiana, the Tattoo series, seamlessly blends delicate natural motifs with the aesthetics of body art. This unique fusion results in an eye-catching design that appeals to modern tastes.
The Tattoo collection features a variety of glassware, including glasses of different sizes, tumblers, and shot glasses, perfect for serving both casual drinks and stronger spirits with a stylish flair.
The Marilyn crystalware collection is a tribute to the iconic Marilyn Monroe and her famous song lyric, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." This elegant series features delicate, diamond-like reliefs cascading playfully down the surface of each piece, evoking timeless sophistication.
The Marilyn collection includes not only crystal glasses for wine and champagne but also water tumblers, making it a glamorous addition to any table setting.
The Alkemist crystalware collection exudes a refined subtlety, combining graceful design with delicate geometric lines and hints of classic shapes. This understated elegance makes the collection a versatile choice for various settings.
The Alkemist series impresses with its variety, including wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, gin-and-tonic glasses, water tumblers, and a carafe. According to the manufacturer, Alkemist is equally suited for home use and fine dining establishments, offering a touch of sophistication for any occasion.
THE TRADITION OF FUNCTIONAL CRYSTAL
Founded over 130 years ago in the town of Weißwasser, Germany, the glass factory was once the largest producer of glassware in the country. However, the business faced challenges after the fall of the Berlin Wall. A revival came in 1996 when the factory was acquired by Austria’s Stölzle Oberglas AG, a company with a rich history in glassmaking traditions. This marked the emergence of a new name in the crystal market: Stölzle Lausitz.
"The crystal glasses produced by this manufacturer are classic in style, with a range defined primarily by the diversity of beverages they are designed for. This precise categorization is intentional—the glasses are crafted to maximize the flavor and aroma of each drink. The Bauhaus principle that form follows function has significantly influenced Austria’s Stölzle designs," explains Olivija Šakytė.
The Experience crystal glass collection by Stölzle Lausitz was originally crafted specifically for Riesling wines. Over time, it expanded to include glasses for a broader range of white and red wines, as well as whiskey tumblers and glasses for juices or other beverages.
What sets the Experience collection apart is the exceptionally low positioning of the glasses' widest point, allowing the wine to quickly reach an optimal surface area for “breathing.” This design enhances the wine’s aroma and flavor, making each sip more enjoyable.
The Quantrophil collection features classic, cubic-shaped crystal glasses with exceptionally tall stems, designed for white, red, Bordeaux wines, champagne, grappa, whiskey, and cocktails. These glasses are meticulously crafted to maximize the expression of each drink’s flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall tasting experience. The geometric design not only adds a modern touch but also serves a functional purpose, making each sip a sensory delight.
The Symphony collection, a standout choice for restaurants, features crystal glasses with exceptionally thin walls and vertical lines on the inside of the glass. These lines not only create a distinctive visual appeal but also enhance the wine’s aroma, allowing it to unfold more fully. The collection includes eight different types of glasses, including a particularly unique design—stemless glasses for both white and red wine. This innovative approach combines functionality with elegance, offering a refined experience for wine enthusiasts.
"Crystal is an exceptional material, allowing glassware manufacturers to create both classic, subtle pieces and highly distinctive, eye-catching items, as well as decorative elements. When seeing a crystal vase, there’s rarely any doubt that it’s crystal—few manufacturers would want to hide its beauty. In fact, it’s often the opposite: glassmakers try to imitate crystal. However, only true crystal glasses and items will have that unique sparkle and resonance," says Olivija Šakytė as she concludes.
Crystal glasses and items can be purchased at PROMO Cash&Carry physical stores and online at www.epromo.lt. Exclusive design collections can be ordered from catalogs. For consultations and special orders, you can directly contact a sales manager.
"PROMO Cash&Carry" with exclusive dishware sections:
Iešmininkų g. 6, Vilnius.
Ukmergės g. 250, Vilnius.
Savanorių pr. 404A, Kaunas.
Palangos pl. 16, Sudmantai, Klaipėda.
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