Libbey to Offer Spiegelau Glassware to Retail Markets

Libbey Inc. and renowned German glassware company Spiegelau have brokered an agreement in which Libbey will become the exclusive U.S. distributor of their glassware lines in the retail industry, effective July 1. 

The newly formed agreement is part of the brand’s “Own the Moment” strategy, which aims to grow the business 4 to 6 percent annually to achieve a year-end 2018 revenue target in excess of $1 billion.

Libbey has been the U.S. distributor of Spiegelau for foodservice since Feb. 1, 2013. The extended partnership and exclusive distribution agreement is a key element in Libbey’s pursuit to expand its range of tabletop offerings on retailer shelves. The new portfolio will include lines of fine stemware, premium drinkware and other specialty glasses.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to expand our business relationship with Spiegelau. Our well-established brands and combined knowledge of the glass and tabletop markets make for a unique and complementary product assortment,” said Anthony Gardner, Libbey’s chief commercial officer. “We announced our new ‘Own the Moment’ company strategy earlier this year and this agreement directly supports our objectives of increasing both the category value for our retailers and excitement for their consumers.”

“The last two years we have enjoyed a very successful relationship with Libbey and have seen positive business results through our foodservice partnership. Our companies share a strong heritage and a reputation for high-quality products, and this extension for retail distribution is a logical next step to reach a broader retail market in the United States,” said Richard Voit, managing director of Spiegelau.

In July, Libbey will begin offering a full array of Spiegelau barware items to retail outlets, including the popular wine collections such as Authentis, Style, Willsberger and Vino Grande stemware, as well as craft beer glassware, including Wheat, a brand-new offering for 2015.

Based in Toledo, Ohio, Libbey is one of the largest glass tableware manufacturers in the world. Libbey Inc. operates manufacturing plants in the United States, Mexico, China, Portugal and the Netherlands. In existence since 1818, the company supplies tabletop products to retail, foodservice and other customers in more than 100 countries. 

The first recorded mention of the Spiegelau factory dates back to 1521. Spiegelau has succeeded in transforming its 500 years’ experience of hand craftsmanship into fully machine-made production with cutting-edge technology.