In the food service industry (HoReCa), the first impression of a guest begins not with tasting the dish, but with the table setting. Professionally selected, aesthetic and impeccably clean tableware communicates directly with the customer and determines the premium status of your restaurant, hotel or cafe. However, in commercial spaces, beauty alone is not enough. Tableware must be of the highest durability in order to withstand the harsh, relentless rhythm of industrial cuisine.

GN Industrial (gn.ge) offers tableware products from the world’s leading manufacturers, specially designed for restaurants, hotels, bars and catering businesses. We are proud to be the exclusive representatives and importers in Georgia of such global giants as: RINART, GÜRAL, PORLAND and LAV .

In this guide, we will discuss in detail the technologies of professional porcelain and glass production, introduce you to brands, compare their specifications, and provide you with practical advice on dishwashing and care.

How does HoReCa tableware differ from household tableware?

The most common mistake novice restaurateurs make is using household utensils in a commercial setting. The standard of quality in the world of professional table service is radically different from that of home utensils. This is not just a marketing term; it is a precise law of physics and chemistry.

1. Vitrification and ultra-high temperatures

HoReCa-grade porcelain is made from specific raw materials (kaolin, quartz, feldspar) and fired at extremely high temperatures — from 1,380 to 1,400 °C . At this temperature, the so-called “vitrification” occurs, i.e. the mass acquires a glassy, ​​absolutely dense structure.

2. Minimum water absorption rate

According to the British and international industrial standard (BS 4034), the water absorption rate of professional porcelain should not exceed 0.5% . Why is this critical? Household ceramics have a porous structure (absorbs 5-10% water). Liquid, sauce, bacteria and dishwasher chemicals penetrate into microcracks. Over time, such dishes acquire an unpleasant odor, change color and collapse from the inside. HoReCa porcelain is absolutely hygienic and does not absorb anything.

3. Glaze Hardness

The enamel (glaze) on restaurant porcelain is fired in such a way that its physical hardness (hardness) exceeds that of stainless steel forks and knives. With intensive use, the knife may leave a gray metallic mark on the plate (which is easily washed off), but it will never scratch the enamel of the plate itself. Scratched enamel is a breeding ground for bacteria, which the HoReCa standard completely excludes.

4. Toughened (tempered) glass

LAV professional glassware undergoes a special thermal hardening (tempering) process. The glass is heated to ~540–650 °C and then cooled sharply by a strong air stream. This creates surface tension. As a result:

• The glass is 4–5 times stronger than regular (annealed) glass.
• Withstands extreme temperature shocks of approximately ~150 °C (for example, placing a hot cup taken out of the dishwasher on a cold surface).
• Safety: When broken, it breaks into small, non-sharp, blunt pieces. This is a crucial factor for the safety of staff and guests in busy bars and kitchens (there is no longer a risk of injury from sharp fragments).

Comparison table: HoReCa tableware VS household tableware

World brands in our assortment (exclusive in Georgia)

The GN Industrial catalog features four giant brands that fully cover any table service concept — from a minimalist bistro to a premium fine dining restaurant.

1. RINART — Modern design, premium porcelain

RINART is a Turkish premium brand (headquartered in Istanbul), which has quickly established a place of honor in the European HoReCa market.

• Concept and aesthetics: RINART’s signature is minimalist, contemporary design and a distinct aesthetic. It is ideal for restaurants looking for a modern, “Instagrammable” look (colorful, reactive-glazed plates, graphic lines) and at the same time, not willing to compromise on solid quality.
• Technical specifications: * Made of dense porcelain, fired at high temperatures suitable for HoReCa class.

• Fully compatible with industrial dishwashers and microwave ovens.
• It is distinguished by its high resistance to temperature shock and scratches.
• 100% made in Turkey.

2. GÜRAL Porselen — World-class HoReCa porcelain

GÜRAL is not just a brand, it is an industrial empire. It is one of the world’s largest porcelain manufacturers with an ultra-modern production area of ​​275,000 m² .

• Global recognition: GÜRAL exports its products to over 90 countries around the world. The brand is an official sponsor of the Bocuse d’Or World Culinary Finals, known as the Oscars of gastronomy – a fact that speaks volumes about its impeccable reputation.
• Porcelain technology: GÜRAL products are made of dense porcelain with a high kaolin content. Vitrification takes place at 1,400 °C with a feldspar glaze . This unique synthesis creates an extremely durable and long-lasting surface that retains its original appearance for years, even in a busy 24/7 restaurant environment.
• Product lines:

• Horeca White: Flagship line, classic, snow-white vitrified porcelain with thick edges.
• Horeca Bone: Bone china, distinguished by its exceptional whiteness and elegance for premium serving.
• Digibone: An innovative line where bone china is decorated with high-tech digital printing.
• Certifications: Has TSE (Turkish Standards Institute) and ISO 9001 quality management certificates. Absolutely safe for use in dishwashers, microwaves and ovens.

3. PORLAND — Innovation and world-class quality

PORLAND is a trendsetter in the global porcelain industry. It is among the top 10 porcelain manufacturers in the world and produces ~70 million units per year.

• Export and scale: The brand is represented in 80+ countries , and 65% of production is steadily exported to foreign markets.
• Industry Pioneer: PORLAND is the first porcelain manufacturer in Turkey to receive the most stringent TSE 10850 certification. In addition, it is one of the few to hold the BS 4034 British Hotelware standard, which officially confirms its 100% vitrification.
• Standards and Durability: PORLAND’s core lines (Christina, Seasons, Cortot, Twilight, etc.) are fully safe in the freezer, oven, microwave, and industrial dishwasher. Its decorated (logo-printed) plates can withstand ~1,500 to 2,000 rigorous wash cycles without even the slightest color change.
• Accreditation: Holds TSE 10850, BS 4034, ISO 9001:2000, OHSAS 18001 certificates. PORLAND established the first officially accredited R&D (Research and Development) center of the Turkish porcelain industry.

4. LAV — Glass Art for HoReCa

No table setting is complete without premium glassware. LAV is one of the world’s largest glassware manufacturers, producing a record-breaking ~2 million glasses daily.

• Global coverage: Exports to 140+ countries worldwide. LAV is part of the powerful Gürok Group.
• Own R&D “Technopark”: LAV is a leader in innovation. It is one of only ~3 glass factories in the world that has its own “Technopark” and independently develops its production technology.
• Technological advantages:

• Made from the highest quality soda-lime base glass.
• Full or edge tempering: As mentioned above, thermal tempering makes glass 4-5 times stronger and provides resistance to thermal shock.
• When broken, it breaks into non-sharp particles, which is a guarantee of absolute safety.
• Certifications and safety: Meets BS PAS 54 (tempered glass tableware) and EN 15284 (microwave safe glass). Completely safe for high temperature (80-85°C) cycles in commercial dishwashers.

Correct use of plates, glasses and accessories

Properly selected inventory not only improves the visual appearance, but also simplifies operational processes. Restaurant serving includes several categories:

Classification and purpose of plates:

1. Show Plate: The largest plate (usually 30-33 cm in diameter) that is placed on the table before the guest is seated. It defines the design of the restaurant. Often used are colorful plates coated with PORLAND or RINART reactive enamel.
2. Dinner Plate: 25-28 cm in diameter. It is critical to use GÜRAL’s Horeca White line here, as its sturdy surface withstands the friction of cutlery.
3. Appetizer / Side Plate: 20-22 cm.
4. Deep Plate / Soup Bowl (for soup or pasta): With wide rims (Rimmed), which makes it easier for the waiter to carry it without spilling hot liquid.

Glasses and glass accessories (LAV):

• Wine glasses: It is essential to have high-clarity soda-lime glass so that the color of the wine can be accurately perceived. Thin edges (laser cut) improve the tasting process, although tempered edges are more practical for the bar.
• Tumblers (water and beverage glasses): LAV’s fully tempered glasses are the only alternative here, as this type of glass is most likely to break, so durability is a priority here.
• Accessories: sauce dishes, salt/pepper shakers, ashtrays — these details complete the table concept.

Washing technology and dishwashing standards (HACCP)

Even the most expensive PORLAND or GÜRAL porcelain will lose its appearance over time if washing and care protocols are violated in the factory. In the B2B sector, dishwashing is a strictly regulated process.

Industrial washing stages:

1. Pre-wash: Removing residue with cold or lukewarm (no more than 40°C) water (so-called shower). If you use hot water, protein (e.g. cheese, egg) will stick to the porcelain.
2. Main Wash: Washing in a professional machine takes place at a temperature of 60°C – 65°C using a special alkaline-based industrial detergent.
3. Rinsing (disinfection): This is the most critical stage. Water at 80°C – 85°C and rinse aid are sprayed for 10-15 seconds. This kills all bacteria and ensures instant, spot-free drying of the dishes.

How to avoid injury?

• Do not stack plates on top of each other (Stacking): The base (foot) of the plate is often not glazed. If you stack them on top of each other, the rough bottom of the lower plate can scratch the enamel of the upper plate. Use the correct logistics cassettes.
• Thermal shock prevention: Although our brands are resistant to thermal shock, avoid extremes. For example, do not take the plate out of the freezer and do not place it directly in a preheated oven (+250°C).
• Removing metal scratches: If gray streaks from cutlery appear on Horeca White plates, this is not scratched enamel! These are metal particles. They can be easily removed with special porcelain cleaning, non-abrasive creams.

Why GN Industrial?

Investing in tableware is one of the most important financial decisions any restaurant or hotel makes. Buying cheap, amateurish tableware often results in 40-50% of the inventory being broken or thrown away within a year due to discoloration.

Products from world leaders — RINART, GÜRAL, PORLAND and LAV — are long-term, safe and aesthetic partners for your business. Their technological advantages (vitrification at 1400°C, tempered glass, protected edges, BS 4034 standards) guarantee that the dishes will serve you for years, even under the most severe load conditions.

GN Industrial (gn.ge) offers not only products, but also B2B partnerships. Our team will help you select the ideal collections tailored to your facility’s concept and budget, ensuring stable supply and replenishment of stocks (which is vital in the HoReCa sector).

Discover the art of table setting with professionals. Contact us today and let’s create an unforgettable image for your restaurant together!