Latest news with #glassware
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Cost is a crucial factor': Aussie business owners reveal why their products are made in China
Two Aussie business owners defended themselves against the 'stigma' of having their products made in China, exposing a huge issue for Australia in 2025. Alexandra Pappas, 36, is the founder of statement homewares company No. 22 and she's found it impossible to get her products made in Australia. 'We have found that producing our products in China costs, on average, around one-third of what it would be to manufacture the same products in Australia or other regions,' she told 'As we look to develop a new range of glassware, the quotes we have received from Australian-based manufacturers are significantly higher than those from Chinese factories.' Ms Pappas argued that 'cost is a crucial factor' in decision-making, and if it costs more to make something, ultimately, she has to pass on that cost to consumers. Her focus has to be on keeping the business profitable. And Aussies might like to say they want things made in Australia, but do they want to pay inflated prices? It is a question that Ms Pappas isn't prepared to risk asking her customers. 'For example, we are currently collaborating on a limited-edition collection with a specialist factory in Greece,' she said. 'The production costs for this collection are approximately four times higher than our core range. As a result, this collection will be positioned at a premium price point in order for it to be feasible and successful for us.' The business owner argued that getting stuff made in China isn't just a money-saving technique — it's also a great place to have products made. 'China offers world-class manufacturing capabilities, particularly when it comes to producing high-quality ceramics at scale,' she said. 'The factory we work with is home to highly skilled artisans who have crafted for some of the world's leading lifestyle and homewares brands.' Ms Pappas argued that there's still a stigma when someone hears something is 'made in China', one she disagrees with. 'There is still a misconception that manufacturing in China equates to lower quality,' she said. 'Many of the best lifestyle products are produced there because of the unmatched craftsmanship, access to materials and capacity for consistent, high-volume production.' Tina Grosso, the founder of underwear brand Chou Chou intimates, has a similar perspective, but her decision stems from what she couldn't find in Australia. 'Choosing to manufacture in China isn't just about lowering costs, it's about accessing a level of craftsmanship, technical capability, and scalability that's incredibly hard to find in Australia,' she told 'Locally, I am yet to find a factory equipped to handle the kind of specialised work we do at the scale we do it, especially when it comes to lingerie or detailed garment construction.' Ms Grosso, 30, said that while 'manufacturing offshore does offer cost efficiencies,' she believes the real value comes from the makers there. 'The real value is in working with partners who understand our product, share our quality standards, and can support our long-term growth,' she said. 'We've built relationships with trusted suppliers who are experienced, ethical, and deeply skilled in their craft.' Before she started manufacturing her products in China, quality was her 'biggest concern,' and she wanted to make sure she understand exactly how the process would work. 'Before committing to any purchase orders, I physically went and visited the production sites, requested multiple samples, asked for and reviewed all their audits and certifications,' she said. Despite how much she can justify her decision to manufacture her brand offshore, she knows it comes with criticism. 'There's still a lot of outdated stigma attached to 'Made in China,' especially in fashion,' she said. 'I think brands hesitate to talk about it because they fear it might dilute their perceived value but the truth is, where something is made matters less than how it's made and who you're working with.' At the end of the day, though, the business owner simply couldn't find a local supplier in Australia who could meet her needs. 'Especially since lingerie requires specialised machinery and technical expertise. Beyond that, finding enough skilled seamstresses to produce at scale, particularly in NSW, would be incredibly difficult,' she said. 'Based on my research, if we were to factor in local wages, limited access to materials, and smaller production runs, I estimate the cost would be at least 60-70 per cent higher than manufacturing in China.' That reality means that once she crunched the numbers, there was no way she could afford to make her lingerie in Australia. 'At that cost, even with minimum margins, the retail price of our garments would be pushed beyond what most customers are willing to pay — making the product commercially unviable,' she said. 'The difference isn't just about saving — it's what enables us to reinvest into quality, sustainability and storytelling while keeping our pieces accessible.'
Hospitality Net
5 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
The Art of Mixology: MGallery Hotel Collection, Maison Sarah Lavoine and Citadelle Gin redefine the ultimate cocktail experience with exclusive glassware collection and signature cocktail creations
May 2025 - From the sandy beaches of Thailand to the twinkling city streets of Paris, cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a touch of modern art this World Cocktail Months. From 13 May, boutique hotel collection MGallery is teaming up with French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine, to launch a set of exclusive glassware. A partnership born out of a collective ethos dedicated to character, curiosity and creativity, MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have come together to expertly infuse emotion and memories into their designs. The three stunning cocktail glasses have been paired with a trio of limited-edition cocktail creations from the world's first craft gin, Citadelle Gin, that guests can sip and savour in MGallery bars across the world or re-create at home, turning every sip into a work of art. Glassware with a Modern Twist MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have a shared passion for uncovering and championing the soul of spaces, whether through sublime objects or storied properties, in a way that is accessible for all. Inspired by MGallery's one-of-a-kind designs that tell the story of the heart of a destination, the glassware has been delicately crafted to elevate every sip into a special moment. Embodying Maison Sarah Lavoine's distinctive bold and playful colours, elegant lines and timeless designs, the exclusive collection includes a tumbler and two refined coupes, each with matching coasters. Blown and tinted to precision, the glassware combines the essence of each brand, featuring MGallery's distinctive diagonal geometric pattern, set against Maison Sarah Lavoine's exclusive Pantone colours, including the infamous Sarah Blue. Sarah Poniatowski is an acclaimed French designer and the founder & CEO of Maison Sarah Lavoine — Photo by Accor Each MGallery property tells a unique story - one of elegance, storied heritage, and soulful design. Drawing inspiration from these living art galleries, this glassware collection was created to capture the free-willed spirit of travel, warmth of togetherness, and unique beauty. Design is more than just the aesthetics – it's about bringing spaces to life and finding their character to create lifelong memories. It can transport and inspire, just like the immersive experiences MGallery Collection offers for its guests, and together, we've truly created pieces of art. Founder and Creative CEO of Maison Sarah Lavoine, Sarah Poniatowski A Daring and Delightful Cocktail Trio To launch the collection, MGallery has partnered with Citadelle Gin to create three bold new cocktails designed specifically for the glassware. Exposing palates to new combinations of flavours, guests can delight in the indulgent recipes made with 100% natural ingredients. These one-of-a-kind cocktails include: Source: Accor The Crystal Diva: With floral and herbal notes, the Crystal Diva features Citadelle Gin Original, fino sherry, jasmine and lemongrass cordial, and orange blossom. Stirred and poured effortlessly in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Nick & Nora coupe, it is garnished with white chocolate shard and a touch of jasmine and lemongrass, reflective of a gimlet cocktail. Source: Accor For something more earthy and rich, the Timeless Negroni puts a contemporary twist on the classic serve featuring Citadelle Gin Original infused with sandalwood, red vermouth, and Italian bitters infused with pineapple and Pandan, a plant native to Southeast Asia with a vanilla aroma. Served in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Old Fashion tumbler with a 5cm oval ice-cube, it is garnished with pineapple and Pandan leather, transporting the drinker to lush tropical paradise. Source: Accor The Honey 75: This salty, zesty twist on a French 75 features Citadelle Gin Original, fat-washed with local olive olive oil, verjus, salted local honey, orange and cardamom syrup. Topped with Pommery Champagne, this cocktail sits perfectly in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Coupe, evoking a local anchorage that grounds its effervescent profile in timeless elegance Mixology is an expression of art at MGallery and to have three exceptionally unique cocktails crafted with Citadelle Gin specifically for each of the Maison Sarah Lavoine glasses, really takes the 'art of the pour' to a new level. We're excited to bring a new blend of flavours that create space for visitors to immerse themselves in the moment, to build new memories and connections while sipping these one-of-a-kind mixes. Chief Marketing Officer of MGallery, Xavier Royaux Great mixology is a delicate balance of creativity and precision—an art form that transforms quality ingredients into extraordinary experiences. It is also a powerful tool to enhance hospitality, creating moments of connection and discovery. At Citadelle Gin, we are passionate about crafting spirits that reflect both innovation and authenticity. Our collaboration with MGallery Collection and Maison Sarah Lavoine is a true celebration of that artistry, where design and flavour come together seamlessly to elevate the guest experience. Citadelle Gin's Creator and Master Blender, Alexandre Gabriel The three limited-edition cocktails will be launched alongside five brand new MGallery cocktail creations with a variety of flavours to transport guests around the world. The creations, available as alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, will be added to the permanent MGallery cocktail menu and include a refreshing Sage Highball, a citrusy Spring Sour, a modern and fruity Guava Adonis, a silky lemon Bee's Heat and a tropical Paolo Verde. Available in-bar or at-home today Available to sample from 13 May, the Citadelle Gin cocktails will be served in their perfectly paired Maison Sarah Lavoine cocktail glass in MGallery bars across the globe until 31 August. For those interested in recreating the experience at home, the limited-edition Maison Sarah Lavoine glassware line is also available exclusively for purchase at MGallery Boutique. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
