Artis

What Artis does

Artis, trading as John Artis Limited, is a UK-based B2B wholesale distributor of premium tableware, drinkware, barware and cutlery to the professional foodservice and hospitality sector. Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Chessington, Surrey, the company distributes a portfolio of more than 20 premium global brands — including Libbey, Bauscher, Schonwald, La Rochere, Duralex, Tramontina, Pyrex, Luigi Bormioli, Royal Leerdam, WNK, Salvinelli, ONIS, Vidivi, Ceraflame, Heart & Soul, Playground, glassFORever and GoldPlas (two of which — Tramontina and GoldPlas — are exclusive to Artis in the UK) — together with its own-brand ranges including the ARTBAR by Artis sub-brand. The company does not produce or own the underlying products; it operates as an exclusive distributor partner for these brands in the UK and Republic of Ireland and supplies them to a downstream network of national and regional distributors.

Artis sells exclusively through this two-tier wholesale channel rather than direct-to-operator, generating revenue via B2B resale of physical goods with quote-based, non-publicly listed trade pricing. Customer engagement is supported by trade catalogues (annual ARTIS Catalogue 2026 and brand-specific catalogues), features-and-benefits sheets, social channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube), trade press coverage (The Caterer) and an appointment-only London showroom at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH. The company holds BS EN ISO 9001:2015 certification (issued by NQA, valid until 12 September 2027) and offers an Artis Performance Warranty of up to five years edge chip and three years glaze cover on selected products, and self-attests GDPR compliance. There is no proprietary software, AI/ML capability, or technology platform disclosed; the business is fundamentally an asset-light distribution and brand-management operation.

The company has 101-250 employees and is privately held with no disclosed parent, no public listing, no funding rounds and no M&A activity on record. Its enduring proposition rests on exclusive regional distribution rights for premium global brands, 70+ years of accumulated sector relationships, a one-stop range that consolidates procurement for hospitality operators and a warranty-backed quality position — all channelled through an established distributor network into UK and Republic of Ireland foodservice venues.

Name

Artis

Legal name

John Artis Limited

Website

https://artis-uk.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Artis is a UK-based B2B wholesale distributor of premium tableware, drinkware, barware and cutlery, holding exclusive distribution rights in the UK and Republic of Ireland for 20+ global brands and selling through a national and regional distributor network to foodservice and hospitality operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Tableware Distribution

NAICS

Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing (339910)

SIC

Pottery & Related Products (3260), Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420), Glass Products, Made Of Purchased Glass (3231)

akta.pro primary industry

Disposable Tableware (Plates, Cups, Cutlery) (CRAJAGAG)

Keywords

• Hospitality tableware distribution
• Professional drinkware supply
• Commercial barware wholesale
• Foodservice cutlery supply
• Restaurant tableware distributor

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product distribution and resale: Artis generates revenue through the resale and distribution of premium tableware, drinkware, barware, and cutlery to professional hospitality customers via its distributor network throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. The business model is B2B wholesale distribution of physical goods sourced from global brand partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Artis distributes premium drinkware, barware, tableware and cutlery sourced from over 20 global brand partners (including its own ARTBAR by Artis brand and exclusive brands GoldPlas and Tramontina) to the UK and Republic of Ireland foodservice industry. The company supplies an extensive network of national and regional distributors rather than selling directly to hospitality end-customers, backed by the Artis Performance Warranty (up to 5-year edge chip and 3-year glaze cover on selected lines) and ISO 9001:2015 quality certification. A London showroom at the Business Design Centre supports product discovery and customer engagement for hospitality professionals.

Product overview

Artis is a hospitality tableware supplier operating as a platform business that distributes premium drinkware, barware, tableware and cutlery through an extensive network of national and regional distributors throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. The portfolio consists of the company's own branded products (Artis and ARTBAR by Artis sub-brand) alongside exclusive distributed brands (Tramontina, GoldPlas) and non-exclusive distributed brands including glassware specialists (Libbey, La Rochere, Duralex, Luigi Bormioli, Royal Leerdam, ONIS, Vidivi), tableware brands (Bauscher, Schonwald, Playground, Heart & Soul), kitchenware (Pyrex, Ceraflame), alternative materials (glassFORever plastic drinkware), and cutlery specialists (Salvinelli, WNK). Products are available exclusively through their distributor network for professional food-service operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ARTBAR by Artis: Premium bar tools and bar serves, hand-picked for performance, quality & design to meet the demands of hospitality and the professional user.

Products and services

• Drinkware Professional-grade drinkware covering glassware and virtually unbreakable plastic alternatives from premium global brands (Libbey, La Rochere, Duralex, Luigi Bormioli, Royal Leerdam, ONIS, Vidivi, glassFORever). Supplied for bars, hotels, restaurants and catering operations via the Artis distributor network across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Barware Professional bar tools and bar serves, including Artis's own-brand ARTBAR by Artis collection of bar tools hand-picked for performance, quality and design. Distributed through the Artis distributor network to hospitality and bar-industry customers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Tableware Professional tableware covering ceramic and stoneware ranges (Bauscher, Schonwald, Playground, Heart & Soul), kitchen-to-table solutions (Pyrex, Ceraflame) and Artis's own-branded tableware. Distributed for restaurants, hotels and catering operators via the Artis distributor network across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Cutlery Professional cutlery including Tramontina (exclusively distributed by Artis in the UK and Republic of Ireland, featuring super-sharp serrated stainless steel), Salvinelli (Italian-made since 1964) and WNK flatware. Supplied to hospitality venues through the Artis distributor network.
• GoldPlas Artis-exclusive brand providing a cost-effective solution to the commercial challenges of washing, transporting and storing drinkware and tableware for hospitality operators. Distributed exclusively by Artis in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LibbeycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLibbey is a flagship brand distributed by Artis in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Libbey has been an expert in producing glassware for professionals for over 200 years, offering a variety of glassware from traditional to contemporary designs. Artis features Libbey as a feature brand on its website.
• BauschercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBauscher is a visionary professional tableware brand for the global HoReCa sector, continuously developing new and innovative collections that leave a lasting impression. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• SchonwaldcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchonwald is a specialist in offering trendy concepts with vibrant colours, modern decors and well-matched variety, well-known for thoughtful design. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• La RocherecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProducing glass since 1475, La Rochere is recognised around the world for designing and producing authentic, high quality glassware with French style for hospitality. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• DuralexcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDuralex products are tempered, making them extremely durable and resistant to impact, perfect for busy food and drinks service environments. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• TramontinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustry leader synonymous with exceptional quality and innovation with many outstanding features such as superior cutting edge, super-sharp serrated stainless steel cutlery. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• PyrexcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPyrex has become the ideal chef's partner from kitchen to table since 1915, creating revolutionary products. A complete solution for professional kitchen needs. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Luigi BormiolicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialist in elegant, ultra-clear glassware since the 1300s with a strong commitment to innovation utilizing traditional Italian craftsmanship. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• PlaygroundcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlayground brings an air of playfulness and fun back to the dining experience with a collection of contemporary stoneware. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Heart & SoulcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorA statement of individuality and emotional table culture, with natural textures, on-trend glazes and playful patterns that elevate every table setting. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• WNKcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWith over 50 years of manufacturing experience in creating the finest quality flatware, WNK has grown to become a major manufacturer. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• GoldPlascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive to Artis UK, GoldPlas is a cost-effective solution to the commercial challenges of washing, transporting and storing drinkware and tableware. Proprietary brand distributed exclusively by Artis.
• ARTBAR by ArtiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremium bar tools and bar serves, hand-picked for performance, quality and design to meet the demands of hospitality. Artis's own exclusive brand of bar tools.
• Royal LeerdamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRoyal Leerdam combines elegant design and functional detail in its extensive range of glassware. With a proud history since 1878. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• SalvinelliminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManufacturer of quality cutlery since 1964, made in Italy using traditional craftsmanship and latest technology. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• VidiviminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian design expressing the best glass can give, the result of complex production, quality raw materials and technological processes. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• ONISminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorONIS designs outspoken glassware with a statement for bars, hotels and restaurants, inspiring professionals to add value to drink creations. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• CeraflameminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCeraflame products are created from unique thermic technology: prepare, freeze or chill, heat, serve - all in one product. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• glassFOReverminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe perfect alternative to glassware - virtually unbreakable high-quality plastic drinkware with a crystal-clear finish for all types of venues. Distributed by Artis in UK and Republic of Ireland.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Brakes Group: Brakes is a major UK foodservice wholesaler serving pubs, restaurants, and hospitality operators with broad-range supplies, including non-food categories where its tableware offering intersects with Artis's distributor-led GTM motion.
• Zanussi Professional / Electrolux Professional: Electrolux Professional is a global incumbent in commercial kitchen and foodservice equipment that also supplies tableware and beverage solutions to hotels, restaurants, and catering operators — overlapping with Artis on hospitality table and barware categories.
• Bunzl: Bunzl is a UK-listed multinational B2B distribution group covering foodservice, hospitality, and janitorial supplies. While tableware is only one of many categories, its foodservice division competes for the same UK hospitality operator spend Artis targets.

Regional players

• Edward Don & Company: Edward Don is one of North America's largest foodservice equipment and supplies distributors, providing tableware, glassware, and barware to hospitality operators. Overlaps strongly on product category and B2B GTM but serves the US market, not the UK.
• Carlisle Foodservice Products: Carlisle Foodservice Products is a US-headquartered manufacturer and distributor of commercial tableware, drinkware, and kitchenware to the foodservice industry. Comparable in product mix and hospitality customer base, but operating predominantly in North America.

Emerging players

• Vegware: Vegware is a UK-based specialist in sustainable compostable foodservice packaging and tableware, addressing the same UK hospitality channel as Artis but focused specifically on disposable eco-friendly products — a partial overlap that competes for venue tableware budgets.

Direct peers

• Lockhart Catering Equipment: Lockhart is a UK B2B distributor of catering equipment, tableware, and beverage service products, sharing Artis's professional hospitality channel and exclusive brand-distribution model for several premium global brands.
• Nisbets: Nisbets is the UK's largest direct-to-venue catering supplies distributor, selling tableware, glassware, and barware to the same hospitality customer base. Although broader (also equipment, kitchenware), the drinkware/tableware/cutlery overlap and UK B2B focus make it a relevant competitor.
• Churchill China: Churchill China is a UK-headquartered tableware specialist serving the hospitality industry with both branded products and multi-brand distribution — directly overlapping Artis's pottery/dinnerware portfolio and exclusive-distribution relationships with venues.
• Steelite International: Steelite is a UK-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of tableware for the hospitality industry with comparable B2B foodservice focus, premium positioning, and multi-brand distribution model across drinkware, dinnerware, and serveware — making it the closest UK competitor to Artis.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoXByvuniAMckTnD1vhH3AA/playlists
• Facebookfacebook.com/ArtisTableware
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/artis-uk
• Instagraminstagram.com/artisuk_
• Xx.com/ArtisUK_

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Artis