IKEA has unveiled the first product from its much-anticipated collaboration with Swedish designer Gustaf Westman: a porcelain serving plate designed to celebrate one of Sweden's most iconic exports – the meatball. The launch offers a playful reimagining of home gatherings and signals the start of a full 12-piece collection, set to be revealed on 9 September.
© IKEA
For decades, the humble meatball has been a global favourite, with one billion sold annually. Over the years, the range has expanded to include plant-based, vegetable, chicken and salmon varieties, all of which fit seamlessly on the new plate, which has been created to give this beloved dish "the stage it deserves".
'We've always believed that the little things in life, like a perfectly round Swedish meatball, deserve big attention. This collaboration is about taking the traditions of gathering in the home and reimagining them through playful and unexpected designs. Together with Gustaf Westman, we've created a new design that is bold and expressive, using an unconventional shape and colour to give this Swedish staple a new stage,' said Maria O'Brian, Creative Leader at IKEA of Sweden.
The plate, tailored to hold meatballs in a neat celebratory row, is as versatile as it is distinctive. While designed for Sweden's most famous comfort food, it also works perfectly for olives, cheeses, fruit or sweets, making it a piece that blends form with function.
'I love designing objects for a specific function, it brings a touch of humour and makes them instantly easy to grasp. In Sweden, meatballs mean Christmas, and this plate is my way of honouring that tradition. The design is simple, lining up the meatballs, so each one is visible, like they're sitting on little thrones. And while it was created with meatballs in mind, it works just as well for many other dishes,' said Westman.
The collaboration underscores IKEA's continued commitment to combining everyday practicality with bold design statements, offering products that resonate both locally and globally.
The full Gustaf Westman x IKEA collection, featuring tableware and home objects designed to "reimagine modern celebrations", will be revealed in early September, with availability varying by market.
More information:
IKEA
www.ikea.com
