PPB November 2019

Clearwater, Florida-based supplier BIC Graphic NA. She also notes the diversity of this category can work for every industry and every buyer. “A variety of price points andmaterials are available, so there is a cost- effective style for every customer.” As one might expect, drinkware sales are booming. More than $2.1 billion was sold in the drinkware category in 2018, according to PPAI’s 2018 Sales Volume Study, making drinkware the second largest product category (behind apparel) based on distributor sales, with almost nine percent of the industry’s $24 billion sold in this category last year. Coupled with consumer demand for reusable drinkware is an interest in design inspired by those seen at retail. “We feel that end users have more confidence in the quality of a retail brand, and are seeking a retail design and style,” says Peter Hirsch, MAS, president of Houston-based supplier Hirsch Gift. The trends seen this year include rich and varied color options; mixedmaterial details including cork, bamboo and silicone; high- performance insulation for keeping drinks hot and cold; and drinkware that offers dual functionality, such as built-in speakers and wireless chargers. Color Counts Several suppliers say that color plays a key role in what appeals to consumers today. The brighter and flashier, the better. Hirsch says that while traditional colors are still very popular, he’s observed a shift in consumer preference toward neon, wood grain and iridescent colors. Hit’s Ward says, “Retail looks such as sequins, iridescent colors and fashionmetallic colors are gaining in popularity.” Alan Tabasky, vice president and general manager at Medley, Florida-based supplier BEL USA, echoes this sentiment. “Last year, colors were pastel, and this year they seem to point to even brighter colors in the neon and sparkle range,” he says. Another way suppliers are seeing color used in drinkware is through full-color imprinting. “Don’t overlook four-color process options that were previously unavailable or had imprint durability concerns,” Hirsch says. “Advances in digital printing have increased imprint area and nearly eliminated durability concerns when printed properly.” Functionality Is In Fashion Suppliers are also seeing demand for promotional drinkware with multi-use functionality. “The retail trend of adding increased functionality to drinkware is spilling over into the promotional arena,” Ward says. “Features like temperature sensors, built-in Bluetooth speakers and wireless chargers are being added to bottles and tumblers.” Lewis says the technology that keeps beverages in tumblers hot or cold for hours is now in demand for sport bottles as well. “We’ve seen double-wall, vacuum-insulated sport bottles growing in popularity in retail, and that trend is crossing into promo because people are willing to pay more for the added functionality,” she adds. Tabasky offers good advice to distributors who want to sell more promotional drinkware to clients: Buy and sell what you like. “You truly need to be inspired by the item you are selling for your enthusiasm to show through,” he says. “Don’t fall into the trap of pushing something with a better margin if you do not love the product yourself. If you like it, if you use it yourself, you are more than halfway to a sale.” Clients Will Drink These Up The 16-ounce Tritan Rumble keeps users hydrated and entertained with its wireless speaker hidden in the base that uses high-def Bluetooth 4.0 technology. It pairs from up to 30 feet away and plays for up to 90 minutes on a single charge. It’s also BPA free, and impact and shatter resistant with an easy-carry handle. Available in seven translucent colors: charcoal with black, blue, gray, lime green, orange, purple and red. Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, S13 www.hitpromo.net | NOVEMBER 2019 | 49 GROW