says Kaylee Shields, a business development specialist with California-based distributor Image Masters. She particularly likes the new, eco-friendly tumblers made from recycled coffee grounds and other materials. “You get to blend your coffee into the product,” she says, “and it’s also, just from that sustainability standpoint, nice to know that there are additional ways for products and items to be used.” Shields also sees ceramic mugs back in the mix. “For a while those were not as popular, and now with people being able to be at home or in their own space and not having to necessarily get in a car to go somewhere, you don’t need that travel mug in the same way that you used to,” she says. “That said, I still sell tons of the travel coffee mugs, because you can still use those at home or on the go or anything.” When it comes to higher-end drinkware, think brand names and sleek, modern design. “I really love Asobu. Their coffee cups are ceramic-coated on the inside, so it’s this pretty sand color, and it just has that visual appeal of a higher-end product,” says Lauren Smith, brand merchandiser for Boundless. “I use mine almost every day.” For a low-cost branding option that also makes great coffee shop merch, consider coffeethemed stickers. It’s a great way to personalize someone’s favorite drinkware, says Klapper. “Wooden stickers and tech tattoos are great ways to have pride in your local coffee shop,” she says. “People want to make things their own,” she says. “I think part of it probably came post-pandemic, too, where it’s like, ‘This is my bottle, and I know it’s mine because I have all my favorite stickers on it.’” Stickers allow brands to lean into that consumer behavior with a super-affordable, super-customizable option that gets brand colors and logos out there with fun messaging. “And people love to hold on to that because it has a little bit more personality also,” says Klapper. Here are a few promo picks with that morning brew in mind: Add your client’s branding on a Custom-Labeled Bag of Folly Coffee. “Our coffee can be branded with all sorts of ‘mugnificent’ messaging. You can espresso yourself by using ‘brewtiful’ taglines provided by Logojojo – puns intended!” says Ellie Bathe, CAS, chief caffeinator of Minnesota-based supplier Logojojo. “Coffee makes a great gift because craft coffee is becoming a much a part of American culture as locally brewed craft beer,” she adds. Logojojo / PPAI 786980, S1 / logojojo.net Baked fresh to order, these Individually Wrapped Biscotti Cookies with custom labels are sure to spark a smile. Choose from chocolate chip, vanilla or almond flavors (which can also be dipped in chocolate). Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, S3 / midnitesnax.com PPAI • JULY 2023 • 19 Good Taste | Essentials
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