20 25 Innovation Leaders The State Of Innovation 2025 | Must Read The State Of Innovation 2025 PPAI Research has examined benchmarking data on technological prowess from distributors and suppliers of all sizes and awards High Marks for Innovation to new firms. By John Corrigan Promotional products companies that embrace digital transformation consistently lead the industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, these innovators streamline operations, enhance communication and safeguard both customer and company data. Their commitment to modernization isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about delivering a higher standard of service that resonates all the way to the end buyer. As part of the PPAI 100 research program, the Association gathered benchmarking data provided by companies that appeared in the 2025 ranking of promo’s leading distributors and suppliers, as well as those who didn’t make this year’s list or were too small to be eligible. This report focuses on the very questions that allowed PPAI Media to score the PPAI 100 Innovation category. Here, we look at some key performance indicators of these businesses in terms of technology, sharing the state of innovation among the very largest companies in the industry, all the way down to promo’s more typical small businesses – those earning less than $3 million per year. The following sections offer a breakdown of each benchmarking statistic, with insights and reactions from decision-makers among companies who participated in the surveys, as well as a comprehensive listing of distributors that have earned new PPAI 100 High Marks for Innovation. PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2025 • 29
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