In most parts of the country, it’s still pretty warm and people are engaging in all kinds of activities – from football games (playing and spectating/tailgating) to cleaning out gutters and prepping the home for fall, to taking advantage of more human-friendly temps by cycling, hiking and more. Meaning – people are building up thirsts and need their promotional drinkware!
The colder temps are coming and this also means mugs for hot beverages to warm the body (or a nice shot of brandy). Autumn and winter wines take center stage during dinner. Mugs, shot glasses, wine tumblers, and drinkware that keeps coffees and teas hot will be the drinkware giveaways of choice soon, and when thoughtfully chosen, can double duty for hot and cold beverages!
And it appears that people just love to receive promotional beverage vessels. Go to any yard or estate sale and you can see the unique collections of promotional drinkware people have gathered over the years – and by looking at the logos, you can gather interesting information about the individual. Your average household tells stories via the diversity of drinkware it has.
“There are so many drinkware styles available today that there is something for everyone to love!” emphasizes Carrie Lewis, marketing/communication manager for BIC Graphic.
“In fact, a lot of people view their drinkware choice as an accessory for the day coordinating with their outfit or even their mood. Drinkware can show off someone’s personality or personal style with every sip.”
She adds that promotional drinkware reminds people of a good time or great company every time they enjoy their favorite beverage. It also shows off places or brands that the owner loves to people they encounter throughout their day. There are so many drinkware design and imprint options today that companies can truly use promotional drinkware to reinforce their brand image and stand out from the crowd.
Michael Van Beck of Tervis asserts that people enjoy reliving fond memories, and branded drinkware is such a promotional vehicle that serves as a reminder. For example, he provides, “Tervis has been involved in many special cruise projects with some fabulous art and photos to work with. I always picture those Tervis drinkware pieces being treasured back home, long after the cruise is over. Tervis are not the type of drinkware people throw or give away.”
Lewis recounts such a fond memory of one of BIC Graphic’s brand partners. At the Outdoor Retailer show this year, Osprey® hosted a happy hour to benefit Big City Mountaineers. Guests paid a $5 donation for a Silipint™ Straight Up Pint Glass that was imprinted with the Osprey® logo. Guests were then able to refill their Silipint during happy hour and feel great knowing the $5 donation was benefitting a great cause.
“The bright colors of a Silipint are inherently memorable, but this is a favorite because it was such a fun, feel-good promo,” she recounts. “Both the reusable drinkware and the benefitting charity even tied back to the outdoor event theme.”
Sales Attributes of Drinkware
There are several attributes that promotional products distributors can highlight when discussing drinkware as part of a promotional campaign. Trends are always an effective part of that discussion, and there are several unique trends this year in drinkware.
Multitaksing promotional products are popular and drinkware isn't going to be left out. The future is here – a water bottle with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. One example is the Soundwave Copper Vacuum Audio Bottle. This Soundwave audio bottle not only can play the recipient’s favorite soundtracks but also conference calls for easy, hands-free operation. It features a screw-on lid with a built-in, light-up, Bluetooth speaker which has flashing LED lights.
BIC Graphic’s Koozie® Triple Vacuum Tumbler, now available with a full-color imprint, is also a popular multi-tasker, Lewis says. It can be used as a can cooler, bottle cooler or tumbler because it comes with a drink-thru lid. “That multi-functionality makes it a great promo any time of the year, and for any audience from coffee drinkers to beer aficionados,” she comments.
The new Koozie® Bottle/Can Kooler with D-Ring and Clip is a multi-purpose drinkware item ideal for the growing outdoor market. This design fits cans, bottles or water bottles and features a clip and D-ring for attaching to a belt or carabiner. Plus, a clip buckle front ensures bottles stay put, making this the perfect Koozie® can kooler for on-the-go hikers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Drinkware made with mixed materials for an eco-chic look and use are more relevant and desirable than ever. For example, the H2go Bali from ETS Express is an 18-oz. single-wall borosilicate glass bottle with threaded bamboo lid and protective silicone sleeve. Drinkware made with cork, bamboo and silicone elements create pieces that command attention.
Copper is showing up everywhere – and drinkware is no exception. For example, the Antin Leak Proof Copper Vacuum Tumbler from PCNA and with a cylindrical box make an elegant gift. It keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold up to 48 hours- another great example of drinkware working through the seasons.
Lewis notes that 53% of US consumers own branded drinkware and half of them use their branded drinkware on average three times per week or more. “Those are powerful statistics for brands who want to get noticed! End users are also looking for BPA-free, Prop 65 and FDA compliant drinkware as safety concerns are currently a hot topic.”
Sustainability, points out Van Beck, is also trending – and is becoming an increasingly important attribute to end users, which thus makes businesses want to cater to this beneficial mindset. “Over 500 billion disposable cups are thrown away in the U.S. each year,” he reports. “Since 2000, Tervis has produced millions of tumblers that have prevented billions of single-use water bottles from entering landfills, waterways, and oceans. With our ‘Fill This. And Not the Ocean’ campaign and our affiliation with 4Ocean, we are raising awareness and helping our distributors sell sustainability programs.”
This is an important distinction if any client mentions, ‘Well, why can’t we just give away bottled water with our logo?” First, more people will not accept it because of the eco-unfriendly aspect, and second, that water bottle – and thus the company’s logo – will get tossed for recycling.
As people become more mobile, and realize that constant hydration with their favorite beverage is not only soothing but healthy, portable drinkware (and traditional) make for effective promotions in a variety of campaigns for a widespread client list from healthcare to education to home services and more. For even more ideas, the Drinkware Identity Collection provides a variety of options and styles for every need.
CASE STUDIES
Carrie Lewis, marketing/communication manager for BIC Graphic: “A golf entertainment facility wanted to include a premium promotional item as part of a campaign to increase corporate event bookings during their slow season. They were promoting their all-inclusive packages that included game play, food and beverages, and wanted the promo to be useful while also relating to their fun and unique services.
“They chose to provide the mybevi® Brute Premium Tumbler (#46260) imprinted with the facility logo as part of their event package because of the superior performance at an affordable price point. Companies who booked corporate events within a 6-month timeframe received a tumbler for each attendee upon arrival at the event. The facility saw a 20% increase in event bookings and referrals for corporate events during the slow season. They also received positive feedback in follow-up surveys that were sent to event organizers. Several online reviewers commented on the modern look and high-quality performance of the added value drinkware gift with booking. The sports entertainment facility was so pleased with the result they placed a re-order for the mybevi® Tumbler to include in their retail store offering.
Josette Bosse of Bay State: “Our 12-oz. Traveler’s Stainless Cups (#K6312) were used for the grand opening party at a Winery. Invited guests included local business owners and officials. The cups were paired with two bottles of wine in a 'Thank You' gift basket guests received as they left.”