The time when promotional products were seen as “free little items” is long behind us. Today, they have evolved into products that consumers consciously use, keep, and often proudly display.
Products that successfully combine functionality, design, and sustainability have become the new standard in the promo industry.
This is clearly confirmed by research conducted by the American organization PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) among more than 5,000 respondents in the United States.
Emotion as the New Brand Currency
Promotional products are increasingly perceived less as an add-on and more as an experience. As many as 83% of respondents state that receiving a promotional product makes them feel appreciated, while 90% say their perception of a brand improves after receiving a high-quality promo item.
Nearly 72% of respondents associate promotional products with positive emotions such as pride, a sense of belonging, or gratitude. It is precisely this emotional component that directly influences loyalty.
The conclusion is clear: consumers no longer want more products, they want better products. They reward brands that offer thoughtful, functional, and emotionally relevant items instead of mass-produced, generic giveaway solutions.
Key Categories Shaping the Market
- Textiles and Apparel
Branded clothing has long outgrown the simple placement of a logo. Today, it represents a sense of belonging. As many as 65% of consumers say they will keep a promotional clothing item for six months or longer, citing quality of craftsmanship, design, and material as the most important factors.
- Drinkware – A Lasting Favorite
Bottles, thermoses, and mugs remain among the most popular promo products. Nearly 73% of respondents use branded bottles on a daily basis. This category has become one of the most visible branded “media” because these are products that are constantly in users’ hands.
- Technology Accessories
Tech products are increasingly associated with innovation and modernity. 38% of consumers say that technological promo items make them perceive a brand as relevant and progressive.
Sustainability Is No Longer Optional
Almost 49% of respondents claim that a brand’s environmental commitment directly influences their level of trust, while 68% prefer products made from recycled or reusable materials. However, messages alone are no longer enough—consumers demand transparency, information about the origin of materials, and a clear purpose behind the product.
The message from respondents is clear: expectations are growing, attention spans are not. Consumers want fewer promotional products, but those they receive must be high-quality, thoughtful, and relevant.
Regional Promo Industry in Zagreb
Some of these trends will also be visible live at the upcoming Print21 & Promodays fair, which will take place on April 22–23 at the Zagreb Fair. The event will bring together some of the key players in the regional promo industry, including suppliers and distributors. Find out who they are and what they will present here.
If you have not yet secured your booth as an exhibitor, now is the right time to get involved and present your promo offer that meets the new consumer expectations, as only a few spots remain available.
For all information, contact [email protected]
