The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) president and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, recently presented the “State of the Industry” at the 2013 Tropical Show Town Hall meeting. The show, hosted by the Caribbean Advertising Specialties Association (CASA), ran March 19-20 at the El San Juan Hotel and Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“There is an unmistakable enthusiasm in the promotional products industry around the world,” said Bellantone. “2012 marked our industry’s third year of consecutive distributor sales-volume growth. Our own research and independent, third-party studies show us that promotional products continue to grow as a dominant advertising medium. There is compelling evidence that promotional products are among the most cost-effective means of marketing products and services-both as standalone vehicles and as part of integrated marketing campaigns.”
The PPAI Quarterly Sales Barometer reported positive results, as both suppliers and distributors saw fourth-quarter increases in sales in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Industry companies reported increases of up to nine percent for the study-on the supplier side, there was a 6.97 percent net increase, and distributors reported a 9.48 percent increase.
The promotional products industry is experiencing growth faster than 11 of the 14 competitive media an advertiser can choose instead of promotional products. In fact, only internet marketing, mobile marketing and cable TV are experiencing faster growth.
About PPAI
Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest and oldest international not-for-profit promotional products association with a 110-year history of serving a membership that has grown to more than 10,600 corporate members; and advocating for the $17.7 billion promotional products industry with its more than 31,000 businesses and 432,000 professionals. The multi-billion-dollar industry includes wearables, writing instruments, calendars, drinkware and many other items, usually imprinted with a company’s name, logo or message. PPAI offers education, tradeshows, publications, business products and services, mentoring, technology and legislative support to its members.
About CASA
C.A.S.A. is the only not-for-profit association in the Caribbean dedicated to developing and promoting true professionals in the promotional products industry. Founded in 1989, C.A.S.A. supports more than 200 distributor and supplier companies throughout the islands.
