Branded reusable drinkware is a trendy promo product and provides significant brand exposure at a low cost.
A History of Drinkware
Attend any meeting—whether for work or school—and you will notice that nearly everyone has brought a reusable beverage container.
Not only is reusable drinkware trendy and in high demand, but it also provides significant brand exposure at a low cost when used as a promotional product.
Research from ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) indicates that branded drinkware tends to be kept longer than other promotional items, leading to an impressive average of over 3,162 impressions throughout the item's lifetime.
So, how did the popularity of drinkware evolve into the current trend of branded items?
Breweries began using beer-glass advertising to promote their products. Early advertising glasses featured color-embossed logos or utilized acid-etching silkscreen processes. By the 1930s, beer glasses often displayed the brewery’s name and slogan in paint.
1930s
During the Great Depression, businesses distributed free colored glassware to customers as an incentive to make purchases. This glassware, known as 'Depression Glass,' came in pink, yellow, crystal, or green translucent machine-made varieties.
1970s
Popular fast food chains promoted collectible glassware and dishes at their restaurants, often collaborating with movie releases.
1980s
Travel mugs gained popularity due to coffee club promotions at convenience stores, which offered patrons discounts on refills when they purchased a mug. In 1983, the introduction of the built-in cup holder in U.S. vehicles, with the advent of the minivan, contributed to the spread of travel mugs.
1990s-2000s
Branded drinkware continued to thrive in popularity. Promotions featuring drinkware frequently became conversation starters, often linked to popular TV shows.
2010s
The trend of reusable items and retail brand drinkware surged, largely influenced by the VSCO girl aesthetic, which highlighted drinkware as both a functional item and a fashion accessory.
2020
The popularity of reusable drinkware experienced a slight decline due to COVID-19. However, as people began to commute, rejoin gyms, and reconnect with friends, interest in reusable drinkware surged again. Recent data indicates that 60% of U.S. adults now opt for a reusable bottle.
2021
According to PPAI research, drinkware became the second highest-selling product category for distributors.
2022-Present
With social media becoming the primary means of connection, the popularity of branded drinkware has soared even further. Consumers proudly showcase their favorite tumblers, particularly the Stanley cup, and their bottles online.
As consumers continue to become more environmentally conscious and influenced by social media, branded drinkware proves to be one of the most effective ways to promote your brand.
