Drinkware has been on the rise in promo. In fact, the 2022 Counselor State of the Industry report stated this category accounted for 9.7% of total industry sales in 2021 – the largest annual percentage since at least 2008 (and likely ever). So, what’s especially hot in drinkware? Let’s find out.

Drinkware Trends

Sticker concepts on water bottles are making a splash, according to Adam Stone from ETS Express (asi/51197). He pointed to the Voyager, a stainless-steel water bottle, with sticker-like graphics printed directly on the product (they don’t peel). “If you want to tell that story about your brand, you can bring it to life utilizing different stickers,” he said. In a world of expression and creativity, branding a bottle and using it as an accessory is the key to making a mark on people’s lives and in the lifestyle and fashion industries. Once you add extra features to drinkware like storage compartments and chargers, it could be the next staple item in every household – with your client’s brand on it. This is what happened with tote bags, which were overlooked for a long time but are now found in every home.

Another much sought-after drinkware item is cooler cans – vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel products that can double as a cooler for beverage cans or serve as a drinking vessel themselves, with a detachable lid included. Everyone hates wet cold hands from holding a refrigerated drink and cooler cans help alleviate this issue. They’re also great for cold fall tailgates where already cold drinks can make the fall chill even more unbearable. With more branding space available, the rise of sustainability and strict laws against open containers in many states, cooler cans can add a fun and fresh item to a marketing campaign that isn’t a water bottle, but still drinkware.

Product Picks 

Now let’s look at some drinkware products that will easily fit into your next sales pitch.

There are plenty of storage water bottles on the market, but few have as much as this 24-oz. Bindle Bottle from supplier Bindle Bottle (asi/40548). This double-wall, vacuum-insulated drinkware’s storage is big enough for wallets, car keys, cash, credit cards and snacks. There’s also a model specifically for pet-lovers, called the Puppy Pack, that comes with a collapsible water bowl and shoulder strap. Being a person on the move doesn’t need to be a stressor anymore.

Rather than “recycled,” let’s use the word “rescued” when we talk about these glasses from Refresh Glass (asi/81255). The set is made with used wine bottles repurposed into drinking glasses. Refresh Glass works with local restaurants and wineries to rescue empty bottles before they’re tossed into recycling bins. They’re also packed in boxes made from recycled material and printed with water-based paint. Be sure to talk about these for any type of sustainably driven café merch or branded kit gifting. 

The Vapur water bottle from Compass Industries, Inc. (asi/46170) is reusable, foldable, attachable, freezable, sustainable and convenient. It lies flat when empty, making it easy to store anywhere when not in use, especially when in a backpack for a hike or traveling, or in a kitchen cabinet where the whole family has their own collection of reusable water bottles.

This Mrs Fields® drinkware set from Dirwin Bikes (asi/49822) is both classic and delicious. Adding this gift set to an appreciation, holiday or anniversary gift is a nice option for integrating drinkware into a gift set. A 16-oz. tumbler and Mrs. Fields chocolate chip nibblers with a hand tied ribbon make this grouping classic while adding a touch of elegance and fun when gifting drinkware.

An eye-catching, easy-to-grip twisting design makes this 20-ounce stainless-steel tumbler from Logoincluded (asi/67837) a sleek standout. It includes a clear vacuum lid to keep drinks hot or cold. Having the choice of three classic colors and an ergonomic design, struggling to fit a cup into a car cup holder is a worry of the past.

Get drinking with the future of water bottles and be sure to post your favorite drinkware on Facebook and tag us!