Product Hub July 09, 2026
PCNA Inks Partnership With Swiss Stationery Brand Caran d’Ache
The Counselor Top 40 supplier will begin carrying a selection of the Swiss brand’s premium stationery products for bulk orders and corporate gifting.
Key Takeaways
• Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887) has partnered with Geneva-based Caran d’Ache, bringing the century-old manufacturer’s premium writing instruments to the promotional products market.
• PCNA will offer three versions of Caran d’Ache’s 849 Ballpoint Pen, first introduced in 1969, along with the 888 Infinite Ballpoint Pen, a budget-friendly option designed for office and classroom use.
PCNA (asi/66887) is bringing Swiss quality and style to its collection of stationery products.
The Counselor Top 40 supplier has partnered with family-owned Swiss artisan shop Caran d’Ache, the brands announced this week.
The Caran d’Ache 849 Classic Ballpoint Pen (2934-02), available through PCNA (asi/66887)
“We carefully select our distribution partners to ensure they embody the same commitment to excellence that has defined Caran d’Ache for generations,” said Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, chief marketing and commercial officer at Caran d’Ache. “PCNA’s strong industry reputation, extensive network and customer-centric approach make them the natural choice to represent our brand in the promotional and corporate gifting market. Together, we look forward to creating new opportunities for businesses seeking premium meaningful gifts.”
Founded more than 100 years ago, Caran d’Ache manufactures its writing and drawing products in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand says it embeds sustainability throughout its production process using solar energy and FSC-certified wood. Caran d’Ache employs more than 300 employees and operates 10 boutiques, more than 120 shop-in-shops and an online store.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Caran d’Ache to the PCNA portfolio and bring this iconic Swiss brand to our distributor partners and their customers,” said Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer of PCNA and a member of ASI’s Promo for the Planet editorial advisory board. “For more than a century, Caran d’Ache has represented exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design, making its premium stationery products a natural fit for executive gifts, recognition programs and elevated corporate moments where distinction matters.”
PCNA will carry three of Caran d’Ache’s 849 Ballpoint Pen products, which have been around since 1969, as well as the 888 Infinite Ballpoint Pen, which the Swiss brand says offers an affordable and stylish option geared toward offices and classrooms.
The 888 Infinite Ballpoint Pen (2934-01), available through PCNA
“At PCNA, we’re continually expanding our offerings so distributors have the variety and caliber of options they need to meet their clients’ evolving needs in the high-end space,” added Haesler. “This partnership reflects that commitment, further strengthening our portfolio with a distinctive writing collection that helps brands create lasting, memorable connections.”
Based on 2024 North American promotional products revenue of $659.8 million, PCNA ranks fourth on Counselor’s most recent list of the industry’s largest suppliers. New rankings are due out later this month.
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