Wine and beer products have universal appeal—from corporate events and fundraisers to wine tastings and retirement ceremonies. Bottle openers, cups, wine glasses, glass charms, and etched bottles are all hot merchandise in this market. These items offer lasting appeal and a long shelf life.
At A+ Wine Designs, Jim Ristuccia says the company sees a strong interest in the custom decoration (etching and labeling) of wine, beer, and liquor bottles. “Gift sets with a bottle as the centerpiece in a custom box along with accessories—such as wine openers, chocolates, scarves, etc.—are popular,” he states. “We see a good mix of interest across bottle types, though red wine remains the most popular product.”
According to Richard Ouellette of Zoogee World, Inc., the beer and wine bottling industries have major marketing dollars attributed to the success of their beverage products and often promotional add-ons or related promotional products are used to encourage point of sale purchases.
Zoogee World’s most popular items are its full-color domed wine glass charms, which Ouellette explains, is primarily because the company can provide customization without any set-up or die charges, in addition to the professional, executive-style clamshell packaging—which can also be customized to provide additional marketing or event information.
While A+ Wine Designs is not seeing any new clusters of interest in any one type of alcohol product, Ristuccia reports that red wine remains the prohibitive favorite, mostly because it best shows off the company’s etching work. “Sparkling wine (champagne) follows red wine, just because it’s so closely associated with celebrations—and there is so much to celebrate all the time,” he comments. “There is such a variety and diversity of options (types, locations, price points, etc.). We see many different projects coming across our desks. It’s hard to say anyone this is getting more attention because the next phone call will be for something completely different.”
Beacon Promotions has a new item, the Magnetic Bottle Opener Coaster, a three-in-one handy party tool with a large imprint area that features maximum ad exposure and a magnet that allows it to have prominent viewing on the refrigerator, Gwen Brey notes.
Josette Bosse at Bay State reports the company has a multitude of wine/beer items that pack a powerful punch. The Companion Corkscrew is a combination corkscrew and bottle opener in a rugged, ABS plastic case. The Host 'n Toast Wine Opener features a polished, heavy-duty, corkscrew, a bottle-opener lever and a 1¾-inch cutting blade for removing foil. The 10-once Stainless Cup is a double-walled stainless steel that insulates hot or cold liquids—keeping drinks hot for eight hours and cold for up to 12 hours. Plus, the Here's-To-You Plastic Wine Glass boasts one-piece construction with a universal design and a capacity of over six ounces.
Ristuccia at A+ Wine Designs explains, "decorated alcoholic products (wine, beer, and spirits) offers great benefits,” he emphasizes. “Nearly everyone appreciates getting a nice bottle as a present. A decorated bottle is so unique; it really stands out and garners attention because it’s not something people see often, even amongst the plethora of brand products we see in this industry. Decorated bottles have a branding persistence that is longer than any other product. People tend to hold on to their bottles—unopened—for a long time.”