One of the lasting effects of the pandemic is that more people are spending time at home—making the most of experiences they previously enjoyed out and about by making the most of them in-house. Enjoying a fine glass of wine is one of those experiences. Wine refrigerators and wine cellars are growing in popularity, making wine accessories such as coasters, bottle openers, totes, and glass charms a necessity.
Wine coasters have been a huge driver to the company in the wine accessory market segment. “The home bar has been booming in popularity with more people spending time at home,” Melainie Dobosh notes. “We predict this to be a big part of this product category, selling steady throughout the year. To pair perfectly with coasters and this wine accessory segment, our bottle openers and corkscrews have also been trending steadily in our orders and requests.”
Richard Ouellette agrees, adding that the wine bottling industry has 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. “There are numerous related industries such as wine tasting events and major sporting events which are sponsored by the beverage industry also using beverage related promotional products to further promote their message,” he comments.
Many companies have seen a steady climb throughout this year in wine accessories orders and requests. “As we move into Q4 we are very busy and expect the high demand to continue as we move through to the end of the year,” Dobosh explains. “Business and communities continue to re-open across the continent as we get back to a sense of ‘normalcy.’ This is a clear factor in the increase in demand throughout 2021."
According to Ouellette, their company’s wine glass charm promotional products have been very popular with the beer and wine producing companies because of their low-cost customization. He adds that they target corporate events, fundraising events, and even individual ceremonies such as weddings, retirements, and commemorations which have wine available at their events and use the wine glass charms for promotional or nostalgia giveaways.
This year’s new and best-selling wine accessories are guaranteed to please the finest palates! Dobosh reports the majority of their company’s coasters are new this year, joining best sellers such as its ceramic and marble assortment. “The white marble coaster set with wood stand and the round coaster set with stand are gaining traction as we head into the gifting season,” she comments. The company’s classic corkscrew has always been a good performer and continues to prove its popularity, she adds.
Josette Bosse deems Bamboo Coaster Sets are perfect to go with a bottle of wine. “Just tie the coaster set over the neck of the bottle and it’s a perfect housewarming, thank you, or congratulations gift!” she enthuses. The set features a linen bag that contains four bamboo coasters.
Grethe Adams reports their company has a number of wine totes that also double as gift bags, pointing to the popular kitting trend that makes an incredible first impression to a recipient by offering an upscale, retail-looking design.
Dobosh adds, “Many end users were used to going out to restaurants, bars, and vineyards to socially enjoy their favorite bottle of merlot,” she comments. “However, in our new post-pandemic landscape there are more people enjoying wine with friends at home—making memories.”