PPAI Media is looking back on the year’s most impactful news and trends in a four-part series on the stories that shaped the promotional products industry over the past 12 months.
In the series’ third entry, we share articles that document the digital transformation of the branded merchandise market.
Click through to this year’s top innovation articles.
Greater Pacific’s Secret Weapon For Solving Tariff Troubles
One of the largest importers in the promotional products industry, Greater Pacific, PPAI 100’s No. 68 supplier, has been directly impacted by the additional tariffs imposed on Chinese imports this year.
Ben Zhang, president and CEO of Greater Pacific, says a balanced and strategic approach is essential to navigate complex trade relationships effectively. As part of that approach, Greater Pacific aims to diversify sourcing.
That’s why Zhang has turned to his nephew, Ricky Ho, co-founder and CEO of SourceReady – an all-in-one AI-powered product sourcing platform.
HPG Launches Distributor Influencer Initiative
HPG, PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, has rolled out a new campaign to turn distributors into influencers of one of its product lines.
The Massachusetts-based company has invited “creative, outgoing people” in the promo industry to apply to be an “Origaudio Original,” which means they’ll received customized products in exchange for sharing their experiences via some form of content, such as a blog post, social media post, video, etc.
Daniel Baker, integrated marketing director at HPG, served as the prototype.
ERP Roulette: A Promo Firm’s Costly Search For The Perfect Fit
Show Your Logo, PPAI 100’s No. 94 distributor, has spent five years and hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to transition to a new enterprise resource planning system.
Every time the Oswego, Illinois-based company comes close, an issue arises, and the process is abandoned. But, aside from AI applications, ERP implementations and upgrades were the most cited IT-related developments among 2025 PPAI 100 companies.
The chief executives and technology leaders at many of those companies share their advice for transitioning between ERP systems.
2025 PPAI 100 Innovation Research Shows How Promo Is Evolving Digitally
In May, the Association announced the 100 suppliers and 100 distributors that made the cut for the 2025 PPAI 100.
But the PPAI 100 isn’t just a once-a-year leaderboard. It’s a valuable tool for companies across the promotional products industry to measure their progress and learn from the best.
In September, PPAI Magazine benchmarked innovation within the promo industry. The following sections break down performance by branded merch companies and include the insights and perspectives of business leaders and decision-makers at firms that have participated in the survey. Also included is a listing of distributors that have earned new PPAI 100 High Marks for Innovation.
AI And Automation Sessions Draw Massive Crowds At Expo Conference
Technology and digital transformation sessions, particularly those focusing on AI, were standing room only at The PPAI Expo Conference this past January.
For example, the “AI Tools for Distributors” sessionstarted with the basics – understanding what AI is and what it isn’t – before diving into the potential risks of using these tools without a clear strategy. Attendees left with actionable insights on how to incorporate AI into their workflow, and more importantly, what to avoid.
The session highlighted free or low-cost AI tools that can help streamline your operations, making you more efficient and focused on what matters most.
More Trending Innovation Articles From 2025
Sarah Whitaker: Is NFC Tech Overhyped? And More Expo Takeaways
ADA Lawsuits Spiking With Promo Firms; How To Protect Your Website
Crystal D Targeted By Cybersecurity Attack
Supreme Court Upholds TikTok ‘Sale-Or-Ban’ Law
Meeting Of The Minds: Distributors Trade Tech Recs, Sales Strategies
