Gemline (PPAI 113948, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 13 supplier, has announced the expansion of its Gourmet Expressions gourmet food gift offering to include new gifts featuring Sugarfina, the luxury candy boutique known for its signature Candy Bento Box presentation.

• Sugarfina gift sets are available as part of Gemline’s Fall & Holiday 2025 Collection.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sugarfina to the Gemline family of brand partners,” says Frank Carpenito, president and CEO of Gemline. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to offer premium, gift-ready products that combine taste, design and experience. Sugarfina’s brand is synonymous with elevated gifting, and we’re excited to bring this level of delight and indulgence into the promotional space.”

Vernon Company (PPAI 109323, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 26 distributor, rolled out the welcome mat for its Brand Expo in September at the Des Moines Embassy Club West.

After a seven-year hiatus, the event welcomed nearly 150 customers and potential buyers alongside 20 of Vernon’s Midwest account representatives for a day dedicated to connection, creativity and the latest in promotional product trends.

• On the tradeshow floor, 25 of Vernon’s top supplier partners showcased thousands of their newest and best-selling products.
• Vernon also hosted its own booth featuring live demos of the company’s newly launched On-Demand Merch Store platform.

“It takes a full team effort to pull off an event of this scale,” says Lisa Hubbard, vice president of sales and marketing at Vernon. “The planning, preparation, hard work and positive energy were in perfect sync.”

Hohenstein (PPAI 826747) and The BHive by GoBlu have formed a strategic partnership to simplify chemical compliance and sustainability reporting across global textile supply chains.

The collaboration combines Hohenstein’s testing and certification expertise with The BHive®’s digital infrastructure for chemical data. The BHive platform collects and analyzes chemical data for Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals reporting, turning fragmented documentation into actionable insights. Hohenstein strengthens data integrity with laboratory testing, on-site audit verification and internationally recognized certifications, including OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT.

“This synergy provides measurable value,” says Stefan Droste, CEO of Hohenstein. “It leads to improved supply chain transparency, reduced compliance risks and faster certification outcomes.”