PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
When NC Custom (PPAI 111662, S7) acquired cookie company Fresh Beginnings in July 2022, it joined newly acquired ACE USA, plus Chocolate Inn, Lanco and Taylor & Grant under the NC Custom umbrella. Fresh Beginnings’ manufacturing was relocated from Georgia to New York in time to fulfill holiday orders, and NC Custom is rebranding the baked goods under the Tincredible Treats banner.

Chocolate Inn, a subsidiary of NC Custom, remains the only food vendor in the promotional products industry that is SQF certified – the highest global standard of food safety.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.

It should come as no surprise that SanMar (PPAI 110788, S16) would stand atop the inaugural PPAI 100, the Issaquah, Washington-based firm having long established itself as the industry’s first choice for branded apparel.

Although the company does not officially report its annual revenue, sources within the company told PPAI Media that past industry estimates have come in “quite low,” and that SanMar experienced a very strong growth year in 2022.

For an operation of its size, SanMar performs beyond admirably in corporate responsibility initiatives. The company has made serious commitments to carbon reduction, and likewise has been a leader in ethically sourced materials.

Read more from the July 2023 issue of PPAI Magazine on why SanMar is promo’s leading supplier in the first-ever PPAI 100: The Making of a Dynasty.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
In May, Next Level Apparel (PPAI 272027, S3) announced it will move its production closer to the North American market by partnering with Grupo M, a textile manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic. It has also partnered with forensic science company Oritain to verify the origin of products and raw materials. The positive moves come as some pieces in its inventory were found to contain cotton tracing to the prohibited Xinjiang region of China. Next Level quarantined that inventory.

The company was founded in 2003 to fill an industry gap for blank premium poly/cotton T-shirts that are designed to be easily sublimated. As interest in the products increased, Next Level Apparel has launched six distinct apparel collections ranging from fleece to USA-made to eco-friendly over the past 10 years. In January 2023, it announced the acquisition of Stedman, a European manufacturer of blank apparel.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Showdown Displays (PPAI 254687, S11) is a privately-held global manufacturer and supplier of visual communication, event and display products. In addition to the promotional products industry, its products and services are also marketed through authorized partners such as marketing & experiential agencies, exhibit display providers, sign shops, commercial printers and event planners.

The Brooklyn, Minnesota-based company was recently awarded a 2023 silver medal for its achievements in sustainability and overall efforts to reduce its carbon footprint from EcoVadis, an international sustainability rating agency. The silver rating places Showdown Displays in the top 25% of all companies assessed worldwide.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
For BEL Promo, the accolades keep coming. BEL Promo (PPAI 362224, S10) is a trusted promotional products supplier serving the industry. The Florida-based supplier offers one of the industry’s largest selections of drinkware including ceramic mugs, glassware, travel mugs and sports bottles.

In October 2022, BEL Promo announced the promotion of Susan Lewandowski to managing director. Lewandowski told PPAI, “We have only scratched the surface with our potential to become a top industry supplier. I am extremely excited for the future.” The longtime industry pro joined BEL Promo in 2018.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
SnugZ (PPAI 112982, S11) has undergone a series of changes in the past 18 months, including the January 2022 acquisition of industry supplier Sweda. The move has resulted in high-profile transformations of SnugZ’s in-house systems including an upgraded phone system, completely integrated internal systems and websites, and the hiring of 20 new customer service reps.

Although the transition didn’t go as smoothly as planned, CEO and President Brandon Mackay has publicly assured customers of the company’s commitment to service improvements and reducing lead times.

In February Snugz added 500 new items available through the ZIP-IT Next Day Shipping service. In April, the company announced a new chief financial officer, Shelly Allred.

PPAI 100 is an exclusive, research-backed ranking of the 50 leading distributors and the 50 leading suppliers in the promotional products industry. Companies are scored based on a variety of metrics.
Outdoor Cap (PPAI 213485, S10) has been servicing the headwear industry for 45 years. Started in 1977, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based supplier now serves over 14,000 customers across multiple channels in the promotional products, team sports, and retail markets.

The supplier continues to diversify and expand license holdings, opening the opportunity to sell and distribute headwear for over 100 organizations. The company has also developed several of their own brands specific to the markets they currently serve. In May, PPAI announced that Outdoor Cap was one of the 71 to make PPAI’s Greatest Companies To Work For list for 2023.