We had a fantastic time at the September edition of Merchandise World this week, exploring the latest branded merchandise trends shaping the industry. From sustainability to premium retail collaborations, the event showcased how innovation continues to redefine what branded products can deliver. Our team came away inspired and our brand-new showreel captures just a few of the highlights that stood out to us.

Premium retail brands on the rise

One of the most exciting developments we noticed is the growing availability of premium retail brands for co-branding. From stylish Vans trainers to the ever-practical Hunter wellies, these products bring instant recognition and value to corporate gifting campaigns.

Branded advent calendars with a twist

Moving beyond chocolate, we loved the idea of advent calendars filled with grow-your-own seeds. With options like lettuce, tomatoes, and more, they offer a refreshing and sustainable alternative, all while delivering high-impact branding opportunities.

Festive chocolate favourites

Of course, chocolate will always be a winner at Christmas. We spotted plenty of delicious festive options, from Toblerone bars to chocolate slabs and even confectionery crackers, perfect for seasonal gifting.

Sustainable celebrations

Sustainability continues to be front of mind in the industry. We were particularly impressed by seed paper Christmas crackers, a fun, sustainable product that’s both memorable and kind to the planet.

Wellbeing at work

Another rising trend is the focus on employee wellbeing, from thoughtful wellness cards to other self-care inspired gifts, these products are ideal for HR teams looking to support and engage their people.

The Veya gift card

Finally, we were introduced to the Veya gift card, which gives recipients access to a curated branded store filled with meaningful, high-quality products. A flexible and thoughtful solution for a wide range of corporate gifting needs.

It’s clear that the world of branded merchandise is evolving fast, with sustainability, premium partnerships, and wellbeing all taking centre stage.

Check out our video for a closer look at the branded merchandise trends and products that caught our eye. And if anything catches yours, we’d love to hear from you.