Hot Summer Promo Trends: The Rise of Custom Beverage Holders

By Destiny Maruri 

As summer blazes on and clients finalize their last warm-weather campaigns of 2025, one product category continues to rise to the top of ESP+ search results: custom beverage holders. 

Whether it’s a classic foam can cooler at a company picnic or a sleek stainless-steel holder for a client gift basket, beverage holders have proven to be a reliable, repeatable winner for both distributors and suppliers.

Let’s dig into why these price-friendly drink accessories are such a hot item this month and how you can make the most of them:

The Right Product at the Right Time 

August is the unofficial end of summer, making it one of the busiest months for outdoor events. This time of year is perfect for:

• Outdoor weddings, bridal/baby showers and other celebrations
• College orientations
• Tailgating at sporting events
• Backyard BBQs
• Corporate retreats and employee appreciation events 

With fun in the sun on the mind, it’s prime time for portable, practical promo gear – and beverage holders check every box.

They’re lightweight, easy to ship, highly brandable and reusable year-round. They show up where the fun happens – and that’s where your clients want their brands to be.

Pro tip for distributors: Bundle with co-branded totes or sunglasses for campus events and festivals.

What’s Selling Now: Beverage Holder Trends To Watch 

Here’s a breakdown of what’s flying off shelves – and what you should keep stocked and ready to promote:

• Collapsible Foam Can Coolers – These are a go-to for events and giveaways. Affordable, easy to customize and proven crowd-pleasers.
• Slim Can Holders – Perfectly sized for hard seltzers, energy drinks and slim sodas, these are on- trend and in- demand, especially among Gen Z and millennial buyers.
• Stainless Steel Insulated Can Holders – Looking for a premium upgrade for high-end clients? Splurge on these for gift boxes, brewery merch or branded executive gifts.
• Full-Color Sublimated Options – Clients love full-wrap designs with vivid colors and photo-quality logos. If you’re not offering sublimation-ready holders, this is the perfect time of year to add them.
• BONUS: Sustainability Sells – Eco-friendly neoprene alternatives are gaining popularity. Think recycled materials, biodegradable options or reusable bottle sleeves.

 Selling Tips for Distributors 

If you’re looking to boost sales this month, here are some smart strategies:

• Lead With the Season – Tailor your pitches to August use cases, such as outdoor events, travel kits and school giveaways.
• Emphasize Turnaround Time – Clients love the idea of a quick, custom product. If you can fulfill orders fast, make that known.
• Push Quantity Pricing – Beverage holders are ideal for large orders, especially when clients are stocking up for events.
• Create Visual Mockups – Virtual samples help clients visualize their brand on the product and increase order confidence.

What This Means for Suppliers 

On the supplier side, beverage holders are an ideal product to feature in August marketing efforts. They’re low-cost to produce, versatile in application and easy to customize for any industry.

Now’s the time to spotlight: 

• Ready-to-ship stock options
• Short-run minimums for smaller clients
• Popular imprint methods (sublimation, screen printing, laser engraving)
• Creative add-ons like carabiner clips or zipper pouches

Look for custom beverage holders on ESP+ today!