28-06-2011 EPPA's role in Europe

EPPA is the association of companies that work in promotional products, as part of the advertising industry. EPPA is the association for the European Promotional Products industry. The total promotional products industry in EU covers around 10.000 companies and represents a turnover annually of euro 12 bilion. Promotional Products are intended to raise awareness for companies, incentivise potential customers, persuade to buy or maintain relationships. Most receivers find the products useful, gives them good memories or they see the value of the item. However, increased competition, high pressure on prices and low interest of stakeholders associated the industry with low budget, cheap and low interest products. This does not do well to the reputation of the industry, nor does it do justice to an industry that works according a wide set of rules and regulations, covering a spectrum as wide as from toys to textiles and spanning every single country of the globe. So far the industry is organised by country. Many European countries have a country association that represents the industry in a way that fits their culture and laws and regulations. Nowadays, however, local laws are an interpretation of EU laws, social and environmental responsibilities are universal and more and more customers are taking their business international.  This time requires a cross European approach, joining the strength of local representations into one strong European voice: EPPA. EPPA strives to provide a forum for the European Promotional Products Industry and enhance networking-opportunities between its members. Eppa represents their interest politically and economically based on the most extensive market expertise and assertiveness. Their aim is to raise the professionalism in their business and ultimately grow.