Exporting promotional gifts to France

admin on August 29, 2018

La exportación del objeto promocional a Francia Exporting promotional gifts to France L'exportation de l'objet publicitaire en France L'exportació de l'objecte publicitari a França

Are you are planning about exporting promotional gifts to France? Read this article carefully to find out about the trends in this market. Barcelona Export has recently supported the company Textil Campasol, a manufacturer of personalised sports towels, in its internationalisation strategy. This international support has reinforced our knowledge of pomotional gifts to France.

Exporting promotional gifts to France, the market

Exporting promotional gifts to France in 2018 was an integral part of the global marketing and advertising industry. France is one of the largest markets in Europe, and promotional products such as branded merchandise, giveaways, and corporate gifts play a significant role in business marketing strategies. Below is an overview of the promotional gifts market in France in 2018, including key trends, sectors, challenges, and opportunities for exporters.

Overview of the exporting promotional gifts to France (2018)

  • Market Size: France is one of the largest markets in Europe for promotional gifts. The promotional products industry was valued at several billion euros, with promotional merchandise being an essential component of advertising and corporate marketing strategies.
  • Consumer Preferences: French businesses tend to prioritize quality, creativity, and sustainability when selecting promotional items. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and customizable products that align with brand identity and values.
  • Trade Trends: Promotional gifts are commonly used in trade shows, corporate events, and direct marketing campaigns. As a result, there was a high demand for personalized products like branded pens, T-shirts, bags, mugs, USB drives, and eco-friendly products.

Key Trends in exporting promotional gifts to France (2018)

Several key trends influenced Exporting promotional gifts to France in 2018:

  • Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products: French businesses, along with consumers, became increasingly aware of environmental issues. Promotional products made from recycled materials, biodegradable items, and sustainable resources were in high demand. For example, eco-friendly bags, recycled pens, and reusable drinkware were popular choices.
  • Personalization and Customization: The demand for personalized promotional gifts continued to grow in 2018. Brands were looking for ways to create unique, customized items that would stand out and leave a lasting impression. Products that could be engraved, printed, or embroidered with company logos, slogans, and personalized messages were sought after.
  • Tech and Innovative Products: With the increasing influence of technology, there was a rise in the popularity of tech-related promotional gifts such as USB drives, Bluetooth speakers, smartphone accessories, and wireless chargers.
  • Health and Wellness Focus: The health and wellness trend extended to the promotional gifts sector, with products such as fitness trackers, water bottles, yoga mats, and organic snack packs becoming popular.
  • Corporate Gifts for B2B: Many companies used promotional gifts as part of business-to-business (B2B) strategies. Corporate gifts for employees, clients, and partners became essential, including high-end pens, executive gift sets, branded leather products, and luxury food baskets.

Target Sectors for exporting promotional gifts to France (2018)

Different industries used promotional gifts in various ways to promote their brands and engage customers. Key sectors included for exporting promotional gifts to France :

  • Corporate and B2B: Many large corporations, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), used promotional items for corporate events, employee recognition, and client gifts. Items like high-quality notebooks, USB drives, and business card holders were commonly used for these purposes.
  • Fashion and Apparel: Fashion brands frequently used promotional gifts such as customized T-shirts, caps, and bags. Many fashion companies took advantage of the rising popularity of branded apparel and fashion accessories as promotional tools.
  • Food and Beverage: The food and beverage industry often used branded merchandise like mugs, coasters, tote bags, and drinkware to promote their products. They also created special gifts for clients during the holiday season.
  • Technology and Electronics: Technology companies regularly used tech accessories, such as headphones, chargers, and portable speakers, as promotional gifts to attract potential customers or reward loyal clients.
  • Tourism and Events: The tourism and events industry, particularly in cities like Paris, used promotional items for trade fairs, conventions, and expos. Popular items included maps, keychains, and travel accessories branded with the company or event logo.

Challenges in Exporting Promotional Gifts to France (2018)

While we could find many opportunities for exporting promotional gifts to France, there were also challenges to consider:

  • Customs and Import Regulations: Exporters had to navigate EU customs regulations and adhere to the French market’s compliance standards. Products needed to meet EU safety regulations and sometimes required specific certifications (e.g., CE marking for electronics).
  • High Competition: France had a competitive market for promotional products, with both local and international suppliers offering a variety of products. Exporters had to differentiate their products through unique designs, high quality, and sustainability.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: French companies are known for their high standards and value creativity in promotional gifts. As a result, exporters needed to tailor their products to local tastes and preferences. For example, overly generic promotional items might not resonate well with the French market.
  • Logistics and Delivery: Timely delivery was crucial, especially during peak promotional seasons, such as the holiday season or major events like trade shows and conferences. Efficient logistics and distribution networks were required for smooth export operations.

Why communicate through promotional gifts?

We found that customers, and in particular French customers, are particularly receptive to communication through promotional gifts. For 42% of them, it enhances the brand and company image.

However, the promotional product in France must be of good quality. Indeed, if the object is not qualitative, 65% of users do not want to buy the retailer’s brand. This is why it is important to focus on quality. Textil Campasol has understood this differentiating factor and all its production is made in Europe, avoiding the mass production that comes from Asia.

What are the most popular exporting promotional gifts to France?

If you think in exporting merchandising to France, you should know that many communication companies offer a wide variety of personalised goodies: bags, fabrics, glasses and mugs, but also personalised calendars, pens and notepads.

In fact, the most popular promotional product is usually one in the stationery category (60%), followed by T-shirts and polo shirts (30%). Other textile products account for only 10% of the market, but have the advantage of a longer shelf life. Stationery, on the other hand, can only be kept for about 6 months.

What are the selection criteria?

For promotional gifts to be effective, the French consider that it must be useful (86%), but also original and aesthetic. It must also be fun for 36% of them. Textil Campasol’s sports towels are perfectly adapted to the criteria for users in the sports market.

In addition, 80% of users would like to receive promotional gifts in France: this is a fast growing market. This really allows users to remember the brand. 99% of them keep the promotional gift for themselves or for someone close to them.

When are promotional gifts used?

Promotional gifts are not reserved for end-of-year celebrations. Events, especially sporting competitions, are particularly conducive to the distribution of personalised products. They can also be found at trade fairs and exhibitions.

They are also highly appreciated by companies that use communication by object internally and towards their customers to promote their services and motivate their employees.

Thus, our experience during the export process of Campasol Textile’s personalised towels has been rich in knowledge. The exporting promotional gifts to France is very competitive. It is offering differentiating and quality objects, such as customisable sports towels, for which we manage to attract customers and build a lasting and solid image in their eyes.

Do you have any branded gift or promotional product to export? Do not hesitate to ask for any of the export service we can propose you.