Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451361
G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 2 0 2 2 A P R I L G R A P H I C S P R O 8 5 to Vitto. He says his company also see a lot of customers who had previously never been in the corporate awards market now getting a lot of business.As far as awards trends go, Vitto says, "e entire line of awards has been strong although I see more high-end crystal awards moving recently, even with the elevated demand for acrylic and glass awards." Whether an awards shop specializes in engravable products such as metal and crystal, or high-quality graphics printed on plaques or the like, there are many growing opportunities for businesses in the recogni- tion segment. "Based on strong sales to our awards and recognition customers, I would say that business is good," notes Gross. "However, I can't say that all the products are necessari- ly being turned into awards. Since our cus- tomers primarily work with sublimation systems, they are not limited to traditional product oerings." Along with awards, en- gravers are also producing a unique variety of photo quality wearables, home decor gifts, jewelry, and drinkware, Gross says. "Sublimation transfer allows graphics busi- nesses to diversify and go where the money is, even during tough times." rough the pandemic, corporate rec- ognition fared better than other areas of the awards market, according to Messer- schmidt. As schools get back to full swing along with their various sports and activi- ties, Messerschmidt believes the overall need for awards is certainly rebounding. "In our part of the business, corporate recognition has become the stronger of tro- phies versus corporate," says Garcia."From a product focus perspective, crystal, glass, and plaque style awards are taking prece- dence versus trophies." In sports awards, Garcia continues to see more economical awards such as med- als and small resins. Sports awards have The recognition industry has come back strong to pre-covid sales levels. (Image courtesy PDU Cat)