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Every year, the Promotional Products Association International releases its PPAI 100 — a data-driven ranking of the top 100 suppliers and distributors in the branded merchandise industry, evaluated across eight categories including revenue growth, sustainability, employee development, digital transformation, and more.

This year, we're proud to share that Ariel Premium Supply has been named the #11 supplier in the 2026 PPAI 100.

This recognition belongs to two groups of people.

First, our distributors. You have trusted us with your clients and your reputation. You've given us feedback that made us better. You've chosen to place orders with us when you had dozens of other options. Thank you, genuinely, from the bottom of our hearts.

Second, our team. The Ariel family — the people who pick up the phone, process all parts of the order, run the machines, manage the shipments, and show up every single day — you are the reason any of this is possible. When co-founders Tai Lin and Yuhling Lu started this company in St. Louis back in 1993, the dream was simple: build something great by taking care of people. Three decades later, that's still the whole plan, and it works because of the people who carry it.

What does the PPAI 100 actually measure?

The ranking goes beyond revenue. PPAI scores companies across eight key areas: three-year growth trends, SAGE ratings, corporate responsibility and sustainability, digital transformation, employee satisfaction, marketing reach, and more. It's designed to recognize companies doing business the right way — not just the biggest way. That philosophy feels right to us.

We've been working hard on things like expanding our Global Recycled Standard product offerings, diversifying our sourcing, investing in payment automation and launching more new products than ever before. We'll keep pushing.

To our distributors, our team, and everyone who has been part of the Ariel story — thank you for making this possible. We're proud to be #11. We're motivated to keep climbing. And we're grateful every step of the way.

See the full 2026 PPAI 100 Supplier list

We're proud to share some exciting news—one of our long-time sales representatives, Jeff Reed, was inducted into the PPACW Hall of Fame.

This is a well-deserved honor that recognizes Jeff's dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the promotional products industry. His commitment to building strong relationships and supporting partners over the years has made a meaningful difference, not just for our team, but across the industry as a whole.

Congratulations, Jeff, on this incredible achievement. We're honored to work alongside you and celebrate this milestone together.

We're kicking off the year strong with 200+ new products added to our lineup over the course of Q1—bringing more variety, more trends, and more opportunities for creative branding.

This quarter's expansion includes:

• New custom sock categories, with additional styles and design flexibility for fully branded apparel programs
• A continued focus on eco-friendly products, highlighted by a major expansion in drinkware
• A trendy new acrylic drinkware line, perfect for bold colors, modern silhouettes, and retail-inspired branding
• Expanded journal offerings, featuring trend-inspired colors, elevated finishes, and functional upgrades designed for everyday use
• Brand line expansions, including Clear View styles and more weekender and executive travel pieces for AeroLOFT
• More organization and multifunctional tools added to Best Buddy Tools, designed for real-life, everyday carry
• New bag collections like Greyhound and Chateau, offering polished, lifestyle-driven silhouettes
• Additional fun, fidget, and stress-relief products, ideal for giveaways, events, and budget-friendly promotions

And that's just the beginning. With plenty more new products across categories, this Q1 launch is designed to support everything from premium brand campaigns to high-volume promotional programs—while staying aligned with what customers are asking for right now.

Explore what's new and start the year with fresh ideas that help brands stand out. See our 2026 Catalog for additional ideas or to customize with your brand and send out to your customers!

Socks are more than just apparel—they're wearable brand statements. We're excited to introduce four new fully customizable sock styles, giving you even more flexibility to create something truly unique for your clients.

From ankle socks to athletic styles, there's an option for every audience and use case. Choose from 60+ vibrant yarn colors to match brand palettes, create bold patterns, or deliver subtle, elevated designs. Each pair can be fully woven for long-lasting quality and visual impact.

To take branding even further, customize the header card, adding another touchpoint for logos, messaging, or campaign storytelling. It's a complete brand experience—from packaging to product—that's perfect for events, employee programs, retail-inspired merch, and more.

If you're looking for a high-impact, wearable giveaway that customers actually keep, custom socks are a standout choice.

We're heading to PPAI Expo, and we'd love to see you there! Stop by our Main Booths 2511 & 2512 to explore what's new across our brands—and be sure to also visit NAYAD at Booth 5831 for a fresh take on drinkware and home essentials.

At our main booths, you'll find an exciting lineup of new product launches, including:

• Fully custom socks, with multiple styles and full-color customization
• A huge expansion of eco-friendly drinkware, designed with sustainability and style in mind
• Trending tech accessories built for everyday use and modern branding
• New collections, updated silhouettes, and innovative imprint options

At Booth 5831, NAYAD will be showcasing its thoughtfully designed drinkware and homeware, blending unique materials, elevated aesthetics, and functional design—perfect for brands looking to offer something distinctive and design-forward.

Whether you're sourcing new ideas, expanding into new categories, or looking for standout products for 2025 and beyond, we'd love to walk you through what's new.

Let's connect at PPAI Expo and talk about what's next.