Swag-a-licious! How F&B Giants Are Turning Branded Merch Into Gold
When you think about grabbing a bite or a drink from a restaurant or local eatery, you don’t usually expect to walk away with a branded souvenir. Yet, from the lively streets of Singapore to the colorful markets of Malaysia, Food and Beverage (F&B) giants are turning their brands into wearable and functional art. It’s no longer just about the food; it’s about taking a piece of the dining experience home with you. The days when a cup of kopi or teh was just a simple beverage are over. Now, it might come with a custom thermos that becomes an essential part of your daily routine.
Fun Toast offers a special line of products like warm jugs, umbrellas, mugs, and tumblers. Each item is designed to bring a touch of Fun Toast’s unique style into your everyday routine. These products are meant to add warmth and joy to your day. (source: Fun Toast)
A 250ml travel tumbler is compact but offers enough space for a satisfying drink, making it ideal for quick, on-the-go refreshment.
Why Do F&B Outfits Love Merch? Let’s Dig In!
The Connoisseur Concerto (TCC) customised mooncake designed cushions, made available during the Mooncake Festival period. Find out more here.
- More Than Just a Meal
Imagine sipping your latte and staring at a beautiful mug that whispers, “Take me home.” That’s brand engagement. You’re not just buying coffee; you’re buying a piece of the brand. And with 30% of consumers saying they’d happily make repeat purchases from brands offering cool merch (thanks, Global Retail Alliance!), who can blame Starbucks for hooking us up with those adorable cups every winter?
From the delectable OldTown Nasi Lemak set to the classic OLDTOWN Kaya Butter Toast & Soft Boiled Egg set, these miniatures capture the essence of Malaysia’s favorite flavors in exquisite detail, making them must-have items for collectors and fans of OldTown alike. (source: OLDTOWN White Coffee Malaysia)
- Loyalty or Bust
It’s not just about making customers smile; it’s about making them come back. Like clockwork. When Fruce gives out a cute boba keychain for every purchase over $10, they’re not just being generous. They’re ensuring you’re coming back for more boba… and more keychains. It’s psychology, folks! Loyalty programs that include merchandise can boost repeat business by up to 25%, and who doesn’t love those numbers? - Stand Out or Sit Down
In the crowded F&B market, it’s survival of the fittest—or the coolest. Unique branded items help businesses stand out. Ever seen a queue at McDonald’s when they drop their latest Happy Meal toy? Exactly. That’s differentiation with a capital D.
McDonald’s Beijing’s burger-shaped handheld fan combines fun and functionality, setting the brand apart with its unique design. Perfect for making a statement and beating the heat!
Designing Merch That Doesn’t End Up In the Back of the Drawer
- True to Your Brew
Your merch should scream your brand. Wakey Wakey’s espresso mugs? They perfectly capture the essence of what they brew. If your brand were a superhero, your merch would be its cape.
DurianBB’s tempting line of durian-themed products, each item captures the iconic flavor of durian in unique and innovative ways. (source: Durianbb.com)
2. Know Your Crowd
Design for the fans, not just for the mannequin. Soul Grub knows their customers are eco-conscious, so their reusable salad bowls were a hit. Think about what your patrons cherish and give them merch that matters.
Starbucks goes beyond coffee with their exquisite line of custom-branded merchandise. Each piece reflects quality craftsmanship and thoughtfully designs that resonate deeply with coffee enthusiasts around the world. (source: Starbucks Singapore)
3. Quality Matters
Nobody likes a T-shirt that turns into a crop top after one wash. Quality merch means it gets used more, seen more, and loved more. And according to Retail TouchPoints, high-quality promotional products can increase brand affinity by over 85%.
A Case Study in Swag Success: How “Riverside” Rode the Avocado Wave
