Products that reflect a healthy lifestyle fit seamlessly with the message health insurers wish to convey. “Ninety percent of the premiums we include are linked to health,” according to Eline Vervoorn, who works in VGZ’s marketing communications department.

CCO’s account manager Daphne Hoogland explains that one of the last major projects that CCO Group implemented for VGZ involved the delivery of custom-made wristbands. They were distributed to all participants in the first VGZ National Walking Day organised by the health insurer and the Royal Dutch Athletics Association (KNAU) in mid-April.

This wristband, which includes a zippered pouch for change or a key, was in a goodie bag that also included an Asics water bottle, a KNAU T-shirt, discount coupons from Perry Sport and a copy of the AD newspaper.

Selective
Eline Vervoorn makes it clear that VGZ is selective in its use of premiums. The health insurer prefers premiums linked to health. They are used in an action-oriented way, such as supporting trade fairs and (running) events, she explains. The wristband will be one of the giveaways this year too.

VGZ works with CCO Group – its preferred supplier – for all its activities in the area of premiums, business gifts and corporate wear.

What criteria must be met by a VGZ preferred supplier?

Everything related to health & body care makes for a very good addition to Christmas and end-of-year gift packets, according to Monique Groot, account manager with CCO Group. But ‘health’ is also a great theme, with countless variations, for other gift occasions throughout the year. If nothing else, just think of the summer months just around the corner: a perfect time to (start) exercising in the fresh air!

For example, this spring Sabic implemented a campaign for its own staff centred around physical well-being. The focus was on exercise. Part of the campaign included a packet containing sports-related products like a pedometer, explains Monique Groot.

Fit Food book
Monique Groot: “A large number of our clients are already thinking about the present they’ll give their business relations and employees at the end of the year. There’s a lot of demand for products related to healthy eating and exercise.”

“For example, this type of theme packet can be fully comprised of products related to preparing healthy food: a blender, Jamie Oliver’s shaker, a salad bowl with an accompanying recipe book and a water jug. We’re also the supplier of the Fit Food book, a special publication including all the ins and outs of light and healthy food. It’s a terrific little book with recipes and tips on weight loss and exercise. For example, it includes an overview of a variety of walking trails throughout the Netherlands.”

Prodir is a pen supplier that is well-thought of in the promotional products world. Its merchandise is good quality and reliable, with a highly distinctive design. Prodir was recently distinguished with a nomination for the trade prize Supplier of the Year 2006. CCO Group has been working with Prodir for many years.

When it comes to choosing suppliers, CCO Group is always looking for companies with an outstanding performance in their specific field of expertise. When it comes to writing equipment, Prodir is one such leading company, according to CCO’s director Oene Mees. Both at home and abroad, Prodir is regularly distinguished with awards, not least of all for the innovative design of its products.

Top 3
Dick van den Berg, director of Prodir Benelux: “For many years, writing instruments have been among the top three most popular premiums and business gifts. A personalised pen is a communications tool that has proven its worth. And for business relations, the somewhat pricier pen continues to be one of the most valued gift items.”

The health theme, which is the main focus of this newsletter, is also applicable when it comes to monitoring working conditions among suppliers in the Far East with which CCO Group does business. After all, such aspects as on-the-job hygiene and safety have a direct impact on the health of the workers.

CCO Group was one of the first product suppliers to draw up a Code of Conduct suppliers were expected to comply with. And CCO Group systematically monitors that compliance, sometimes in conjunction with its clients, to ensure the factories involved meet the requirements for acceptable working conditions. CCO’s aim is to work with suppliers that come as close as possible to meeting the strict SA 8000 norm (see www.sa8000.org).

Unexpected checks
Oene Mees: “Clients, too, increasingly demand – and rightly so – that promotional product suppliers monitor whether their suppliers do everything they can to produce in a socially responsible manner. You can’t apply western standards in the exact same way in the Far East, which is why we refer to ‘acceptable working conditions’. But what is clear in that framework is that in the Far East as well, legislation, norms and values are in place that must be fully complied with. We consider it our duty to put out attention, money and energy into monitoring proper compliance in these areas.”

Last year, the U.S. corporate sector spent at least 17.8 billion dollars on promotional products and business gifts. That’s over 5 percent more than in 2004.

This is the official figure from the ASI, the Advertising Specialty Institute in the U.S. with a large network of affiliated suppliers. But not all suppliers are ASI members, so it is very likely that the real spending amount is even higher than the cited 17.8 billion.

Starting July 1^st the new RoHS EU directive will take effect. This directive prohibits the manufacturing and import into the EU of electronic products and electrical appliance that exceed certain limits of hazardous substances.

RoHS is the abbreviation of  "Restriction of Hazardous Substances" and is applicable to all products using energy to function. Also products such as battery powered watches, pocket flashlight and USB items are covered by this directive.

At the same time the WEEE directive will take effect. The WEEE is “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment” and will improve the recycling possibilities of this product group.

Above directives create an enormous challenge for especially the manufactures of low cost electronic products in Asia. A recent survey concluded that almost 75% of small manufactures in China do not comply to these directives and can therefore no longer export their products to EU countries.