China News Service (CNS) issued an article here on Monday to report Norwegian biotechnology company Aker BioMarine to promote its marine biological business in China

In a modest corner of the 1st CIIE in 2018, Aker BioMarine, alongside other small and medium-sized enterprises, displayed its krill oil products on a shared table. At the time, the Norwegian biotechnology company could not have imagined that this small booth would open the door to major opportunities for its future growth.

Big Potential from a Small Booth

According to the article, Aker BioMarine is dedicated to the sustainable development and utilization of marine biological resources. The company officially entered the Chinese market in 2015, gradually establishing a foothold by collaborating with Chinese clients and business partners, as well as participating in various industry expos.

To Aker BioMarine’s surprise, their debut at the 2018 CIIE was an immediate success. Not only did their visibility increase, but partnerships with local companies also accelerated, and their market share in China began to grow.

 Ren Yunli, director of the Gourmet Expo, live-streams at the Norwegian Seafood Pavilion during the 6th CIIE. [Photo / Norwegian Seafood Council][/caption]

Aker BioMarine quickly realized that CIIE was more than just a large-scale exhibition—it was a dynamic platform. Here, they could not only showcase their products and technologies but also foster meaningful partnerships, promote idea exchange, and drive innovation. Additionally, the extensive exposure provided by CIIE proved invaluable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to raise brand awareness and build trust with potential Chinese partners.

Since their first appearance at CIIE, Aker BioMarine has consistently attended the event, sending teams of marketing, sales, and technical experts every year. They carefully design their booth and meticulously plan their participation, showcasing their innovative products and commitment to sustainability, said the CNS article.

At the 5th CIIE, Aker BioMarine hosted a special seminar on “sustainable utilization of marine resources and a healthy future.” By the 6th edition of the expo, the company had secured its own 60-square- meter booth, signed strategic cooperation agreements with nearly 30 clients, and supported seven live-streamed events, and setting new sales records for krill oil products through these broadcasts.

The journey from “sharing a table” to “owning a 60-square-meter booth” has shown Aker BioMarine the immense potential of the Chinese market, the CNS article said.

Mastering “Secret Code”

Unlike Aker BioMarine, which has been a “regular attendee” at the CIIE, the Norwegian Seafood Council made its debut at the 5th edition of the expo, according to the article.

Though a novice, the Norwegian Seafood Council quickly found a foothold, presenting under the theme “Norway, the Seafood Nation”. By the 6th CIIE, they had already mastered the “traffic secret” for gaining attention. They invited Ren Yunli, a well-known food blogger, to live- stream directly from the “Norwegian Seafood Pavilion”.

The live-streamed dishes included a Norwegian Arctic shrimp and mango Thai-style salad, a Norwegian salmon and avocado potato light salad, a Shanghai-style braised Norwegian Arctic cod, and an oil-free crispy Norwegian mackerel grilled Yunnan-style, the article added.

The food blogger’s creative approach to cooking various types of fish showcased the delicious flavor of Norwegian seafood, while also revealing the many ways Norwegian seafood is making its way to Chinese dining tables.

A representative from the Norwegian Seafood Council stated, “CIIE is not only a platform for showcasing Norway’s high-quality seafood, but also an important platform for enhancing international exchange and deepening Sino-Norwegian cooperation in seafood trade. We hope to leverage the CIIE’s influence to further boost interest in seafood trade between Norway and China, strengthening cooperation and ties to meet the growing demand of Chinese consumers for premium seafood.”

For the 7th CIIE in 2024, the Norwegian Seafood Council has refined its participation strategy. This time, it will be part of the Norwegian National Pavilion, aiming for a deeper understanding of the Chinese market.

With the spillover effects of the CIIE, the Norwegian Seafood Council quickly turned the “CIIE heat” into “trade heat”, said the CNS article.

Exhibits at the Norwegian Seafood Pavilion at the 6th CIIE. [Photo / Norwegian Seafood Council][/caption]

According to the latest data released by the Norwegian Seafood Council, as of July 2024, Norway exported approximately 89,856 tons of seafood to China, representing a 14% year-on-year increase, with a total export value of 4.87 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 3.3 billion RMB). Among these exports, Norwegian salmon performed particularly well, with 26,876 tons shipped to China, generating 2.85 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately 1.9 billion RMB) in revenue.

Sigmund Bjørgo, director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, highlighted that in 2023, China was the fastest-growing market for Atlantic salmon consumption worldwide, with total consumption reaching 108,128 tons—an increase of 32,597 tons, or 43%, making China the 8th largest Atlantic salmon market globally. Moreover, China is currently the largest consumer of Atlantic salmon in Asia, consuming more than twice the amount compared to the second-largest market, Japan.

Becoming a “CIIE Recommender”

According to CNS article, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had firsthand experience with the surging popularity of Norwegian seafood in the Chinese market. On the evening of September 10, 2024, during his visit to China, Støre made an appearance at the Shanghai East Hongqiao Center. After a brief tour, he donned a blue apron and personally promoted Norwegian seafood. Holding a tray, he invited guests to try Norwegian salmon and mackerel, enthusiastically saying, “Try it, it’s very fresh.”

Støre expressed his desire to export the freshest seafood to China and his hope to collaborate with relevant Chinese authorities to eliminate all barriers that make these products expensive for consumers, said article.

By participating in the CIIE, Norwegian organizations such as Aker BioMarine and the Norwegian Seafood Council have reaped significant rewards, prompting Norway’s official efforts to encourage more Norwegian companies and products to participate in future CIIEs.

On May 13, 2024, the 7th CIIE Norway Promotional Event was held in Oslo. It was the first time that a CIIE promotional event had been hosted in Norway, and it was warmly received by the local community.

During the event, data revealed that nearly 30 Norwegian companies participated in the 6th CIIE, marking a record high in both the number of participating companies and total exhibition space.

Wang Liming, a representative from Aker BioMarine, acted as a “CIIE Recommender” at the promotional event, strongly encouraging Norwegian companies to participate in future CIIEs.

Ole Henaes, at the Norwegian Pro- motional Event of the 7th CIIE. [Photo / Norwegian Seafood Council][/caption]

According to CNS article, Ole Henaes, Regional Director of Innovation Norway Asia and the Middle East, remarked that an increasing number of Norwegian businesses are engaging in trade and investment with China, with ongoing collaborations between companies from both nations in fields such as clean energy and seafood. He emphasized that the CIIE is an excellent platform for showcasing the latest products and technologies, fostering cooperation, and facilitating exchanges. Innovation Norway remains committed to promoting Norwegian products on the international stage, including in China, and will continue to organize businesses to participate in future CIIEs to help Norwegian companies expand their presence in the Chinese market.

Contact Information：

Organization: China News Service

Contact Person: Mr. Yulong Li

Phone Number：+8615982225939

Email: Liyulong@Chinanews.com.cn

Country/City: China/Beijing

Address: Baiwanzhuang South Street 12, 100037

Customized promotional products with logo have become go-to tools for companies looking to strengthen their brand presence and build genuine connections with customers, clients, and employees. From personalized pens to custom logo mugs and branded swag, these items play a crucial role in creating memorable experiences that reflect a company’s identity and values. Not only are they useful, but they also build emotional connections that foster brand loyalty. In this guide, we’ll explore how popular custom items like pens, mugs, and swag create lasting impressions and help your business stand out.

Personalized Pens: The Classic Marketing Tool

Custom pens are a staple in the promotional product world, offering both functionality and cost-effectiveness. With a sleek logo, catchy slogan, or a custom message, branded pens become little brand ambassadors that travel far and wide. They’re perfect for trade shows, conferences, and client meetings, where attendees appreciate a useful giveaway. These pens provide continuous brand exposure without breaking the bank.

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Corporate Pens: Raising the Bar in Branding

Corporate pens take branding to the next level by embodying a company’s style, colors, and message. Unlike generic pens, corporate pens are crafted to align with brand aesthetics, showcasing an attention to detail that recipients notice and appreciate. These pens make thoughtful gifts for employees or clients and show professionalism when handed out at conferences, corporate events, or important meetings.

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Logo Pens: Expanding Brand Reach

Custom logo pens might seem small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to brand exposure. Whether they’re distributed at events or included in welcome kits, these pens find their way into countless hands and new environments, providing continuous brand visibility. This is especially valuable for brands looking to establish recognition without a big budget. With custom logo pens, your brand presence grows naturally, expanding with each new user.

Another great advantage of logo pens is their high reach, as they’re often passed between people and used in a variety of settings. A single pen could potentially expose your brand to dozens of new individuals over its lifetime. For a minimal investment, logo pens make a memorable impression and can serve as lasting reminders of your brand.

Custom Pens: Crafting a Unique Brand Identity

One of the best ways to make your brand stand out is by creating custom pens that reflect your unique identity. By choosing specific colors, materials, and designs, you can make sure your pens align with your brand’s values and aesthetics. For example, if sustainability is a core value, opt for eco-friendly pens that reinforce this message. Alternatively, for a luxury feel, sleek metal or engraved pens can convey sophistication and quality.

With custom pens, businesses can leave a more impactful, lasting impression that goes beyond functionality. They also encourage loyalty and establish a connection that strengthens relationships with clients, employees, and partners alike. Every detail matters, and custom pens allow companies to showcase their personality in subtle, meaningful ways.

Company Logo Mugs: Daily Brand Reminders

There’s something about a good mug that people just can’t resist, and custom logo mugs offer the perfect way to integrate your brand into someone’s daily routine. Coffee mugs with your company logo aren’t just for the office; they’re frequently seen in homes, providing daily reminders of your brand to clients, employees, and partners. With plenty of room for creative design, colors, and logos, mugs are perfect for reinforcing brand familiarity in a practical, lasting way.

For recipients, logo mugs become part of their morning ritual or office desk decor, keeping your brand visible in a positive context. This simple yet effective form of brand reinforcement builds familiarity and can even foster loyalty, especially when mugs are used as gifts, welcome kit items, or giveaways.

Custom Logo Mugs: Making an Impression

Custom logo mugs make fantastic corporate gifts and are perfect for distributing at events or in client meetings. They add a personal touch to your marketing efforts, with plenty of room for fun, intricate designs, slogans, and brand messages that stand out. Mugs are versatile and frequently used, ensuring your logo stays visible in both personal and professional spaces.

Branded mugs also have the benefit of longevity. Unlike digital ads that disappear after a few seconds, a mug will be around for years, subtly promoting your brand and reminding recipients of your company. It’s a personal, practical item that conveys thoughtfulness and appreciation, helping to make lasting impressions with clients and employees alike.

Corporate Swag: Boosting Morale and Brand Image

Corporate swag, which includes items like branded apparel, accessories, and office supplies, plays an essential role in creating a strong internal brand culture. When employees receive branded swag, they feel more connected to the company, fostering a sense of pride and loyalty. It’s a small gesture that makes employees feel valued and seen, boosting morale in the workplace.

But swag isn’t just for the office—it serves as an external branding tool, too. When employees wear or use branded items outside of work, they become ambassadors for the brand, creating visibility and recognition in the community. Swag is especially useful for onboarding, anniversaries, and team events, where branded gifts help build camaraderie and strengthen company culture.

Branded Swag: Building Client Connections

Branded swag is a powerful way to connect with clients on a personal level. It’s more than just a promotional item—it’s a way to show appreciation and attention to detail, which clients are sure to notice. By gifting clients branded items like mugs, pens, or notebooks, you’re not only promoting your brand but also creating positive associations with it.

This kind of swag helps build loyalty and can make your brand feel more personal. Whether it’s distributed at events or included in client appreciation packages, branded swag adds value by creating a unique experience for each recipient. It’s an effective tool for client retention, as clients will remember and appreciate the gesture each time they use the item.

Promotional Items with Logos: Affordable and Effective Marketing

One of the best aspects of promotional items is their cost-effectiveness. Logoed items like pens, mugs, and notebooks provide an affordable way to boost brand visibility. Unlike digital ads that require constant spending, physical promotional items continue working long after they’re given out. They’re often shared among friends, coworkers, or family members, amplifying your brand’s reach and creating ongoing visibility.

For small businesses and startups, promotional items with logos are an easy way to establish a presence in the market without a large marketing budget. They’re memorable, tangible reminders that make it easy to stay top-of-mind with clients and prospects.

Custom Promotional Products: Enhancing Brand Recognition Across Audiences

Promotional products like apparel, drinkware, and office supplies are effective tools for reaching diverse audiences. They’re perfect for trade shows, conferences, and corporate gatherings, where they can introduce your brand to new people and leave a lasting impression. These items work as constant reminders of your brand, embedding it in the daily lives of those who use them.

Investing in high-quality promotional products can differentiate your business from competitors and elevate your brand image. For businesses that want to connect on a more personal level, customized items provide a meaningful touch that’s hard to achieve through digital means.

Wrapping It Up: Making an Impact with Branded Products

Customized promotional products like branded pens, logo mugs, and corporate swag are more than just giveaways—they’re tools that build connections, foster loyalty, and keep your brand front and center. By choosing high-quality, thoughtful items, you’re investing in a strategy that creates lasting relationships with clients, employees, and partners. In a competitive market, branded promotional products ensure that your brand is both seen and remembered, setting the stage for lasting success.

The Role of Promotional Products in Branding

Promotional products are like tiny marketing ambassadors, allowing businesses to connect with customers, clients, and employees on a personal level. Items like custom pens, mugs, and branded swag play a huge role in making brands more memorable. This article digs into how these everyday items, when customized, become valuable tools for businesses that want to boost their brand identity and make a lasting impact.

The Power of Personalized Pens

Custom pens are a cost-effective, classic promotional item that works for businesses of all sizes. Not only are they useful, but they also act as a mini billboard, displaying your company’s logo, motto, or contact info every time they’re used. High-quality custom corporate pens and have a long lifespan, ensuring your brand sticks around. From sleek metal pens to eco-friendly options, there’s a style for every brand’s personality and budget.

Custom Corporate Pens: Strengthening Brand Identity

Corporate pens bring branding to a new level by incorporating company colors, logos, or even personalized touches, like employee or client names. These pens aren’t just for writing; they’re for making a statement. Hand them out at conferences or use them in client meetings, and they instantly become a polished touchpoint for your brand. Custom pens not only improve brand visibility but also reinforce your brand identity with every use.

Logo Pens: Boosting Brand Visibility

Pens with a custom logo are a marketing staple that packs a lot of punch. Hand them out at trade shows or include them in gift packages, and they’ll keep your branding visible wherever they go. Pens are often used multiple times a day, so they offer a wide reach, providing brand exposure in professional and casual settings alike. As low-cost giveaways, they’re both functional and long-lasting, making a big impact without a hefty price tag.

Custom Mugs: Making a Daily Impact

There’s a reason mugs are a go-to promotional item—they’re universally loved. Custom mugs with your company logo are versatile and practical, providing continuous brand reinforcement. You can add your logo, choose colors, and even print slogans. Whether used in the office, at client meetings, or given as gifts, branded mugs keep your logo in plain sight, day after day, making them a perfect choice for long-lasting brand exposure.

Mugs with a Message: More Than Just Drinkware

Company logo mugs go beyond being drinkware; they’re conversation starters that can boost brand recognition and loyalty. Mugs with custom branding can show up anywhere from break rooms to homes, spreading brand awareness in diverse settings. A well-designed mug can even create a sense of connection with clients and employees, promoting a feeling of belonging and alignment with your company’s values.

Corporate Swag: Engaging Employees with Branded Items

Corporate swag like branded pens, mugs, and apparel plays a huge role in building employee engagement and pride. Swag items are more than just fun giveaways—they foster a sense of belonging and contribute to a positive work culture. When employees use branded items, they become ambassadors of the brand, whether they’re at work or outside of it. Giving out swag at onboarding or company events helps boost morale, build loyalty, and reinforce a strong company culture.

Branded Swag: Connecting with Customers on a Personal Level

Branded items aren’t just for employees—they help connect with customers, too. Giving customers swag like custom pens, mugs, or apparel adds a personal touch, making them feel appreciated. These items are useful, practical reminders of your business. Whether handed out at events, sent with purchases, or included in customer appreciation packages, branded swag creates a positive association with your brand and can build loyalty and repeat business.

Promotional Items with Logo: Cost-Effective Marketing

When it comes to marketing on a budget, promotional items with your logo are a smart choice. Unlike digital ads that require ongoing investment, physical items like pens, mugs, or notebooks provide long-lasting brand exposure. For small businesses aiming to make an impression, these items create visibility and brand recognition without a huge spend, making them a powerful addition to any marketing toolkit.

Custom Logo Mugs: Ideal for Corporate Gifts and Events

Custom logo mugs are great for corporate events or as memorable giveaways. They work well as souvenirs and tokens of appreciation, especially at trade shows or company gatherings. Businesses can customize mugs with unique designs that reflect their personality, making them keepsakes that recipients are likely to use daily. This approach maximizes brand exposure, making the mug a practical yet impactful tool for reinforcing brand identity.

Custom Pens and Mugs: Essential for Corporate Gifting

Corporate gifting is all about nurturing relationships, and custom pens and mugs are popular choices for a reason. They’re cost-effective and practical, with the potential to make recipients feel valued. These gifts convey thoughtfulness and professionalism, while also ensuring that your brand is remembered every time the item is used. Custom gifts like these are particularly valuable for client retention, serving as subtle reminders of the business relationship each time they’re used.

Choosing the Right Promotional Products for Long-Term Success

Investing in promotional products like custom pens, mugs, and branded swag offers real benefits for businesses looking to build their brand image and improve customer relationships. These items aren’t just marketing tools; they’re engagement tools that help boost employee morale and customer loyalty. By picking high-quality, relevant products, you can make sure your brand stays at the forefront of people’s minds, supporting long-term success and growth.