UK & Ireland Promotional Merchandise Industry Market Report 2025

£1.33bn Market, Shifting Demand and Rising Competition, 2025 Industry Report Reveals a Sector Evolving, Not Slowing

The newly released 2025 UK & Ireland Promotional Merchandise Industry Market Report confirms a sector that remains both sizeable and resilient, with total market value reaching £1,333,870,000 despite ongoing economic pressure.

Key headline numbers from the 2025 report:

Total UK & Ireland market value reached £1,333,870,000

Buyer intent remained strong, with enquiry activity consistently high

£1million-plus distributors continued to account for a significant share of market spend

While headline figures point to continued growth, the report highlights a more nuanced reality beneath the surface. Recent years have seen notable price increases across products, freight and operating costs, meaning the rise in market value reflects both pricing shifts and sustained demand, a sign of stability rather than volatility.

One of the clearest themes is the continued strength and influence of higher-turnover distributors. Businesses generating more than £1 million in annual promotional merchandise spend remain a central force within the market, a segment where Sourcing City has long had strong visibility and engagement.

At the same time, a diverse base of smaller distributors continues to play an important role through specialisation, relationships and agility, reinforcing the sector’s uniquely broad structure.

On the supplier side, competition continues to intensify. As product ranges expand and customer expectations rise, visibility at the point of selection and speed of response are emerging as critical differentiators alongside product and price.

Ella Long, CEO of Sourcing City, said:

“Each year this report provides an important moment to step back and look at how our industry is really evolving. What stands out in the 2025 findings is not just the scale of the market, but its adaptability. Promotional merchandise continues to prove its relevance, and the data shows a sector that is changing in how it operates, not losing momentum.”

Produced annually and drawing on long-term industry data, the report provides one of the most comprehensive views of how the promotional merchandise market is developing, from demand formation through to structural trends.

The full 2025 report is available exclusively to Sourcing City Purple Club members, offering deeper analysis, regional insights and detailed market breakdowns.

Selected highlights will be shared with the wider industry over the coming weeks.