The Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA) is the peak body for the promotional products and branded merchandise industry across Australia and New Zealand.
At APPA, we're on a mission to help our industry elevate the role branded merchandise plays in building brands and creating meaningful connections.
APPA brings together over 550 member businesses across Australia and New Zealand. They’re the suppliers, distributors and decorators behind the branded merchandise that connects organisations with their audiences.
Our purpose is to advocate for our industry, educate and empower our people, and enhance our community – bringing the industry together and helping them succeed.
APPA began in 1986, when a group of industry leaders met over drinks at the Crows Nest Club in Sydney. At the time, the industry had no peak body and businesses worked largely in isolation. Those first conversations grew into an association, formally incorporated in 1988, built on one idea: a fragmented industry is stronger together than apart.
In 2000, the Australian and New Zealand associations merged to form the Australasian Promotional Products Association. Forty years on, APPA has grown from 12 founding companies to over 550 member businesses, and that founding idea still guides everything we do.
Branded merchandise, often called promotional products, is any item that carries an organisation’s logo or message, from apparel and drinkware to tech, gifts and uniforms. It isn’t an afterthought. Chosen with intention, it’s a strategic part of the marketing plan: something people keep, use and remember. APPA’s 2025/26 research found 81% of recipients can name the brand on a promotional product they’ve received.
“In a crowded digital world, branded merchandise is more relevant than ever. Our research shows that when it’s chosen with intention, it builds genuine brand loyalty and earns its place in every marketing plan.”
Mark Kindness, CEO, APPA
The industry runs on a simple structure: suppliers sell to distributors, and distributors work with brands and organisations. Decorators add the branding along the way.
Suppliers source and manufacture the products behind every campaign. APPA connects them with a network of distributors, along with trade shows, advertising opportunities and industry insight.
Distributors are the trusted advisers who help brands choose the right product for the right audience. APPA gives them the credibility, education and resources to grow their business.
Decorators bring brands to life through print, embroidery, engraving and more. APPA helps them build connections, lift their capability and showcase their work.
We also partner with a network of service providers, from freight and logistics to software and finance, who offer services and member offers tailored to the industry.
APPA members are bound by the APPA Code of Conduct and Constitution. When you work with an APPA member, you’re working with a reputable business that trades honestly and ethically. APPA members can help you find the right product and approach for your marketing goals.
APPA supports suppliers, distributors and decorators in different ways. Explore the benefits for your part of the industry, including opportunities to connect, learn and grow your business.
Benefits for suppliers Benefits for distributors Benefits for decorators
Not a member yet? Join APPA and become part of the industry’s trusted network.
