Top 40 supplier Chocolate Inn/Lanco (asi/44900) has announced a strategic combination of Screen Printers Design (SPD) – its screen print and embroidery decorating business – and Westchester County, NY-based Shoreline Monogramming Inc. The pairing will now be called SPD/Shoreline. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
“We believe the decorating business is a highly fragmented market,” said Lance Stier, chairman and CEO of Nassau Candy Confections, which owns Chocolate Inn/Lanco. “We are excited to combine SPD and Shoreline and to leverage our experience as a Top 40 supplier, servicing promotional products distributors with technology, service and quality to build a scaled platform in the decorating business.”
Founded in 1984, Shoreline specializes in sustainability, using Phthalate-free screen-printing inks, recycled fibers for embroidery backing, and soy-based, non-toxic printing solvents and cleaning solutions. “We are proud of what we have accomplished since Shoreline’s inception, with our stellar team and production expertise, and now look forward to expanding our production capabilities and product/technological offerings with this new venture,” said Andy Moller, CEO of Shoreline.
This is the third soft goods/apparel decorator that Chocolate Inn/Lanco has acquired in the past nine months, joining SPD and Stitches in View. In addition to decorating services, Chocolate Inn/Lanco will offer multi-category kits and gifts, combining edibles, hard goods, apparel, health and beauty and other items.
“We also are excited to continue to strengthen our ability to offer ‘kitting solutions’ to our products,” Stier said. “By working with Chocolate Inn/Lanco, distributors will have the ability to place a single purchase order to deliver multi-category solutions. Imagine, for example, a custom flavored lip balm with custom lotions, custom scented candles and custom sugar scrub, all packed in a beautifully embroidered toiletry bag.”
With reported 2017 North American promotional product revenue of $49 million, Chocolate Inn/Lanco ranks 33rd on Counselor’s latest list of the largest suppliers in the industry.
