BIC Graphic North America (PPAI 114187, S13) has announced it will be changing its name to Koozie Group, effective January 1, 2021. The Clearwater, Florida-based supplier has operated under the BIC name since 1969 and has owned the Koozie brand since 2009.

“Changing to Koozie Group is a great move for us because it better explains what we aspire to be moving forward,” says David A. Klatt Jr., CEO of BIC Graphic NA. “Just mentioning the word Koozie brings a big smile to people’s faces as it reminds them of a great event or experience in their lives. Creating that feeling is exactly what we want to do for our customers’ brands.”

BIC Graphic NA conducted internal surveys, focus groups—internal and customer—and worked with outside branding agencies throughout 2019 to develop a list of over 800 names to consider. Koozie Group was selected because the spirit of the flagship Koozie brand clearly aligns with the company’s goal of providing useful solutions that evoke positive vibes and spark lasting memories. Despite the name having roots in drinkware, Koozie Group will still provide an assortment of products, categories and 40-plus brands, including BIC writing instruments.

The new Koozie Group is also adopting the tagline "Keep the Good Going" and implementing a social impact and sustainability commitment program in 2021 that they call Keep it Give it.

Read more on this story in Tuesday’s PPB Newslink.