Koozie, Coolie, Beer or Can Cooler, Stubby Holder, Stubbyz ...
Whether you call it a koozie, coolie, beer or can cooler, or stubby holder, this simple invention has become an indispensable part of our drinking culture.
Whatever You Call Them, They're a Great Promotional Product.
The Humble Beginnings of the Koozie and Stubby Holder
A koozie, also known as a stubby holder in Australia, is a simple yet ingenious invention designed to thermally insulate beverage containers. Its origins trace back to the early 1980s when Bob Autrey of San Antonio, Texas, coined the term "Koozie." The Radio Cap Corporation (RCC), initially a baseball cap company, saw potential in this nifty item and registered the trademark in 1980. By 1982, they introduced the first foam can cooler under the KOOZIE brand.
The Evolution and Trademark Journey
The Koozie quickly became a staple in American households, synonymous with keeping drinks cold and hands dry. However, its rise to fame wasn't without challenges. The term "Koozie" faced genericide—a process where a brand name becomes so common that it loses its trademark protection, akin to "Onesie" or "Zamboni."
Over the years, the KOOZIE brand changed hands, first to Norwood Promotional Products in 1991 and then to BIC Graphic in 2009. Each transition saw the brand expand its product line, incorporating various styles of can coolers, cooler bags, and even outdoor leisure items.
The Stubby Holder: An Australian Icon
Down under, Australians developed their version of the koozie, aptly named the stubby holder, due to the traditional 375 mL beer bottles known as "stubbies." These squat bottles needed insulation, especially in the hot Australian climate, and the stubby holder was born. While Australian beers have transitioned to longneck bottles and aluminum cans, the stubby holder remains a cultural icon, essential for any barbecue or beach outing.
Stubbyz: Revolutionizing Can Cooler Art
Enter Stubbyz, a brand that took the stubby holder to new heights by pioneering full-color beer can art on a beer cooler. From skinny high-cut styles to 16oz. Tall Boys, Stubbyz has transformed the humble stubby holder into a canvas for creativity. They were among the first to use vibrant, full-color and even neon printing techniques combined with color coordinated tape and stitching, making each holder a mini piece of art. This innovation not only elevated the aesthetic appeal, but also opened new avenues for promotional marketing.
Stubbyz is now available in the US exclusively from Printwear. The humble coolie will never be the same ... I can't wait to get my favorite matching cans.
The Versatile Promotional Powerhouse
Koozie® and stubby holders have become powerful promotional tools. Their affordability and utility ensure that they are used repeatedly, keeping a brand's message in constant circulation. Originally screen-printed with simple logos, today's coolies can feature intricate designs, slogans, and full-color images, thanks to advances in printing technology.
Promotional can coolers are perfect for events, giveaways, and corporate gifts. They not only serve a practical purpose but also offer a large surface area for branding. Whether at a company picnic, a sports event, or a wedding, a coolie keeps beverages cool and the brand top of mind.
Material Innovations and Styles
The evolution of the koozie didn't stop at printing techniques. These beverage insulators now come in a variety of materials including leather, neoprene, polyester, and vinyl. There are koozies designed for everything from standard cans to 40 oz. bottles, and even adjustable models that fit various container sizes. This versatility ensures that there's a koozie for every type of beverage and occasion.
Whether you call it a koozie, coolie, beer or can cooler, or stubby holder, this simple invention has become an indispensable part of our drinking culture. Brands like Stubbyz have pushed the boundaries, turning these everyday items into eye-catching promotional products. Their ability to keep drinks cold while serving as a blank canvas for branding makes them a timeless and effective marketing tool. So next time you crack open a cold one, remember the koozie—not just as a functional accessory but as a piece of promotional art.
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