Promo Insiders: Lance Stier of NC Custom on Innovations & Trends in Food Gifts
The Counselor Top 40 supplier recently acquired Confection 360, opening the door to new decoration possibilities including high-speed etching of chocolate.
2026 is teeing up to be an exciting year for Counselor Top 40 supplier NC Custom (asi/44900). At the beginning of January, the Hicksville, NY-based company acquired Confection 360 in a deal designed to enhance NC Custom’s manufacturing capabilities in high-definition etched chocolates.
Another big win? The supplier’s AmuseMints division was named a licensed merchandise partner in the souvenir, gift and specialty market for America250, the initiative formed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Executive Editor Theresa Hegel sits down with Lance Stier, managing partner/CEO of NC Custom and a member of the Counselor Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo. The pair discuss topics that include the decoration possibilities enabled through high-speed etching, how print on demand works in the food gift space, the significance of events like America250 and the power of nostalgia-tinged flavors in promo gifting.
Key Takeaways
• Lance Stier of NC Custom (asi/44900) explains how laser etching on chocolate enables high-detail print-on-demand customization without ink or additives.
• NC Custom’s acquisition strategy prioritizes people, culture and long-term innovation as much as financials.
• Food gifts remained strong in 2025, driven by kits, experiential packaging and premium presentation.
• Major events in 2026 will fuel demand for custom food gifts tied to national and global moments.
• Print on demand in food relies on efficient digital workflows and maintaining healthy order values.
• Sustainable packaging, including compostable options, continues to gain traction with buyers.
• Despite new technologies and flavors, nostalgia remains a powerful driver in confectionery sales.