The Inspirational Place to Work Award spotlights organisations that put people first, offer an engaging and inspiring place to work, value employees, and embrace an open and inclusive culture supported by a future-thinking leadership team. Efforts related to corporate responsibility, sustainability, and the impact their businesses have on the environment are also considered.
Founded by Gustavo Cosaro and Mario Tagliati in a Southern California garage, Picnic Time Family of Brands has grown from a wine-and-cheese shop into a global leader in outdoor leisure. Their mission is to create products that inspire friends and family to come together and make lasting memories.
The year 2025 was a landmark year for the Picnic Time Family of Brands, defined by both industry-leading growth and internal evolution. They were named one of the "Best Places to Work" by both Counselor Magazine and Promotional Products Business and recognised on the PPAI 100 list. Recently, as the company celebrated 43 years in business, it also marked 25 years of excellence in the promotional and incentive industry.
Picnic Time Family of Brands has worked to modernise their infrastructure, invest in data-driven sustainability metrics and expand their workforce development initiatives. These achievements reflect a forward-thinking, innovative commitment to stand out not only as a leader in product design but also as a leader in workplace excellence.
Their commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability and the impact the business has on the environment is evidenced by their Platinum status with the Green Business Bureau. By successfully reducing electricity and water usage year-over-year and being on track to make their Southern California facilities 90 percent solar powered, they also fight "throwaway culture" by designing products to last, using recycled materials like RPET, and minimising waste through eco-friendly shipping practices.
Social responsibility is seen in their "Giving Tuesday" initiative, partnerships with the Surfrider Foundation, and regular food drives to empower employees to give back to the communities that support them.
Through career development, such as ESL classes, and empowering employees to participate, they foster an open and inclusive environment where every employee is encouraged to contribute to their mission. Their "Green Beans" program allows team members from all departments to brainstorm, investigate, and implement sustainable initiatives.
Their core value of "fun" reflects their belief that if their team isn't enjoying what they do, they should be doing something different. At Picnic Time Family of Brands, this belief is embedded into the company’s culture as the primary driver of its success, treating their people as the most valuable asset.
View all IMA Summit Award winners on the IMA website.