We explore the depths of the Chinese New Year, a celebration steeped in tradition and cultural importance, with far-reaching effects on global supply chains. Observed both in China and among Chinese communities across the world, the festival is known for its family reunions, delicious foods, and colorful festivities. However, beyond the joyous celebrations, it plays a crucial role in shaping the flow of goods and services on an international scale.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (CNY) also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Festivities include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough cleaning of homes, and visiting family. A major tradition involves lighting firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster Nian.
In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival. However, festivities start prior and extend beyond this 16 day period.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
The impact of Chinese New Year extends far beyond China, affecting global supply chain operations. International companies, especially those dependent on Chinese-manufactured components, often face delays in shipments, inventory shortages, and ripple effects on production timelines worldwide.
Many workers leave with factories shutting down prior to the holiday to allow for travel and holiday preparations. This adds to the disruption well before and beyond the holiday’s actual celebratory dates. These disruptions highlight the importance of understanding and planning strategically around the Chinese New Year to effectively manage the inevitable challenges it brings.
How Should My Company Prepare?
Proactive businesses, aware of the upcoming manufacturing hiatus, often adopt strategic measures like stockpiling inventory to avoid potential shortages. These strategies may involve accelerating production schedules and increasing inventory levels. The goal of these actions is to maintain supply chain continuity and protect against disruptions caused by the festive break in production. Preparations should be made until production returns around the end of February.
Post-Festival Recovery and Restart
The period following the Chinese New Year is equally significant, representing a time of recovery and restart for industries and supply chains. The reopening of factories, the return of workers, and the resumption of production processes require careful coordination to restore pre-holiday operations. This phase often sees a surge in production to make up for the holiday slowdown, as businesses strive to stabilize supply chains and meet backlogged demand.
Which Custom 420 Supply Products will be Impacted?
This will impact any of your custom products, such as bags, boxes, vape hardware, jars, tubes, tins, and more. Most custom packaging options with direct printing of your branding will be delayed during this time-frame. However, please note that all labels and simple fold-and-tuck boxes will continue to be available during this period. Additionally, if you use non-branded stock packaging, it will remain unaffected and still available as an option.
What is the Current Situation with the Tariffs on products from China?
When importing products from China to the U.S., there are government-imposed tariffs – essentially import taxes – added to the total “declared value” of these items. These tariffs vary by product type and are collected by U.S. Customs as they arrive to the border. Custom 420 Supply handles these tariffs and has built them into the cost of your shipping charges. The current tariff rate has been negotiated into place during the CNY period and we do not anticipate any increases during this time.
In Conclusion
The Chinese New Year, while a time of vibrant celebration and cultural tradition, also holds significant implications for global supply chains. From factory shutdowns to production delays, the festival creates disruptions that can impact international businesses with ties to Chinese manufacturing.
However, with careful planning and strategic measures, such as stockpiling and adjusting production schedules, companies can mitigate these challenges. As the post-festival period brings a recovery in manufacturing and logistics, businesses must remain adaptable to navigate both the immediate and long-term effects. By understanding the complexities of this period, companies can ensure continuity and minimize the impact on their operations during this crucial time.
The cannabis industry is evolving at an incredible pace. And events like the Cultivators Cup play a crucial role in shaping its future.
More than just a competition, the Cultivators Cup is a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and community. It brings together cultivators, consumers, and industry leaders in a shared passion for high-quality cannabis.
For Custom 420 Supply, being part of this event isn’t just about sponsorship. It’s about fostering meaningful connections, supporting emerging talent, and showcasing the power of premium packaging in branding success.
As the industry grows, so does the need for creative and cutting-edge solutions. We’re here to help cultivators stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
A Legacy of Sponsorship
Custom 420 Supply has been a proud sponsor of the Cultivators Cup. We provide high-end packaging solutions that enhance both presentation and brand recognition. Here’s a breakdown of our sponsorship over the years:
2019 – Location: TetraHydro Club – Wakefield, RI. This year’s event featured local music artists and vendors, with judging limited to Rhode Island competitors.
2020 – No event due to COVID-19.
2021 – Location: Solar Cannabis Co. Dispensary – Somerset, MA. Hosted by Peter Dante, with a concert headlined by Cypress Hill, Redman, and Method Man.
2022 – Location: Worcester, MA. Sponsored by Nature’s Heritage, with performances from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Busta Rhymes, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher.
About the Cultivators Cup
The Cultivators Cup was created to spotlight and empower emerging licensed cannabis cultivators while giving consumers the unique opportunity to provide honest feedback on various cannabis and cannabis-infused products.
This event celebrates the cannabis community—bringing people together to welcome, support, and build connections around a shared passion for cannabis.
Attendees from the region are invited to enjoy a safe, vibrant atmosphere featuring world-class entertainment, diverse gourmet food options, artisan and industry vendors, and an unforgettable cannabis experience.
How the Competition is Judged
Starting at a later-to-be-specified date, limited edition “judges’ kits” will be available at a to-be-determined location in Phoenix, Arizona. Each kit includes 28 individual 1-gram samples of flower, carefully curated from licensed cultivators across Arizona.
By purchasing a judges’ kit, participants join a true blind cannabis competition, helping to uncover who grows the finest bud in the desert.
Custom 420 Supply’s Sponsorship
At Custom 420 Supply, supporting the cannabis community isn’t just for marketing—it’s a core part of what we do. Whether through event sponsorship, partnerships, or simply engaging with customers and vendors, we take pride in giving back to the industry that fuels our passion.
Events like the Cultivators Cup provide the perfect opportunity to connect with growers, brands, and enthusiasts, while also allowing us to showcase our premium packaging solutions. Just take a note from Jordan Carlson, aka “The Farmacist” and the man behind the Cultivators Cup:
“Custom 420, those guys did all our packaging and everything you saw for this event [Cultivators Cup]. That packaging was top notch and every year, we plan to keep that packaging cooler and cooler and do something new.”
Beyond brand exposure, these moments are about building relationships and sharing our expertise to help cannabis businesses thrive.
Custom 420 Supply’s Packaging Solutions
For the 2021 and 2022 events, Custom 420 Supply provided a variety of high-quality packaging solutions tailored to different product categories. These included:
Flower Kits – Corrugated master boxes with handles, featuring matte, spot UV, and gold foil finishes.
Pre-roll Kits – Fold and tuck boxes with auto-tuck bottoms and custom paper inserts for 166mm pre-roll tubes.
Pre-roll Tubes – 116mm black child-resistant pre-roll tubes with foil wrap labels.
Concentrate Kits – Corrugated fold and tuck boxes with custom EVA foam inserts.
9ml Concentrate Jars – Opaque black concentrate jars with foil lid labels.
Vape Kits – Fold and tuck boxes with custom paper inserts for vape tubes and pens.
Why the Cultivators Cup?
Sponsoring the Cultivators Cup was an easy decision for Custom 420 Supply. This event brings together some of the most talented cultivators in the industry, giving them a platform to display their craft and compete in a way that elevates cannabis culture.
Our goal was to introduce these innovators to high-end packaging solutions that could set their brands apart. With the competition placing a strong emphasis on top-tier presentation, we wanted to inspire cultivators to think about how their products are perceived in an increasingly competitive market.
By providing cutting-edge packaging options, we help businesses take their branding to the next level.
A Historical Step for Cannabis in New England
The Cultivators Cup is more than just a competition—it’s a movement that has made history in the New England cannabis scene. As the first event in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts to allow licensed operators to compete and be judged by actual consumers, it has set the precedent for the industry’s future.
It was also among the first to permit open cannabis consumption, breaking barriers and paving the way for even more progressive events to follow. These milestones mark significant progress for the cannabis industry in the region, helping to shape a more open and connected community.
Final Word
For Custom 420 Supply, being part of this journey is incredibly rewarding. Sponsoring events like the Cultivators Cup aligns with our mission to support and uplift the cannabis industry while showcasing the power of premium packaging.
As the community continues to grow, we remain committed to innovation, connection, and making a lasting impact.
The 2025 NECANN Cup Boston is set to bring the best of the cannabis industry for an exciting competition that highlights innovation, quality, and craftsmanship.
Running alongside the NECANN Cannabis Convention on March 21st and 22nd at the Hynes Convention Center, this event is a must-attend for cannabis professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses looking to connect, compete, and showcase their latest products. From top-tier flower to cutting-edge edibles and concentrates, the NECANN Cup is a premier platform for recognizing excellence in cannabis.
As the official packaging sponsor, Custom 420 Supply is proud to support this competition by providing high-quality packaging solutions that enhance the integrity and organization of the event. Whether you’re a competitor, attendee, or industry insider, NECANN Boston offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the ever-evolving cannabis market.
What is the Boston NECANN Cup?
The NECANN Cup is a third-party evaluation of the latest cannabis and cannabis products. Those deemed best are awarded the best cannabis products in New England.
This Cup runs alongside the NECANN Cannabis Convention. In short, this event takes place between March 21st and 22nd at the Hynes Convention Center. This is a B2B (business-to-business) marketing event for the cannabis industry, featuring the latest products, vendors, and technology.
If you want to attend this event, you can purchase tickets here for the following prices:
2-Day All Access – $115
2-Day Expo Hall Only – $60
Saturday All Access – $80
Saturday Expo Only – $45
Exhibitor Staff – $500
What is the Address for NECANN?
The 2025 Boston NECANN Cup at:
Hynes Convention Center 900 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02115
This year, NECANN Boston is accepting applications for the following categories:
Hybrid flower
Indica flower
Sativa flower
Solvent concentrate
Pre-roll
Infused pre-roll
Non-solvent vape cartridge
Edible beverage/tincture
Edible chocolate
Edible gummies
Topical
Each category has different requirements for how much needs to be submitted. Therefore, if you’re interested, we highly recommend checking out NECANN’s website for specifics.
Last Year’s First-Place Winners
If you’d like an idea of what you’re up against as a cannabis business owner, here’s a snapshot of 2024’s NECANN Cup first-place winners:
Best Dispensary – Sweetgrass Botanicals Dispensary – Lee, MA
Solvent Concentrate – United Cultivation – Jelly Donuts Live Resin – Ashby, MA
Snacks/Candy – Joy Bombs – CBD 1:1 Sours – Salisbury, MA
Hybrid Flower – Advanced Cultivators – Red Runtz – Lowell, MA
Gummies – Suncrafted Cannabis – Sour Blue Raspberry Rosin Gummies – Middleboro, MA
Chocolate – Emerald Elevation Cannabis Co. – Salted Caramel + Waffle Cone Bar – Eliot, ME
Vape Cartridge – Standard Farms – Mimosa Liquid Live Rosin – Massachusetts
Topical – Peaceful Potions – Chronic Potion – Wareham, MA
Custom 420 Sponsorship
As the official packaging sponsor of the NECANN Cup, Custom 420 plays an integral role in supporting this prestigious cannabis competition. The sponsorship involves collaborating closely with Mike Clinton, the event organizer, to produce high-quality packaging solutions tailored for the event.
Custom 420 Supply provides large corrugated master boxes that are specifically designed to house each competition entry by category. Furthermore, custom labels are created to differentiate boxes and ensure efficient organization.
The box production process includes two different box sizes to accommodate the various competition categories. To elevate the presentation, Custom 420 incorporates a dual-finish design.
The interiors of the boxes have a matte finish with a Spot UV layer to enhance the artwork, while the exteriors boast a glossy finish complemented by a foil layer that highlights specific design elements. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the packaging not only serves its functional purpose but also stands out visually.
Why Custom 420 Sponsors the NECANN Cup
Custom 420’s decision to sponsor the NECANN Cup stems from our recognition of the competition’s integrity and fairness. Operated in strict compliance with Massachusetts state laws established by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), the NECANN Cup provides an equal opportunity for all participants to showcase their talents and potentially secure a win.
The event organizer, Mike Clinton, is a respected figure in the Massachusetts cannabis community, making a significant honor for Custom 420.
Sponsoring the NECANN Cup also presents an invaluable opportunity for Custom 420 to demonstrate our production capabilities to a broad audience, including competitors, judges, and attendees. As one of the largest cannabis conventions in the country, the Boston NECANN event offers extensive exposure and the chance to connect with key players in the industry.
Fostering Community and Innovation
This year, Custom 420 looks forward to seeing a diverse array of new entries and competitors in the NECANN Cup. The event fosters a sense of community by bringing together various facets of the Massachusetts cannabis industry and beyond.
Through this sponsorship, Custom 420 aims to build meaningful connections while continuing to support the growth and innovation of the cannabis community.
Where Else Do NECANN Competitions Occur?
If you’re interested in NECANN, but don’t live in the Boston area, not to worry! The competition is held in other parts of the country at various times of year. These include:
Massachusetts Cup of Champions (Location TBA)
Registration opens 4/1/2025
Registration closes 7/23/25
Intake opens 8/1/25
Intake closes 8/7/25
NECANN New Jersey (Atlantic City Convention Center)
Registration opens 4/1/25
Registration closes 7/23/25
Intake opens 8/1/25
Intake closes 8/7/25
NECANN New York (NYS Fairgrounds)
Dates for registration TBA
Final Word
With the 2025 NECANN Cup Boston just around the corner, excitement is building for what promises to be a standout event in the cannabis industry. From recognizing the top cannabis products in New England to fostering industry connections, this competition plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence.
For Custom 420, sponsoring the NECANN Cup is more than just providing premium packaging—it’s about supporting a fair and respected competition while engaging with the broader cannabis community. As we look forward to the competition, we’re eager to see the talent, creativity, and passion that define this growing industry. Whether participating or attending, the NECANN Cup is an event you won’t want to miss!
