Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What are typical cold storage or warehouse storage costs per pallet per week in the Netherlands?
Members report storage costs in the Netherlands range from approximately **€2–4 per pallet per week**, with quotes clustering around **€2**, **€2.50–€3.00 GBP**, and **€4**. One member cited having this data "in front of me" to confirm the range. The variation likely reflects different facility types, locations, and service levels, so it's worth getting quotes from local Dutch logistics providers rather than relying on a single figure.
What are typical bonded warehousing and logistics costs in the Netherlands, and how do they compare to UK rates?
Members shared specific rates from a Netherlands provider to help with cost planning. Dutch bonded warehouse charges typically break down as follows: - **Landing charges** — approximately €140 for 20 pallets - **Storage charges** — €1.35 per pallet per week - **Order preparation** — €20 to €80 depending on complexity These figures are from **Lis Logistics** and reflect pricing before a cost increase earlier in the year. Members note that per-pallet costs vary significantly depending on volume and operational complexity, so it's worth getting custom quotes rather than relying on these benchmarks alone. Alternatively, **Toorank** in Zevenaar was mentioned as another option worth exploring for Dutch warehousing.
What are the specific labelling requirements for exporting alcoholic beverages to Dutch and Italian markets, and do I need an EU address on the label?
The labelling requirements for the Dutch and Italian markets are largely aligned with UK requirements, with a few key differences: **Labelling specifics:** - The **pregnant woman logo** (warning symbol) is compulsory across the EU, whereas it is optional in the UK. - An **EU address is compulsory** on the bottle for both markets (this differs from the UK where it is not required). - Basic labelling follows the same format as UK labelling otherwise. **Shipping recommendations for samples:** Members have successfully used both **Hillebrand** (international courier—approximately £100 for 2 × 70cl bottles from London to international destinations) and **UPS** for sample shipments to Italy.