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 the main wholesalers or distribution services that can get products into Ocado, aside from Bibendum?
Members currently use two main alternatives to Bibendum for Ocado distribution: - **PW Gates** — offers pallet consolidation services and has a direct relationship with Ocado, managing their parcel consolidation and fulfilment. Visit pwgates.co.uk for details. - **Tortuga** — members recommend reaching out to them as another option for Ocado distribution support. Both services handle the logistics of getting products into Ocado's system, so exploring both may give you options depending on your volume and requirements.
What courier services and negotiation strategies can reduce shipping costs for small orders to wholesalers?
Members report significant variation in courier pricing even with the same provider, highlighting the importance of negotiation. **APC Liquid** is commonly used; typical rates are around £10–£11 for shipments up to 6–20kg, though one member was initially quoted £39 for 12 bottles—well above the negotiated rate. Discussing rates with your account manager is essential, as better pricing is often available. **UPS** can be cheaper on larger volumes but requires direct negotiation; members report achieving around £6 per 6-bottle shipment through negotiated contracts. The key tactic is to actively negotiate with your courier's account manager rather than accepting initial quotes, as the same provider's pricing can vary significantly depending on your agreement terms.