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.
Where can UK drinks producers source packaging stock like bottles, corks, and cans from other producers or suppliers?
Members have identified several specific sources for secondary packaging stock, both from industry liquidations and specialist suppliers: **Stock clearance opportunities:** - **Brittains closure stock** — One member had 100,000 corks available (40mm x 12mm, dark wood, natural cork shank 18.5mm, made for herbalist bottles) sourced from Brittains' closure - **Brew and Bottle liquidation** — 100k x 150ml cans available from this company going into liquidation - **Peer-to-peer sourcing** — Members regularly post urgent needs (e.g., 35cl personalised bottles for Christmas orders, 20ml/25ml bottles, white flint Kelfa Apotheker or Herbalist 70cl bottles) in the group; sometimes other members have surplus stock to offload **Specialist packaging suppliers:** - **Propak** — Recommended for branded items like jiggers - **Xilong** (Far East option; +86 182 5869 2627, http://www.xilong-glass.com) — Used occasionally for minis and first runs of new SKUs due to cheap set-up costs. However, members warned that quality control is poor (bottle variance/tolerance greater than European suppliers), bottles often arrive dirty, fill levels vary, payment is upfront (poor cash flow vs. UK terms), and shipping delays eliminate cost savings unless budget allows air freight. Rachel is the contact. Members noted they've since moved all formats back to UK production. **Service providers offering contract solutions:** - **Gorilla Spirits** (near Basingstoke; https://gorillaspirits.co.uk/contract-distilling-bottling/) — Offers production and contract bottling capacity Members emphasise: always check the Kindred group first for liquidation stock and peer offers before placing orders elsewhere. Far East sourcing has hidden costs and cash-flow penalties that often outweigh initial price savings.
Where can I sell or dispose of surplus inventory like old label stock effectively?
When you have excess stock with good shelf life that you need to move, members suggest several practical routes. **Specialist stock buyers:** - **JA Cox and Sons** (Derby area) — members recommend contacting them for purchasing unwanted stock, though be prepared that prices won't be premium - **Stocks** (Manchester) — another established contact for moving surplus inventory **Alternative channels:** - **Subscription boxes** — considered a viable solution for moving old stock - **Standon** — mentioned as a potential outlet (though context suggests this may be informal/trade show related) **Other approaches:** - Consider reaching out via direct message to community members who may have relevant industry contacts or buyers within their networks - Be clear about your product specs when inquiring, as suitability matters **Caveat:** Don't expect high prices from liquidation buyers — this is essentially a clearance play rather than a revenue-generating sale.