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 members source key bulk ingredients and bases for drinks production, such as juices, spirits, glycerine, and non-spirits alcohol?
The community has shared several reliable sourcing contacts and suppliers for bulk drinks ingredients: **Juices** - **Eager** — recommended as an affordable wholesaler for bulk juices (orange, pineapple and others); members have used them for years at bars. **White Rum** - **Two Drifters** — contact mentioned as a potential white rum supplier for projects. - **UK-based European rum distillery** — members note access to 7 different white rum marques (molasses and cane fermentations, column/pot/double retort, made in England from scratch). **Non-Spirits Alcohol Bases** - **Bevisol** — specialises in non-NGS (non-grain spirits) alcohol bases for RTD products. They offer low-price neutral cider base. Contact: simon.fletcher@bevisol.com. Simon Fletcher is the key contact. - **Larger contract wineries, cideries and breweries** — members report having contacts available for those seeking provenance-led alcohol bases. **Elderflower Liqueur** - **Michael Mydflower** — recommended as a potential source for elderflower liqueur for cocktail applications; described as "very good liquid." **Caveats:** The discussion excerpts do not contain specific recommendations for dehydrated fruit in bulk, vegetable glycerine sourcing, aged rum for product development, or bulk tequila in IBC containers, despite these being asked questions. Members interested in those should ask directly in the group.
Where can we source branded or custom-decorated glassware, and what are typical turnaround times?
Members recommend several established glassware suppliers for branded products, with varying turnaround times and capabilities. **Key suppliers:** - **Rastal** — mentioned multiple times as a reliable option with quicker turnaround than some competitors; can handle decoration/branding - **Festival Glass** — frequently recommended but noted to have longer lead times (8–12 weeks quoted); capable of branded glassware - **Utopia** — suggested as an alternative for decoration and branding; worth enquiring with - **Artis UK** (https://www.artis-uk.com/) — noted as good quality but slower turnaround - **Drinkstuff** (https://www.drinkstuff.com/products/glassware.asp) — has a great range and works well for smaller runs, but cannot print on designs (less cost-effective) - **Willis Publicity** — mentioned as worth trying, particularly for ice buckets **Turnaround summary:** Rastal appears to offer quicker turnaround than Festival Glass. Members should enquire directly with both to compare current lead times. **Caveats:** Festival Glass does not stock highball glasses in all ranges. Artis UK is reliable but slower. Drinkstuff cannot provide printing on their designs, making them suitable for undecorated stock only.
Where can wine bottle closures (shrink capsules and Vinolok) be sourced, particularly in the UK?
Members are actively seeking alternatives to traditional suppliers due to price pressures. **Bruni** has recently increased prices by 25%, prompting searches for other PVC/PET shrink capsule manufacturers. **Seven Tails** closures are sourced through **La Martiniques** in France, where they are assembled; this supplier offers competitive pricing on bulk orders due to aggregated buying across multiple brand labels. For **Vinolok** closures specifically, members have mentioned sourcing from **Berlin** (likely referring to a German supplier, though details are limited). **Prowein** (the trade show) has been referenced as a venue where members have made valuable supplier connections and visited facilities. For logistics support, **Hillebrand** (contact: diana.estelanecochea@hillebrandgori.com) has been used successfully for international shipments, including samples to Italy and shipments to Dubai, at approximately £100 for 2 × 70cl bottles from London. **UPS** is another option members have used for sample shipments. Members suggest coordinating shipment costs with peers attending Prowein to split shipping expenses.
Where can we source natural wood head cork stoppers with short lead times?
Members have identified a few reliable suppliers for cork stoppers when lead times are tight. - **Labrenta** — recommended as a direct contact (Alessandro D'Ospina, alessandro.dospina@labrenta.com) - **Bostocap** — noted for quick orders of branded stoppers; members recommend calling rather than emailing (Chris Lancksweert, chris@bostocap.com) - **Vetro Elite** — members have secured corks within a week from this supplier - **Rawlings** — mentioned as an option - **Berlin Packaging** — available but noted as difficult to reach via email; calling is recommended Members also note that community members occasionally have stock available directly (e.g. unbranded stoppers in various specs), so it's worth asking in the group if you have specific requirements. **Caveat:** Lead times and availability vary by specification (diameter, material, branding). Colour and exact dimensions matter—one member's stock was rejected because the stopper was too dark for their application.
Where can drinks brands source bulk wine and wine ingredients for ready-to-drink production?
Members have identified several routes for bulk wine sourcing. The community recommends reaching out directly to members who have existing supplier relationships, as several have offered introductions via DM. **Good Food Wines in Kent** has been recommended as a direct supplier option. Members also note that **Mother's Ruin Distilling Co** acts as a bulk wine supplier and purchases on behalf of other brands—they can facilitate introductions. For international supply (e.g., Estonia), members have reported having contacts in Italy who can support logistics, though availability varies by destination. The best approach appears to be networking within the community for warm introductions rather than cold outreach, as members with existing relationships are willing to connect others.
Where can we source bulk ingredients like simple syrup and cacao nibs for drinks manufacturing?
Members recommend making simple syrup in-house when possible due to cost savings, but outsourcing is viable for scale. For bulk cacao nibs, the community is still exploring reliable suppliers with consistent pricing. **Simple Syrup:** - **William Fox UK** — can supply any quantity from 100ml to 1000L IBC containers. Contact George Tudor-Williams at George@williamfoxuk.com. Members note that in-house production is cheaper but space and time constraints often drive the decision to outsource. **Cacao Nibs:** - No specific supplier was named in the discussion for bulk cacao nibs (30–50kg range). One member asked for recommendations but responses were not captured in the excerpts. Members flagged "mad variations in price" as a concern when sourcing at this volume, suggesting price comparison across suppliers is essential.
How do you find and vet UK bottling and co-packing facilities for small batch production?
Finding a UK co-packer typically starts with personal introductions within the Kindred network. Members recommend reaching out directly to known facilities or asking for introductions via the group. Key suppliers and contacts mentioned: - **Columbo Group** — members have contacts here and can facilitate introductions - Direct outreach to individual members who manage co-packing relationships What you'll need ready: - **Volume requirements** — co-packers ask about expected batch sizes upfront - **Bottle format/size** — specify your exact packaging needs (e.g. wine spritz in specific bottle size) Approach: Members suggest emailing contacts directly or asking the group for an introduction. Several members indicated they have "a few options available depending on requirements," suggesting capacity varies by format and volume. Personal networks and word-of-mouth vetting appear to be the primary route—members will only recommend facilities they've worked with or trust.
Where can I source pink grapefruit peel for production?
Members report that finding pink grapefruit peel suppliers can be challenging. When sourcing, clarify whether you need actual peel or oil, as this affects your supplier options. Recommended suppliers to contact: - **Beacon** — reportedly contacted but unavailable for pink grapefruit peel - **Star Spice** — reportedly contacted but unavailable for pink grapefruit peel - **KrauterMix** — suggested as an alternative option to try Members recommend reaching out directly rather than relying on LinkedIn outreach to avoid excessive contact attempts.
Where can we source synthetic wood-effect cork closures when facing supply shortages?
Members are experiencing cork supply constraints and have identified a key supplier to contact. **Rankin James** is recommended as a top-3 cork supplier and has been suggested as a starting point for sourcing synthetic wood-effect corks, including 19.5mm options. Members suggest reaching out to Rankin James first when facing availability issues, though no other specific alternative suppliers were named in the discussion. The community is actively problem-solving on this—if you have surplus stock (e.g. brown wood cork stoppers in specific dimensions), members are willing to buy from each other as a workaround during shortages.
What are the best suppliers for branded wine glasses?
Members recommend several established suppliers for branded wine glasses: - **Festival Glass** (festivalglass.co.uk) — recommended by the community - **Utopia** — a standard choice for branded glassware - **Rastal** — another established supplier used by members - **Alibaba** — mentioned as an option, though typically for bulk overseas sourcing Members suggest checking these suppliers for options on custom wine glass branding. No specific pricing, lead times, or MOQs were discussed in the community thread.
Where can I find reliable glass bottle suppliers for custom lightweight bottle shapes?
Members facing urgent glass sourcing challenges recommend reaching out to established suppliers and intermediaries who can help navigate current stock constraints. Key contacts and options: - **Allied Glass (Leeds)** — contact John, their UK sales director; also has an "Emerging brands" division that may offer solutions - **Spiritbridge** — has a strong network for sourcing custom bottles; members recommend emailing support@spiritbridge.io or dropping a direct note to Jonathan for assistance - **Oliver** — mentioned as having a great network for glass sourcing (contact details not provided in discussion) - **Drinks Aisle** — another potential supplier to contact (specific contact details not shared) - **Secondary market/excess stock** — members occasionally have surplus bottles available (e.g. discontinued Herbalist/Duppy bottles); worth asking in the community if you need immediate inventory **Important context:** Members noted significant global stock shortages in early 2024, with some suppliers facing 6+ month out-of-stock periods. It's advisable to have conversations with intermediaries like Spiritbridge or established suppliers with diverse networks (Allied Glass, Oliver) who may have contingency options or access to alternative lightweight shapes that match your requirements.
How can I source bespoke glass stoppers from Asian manufacturers?
Members recommend reaching out directly to community contacts who have established relationships with Asian glass manufacturers. - **Direct contact via community network** — Members with existing partnerships offer to make introductions. Several members noted they have active supplier relationships for glass heads/stoppers and are happy to facilitate introductions via DM. - **One-to-one calls with experienced members** — Those who have recently completed sourcing (within the last few months) are available to share process details and supplier contacts on a call. The approach is brokered through private introductions rather than open sourcing platforms. No specific manufacturer names or pricing details were shared in the discussion, but members indicated the process is straightforward enough that they retain "a lot of the detail still to hand" after completing their own sourcing.
Where can we source good quality whole dried botanical ingredients for spirits production?
Members consistently recommend two specialist suppliers for whole dried botanicals: - **Beacon Commodities** — highly praised as a reliable go-to source; multiple members recommend them enthusiastically. - **Organic Herb Trading** — recommended for quality and ethical practice; members note they "really look after their suppliers," suggesting reliable traceability and fair-trade credentials. Both suppliers appear to be trusted within the community for consistent quality and reliability in whole dried ingredient sourcing.
What are the best suppliers for sourcing lemon juice in bulk for event activations and cocktail production?
For bulk lemon juice sourcing, members recommend starting with contact at **Funkin**, a major supplier in this space—reach out through your network for introductions. When placing orders, consider your volume needs carefully: **25kg BIBs (bag-in-box)** are praised as a practical middle ground for mid-scale activations, avoiding the commitment of full pallets of 4×200kg drums. Specific suppliers members have used recently: - **Keyme** (keyme.eu) — tested for bulk ingredient supply - **In-house supplier** (contact via community) — can provide lemon juice in 1kg cartons or 10 litre bags; reach out for terms Caveats: Members note that bulk lemon juice sourcing requires advance planning and relationship-building; direct outreach through existing contacts at major suppliers often yields better terms and flexibility than cold approaches.
How can a founder find alternative tonic manufacturers to replace a discontinued supplier?
When a tonic supplier discontinues a product line, the most practical approach is to crowdsource leads within the Kindred network first. **Direct outreach to community members:** Ask the group for introductions to tonic producers within Kindred. Members have responded positively to public requests and indicated willingness to make introductions via DM. **Key contact leads mentioned:** - **Andy Mallows** — identified as a tonic maker in the group; worth reaching out directly - **New World Trading Company** — historically a tonic supplier, though leadership has changed (Kelly and Gary have left); members recommended finding out who currently leads the operation - **Lakes Distillery** — flagged as a potential contact; members offered to make introductions if you ask directly **Volume discussion:** Be prepared to discuss your annual volumes upfront when approaching new manufacturers, as this will inform their interest and pricing. **Next steps:** When you have preliminary proposals or partnership outlines sketched, members have shown willingness to help facilitate conversations. Start with direct messages to known contacts in the community rather than cold outreach.
Where should UK drinks founders relocate their supply chains away from China, and what are viable low-cost alternatives?
Members who have recently diversified supply chains report success with Turkey as a credible middle-ground option. Turkey offers significantly lower costs than domestic UK production, faster lead times, and avoids the extended shipping delays via the Red Sea that come with Chinese sourcing. Several members are currently working with Turkish packaging suppliers and report positive early results, though verification of supplier reliability is ongoing. Members advise requesting direct contact details from peers who have tested suppliers before committing to large orders, as trust-building and performance validation are critical in the early stages of new supply relationships.
What are the main bulk rum suppliers that can provide spirits in IBCs and tanker quantities?
Members recommended a small number of tested suppliers for bulk rum: - **Sheer's** (Holland) — described as "the best" and already in use by multiple members as their primary supplier - **Diamonds Distillers Ltd (DDL)** (Guyana) — bulk distill spirits for numerous clients; members suggest buying direct from them. Contact details available on request from community members. - **Distribucions Túnel** (https://distribucionstunel.com/distribucions-tunel-home/) — mentioned as a potential option worth investigating - **Marqt** (Amsterdam) — one member sought an introduction here, though specifics on their bulk offerings weren't detailed in discussion Members noted that Sheer's is their current go-to, with at least one member actively seeking backup options. For introductions to contacts at DDL or other suppliers, members are willing to make direct introductions via DM.
Where can you source good-quality generic cardboard bottle boxes in wholesale quantities?
Members recommend **Nuttall Packaging** (based in Manchester) as a reliable source for simple, generic cardboard bottle boxes in wholesale quantities at good value. They handle the type of off-the-shelf, bulk orders (e.g., 12-bottle cases) that small producers typically need.
Where can we source small-volume cold brew coffee and coffee liqueur miniatures for gift sets?
For coffee liqueur miniatures and cold brew coffee products in small volumes for gift sets, members recommend: - **Conker** — produces a delicious coffee liqueur that members have recommended for gift set inclusion - **Fitch** — a contact point for sourcing these products; members can request an introduction to Emily at Fitch - Direct outreach to known producers — members suggest identifying specific producers (e.g. Andy) and reaching out directly Members note that the specific volumes required (150ml cold brew cans/bottles and 50ml coffee liqueur miniatures) are relatively small, so sourcing may require approaching producers directly or through existing industry connections rather than through generic suppliers.