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 packaging components (cardboard cases, cans, bottles, closures, cups) and what are typical pricing, MOQs and lead times?
Members source cardboard cases through Playford at approximately 30p per unbranded case plus 20p for inserts (4-colour print, double-walled board, suitable for courier); MOQ is typically 5,000 units. For cans, 250ml slim cans and 200ml cans are currently difficult to source; members recommend asking in the group as some hold stock. For small-quantity glass bottles, members work with Verallia/Allied in Leeds (contact Elle Prescott at fiona.prescott@verallia.co.uk, preferred over Nolan Kane who is slow). For 5cl PET/RPET bottles, members recommend Diamond, Future Pro, Hutch, and Fodabox; however, Future Pro reportedly has high prices. For custom corks and closures, members warn that Labrenta and Berlin have massive lead times (5–6 months); members are seeking alternatives but specific options are limited. For branded eco-friendly cups, members used Cupprint successfully. For urgent stock and specialist items (ROPP caps, bottle stoppers, closures), members recommend reaching out directly to the group as availability is unpredictable and lead times are often extended across suppliers. Logistics: standard 20ft containers hold 10 pallets of bottles. For EU/international shipments, use forwarders like Mannson who handle both Far East and European road freight and can advise on Brexit customs paperwork.
Which bottle closures are most commonly used by spirit brands: T cork, ROPP, or GPI?
T-corks are the closure of choice for most spirit brands in the community. Members are moving away from other options towards cork closures across their ranges. **Closure options:** - **T-corks** — the preferred standard for spirit brands - **GPI** — used by some brands (e.g. one member had it on spiced rum) but being phased out in favour of cork - **ROPP** (roll-on pilfer proof) — the cheapest option, but members noted it becomes hard to justify for bottles retailing above £20, suggesting it's seen as less premium The shift in the community appears to be towards T-cork across all product lines, with price-point and perceived quality being the deciding factors.