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 I source a specific bottle style when my usual supplier is out of stock?
When your primary bottle supplier runs out, members recommend reaching out to specialist glass bottle distributors who often stock a wide range of styles and may have inventory when others don't. - **Croxsons** — recommended as a go-to supplier for specific bottle styles - **Allied Glass** — contact Nolan, noted as worth trying for hard-to-find bottles - **World of Bottles** — your original source; worth checking back as stock changes If you know the bottle name (e.g. "Aberdeen" for a 500ml whisky-shaped bottle), use that when contacting suppliers as it speeds up the search. Members suggest having multiple distributor contacts on hand since stock availability varies.
Which bottle suppliers should UK spirit producers use, and what are the lead times and sourcing options?
UK spirit producers have several established bottle suppliers to choose from, split between direct producers (longer lead times, typically weeks) and UK-based importers/resellers (faster turnaround, typically days). **Direct producers:** - **Verallia** — established producer - **Vetroelite** — established producer - **Saver Glass** — producer with weeks lead time - **Estal** — producer with weeks lead time **UK-based importers/resellers:** - **Rawlings** — UK-based reseller, days lead time - **G&C Packaging** — UK-based reseller, days lead time - **Bruni** — supplier option mentioned - **Owen International (O-I)** — supplier option mentioned The trade-off is clear: direct producers offer potentially better pricing and direct relationships but require longer planning (weeks), while UK-based resellers offer faster delivery (days) at the cost of potentially higher margins built in. Members recommend considering your production timeline and minimum order quantities when deciding between producer and reseller routes.
Where can UK drinks founders source glass bottles from China, and what are the current freight costs and lead times?
Chinese bottle sourcing can work economically for larger runs, though freight remains volatile and quality requires careful vetting. **Pricing & MOQ:** - Undecorated 500g bottles: circa £0.85 per unit delivered to UK including mould and trial costs, for 20k-unit runs - 10k-unit custom runs possible but at higher per-unit cost - UK mould amortisation (typically ~£30k) usually charged to the first 20k-bottle production run - Payment terms: typically all upfront or 50% upfront for new customers; credit rare **Freight:** - 40ft container holds approximately 20k bottles - Current rates: £5k–£6k per container (historical range: £2k normal pre-COVID, peaked at £14k during pandemic) - Freight from Far East remains a significant risk factor **Supplier options:** - Members recommend requesting introductions through the community; at least one member has established relationships with Chinese manufacturers and is willing to make introductions - **Berlin Packaging** — UK-based alternative with competitive pricing and reliable contact; bottles made outside China - **Vetreria Etrusca** (https://www.vetreriaetrusca.it/en) — Italian supplier; members report very positive experience - Direct Chinese suppliers via LinkedIn outreach common but quality consistency reported as variable **Caveats:** - Quality issues reported with some Chinese suppliers; vetting is essential - Approximately 90% of UK spirits glass sourced domestically, 10% from China in typical practice - Long lead times and freight volatility mean China works best for larger, less time-sensitive orders
Where can we source excess or surplus bottle inventory, and how do members share unused stock?
Members occasionally offer surplus packaging stock to the community at no cost, covering only shipping. One member (ELLC) offered approximately 550 pieces of Vetro Elite Chiara 70cl bottles with cork mouth, stored at InBond in Stockton, available FOC with buyer covering freight. The stock was split across 2 partial pallets that could not be consolidated to a single pallet. Members interested in sourcing excess inventory should monitor community channels and reach out directly to those advertising surplus stock. This approach works best when your bottle specification matches what's available from departing brands.