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.
Which UK bottle suppliers can supply imported European bottle formats, and what are the alternatives if stock isn't available?
Members looking for European bottle formats (particularly 750ml Dorica) report that UK bottle suppliers often struggle with stock for non-standard formats. Where to look: - **Allied** — recommended by multiple members who've switched to them for bottle supply - **Encirc** — suggested as an alternative when standard suppliers are out of stock - **Erben** — mentioned as another option to try - **Bruni** — Brendan at Bruni reportedly has access to a range of bottles, though availability of specific formats like 750ml Dorica bottles may vary If UK suppliers can't meet your needs, members report importing directly from Europe. For logistics, **DSV** was used for a pallet to Germany at around £300, and members importing from Germany to the UK report costs of approximately £640–£740 per pallet (including admin fees). Lead times and availability remain challenging; one member needed 5 pallets weekly and was still sourcing alternatives.
How can I find short-term bottle suppliers in the UK with faster lead times when major distributors have long wait times?
When standard bottle distributors hit capacity or don't stock your specification, members have successfully sourced stock from specialist suppliers and direct contacts. **Recommended suppliers for urgent orders:** - **Rawlings** — mentioned as a faster alternative to major distributors - **Berlin Packaging** — stocks a range of bottles; note that email is slow so calling is essential - **Bostic Cap** — stocks large quantities of stoppers/closures and can turn around orders quickly; calling recommended over email **Alternative tactics:** - **Direct community sourcing** — members have offered to supply stock from existing inventory (e.g., unbranded bottles held in warehouse). Before spending on new orders, post your exact spec in the group; someone may have stock available locally or willing to courier - **Regional meetups** — if geographically close to another member, collection can be arranged within days rather than waiting for courier lead times **Caveats:** Stock and speed depend entirely on specification (bottle size, shape, colour, closure type). Branded or custom stoppers have longer lead times than unbranded. Email is unreliable for urgent orders — always call suppliers directly. Even "short-term" suppliers typically quote 7–14 days, not next-day delivery.