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 brands source miniature 5cl bottles and 200ml slimline cans with reasonable lead times?
**Miniature 5cl bottles for urgent orders:** - **Pattersons Glass** (pattesonsglass.co.uk) — recommended as a potential source for miniature bottles; members have successfully contacted them for pre-Christmas deliveries of around 2000 units. - **East London Drinks** — members indicated they may be able to help with miniature bottle orders; direct contact recommended via PM. **200ml slimline cans:** - **Artisan** (via contract packer) — supplies 200ml cans with printing MOQs of 250k units, but converted stock does not need to be finished all at once. Fewer print runs are available for 200ml versus the more popular 250ml slim format, which can create supply constraints. - Members note that 200ml slimline cans present a narrower market with fewer suppliers than standard 250ml formats, making consistent supply more challenging. **Key caveat:** The 200ml slimline format has limited printing availability compared to 250ml alternatives, so lead times and MOQ commitments should be confirmed early with suppliers.
Where can I source small format dropper-lid bottles (25–35ml) in flat shapes similar to bitters packaging?
Members recommend **Ampulla** (www.ampulla.co.uk) as a supplier for small dropper-lid bottles in the 25–35ml range, including flat bottle formats similar to bitters-style packaging. This appears to be the primary go-to supplier identified by the community for this specific product type.
What courier and logistics options best preserve product integrity for same-day or next-day deliveries of bottles and beverages in the UK?
Members recommend a mix of established couriers and specialist services for fragile goods, with the key tactic being direct communication with drivers about handling: - **City Sprint** — recommended for reliable same-day London deliveries; member reports good results when tipping the driver to ensure safe handling - **Pedalme** — motorbike courier option; members have received bottles safely via this service at bar venues - **Addison Lee motorbike courier** — another option members have used successfully for bottle deliveries to venues - **Parcelforce** — members use this for routine shipments, though less suitable for presentation boxes without breakage allowance For larger consignments (e.g. 20 cases of wine from Luton to Central London), members seek same-day options but specific recommendations for this volume weren't detailed in the discussion. **Key tactic:** Direct engagement with drivers (e.g. tipping) appears important for ensuring bottles are handled carefully, especially when goods are in nice presentation packaging rather than standard fragile-goods boxes.
Where can I source rPET/PET bottles for 5cl miniature spirits?
Members recommend contacting established closure and packaging suppliers directly for miniature bottle stock. **Specific suppliers and contacts:** - **Guala/UCP** — contact Kate Stalker at kate.stalker@gualaclosuresucp.co.uk. Can supply both round and flask-shaped 5cl bottles. - **G&C** — Oliver is listed as a contact who may be able to help with miniature bottle sourcing. - **Spirit Bridge** — Jonathan (jonathan@spirit-bridge.co.uk) is willing to loop members into their supplier network. **Note:** Members suggest clarifying your bottle shape preference (round vs flask) before reaching out, as this affects availability and lead times.