The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Members recommend a handful of specialist providers with proven track records on specific routes. **Europe (Germany & Switzerland):** - **Supplychain21** — frequently recommended with direct contact: richard.jones@supplychain21.com. Multiple members have used them successfully for pallets to Germany and Switzerland. Note: one member reported that prices have risen significantly this year and reliability has declined (recent shipments heavily delayed); another mentioned they quoted better pricing and shorter transit times than Supplychain21. - **Albatrans** — mentioned as an alternative option for European routes. - **Kerry Logistics** — suggested as another option for Europe. - **Hillebrand** — flagged as very expensive; members advise avoiding if possible as it pushes up landed costs. DHL has recently acquired Hillebrand. - **Wineflow** — quoted better prices and shorter transit times than Supplychain21 for some shipments, though was not accepting new business at the time of discussion (may have changed). - **DSV** — used successfully for a pallet to Germany at around £300, but does not ship alcohol. **Australia:** - Members have arranged groupage shipments with **Tudor Rose**. Contact: Louis can provide introductions and group shipments with other brands (Pinkster mentioned). **Container export (20ft):** - **Supplychain21** — members sense-check quotes against them. - **Uni Express** — recommended as an alternative. - **Wineflow** — noted as normally cheaper than Supplychain21 for container freight. **Caveats:** Members note that European pricing and reliability have become unpredictable (Supplychain21 in particular has faced delays). Always get multiple quotes and consider groupage to reduce costs.