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 contract bottlers can handle miniature (5cl) bottle filling at volume?
Members report that miniature filling capacity exists but options are limited and pricing is tight. **Beams** has been used successfully by members for runs of 30k+ units and is available for introductions, though members note that finding more competitive pricing than Beams offers is challenging. **Contract Bottlers Glasgow** was mentioned as having a spare line available. For volumes around 100k per quarter, members recommend getting in touch with existing contacts and asking for introductions rather than cold-calling — personal referrals seem to unlock both availability and potentially better terms.
Which contract bottlers can handle small-volume alcohol-free (AF) production runs?
Members recommend **Black Bridge** (contact Ashley Black Bridge) as a reliable contract bottler capable of handling AF production. For smaller volumes in the 5–10k range, direct outreach to bottlers with AF capability is essential, as not all operators routinely handle alcohol-free runs. Members also note that glass sourcing can be challenging for small orders; if you need standard sizes like 5cl, 200ml, or 700ml screwcap bottles, it's worth asking your network directly—members sometimes have excess stock available (Apotheker and Chiara Glass formats have been spotted in members' warehouses).