Ask the Collective

What are the typical costs and lead times for contract canning services for small batches under 10,000 units per SKU?

Members found that sub-10k unit runs are achievable but can face slot delays at contract canners. **Bottled and Canned** (Devon) is confirmed to work with runs as small as 1,000 litres and has been praised for quality. The target cost floor most members cited is around **£0.50 per unit**, though this may be aspirational for very small runs. Lead times can be tight—reactive (urgent) slots are difficult to secure, so advance booking is recommended. **Drinks Chef** was also mentioned as a reliable option. A Cardiff distillery recently added an in-house canning line and may have spare capacity. Members recommend reaching out directly to confirm pricing and availability for your specific volume.