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.
What are typical freight costs for shipping spirits to Scandinavian markets, and what are the logistics considerations?
Shipping spirits to Scandinavia typically costs around **£450 per shipment** regardless of whether you're sending a full pallet or just 15 cases — the rate appears standardised across European freight operators. This is described by members as "a fairly going rate for Europe." Key points from community experience: - **Full vs. partial loads**: Members confirm there's no significant cost difference between shipping a single pallet or 15 cases; you pay the same rate either way, so consolidation with other shippers is worth exploring to improve unit economics. - **Sample shipments**: Small sample shipments (12 bottles or fewer) can be sent by air within customs limits, though this is typically for promotional purposes rather than commercial stock moves. - **Consolidation contacts**: One member indicated they know someone who can "sense check Scandi export" and offered to make introductions — worth asking within the community for regional freight consolidators or agents. Members found the £450 cost point surprising initially ("crazy prices"), but it appears to be standard market rate. No alternative cost-saving tactics (ferry, etc.) were confirmed as cheaper in the discussion.
Where can UK drinks founders source glass bottles from China, and what are the current freight costs and lead times?
Chinese bottle sourcing can work economically for larger runs, though freight remains volatile and quality requires careful vetting. **Pricing & MOQ:** - Undecorated 500g bottles: circa £0.85 per unit delivered to UK including mould and trial costs, for 20k-unit runs - 10k-unit custom runs possible but at higher per-unit cost - UK mould amortisation (typically ~£30k) usually charged to the first 20k-bottle production run - Payment terms: typically all upfront or 50% upfront for new customers; credit rare **Freight:** - 40ft container holds approximately 20k bottles - Current rates: £5k–£6k per container (historical range: £2k normal pre-COVID, peaked at £14k during pandemic) - Freight from Far East remains a significant risk factor **Supplier options:** - Members recommend requesting introductions through the community; at least one member has established relationships with Chinese manufacturers and is willing to make introductions - **Berlin Packaging** — UK-based alternative with competitive pricing and reliable contact; bottles made outside China - **Vetreria Etrusca** (https://www.vetreriaetrusca.it/en) — Italian supplier; members report very positive experience - Direct Chinese suppliers via LinkedIn outreach common but quality consistency reported as variable **Caveats:** - Quality issues reported with some Chinese suppliers; vetting is essential - Approximately 90% of UK spirits glass sourced domestically, 10% from China in typical practice - Long lead times and freight volatility mean China works best for larger, less time-sensitive orders