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 packaging suppliers do members recommend for cardboard, glass pitchers, SRP cans, bottles, and custom glassware?
For cardboard packaging, members recommend McFarlanes and Nuttall in Manchester as reliable suppliers with competitive pricing on larger orders. For glass pitchers (1.5–2L), members have found quotes hard to come by; one member asked for recommendations but no specific supplier was named in the discussion. For shelf-ready packaging (SRP) for 250ml cans in fully cardboard options, Smurfitt Kappa is the recommended supplier; contact Emma Bishop at emma.bishop@smurfitkappa.co.uk. For small-batch bottles (up to 10,000 units), no specific supplier was named, though one member offered to share contact details for a canner they use (Bottled and Canned in Devon). For custom branded glassware, RastalUK is recommended (Sales.rastaluk@gmail.com); they supplied branded hi-ball glasses at good value. Members also note that reliable packaging designers include Ben Prescot Design and White Rabbit for branding and label work, which complements supplier selection.
Where can I find glass bottle suppliers for small-format carbonated drinks (150-200ml)?
Members have had success with **Rawlings Bristol** for sourcing glass bottles suitable for carbonated drinks in smaller formats. When approaching suppliers, be prepared to specify your closure type preference (crown cap or screw cap) and minimum order quantity (MOQ), as these details significantly affect sourcing options and pricing. The community notes that unusual shapes may require direct conversation with suppliers rather than off-the-shelf stock, so contacting them with your full specifications is recommended.
What are the typical costs and timelines for custom glass bottle moulds for spirits production?
Custom bottle moulds for spirits are a significant upfront investment, typically £20–30k for a bespoke mould in the UK. This cost is usually amortised into the first production run (around 20k bottles), adding roughly £1.50 per unit to initial costs. **Mould costs and production routes:** - **UK suppliers** — typically charge £20–30k upfront for a custom mould, with payment expected upfront or 50% upfront for new customers; mould costs are amortised across the first ~20k bottles - **Chinese suppliers** — can deliver 20k bottles at ~£0.85 per unit including mould costs and trial runs (undecorated, 500g bottles), but freight costs vary significantly (currently £5–6k per 40ft container, which holds ~20k bottles; COVID saw rates spike to £14k); quality can be inconsistent - **Berlin Packaging** — recommended for competitive UK pricing, good contact support, and manufacturing outside China - **Vetreria Etrusca** (https://www.vetreriaetrusca.it/en) — Italian supplier praised by members **Key considerations:** - MOQ (minimum order quantity) is typically 10k–20k bottles; smaller runs are possible from Chinese suppliers but at higher per-unit cost - Freight volatility from China is a significant risk factor; current rates are normalising post-COVID but remain a consideration - UK glass suppliers (e.g. from Yorkshire) offer better quality control and relationship flexibility, though at higher per-unit cost - Total phase-1 capital required (mould + initial production) is typically £250k+ for a serious launch **Caveats:** Members warned of quality inconsistencies with some Chinese suppliers despite lower costs; UK suppliers offer better reliability but at premium pricing. Be cautious of unsolicited Chinese supplier outreach (common via LinkedIn). Freight costs remain volatile.
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