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.
Where can members source key bulk ingredients and bases for drinks production, such as juices, spirits, glycerine, and non-spirits alcohol?
The community has shared several reliable sourcing contacts and suppliers for bulk drinks ingredients: **Juices** - **Eager** — recommended as an affordable wholesaler for bulk juices (orange, pineapple and others); members have used them for years at bars. **White Rum** - **Two Drifters** — contact mentioned as a potential white rum supplier for projects. - **UK-based European rum distillery** — members note access to 7 different white rum marques (molasses and cane fermentations, column/pot/double retort, made in England from scratch). **Non-Spirits Alcohol Bases** - **Bevisol** — specialises in non-NGS (non-grain spirits) alcohol bases for RTD products. They offer low-price neutral cider base. Contact: simon.fletcher@bevisol.com. Simon Fletcher is the key contact. - **Larger contract wineries, cideries and breweries** — members report having contacts available for those seeking provenance-led alcohol bases. **Elderflower Liqueur** - **Michael Mydflower** — recommended as a potential source for elderflower liqueur for cocktail applications; described as "very good liquid." **Caveats:** The discussion excerpts do not contain specific recommendations for dehydrated fruit in bulk, vegetable glycerine sourcing, aged rum for product development, or bulk tequila in IBC containers, despite these being asked questions. Members interested in those should ask directly in the group.
Where can we source bulk ingredients like simple syrup and cacao nibs for drinks manufacturing?
Members recommend making simple syrup in-house when possible due to cost savings, but outsourcing is viable for scale. For bulk cacao nibs, the community is still exploring reliable suppliers with consistent pricing. **Simple Syrup:** - **William Fox UK** — can supply any quantity from 100ml to 1000L IBC containers. Contact George Tudor-Williams at George@williamfoxuk.com. Members note that in-house production is cheaper but space and time constraints often drive the decision to outsource. **Cacao Nibs:** - No specific supplier was named in the discussion for bulk cacao nibs (30–50kg range). One member asked for recommendations but responses were not captured in the excerpts. Members flagged "mad variations in price" as a concern when sourcing at this volume, suggesting price comparison across suppliers is essential.
How complex is sourcing ingredients from the EU post-Brexit, and what logistics challenges should we expect?
Post-Brexit EU sourcing has been mixed: some members report it's been straightforward with minimal extra cost, while others face significant delays on less common routes. **Key findings from recent experience:** - **Direct EU suppliers (e.g. German botanicals and flavour houses)** — When suppliers arrange shipping and handle import declarations themselves, the process is surprisingly smooth and quick. Members report the transporter typically handles all customs paperwork, often with no significant extra cost. Lead times can actually be faster than pre-Brexit in some cases. - **Specialty logistics routes** — Niche routes (e.g. Estonia, smaller EU destinations) are currently problematic. **Hillebrand** expects 3–4 months before they can resume service on non-major routes. **Wineflow** is only servicing major routes at the moment and cannot provide timelines for smaller destinations. - **Monthly/regular shipments to major EU hubs** — Regular business to established routes (e.g. Netherlands) continues to operate normally. **Caveats:** Members note mixed experiences—some shipments arrive without issue, others face extended delays depending on destination and supplier. The complexity varies significantly by route and supplier willingness to handle declarations. It's worth confirming with each supplier whether they manage import paperwork or expect you to handle it.
What suppliers and best practices should we use for edible glitter and natural colourings, especially given regulatory bans like titanium dioxide?
Members recommend checking supplier compliance carefully before sourcing edible glitters and shimmer products, as titanium dioxide has been banned in several countries and should be avoided. **Key sourcing options:** - **Gold leaf and silver** — proven alternatives used successfully at major retailers like M&S; work well as edible decorations - **Alternative shimmers** — cheaper options available, but always verify they do not contain titanium dioxide before ordering **Process:** - Request detailed ingredient specs and regulatory clearance documentation from suppliers before committing - Members with established supplier contacts are willing to make introductions; reach out directly if you need specific recommendations **Caveat:** Titanium dioxide regulations vary by country, so confirm which markets you're selling into and ensure your supplier's certifications match those jurisdictions.