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 the best low-MOQ packaging suppliers for bespoke bottles, labels, and gift packaging?
Members have successfully found bespoke packaging and labels from suppliers willing to work with small minimum order quantities. Here are the specific suppliers the community recommends: - **Printed Easy** — praised for simple, no-fuss approach to small MOQs; clarify your finish requirements (e.g. foil, embossing) before approaching - **Dairi Pak** — recommended for low-MOQ packaging - **The Packaging Experts** (thepackagingexperts.co.uk) — listed as a resource for packaging solutions Members note that when approaching suppliers, be clear about your finish specifications (foil, embossing, etc.) as this affects lead times and pricing. The community is active in sharing direct supplier contacts privately, so asking in the group for referrals to specific makers they've used (with request for turnaround times) tends to yield faster results than cold outreach.
Where can I find packaging suppliers for low MOQ cardboard cases?
Members recommend several suppliers experienced with low minimum orders for cardboard outer cases: - **Playford Packaging** — recommended for cardboard outer cases - **Francois** — offers a low-cost option based in Poland - **Kite Packaging** — mentioned as a supplier for packaging needs These suppliers have been suggested by the community as options for MOQs around 3,000 units (e.g., for 6x 250ml slim can configurations). Note that low MOQs are acknowledged as increasingly difficult to find in the current market.
What are the options for canning small volumes (under 10k cans) of ready-to-drink products?
Members have identified several co-packers willing to work on low MOQs for canning RTD products. The key constraint is that most require finished product (post-carbonation) rather than offering blending services. - **Point Cocktails** — contact Hayden; members report willingness to work on low-volume projects - **Can It (Bolton)** — successfully worked with members on 4,000 cans per SKU; offers fast turnaround (approximately 2 weeks) but requires finished product delivered in IBC format rather than blending in-house; no carbonation capability, so carbonation must be completed before delivery - **Bottled & Canned** — mentioned as a potential option for low-MOQ canning - **MC/Bibendum** — reported to be "great" for small runs, though no specific MOQ details were shared **Key limitation:** Most canners on low MOQs do not offer product blending. You'll need to deliver finished, carbonated product in IBC containers, which they then fill into cans. This means you must handle carbonation separately before sending to the canner. Plan accordingly for your production timeline.