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 bottle cap suppliers offer branded closures for 500ml bottles with competitive MOQs and pricing?
For branded 500ml bottle caps, members recommend exploring a handful of established suppliers, though MOQs remain a challenge across the industry. **Recommended suppliers:** - **Bruno Erben** — used by members for closures; described as efficient - **Berlin Packaging** — noted as potentially more affordable than some competitors depending on closure type, though MOQs are higher. (Note: members clarified that Bruni and Berlin Packaging are the same company) - **Pelliconi** — familiar to members from previous bottle purchases, but MOQs are acknowledged to be large - **Patteson Glass** — specifically praised for low MOQ options on both bottles and caps **Pricing context:** One member shared their recent quote (60K @ £31.50/k, 120K @ £22.35/k, 240K @ £14.75/k) as a benchmark for comparison. **Key caveat:** Large MOQs are structural across the industry — even suppliers positioned as "low MOQ" alternatives tend to have higher minimums than ideal for smaller producers. Members recommend getting direct quotes from multiple suppliers to compare against your specific requirements.
What are the minimum order quantities and pricing for aluminium bottles from European suppliers?
European aluminium bottle suppliers have very high MOQs. Members report contact with suppliers in Holland via business connections. **MOQ is 100,000 units unprinted and 300,000 units for printed bottles** — substantially higher than many spirits founders can accommodate for early-stage products. For reference, **Trivium Packaging** (triviumpackaging.com) was mentioned as a supplier option, though specific pricing and MOQ details were not shared in discussion. Members noted there are "grey areas" around aluminium bottle supply, though the nature of these concerns was not elaborated. Charlie Turner at Penrhos Gin (charlie@penrhosspirits.co.uk) was identified as a contact using aluminium bottles, though he was reportedly reluctant to share supplier details.
What are typical MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) requirements for direct distribution to major UK depots like LWC?
Based on member experience, direct depot MOQs are relatively modest and typically non-negotiable: - **LWC (Lay & Wheeler)** — standard MOQ is 10 cases direct to depot. Members report that attempting to negotiate this upward is difficult and unsuccessful. - **Master of Malt** — requires negotiation directly with the supplier; they typically expect 27–30% margin on trade pricing. Members note that while these minimums are achievable for most brands, trying to push for lower thresholds is unlikely to succeed. The depot model works best if you can meet their baseline requirements consistently.
What are typical minimum order quantities and lead times for non-carbonated soft drinks manufacturers producing in glass bottles?
Most contract manufacturers for non-carbonated beverages in glass bottles have production MOQs of around **20,000 litres**, though smaller operators exist at lower volumes—be prepared for higher costs of goods at smaller batch sizes. **Recommended manufacturers:** - **Drinks Chef** — contact Joe at joe@drinkschef.com; appears to handle smaller trial volumes **Key considerations:** - Trial volumes (a couple of thousand litres) are possible with smaller manufacturers, but expect significantly steeper per-unit costs compared to hitting the 20k L MOQ - Lead times and exact MOQs vary by producer; confirm directly with manufacturers before committing - For ancillary items like corks and closures, **G&C Packaging** is mentioned as a supplier worth approaching for non-massive MOQs and shorter lead times (members specifically cited wanting to avoid 16-week waits)
Who offers co-packing services for pouch formats, and what are the typical MOQs and constraints?
Members have identified limited options for low-volume pouch co-packing. **Young Spirits** is the primary recommendation—one member went through multiple options and selected them; contact via DM for details on their other explored alternatives. **ICB Distillers** can handle bag-in-box and kegs but their MOQs are described as "fairly chunky" and they're uncertain about pouches. Members note that pouch co-packing at low volumes is challenging and requires direct outreach to suppliers for specifics on pouch size, closure type, and your volume requirements. One member also flagged that flexihex flap closures can occasionally be inconsistent depending on supplier (since the design was sold, quality varies), and suggests using tape as backup security when sealing.
What are the current MOQs and where can we source printed and wrapped RTD cans in the UK?
Printed cans currently have very high minimum order quantities—members report that printed options are difficult to access under 300,000 units, making them impractical for many small producers right now. For wrapped and labelled cans at more manageable volumes, the picture is better: - **Wrapped/labelled cans** — Achievable from around 12,000 units upwards; several members confirmed this is viable and indicated willingness to share specific supplier contacts direct message. - **Oasthouse** — Named as a potential supplier, though members also flagged significant operational challenges; one noted "Oasthouse are generally a nuisance to deal with" and another reported that Bloody Drinks had "a nightmare" going through them. Use with caution. - **Crown** — Previously used by members but their MOQs were reported as "getting crazy earlier this year," making them less competitive. - **Ball** — Members asked for contacts but no specific feedback was provided in the discussion. **Key caveat:** The printed-can market is tight right now. Members described it as "a nightmare" and advised that achieving true printed cans under 300,000 units is "very tough" or not currently possible. Wrapped or labelled alternatives are the realistic short-term option for smaller runs.
What are the minimum order quantities and costs for branded paper tape to seal boxes?
Members report surprisingly varied MOQs for branded paper tape, depending on the supplier and tape type you choose. The lowest entry point is around 180 rolls (one member orders at this volume regularly). Another member reports access to a supplier with an MOQ as low as 3 boxes, though the identity of that supplier wasn't disclosed in the discussion. **Supplier options:** - **Kite Packaging** — Multiple members use this supplier for custom printed paper tape with low MOQs; one member orders approximately 180 rolls at a time and applies it with a standard tape roller - **Unnamed supplier** — One member has access to an MOQ of just 3 boxes, but contact details were not shared - **Water-activated tape (WAT)** — Members noted this type (the kind Amazon uses) typically has lower MOQs than standard options. You will need a **water-activated tape dispenser** (example: Raja Pack electronic dispenser linked by members) to apply it **Caveats:** - Standard branded tape MOQs can be very high; one member mentioned a current option with an MOQ of 20,000 boxes, so shop around - Water-activated tape requires specialist equipment (a dispenser), adding upfront cost - The 3-box MOQ supplier was not fully identified in the discussion, so treat as a lead to follow up
How should brands set minimum order quantities (MOQs) when selling to wholesalers?
MOQs should be structured to work commercially for both the brand and the wholesaler. Set a threshold below which orders become unprofitable for you—if a wholesaler orders just two cases, your margin gets squeezed rapidly. **Pricing strategy with MOQ tiers:** - Set a baseline MOQ (e.g. pallet or half-pallet quantities) that makes financial sense - For orders below the MOQ, charge an additional fee to cover your costs and reduced margin - This approach protects profitability while still allowing smaller orders when the customer pays a premium **Delivery considerations:** - Delivered pricing is standard, though some regional or friendly wholesalers may occasionally collect stock themselves (rare bonus) **Key caveat:** Members stressed that MOQs must balance your commercial needs against wholesaler requirements—set them too high and you lose sales; too low and you erode margins on small orders.