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 short-run supplies of cans be sourced at short notice?
Members have successfully sourced short-run cans through specialist suppliers and contract packers, though lead times are often tight. Recommended contacts include: Home Canning (Allan, homecanningltd@gmail.com) — described as "older than old school" with an awful website but worth trying for emergency stock; Canit (Craig, Production@canit.co.uk), though they can be in and out of stock; and Premier Labellers (Matthew.gonzalez@premierlabellers.co.uk), who handle non-bonded stock at short runs. Bespoke Canners (robin@bespokecanners.com, contact Robin Hale) was recommended for can-sleeving work at short notice. Blue Frog was also suggested but members found them similarly constrained by long lead times (October+). For contract packing/sleeving, Blisters (blisters.ltd.uk) was praised though availability varies. Members noted that even specialist suppliers are often booked out months in advance in the current market; one member offering a pallet of 9k cans shows the community sometimes helps each other directly. Quantities as low as 6k have been requested successfully. Non-bonded stock appears acceptable if you're insured and comply with your insurance terms.
Which label printing companies can deliver short-run labels with gold foiling in under 10 days?
For rapid short-run label printing with gold foiling, members recommend **Reflex** as a go-to supplier. They're known for fast turnaround and willingness to go above and beyond on bespoke requests. - **Reflex** — Contact Sara Lane on +44 7736 925860 or saral@reflexlabelplus.co.uk. Members have used them for mock-ups and production runs; they've consistently delivered quality work with gold foiling under 10 days and shown flexibility on custom requirements.