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 label printing suppliers offer fast turnaround and reliable supply chains for small batch and trial orders?
Members have recommended several label printing suppliers, with varying strengths for speed and batch size. **For rapid turnaround (1–4 days):** - **Vista Print** — praised for 4-day turnaround, suitable for urgent small runs - **Stickershop** (www.stickershop.co.uk) — mentioned as an option for quick jobs - **The Label Makers** (www.thelabelmakers.co.uk) — described as "great" by members **For reliable standard turnaround (2–3 weeks typically):** - **Berkshire Labels** — multiple members recommended; reliable and well-regarded - **Direct Labels** (sales@directlabelsuk.com) — described as "pretty decent," confirmed contact provided - **Avery** — used for small runs (example: 120 labels), though note they may not offer custom shapes for all products **Broader suppliers (with some caveats):** - **CCL** — usually excellent, but members noted recent paper supply issues due to strikes in Finland (8–10 week wait vs. normal 2–3 weeks at time of discussion) - **Labelapeel** — mentioned but also flagged as affected by Finnish paper strikes **For very small trial batches (50–120 units):** Members suggest contacting suppliers directly about express options; Vista Print's 4-day service and The Label Makers appear most suited to this need. One member noted success with a small 120-unit run via Avery, though custom shapes may limit options. **Caveat:** Supply chain issues affecting label paper (particularly from Finland) have been a known challenge; confirm current lead times directly with suppliers before committing.
What volume threshold defines 'small batch' spirits production, and is there a duty relief scheme for craft distillers like there is for craft beer?
There is no formal government definition of 'small batch' for spirits in the UK, and crucially, **no duty relief scheme exists for craft distillers** despite years of industry campaigning—unlike craft beer, which has tiered duty relief up to 500,000 HL under the previous Labour government's framework. Members discussing production volumes suggest: - **300–400 litres** is cited as an optimum for consistency in a single batch run - **Under 1,800 litres per year** aligns with the old UK distillery licence threshold (before exemptions were granted) - **300 cases per run** (roughly 9,000 bottles at 70cl) is mentioned as a practical small-batch volume - The beer model suggests a **tiered system tied to pure alcohol sold per year** would be the clearest framework, making assessment objective 'Small batch' remains largely a **marketing claim** rather than a regulated term. Members note that large producers (e.g. Aviation) also claim 'small batch' status, making consumer-facing marketing less meaningful. The distinction between