Production Challenges in the Alcoholic Beverage Industry

Developing adult beverage packaging is a meticulous process that requires time and investment. It is crucial to navigate the production phase smoothly to ensure your product reaches the market successfully. To avoid potential setbacks and costly errors, consider these helpful tips and production lead times for effective planning.

Labeling

Labeling is similar to giving your brand a billboard. It should consist of crucial information. We’ve talked about the importance of packaging your adult beverage before. In the post, we address the specifics to ensure you’re complying with rules and regulations. But, regarding production here are a few quick tips.

1. Labels must be carefully reviewed before moving forward with production. It's essential to optimize the size of the label to save costs – even small adjustments can make a big difference. Ensure that the label fits within the printing press specifications to avoid additional expenses. Your label vendor should be able to assist with any necessary alterations.

2. Always print a roll of test labels. More importantly, they should be die-blanks. A die-blank refers to labels being printed and cut to correct dimensions. All aspects of the label should be visible. That would include any embossing. Place them on your bottle before they are sent off for printing. Labels that aren’t printed to the correct dimensions will bubble or ripple during the application. Make adjustments now. It will speed up your adult beverage production and reduce costs.

3. Selecting the right paper is crucial. Consider how and where the final product will be stored when making your decision. For instance, wines or vodkas that require refrigeration or freezing need labels that can withstand such conditions. Exposure to water or ice can also cause bubbling or rippling, so choose wisely.

Bottling

Your bottle plays a crucial role in your branding and product integrity. Stock molds offer standard sizes and shapes readily available from your manufacturer, saving you time and effort in addressing label restrictions. Designing within these constraints and making slight adjustments to ensure a perfect fit can streamline the production process. If you opt for a custom bottle, be sure to align its design with retail specifications, including height and width.

Closures

One crucial aspect of production known for extended lead times is the closures. These closures, whether corks or capsules, play a vital role in sealing your bottle. If you are considering adding color to your closure, be sure to provide the vendor with the HEX or RGB color codes. Visual samples may not be sufficient in achieving the desired color accuracy. It is advisable to follow the same approach when reordering, as changes in printing methods could potentially affect the color outcome. It's always better to err on the side of caution to avoid receiving unusable products.

The manufacturer producing your closures should have a sample of the bottle to ensure proper fit and prevent any leakage. When creating a custom bottle, it's essential to consider the bore diameter, especially if you want it to fit a standard bar pour. Designing with this in mind will make it easier for bars and restaurants to use your product seamlessly.

Make sure to confirm that capsules made from PVC or polylam are compatible with your glass bottle. It's crucial to review the materials before placing an order, as the amount of glass that doesn't mix well with these materials is significant. Keep in mind that the standard lead time for this process is around three months, so it's essential to plan ahead wisely.

Shipper

The shipping box is an essential part of your product packaging, often accompanying the glass bottles. It should reflect your brand's identity. However, there are some limitations when it comes to printing on shippers, with many being restricted to just two colors. Keep this in mind when designing your adult beverage packaging to avoid additional costs for any redesigns.

Your printing choices will either be flexography or lithography:

• Flexography is cheaper, less expensive and prints directly to the box. It’s a one-step process. For these reasons it’s the most commonly used.

• Lithographic is the upscale version and great to use if you want bold, dynamic colors. It’s good on heavier paper and comes in a range of finishes. Just beware that it can crack and peel.

After selecting your printing method, make sure your designer understands the process. If limited to two colors, provide them with the specific ones to use. Occasionally, shippers are shipped separately from the glass bottles. Before placing your order, send a sample to ensure a perfect fit.

Is your business looking for a way to streamline the production process? Brindiamo Group has been working with beverage companies across the globe to improve business. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help assist and develop your business to reach your goals.

Article Source:

Schueman, Davice. “Avoiding Production Nightmares.” Artisan Spirits. Fall 2017: 33 & 34