A Case Study on Scaling from First Batch to Retail Shelves
Choosing the right packaging is one of the most important decisions for any start up food or drink brand. Many new businesses search for small batch glass bottles and jars that look premium without high minimum order quantities. Food and drink brands in the UK and Ireland also want packaging that supports sustainability goals improves shelf presence and meets retailer expectations.
This case study follows a fictional but realistic brand called Juicily Drinks. Their journey shows how a small business can move from its first production run into full retail distribution by choosing the right glass packaging partner.
Starting With Small Batch Production
Juicily Drinks began with cold pressed juices produced in low volumes for local events. They wanted packaging that felt premium and natural. They tried plastic but it did not match their brand story or target price point.
Glass became the better option. It offered clarity strength recyclability and a premium feel that consumers trusted. The challenge was finding a supplier in the UK or Ireland who offered glass bottles without large upfront commitments.
FAQ: Do you offer low MOQ options?
Yes, Glassworks current MOQ is 1 pallet so depending on the size of your product we can offer anything from approximately 690 bottles or jars. Many start ups assume every supplier requires high pallet volumes. In reality some products start from a single pallet and there are flexible models that support low and medium MOQs making it possible for new brands to begin with glass.
Understanding Cost and Value for Small Brands
Many new brands assume that glass is always more expensive than plastic. Juicily Drinks learned that the long term value of glass is often higher than plastic as glass improved shelf presence reduced issues with leakage and supported a better retail price.
They also discovered lightweight glass bottles which helped reduce transport costs and lowered their packaging weight obligations under UK and Ireland regulations. For start ups true cost is not only about price per unit. It is about brand value waste reduction supply reliability and the confidence retailers get from a premium product.
FAQ: Do you offer lightweight glass bottles?
Yes, Glassworks International offer an always expanding range of lightweight bottles and are open to looking into the possibility of taking weight out of customers current SKUs. Lightweight bottles help reduce transport cost and carbon impact while maintaining strength and presentation. They are an ideal choice for start ups watching costs as they grow.
Solving the Storage Challenge
Storage is often the biggest concern for small brands choosing glass. Juicily Drinks did not have space to store multiple pallets of bottles and did not want to rent additional warehouse space.
They overcame this by choosing a supplier offering flexible ordering and managed warehousing. This allowed them to order glass bottles and jars in smaller quantities and keep stock off site until needed. It protected their cash flow and gave them flexibility during early growth.
FAQ: Can you store my bottles and release them when needed?
Yes, Glassworks own UK warehousing and look to hold approximately 2 or 3 months of a customers requirements. Managed warehousing supports brands who cannot hold full pallets on site. This gives start ups the benefit of buying glass in sensible quantities without overwhelming their workspace.
Scaling From 2,000 Bottles to 25,000 Per Month
Once Juicily Drinks began securing retailer listings their production scaled quickly. Because they started with glass they did not need to redesign their packaging or change bottle styles during expansion.
Their lightweight glass range supported efficient palletisation and reduced transport emissions. Retailers also commented that the drinks looked more premium and consistent than some competing start up brands.
Within a year the company grew from 2,000 units per month to almost 25,000 and the packaging continued to support that growth.
FAQ: How fast can glass bottles be delivered?
Once stock has been built up, Glassworks can typically deliver within 2 to 3 business days but do ask for a weeks notice once stock has been built up. Planning ahead helps ensure smooth scaling as demand increases.
Lessons for Start Ups in the UK and Ireland
FAQ: Can you help reduce my packaging costs?
Yes. Optimising bottle choice switching to lightweight designs and ensuring the right pallet configuration can all reduce overall cost for start ups.
How Glassworks International Supports Start Ups and Growing Brands
Glassworks International supplies a wide range of glass bottles and jars for drinks oils sauces condiments spreads and speciality foods across the UK and Ireland. We work with both start ups and established manufacturers and provide:
FAQ: How do I request a quote or sample?
You can email the team or use the contact form and include the product type quantity delivery location and any technical needs. A member of the team will respond with pricing lead times and sample availability.
Our team helps new brands choose the right packaging for early stage production and long term scale.
Glassworks International takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest technologies and trends within glass manufacturing and production.