The world of ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol beverages is rapidly expanding, with consumers demanding convenience, variety, and quality. As brands seek to enter this competitive market, co-packing services have become a crucial component in scaling production and ensuring that each product meets regulatory and quality standards. Big Storm Distillery, a leader in the craft distilling industry, offers comprehensive co-packing services specifically designed for canned RTD alcohol beverages. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Big Storm Distillery’s co-packing services stand out and why they are a valuable partner for RTD brands looking to grow.

What Are Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcohol Beverages?

The Growing Popularity of RTD Beverages

RTD alcohol beverages have seen explosive growth in recent years, driven by shifting consumer preferences towards convenient, portable, and delicious drink options. According to recent market reports, the global RTD alcoholic beverages market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% in the coming years. This surge in popularity is due in part to lifestyle changes where consumers seek quick and easy options without sacrificing taste or quality. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, have been instrumental in driving this demand, favoring the portability and variety that RTD drinks offer over traditional beer or wine.

Different Types of RTD Alcohol Beverages

RTD beverages come in a variety of forms, including:

• Canned Cocktails: Ready-mixed cocktails featuring spirits such as vodka, rum, or tequila combined with mixers like soda, juice, or tonic.

• Hard Seltzers: Low-calorie, lightly flavored sparkling waters with a hint of alcohol, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

• Alcohol-Infused Sodas and Teas: Sweet, carbonated or flat beverages infused with spirits, often marketed for casual, easy drinking.

Each of these RTD types requires specialized co-packing solutions, especially for ensuring consistency in flavor and alcohol content in every can.

Introduction to Co-Packing Services

What is Co-Packing?

Co-packing, or contract packaging, refers to the process where a company outsources the manufacturing, packaging, and labeling of their products to a third-party facility. This practice is especially popular in the food and beverage industry, where it can reduce overhead, allow faster scaling, and ensure that regulatory standards are met.

In the context of RTD alcohol beverages, co-packing involves producing large volumes of canned drinks while adhering to strict guidelines related to alcohol content, flavor consistency, packaging quality, and regulatory compliance.

Co-Packing for Canned RTD Alcohol Beverages

Co-packing RTD beverages is more complex than traditional beverage packaging. It requires:

• Specialized Equipment: For carbonating, canning, and sealing alcoholic beverages, while maintaining consistency.

• Quality Control: Ensuring that each batch is consistent in terms of taste, alcohol content, and safety.

• Compliance: Adhering to local, state, and federal regulations concerning alcoholic beverages, including proper labeling and ingredient disclosure.

Big Storm Distillery’s Expertise in RTD Co-Packing

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Big Storm Distillery has established itself as a leader in craft distilling, with a reputation for producing high-quality spirits. This legacy of craftsmanship extends to their co-packing services for RTD beverages. Brands that partner with Big Storm can trust that their products are being handled by a team committed to quality and excellence.

State-of-the-Art Canning Facilities

Big Storm Distillery’s co-packing services are supported by state-of-the-art canning and production facilities. These facilities feature advanced technology designed to ensure that each RTD beverage is produced efficiently and to the highest standards. The equipment allows for rapid production while maintaining the integrity of each product, ensuring that the taste, alcohol content, and packaging meet the client’s specifications.

Customization Options for Brands

Big Storm Distillery understands that no two RTD brands are alike. That’s why they offer a wide range of customization options, allowing brands to choose everything from the size of their cans to the flavor profiles of their beverages. This flexibility extends to the ability to produce both small-batch and large-scale production runs, giving brands the versatility they need to meet market demand.

Key Benefits of Using Big Storm Distillery's Co-Packing Services

High-Quality Production Standards

One of the primary reasons brands choose Big Storm Distillery as their co-packing partner is their unwavering commitment to quality. The distillery’s rigorous quality control protocols ensure that every can of RTD beverage leaving their facility meets strict production standards. This includes comprehensive testing of alcohol content, flavor consistency, carbonation levels, and packaging durability to ensure that the final product not only meets regulatory requirements but also delivers an exceptional consumer experience.

• Alcohol Content Control: Each batch is meticulously tested to ensure compliance with legal alcohol levels.

• Flavor Consistency: Big Storm Distillery uses advanced equipment to maintain flavor profiles throughout production runs.

• Packaging Integrity: Each can is sealed with precision to prevent leaks or spoilage, ensuring maximum shelf life.

Cost-Efficiency for Brands

For emerging and established RTD brands alike, outsourcing production to a co-packer like Big Storm Distillery offers significant cost benefits. Setting up in-house production facilities can be costly, requiring investments in specialized equipment, labor, and compliance management. By partnering with an experienced co-packer, brands can dramatically reduce their overhead costs and allocate resources toward marketing, branding, and distribution strategies.

• Lower Capital Expenditures: No need for expensive production equipment or facilities.

• Reduced Labor Costs: Big Storm’s skilled team manages the production process, allowing brands to focus on core business operations.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined production processes lead to faster turnaround times and reduced waste, saving both time and money.

Access to Industry Experts

One of the major advantages of working with Big Storm Distillery is access to a team of experienced beverage professionals. Their in-house distillers and beverage experts collaborate closely with brands to help bring their vision to life. Whether you're developing a new hard seltzer or refining the flavor profile of a canned cocktail, Big Storm’s team is there to provide expert guidance.

• Recipe Development: Assistance with flavor formulation and ingredient sourcing.

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of carbonation, alcohol infusion, and packaging for optimal product performance.

• Problem-Solving: Experience in overcoming production challenges, such as ingredient stability or packaging issues.

Regulatory Compliance Support

Navigating the complex landscape of alcohol regulations can be overwhelming for RTD brands, especially when it comes to labeling, alcohol content compliance, and ingredient disclosure. Big Storm Distillery’s co-packing services include full regulatory compliance support, ensuring that your products meet all relevant standards at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Alcohol Regulations: Big Storm ensures that each product adheres to the legal limits for alcohol content and labeling.

• FDA Compliance: Ingredients and production methods meet health and safety standards.

• Labeling Accuracy: Full support with legal labeling, including nutritional information and alcohol-by-volume (ABV) statements.

Why Co-Packing is Essential for RTD Brands

Scaling Production

For any RTD brand looking to grow, scalability is critical. As demand increases, it’s essential that production can keep pace without compromising quality or consistency. Big Storm Distillery’s large-scale co-packing capabilities allow brands to scale their production effortlessly, meeting demand fluctuations without the hassle of managing increased production capacity in-house.

• Large Orders: Big Storm is equipped to handle significant production volumes.

• Flexible Scaling: Ability to ramp up production during busy seasons or special promotions.

• Consistency at Scale: Maintaining product quality, even at high production volumes.

Reducing Time to Market

Speed to market is crucial in the fast-paced RTD beverage industry. By outsourcing production to a co-packer like Big Storm Distillery, brands can significantly reduce their time to market. Big Storm’s efficient production processes and ability to handle large volumes mean that products can be produced and ready for distribution in record time.

• Quick Turnaround Times: Fast production to get products on shelves quickly.

• Efficient Supply Chain: Established logistics and production networks that streamline the process from raw materials to finished product.

• Market Responsiveness: Ability to launch seasonal or limited-edition products without delay.

Brand Focus on Core Competencies

One of the major advantages of co-packing is the freedom it gives brands to focus on their core competencies. Rather than being bogged down with the complexities of manufacturing, RTD brands can concentrate on what they do best: building their brand, connecting with customers, and driving sales. By offloading the production and packaging tasks to Big Storm Distillery, brands can maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

• Focus on Marketing and Sales: With production taken care of, brands can channel more energy into growing their market presence.

• Creative Branding: Invest more resources into design, branding, and customer engagement rather than managing production.

• Operational Simplicity: Co-packing simplifies the logistical complexities of running a beverage company, allowing the brand to operate more efficiently.

The Future of RTD and Co-Packing

Innovations in RTD Alcohol Beverages

The RTD alcohol beverage market shows no signs of slowing down, and innovation will continue to drive the industry forward. Consumers are increasingly demanding new, unique flavors and healthier options. This includes everything from low-sugar and low-calorie drinks to low-ABV (alcohol by volume) options that cater to health-conscious drinkers. Big Storm Distillery is well-positioned to support brands that are looking to innovate in the RTD space, offering the flexibility and expertise needed to bring cutting-edge products to market.

• Health-Conscious Beverages: Lower-calorie, low-ABV, and gluten-free options.

• Exotic Flavors: Introduction of global flavors and new ingredients like adaptogens and botanicals.

• Functional Beverages: RTD drinks that offer health benefits, such as added vitamins or electrolytes.

Sustainability in Packaging

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, sustainability in packaging is becoming a crucial consideration for RTD brands. Big Storm Distillery recognizes this trend and offers eco-friendly packaging solutions, including recyclable cans, biodegradable labels, and sustainable sourcing practices. This focus on sustainability not only helps brands meet consumer demand but also aligns with the growing environmental regulations surrounding packaging waste.

• Recyclable Packaging: Cans made from recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.

• Biodegradable Labels: Sustainable label options that break down without harming the environment.

• Sourcing Practices: Emphasis on sourcing raw materials from environmentally responsible suppliers.

How to Choose the Right Co-Packer for Your RTD Brand

Key Considerations

When selecting a co-packer for your RTD brand, there are several important factors to consider. Not all co-packers are created equal, especially when it comes to handling alcoholic beverages. It’s important to choose a partner who not only understands the unique challenges of producing RTD drinks but also has the facilities and expertise to meet your specific needs.

• Production Capacity: Does the co-packer have the ability to meet your current and future production demands?

• Experience with Alcoholic Beverages: A proven track record in producing and handling alcoholic drinks is essential.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure the co-packer follows strict quality control protocols to maintain consistency.

• Compliance with Regulations: The co-packer must be knowledgeable about alcohol-related regulations and ensure that your product complies with them.

Questions to Ask Potential Co-Packers

Before committing to a co-packer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for your brand. Some questions to consider include:

• Can they handle the volume you need? Ensure the co-packer can scale with your business as you grow.

• What is their track record with alcohol-based products? Look for a co-packer with specific experience in the alcohol industry.

• Do they offer flexible packaging and customization options? You want a partner who can accommodate your brand’s unique needs, from can sizes to labeling requirements.

• How do they manage quality control? Ask about their processes for ensuring consistency in flavor, alcohol content, and packaging.

the demand for RTD alcohol beverages continues to rise

As the demand for RTD alcohol beverages continues to rise, having a reliable co-packing partner is more important than ever. Big Storm Distillery’s co-packing services offer the perfect combination of expertise, quality, and scalability for brands looking to make their mark in this competitive market. With state-of-the-art facilities, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on innovation, Big Storm Distillery is well-equipped to help your RTD brand succeed.

Whether you're launching a new product or scaling an existing one, partnering with Big Storm Distillery ensures that your RTD beverages are produced efficiently, consistently, and to the highest standards. By choosing Big Storm as your co-packing partner, you can focus on growing your brand and leave the production challenges in expert hands. If you’re ready to take your RTD alcohol brand to the next level, Big Storm Distillery’s co-packing services provide the perfect solution.