Packaging for the UK drinks industry

As patrons of WineGB, and supplier of gift and transit packaging to many of the UK’s vineyards, we are proud to work with some of the country’s most respected wine producers. Our expertise in this area has over the years translated into a range of packaging solution to support other drinks producers in the UK and, as the industry continues to grow and diversify, our sustainable packaging solutions are the preferred choice for many.

Here we take a look at the drinks sector in the UK, how we support drinks manufacturers to display and transit their products, and why corrugated is the perfect solution.

Industry overview

Food and Drink  is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector  contributing £38 billion to the economy annually and employing over 475,000 people.

Within that sector is a thriving drinks industry. The alcoholic drinks sector is expected to grow to a whopping £60.9 billion turnover in 2026,  whilst the no and low alcohol is continuing on a growth trajectory with sales almost doubling in 2023.

When you consider that all this drink is contained in bottles or cans the amount of packaging required is staggering. But when the drinks are bottled or canned, how does the producer move the product to market?

This is where corrugated comes in.

Supporting the supply chain

Corrugated is the perfect material to move drinks products through the supply chain due to its strength and versatility.

Whether the bottles or cans are already pre-packed or whether they are being loaded directly into a transit case, corrugated offers the perfect solution. Its flexibility means our designers can create solutions that are made to measure with bespoke fittings and dividers to ensure products are safe, have limited movement during transit ensuring they arrive at their end destination intact and undamaged.

This type of solution is ideal for shipping high volumes of products into retail environments or boxes of wine or drinks direct to consumers through an ecommerce channel.

Looking good

Whilst the humble corrugated transit box is essential to the drinks sector supply chain, what happens when an eye-catching packaging solution is required?

Whether it’s a luxury single bottle gift box, a gift pack for a special or seasonal offer, or a retail ready solution to assist shoppers when making instore purchases, our talented designers can create the perfect pack or box.

And with a huge range of manufacturing capabilities across the group we can deliver the most impressive and accurate print finishes as well to ensure your products stand out in a busy marketplace.

Corrugated success

Corrugated is the ideal packaging material to protect bottles and cans for a range of reasons including flexibility, strength, sustainability and recyclability.

Because there is such a range of different board grades, our designers will advise and select the most appropriate board grades to fulfil the customers wishes. The choice will be made taking into account the weight of the products in the box or pack, how the products need to be protected, how the products will be accessed and how they will be stacked, stored and transported.

In addition, the fact that corrugated board is made from at least 80% recycled material and is 100% recyclable through domestic and commercial recycling methods, makes it hugely appealing to businesses and consumers alike.

All things considered; corrugated packaging truly is the ideal choice for the UK drinks industry.

With our expertise supporting businesses in the sector from small batch distilleries to large scale, household name drinks producers why not explore how we can support your business too.