The new DTC Legislation is a huge win for the local craft beverage industry. New York’s many craft distilleries and cideries can now ship directly to customers across the state, opening up new markets and opportunities for businesses in all corners of the state - very exciting!
To take advantage of this new legislation, Local cideries will want to source the proper packaging for shipping parcels throughout NYS. As a NYCA sponsor with years serving cider makers, Kayco Inc. has provided a short checklist of items to consider when embarking on your e-commerce venture:
Commerce Packaging Checklist for a Beverage Company:
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Product Protection:
- Outer Packaging:
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- Material: Choose sturdy materials like corrugated cardboard boxes, clamshells or insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive drinks.
- Size: Ensure the box is large enough to accommodate the product with sufficient cushioning.
- Padding: Use soft materials like bubble wrap, air pillows, foam or tissue paper to prevent damage during transit.
- Inner Packaging:
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- Material: Select containers that are leak-proof and suitable for the beverage type (e.g., plastic bottles, cans, cartons).
- Sealing: Ensure proper sealing of containers to prevent spills and maintain freshness. Carton sealing tape is recommended.
To determine outer packaging your packaging supplier will need to know the product dimensions (bottle/can size) and the quantity of product shipping per package.
2. Branding and Labeling:
- Branding: Incorporate your brand's logo, colors, and messaging onto the outer packaging. This can be accomplished through printing, labels or stamps.
- Marketing Promotional inserts are often included in E-Commerce packages.
- Labels: Affix clear and informative labels with product details, ingredients, nutritional information, and any necessary warnings.
- Barcodes: Include UPC or EAN barcodes for easy scanning and inventory management.
Your packaging supplier can help with box labels for outer packaging, and discuss printed inserts or direct-to-carton printing options.
3. Sustainability:
- Eco-friendly Materials: Consider using recyclable or biodegradable materials for packaging.
- Minimalism: Opt for packaging that is simple and avoids excessive waste.
Corrugated and molded pulp (paper-based) are two of the most common and effective means of shipping bottled goods and both are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
4. Shipping Considerations:
- Weight and Dimensions: Adhere to shipping carrier guidelines regarding weight and dimensions.
- Fragile Labeling: If necessary, indicate that the package contains fragile items.
Consider the weight of your SKUs and the cost to ship them. A heavier package will cost more to ship (and require more expensive packaging).
Kayco Inc, has been serving the packaging needs of Upstate NY for nearly 30 years. We take pride in being a resource to the communities we serve and are happy to provide consultation to any members with questions about packaging or ecommerce in general.
Author: Chuck Kayajian Jr.
