What to prepare for a beverage co-packing quote

1. Describe the beverage and its current stage

Give the category and a plain-language product description. Is it a spirit, a spirit-based ready-to-drink concept, a mixer, or a non-alcoholic beverage? Note carbonation and target alcohol content where relevant. Describe whether you have an idea, a developing formula, samples, or an existing commercial product.

At the initial inquiry stage, share enough to review fit without sending confidential recipes through a public contact form. Detailed technical information can follow through an agreed project process. CraftCo evaluates qualifying non-alcoholic projects based on chemistry, processing, and shelf-life requirements.

2. List each package and SKU

State bottle or can size, number of formulas, number of labels, and intended case configuration if known. If a component has already been selected, provide its specifications rather than only a product photo. Bottle shape, closure type, label format, and line compatibility need review before procurement.

If the package is undecided, say which options you are considering. CraftCo’s existing formats include 12 and 16 oz standard cans, 12 oz sleek cans, and glass from 50–750 mL plus 1 L and 1.75 L, subject to project review.

3. Give volume per SKU and label the estimate

Separate total volume from the amount for each product. Identify whether the request is a pilot, a small launch, or an ongoing production need. State your unit clearly: finished units, cases with a defined pack count, or liquid volume.

CraftCo evaluates low-to-no MOQ flexibility for qualifying projects. The final minimum depends on format, process, and component requirements. A target volume is a starting point for review, not confirmation that the run can be scheduled at that quantity.

4. Make sourcing responsibilities explicit

Clarify what you already have and what you expect your partner to help source. Include liquid or ingredients, bottles or cans, closures, labels, cases, and other packaging. Separate sourcing guidance from purchasing responsibility; they are different parts of a project.

Ask how supplier minimums, unused components, storage arrangements, and shipment coordination will be handled. Compare proposals using the same responsibilities so one price does not appear lower simply because it excludes work included in another.

5. Bring a readiness checklist, not just a deadline

Share your target timing and any confirmed commercial commitments. Ask which approvals, samples, testing, specifications, and materials must be complete before production can be scheduled. Development and procurement should be considered alongside line availability.

• Beverage category, formula stage, carbonation, and target alcohol content if applicable.
• Package size, component specifications, SKU count, and volume per SKU.
• Liquid, ingredient, and packaging procurement responsibilities.
• Testing and approval status, target timing, pack-out, and shipping needs.

What happens after you send it?

The first useful outcome is a fit review: what is feasible, what is still unknown, and which work needs scoping. Development or samples may come before a commercial quote or production date. That sequence helps keep assumptions from becoming expensive component orders.

CraftCo’s inquiry form collects the essentials across a few short steps. Use “not sure” where appropriate. We can begin with a product idea and identify the next decisions together.