CONTRACT PACKAGING

Assisting beverage-makers with their manufacturing and packaging needs, contract packers are meeting the shifting needs of the beverage marketplace. These service providers can supply hot-fill and cold-fill capacity as well as aseptic, tunnel and nitrogen processing capabilities to aid in the production of branded and private-label traditional beverages — such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit beverages and bottled waters — as well as new age entries, including ready-to-drink, energy drinks and shots, and kombucha. Contract packers also are supplying the beverage alcohol space with solutions in the assistance of beer, spirits/wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, cocktail mixers and more. Beverage manufacturers also can seek out contract packers that deliver on the certifications that are driving new product development, including gluten free, kosher, non-GMO, SQF, USDA organic, HACCP and more. Additionally, beverage-makers can find out what labeling and capping capabilities are offered by contract packers. Today’s contract packers are expanding beyond cut & stack and roll-fed labels to also include shrink sleeve, pressure sensitive, stretch wrap-around and more. In terms of capping, beverage manufacturers can seek out contract packers that supply a variety of capabilities including plastic, crown, cork, foil, tamper evident, heat seal and more.