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 and stack and rollfed 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.