From raw material intake to the point of sale, the spirit production process can take decades. The judicious application of tradition, expertise and knowledge of distilling science is combined with patience to produce near perfect spirits. Compared to their sojourn in the cask, the spirit’s time in the packaging process is over in an instant. This doesn’t mean it is any less important. For many spirits, success in the marketplace is as dependent on the ability of its packaging to engage new consumers or reassure loyal ones, as it is on the process used in the distillery. The skill of the Master Blender shines best in the customers’ eyes if the bottle presentation is flawless. As a distiller, your spirit deserves high quality packaging!

The Packaging for Distillers short course is designed to give distillers the knowledge required to work with packaging professionals to ensure that your spirits get the packaging they deserve. As well as spirit preparation and packaging, the course covers ready to drink (RTD) beverage production and packaging.

Although it is a short course, it is comprehensive in scope covering everything a distiller needs to know from how cans are manufactured and tested to the advantages and disadvantages of the palletising options for cartons of spirits. The course leads you through the package manufacturing process, it explains each package design feature and provides you with the knowledge required to specify and measure key quality parameters for all package types. It describes each step in the packaging process from container delivery to pallet wrapping, detailing the technology used and how quality and cost can be optimised. The course is not designed to turn you into a packaging professional but to give you the inside knowledge to ensure that your beloved spirits or RTDs leave the packaging facility unscathed. It should also help you to understand the world of the packaging professional and maintain a mutually beneficial working relationship with them.  

The Packaging for Distillers short course should provide you with the ability to collaborate effectively with those managing packaging operations. To a prospective or current employer, it also demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development.  

Author: Stuart Howe, Technical Development Manager, CIBD