Late winter and early spring might feel early to start thinking about summer, but for drinks brands, this is exactly when planning should begin ordering your beverage packaging.
From RTDs and beer to sparkling water, mixers and spirits, getting your beverage packaging underway now gives you more time to prepare for summer launches, Christmas demand, events and the busy social season.
The warmer months can bring increased demand, new product releases and seasonal promotions, so getting ahead with your packaging can help avoid last-minute pressure and give you time to get every detail right.
Summer comes around faster than you think
For many beverage brands, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.
Retail shelves get busier, events and festivals ramp up, and customers are reaching for drinks to take to BBQs, holidays, celebrations and social occasions.
That means late winter and early spring are a smart time to start thinking about what packaging you will need for the months ahead.
Planning early gives you more time to finalise quantities, artwork, structural requirements and production timelines before the summer rush begins.
Think beyond just the product
Great beverage packaging does more than hold your product.
It needs to protect your cans or bottles, perform well in transport and chilled environments, and still look sharp when it reaches the shelf.
For beverage brands competing for attention, packaging is also one of the strongest opportunities to make your product instantly recognisable.
Colour, print finish, structure and board choice can all help create packaging that feels considered and consistent with your brand.
Choose the right format for your beverage packaging
Different products call for different packaging formats.
Depending on your product range, you might need:
- Four-pack cartons
- Six-pack cartons
- Twelve-pack cartons
- RTD boxes
- Spirit gift boxes
- Seasonal or promotional packaging
The right structure will depend on the product, weight, storage requirements and how the packaging will be displayed or transported.
Working through these details early means there is more time to make sure the final packaging works practically as well as visually.
Beverage Packaging for chilled environments
Beverage packaging often needs to perform in conditions that standard packaging does not.
Cold storage, condensation and regular handling can all place extra pressure on packaging, so it is important to choose materials that are made for the job.
At Brightprint, we stock chiller grade board, which is designed to perform well in chilled environments while still delivering strong print presentation and shelf appeal.
This makes it a smart option for products like beer, RTDs, sparkling water and other beverages that are regularly stored in fridges, chillers or cold rooms.
By using the right board for the environment, beverage brands can improve both the durability and appearance of their packaging, helping it stay looking sharp from production through to purchase.
Planning a seasonal release or new product?
If you are preparing to launch a new beverage, limited edition flavour or summer campaign, packaging should be part of the planning process from the beginning.
Getting your packaging sorted early gives you time to work through dielines, artwork, samples and final production before your launch date.
It also gives you more flexibility if changes are needed along the way.
Leaving packaging until the final stages can create unnecessary pressure, particularly during busy production periods.
Get ahead of the summer rush
If your beverage brand is planning for summer, now is a good time to start the conversation.
Whether you need a four-pack, six-pack, twelve-pack, RTD carton or premium spirit gift box, planning early can make the process smoother and give you confidence that your packaging will be ready when you need it.
At Brightprint, we produce high-quality custom beverage packaging for brands across New Zealand and beyond, with board options designed to perform while helping your product stand out on shelf.
Planning your beverage packaging for the warmer months? Get in touch with the Brightprint team for a sharp quote and a free board sample.
