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The Beer bottle Polka

So much interest and attention is given to the Australian wine industry that the rise of the beer culture has been somewhat overlooked. That state of affairs is no more clearly evident as in the local production of the beer bottle.



In the recent past, beer was consumed either in the ubiquitous stubby or the “long neck” – and the colour of either bottle was always brown. The glass manufacturers churned these out in the millions and everyone was happy. It’s not that these particular bottles have disappeared from the market or that the need for these basic styles is any the less, but the appreciation of beer has broadened, particularly from the time of the introduction of imported beers.


Some of those beers were in stylish bottles with interesting closures and labels - and hardly ever in those brown bottles with which we were familiar. With this came the rise in overseas travel and we were also exposed to the many lovely ales and lagers that are produced in Europe and Asia, and so the image of beer was changed in our minds forever. Happily, Australia now has an impressive range of boutique breweries producing many beer styles and all of them representing great taste and quality.


Unfortunately, the situation these boutique brewers now find themselves in is one with which wine makers are all too familiar. The production of beer bottles domestically has withered on the hop vine, as it were, and only those bigger and well-known companies are getting access to the limited lines now in production here. The smaller breweries get scant look in, with only one glass producer and one distributor calling the shots and, let’s face it, not in the business of producing beer bottles of style and distinction.


If these smaller breweries do get access to domestic glass, it will usually be end-of-runs and limited to the unimaginative style and colour as mentioned above – and any order below 500,000 units would see the eyes of the Australian bottle producer glazing over, not worth their consideration. Certainly there will be nothing available to give that edge to domestically produced beers, an essential element in a crowded market. A distinctive bottle goes a long way in making any beer attract the interest of the consumer.


Overseas boutique brewers, on the other hand, have an amazing array of size, style and colour to choose from. Some of those brands make their way to Australia and would be familiar to most. European glass producers cater very effectively to this large market, meeting the needs of both big and small concerns without problem.


This type of marketing is essential for our own boutique breweries, in both the export and domestic market and there is no reason why that great source of beer bottles shouldn’t be accessible to the Australian brewer.


An extensive range of colours, styles and sizes is available from these premium European producers. Placing an order with them through Pipwin is surprising cost effective. A minimum of a 20ft container is all it takes and that would allow a mixed lot - as long as they all come from the same supplier, of course.


With 12-monthly forecasts and twice-yearly reviews, the regular supply of bottles for your brewery, with delivery between 6 to 8 weeks, can easily be achieved.


Give Pipwin a call to find out how to get your beer into the bottle it deserves.


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