Wholesale Soft Drinks & Water Suppliers

Weight drives the economics

Bottled water, soda, juice and energy drinks are mostly liquid, which makes them expensive to move. The delivered cost per unit depends heavily on how many cases fit on a pallet and how far the load travels, so a cheap ex-works price can turn into an ordinary one after freight. Compare quotes on a delivered basis. Local or regional suppliers often win on freight for water, while imported specialty drinks justify their freight through a higher shelf price.

Packaging and deposit schemes

Drinks come in glass, PET plastic and cans, and each behaves differently. Glass is heavy and breaks, PET is light but can be marked in transit, and cans stack well. Some markets run deposit return schemes for bottles and cans, and these can affect labelling, the cost you charge and how you handle returns. Check the rules for your market before importing, because product made for another country may not carry the required deposit marking.

Labelling, sugar and age rules

Labels must meet the requirements of the market where you sell, including ingredient lists, allergen information and nutrition declarations. Some markets tax sugary drinks or restrict how they are described. Energy drinks carry caffeine warnings in many markets and some places restrict sales to minors, so confirm what applies to you. Natural mineral water and spring water have specific definitions in some markets, so check that a claim on the label is one you are allowed to repeat.

Shelf life and storage

Carbonated drinks and juices have a date code, and flavour, colour and fizz decline as they age. Ask for the remaining life on delivery. Store pallets away from direct sunlight and heat, which damages flavour in clear bottles and can raise pressure in cans. Freezing can split cans and crack glass. Do not stack pallets beyond what the packaging permits.

Seasonality and range

Demand rises in warm weather and during events and holidays, so plan stock before the heat arrives. Cold-chain products such as fresh juice need chilled transport and a short sell window, which is a different business from ambient drinks. New flavours and trend drinks can sell quickly and then fade, so test small before buying a pallet.

Questions to ask a supplier

• What is the delivered cost per unit, including freight?
• How many cases per pallet, and can I buy mixed pallets?
• What is the date code on current stock?
• Does the product meet the labelling and deposit rules in my market?
• Who is responsible for damaged or leaking goods?
• Is the brand sold through authorised distribution, or is this a parallel import?

Parallel imports of branded drinks are common, so check for foreign-language labels and different recipes between markets.