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Create Your Own Mold? Global Package Has Answers

According to Global Package LLC President and CEO, Erica Harrop, there are good reasons to consider developing your own bottle mold. First, the international shipping chaos continues and, in some instances, is getting worse as the backlog of orders and shipping containers remains unabated. While Global Package has a ready supply of in-stock bottles available to customers to meet demand this season, the logjam is certainly limiting choice. “So, depending on your brand’s needs and budget, now may the perfect time to consider a new look with a new mold,” says Harrop.

Global Package has many partners with whom they work on behalf of customers to design and engineer custom bottle molds that will elevate a brand’s presence on the retail shelf and in restaurant settings. Beginning with a thorough understanding of a company’s brand marketing strategy, Global Package’s experts help to determine projected volume and price/cost ratios. From there, they will work step-by-step with customers throughout the manufacturing process, including evaluation of materials and timelines, as well as ensuring quality control measures are diligently followed throughout the process. “The end result is a bottle that is inspired, reflecting your brand and resonating with consumers,” says Harrop, adding that her company’s value-added services include 1:1 consultations to advise and implement every aspect of the packaging process.

“We also have gorgeous standard bottles on hand, if that’s your preference,” Harrop stresses. “In fact, one of long-term supply partners, Spain-based Estal, just introduced its 750ml Opera bottle that builds on its DobleAlto collection, sporting a double base that increases the height of the bottle—and thus shelf presence—but without adding weight. The Opera bottle, like the others in the DobleAlto™ collection, also features a Track-Ring that contributes to the bottle’s sleek shape.

“We are fortunate to have planned ahead so we’ve avoided many of the supply chain hurdles now affecting the industry,” Harrop maintains. “In addition to our DobleAlto™ collection, we also have our Elegant Light™ and beautiful one-of-a-kind Wild Glass™ collections. Call or come by for a visit …we’re at your service.”

 

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Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

Glass Weight is Just One Factor Driving Successful Packaging

By Erica Harrop

I read with interest the Packaging Survey Report in the latest issue of Wine Business Monthly, and would like to add my thoughts on the topic. My first point is an obvious one: there are many factors, not just glass weight, that influence a consumer’s decision to purchase a wine. While heavier bottles do confer a ‘luxury’ aspect to a wine, they aren’t the most important determination for a buyer. The reputation of the brand, the label’s ability to compellingly tell the brand’s story, and, critically, the strength of the overall bottle’s design to complement every aspect of the brand’s packaging are significant influencers.

Global Package is particularly skilled at bringing all these aspects together into a cohesive packaging composition. Our years-long partnership with our glass suppliers has resulted in many innovative designs that have boosted client sales: The Sommelier bottle that features an anti-drip barrier and a ‘sommelier’ groove, which facilities a clean, straight cut of the capsule. The DobleAlto® model that features a double ‘podium’ base, which increases the presence and perceived value of the wine. And the new award-winning Wild Glass line of bottles, which are not only sustainable and 100% PCR, but each bottle is unique, like a work of art.

Bottle decoration also plays an important role in buyer appeal. Our nearly 15-year partnership with Etiq’Etains allows us to offer clients a full range of pewter labels in three distinct categories—Natural (silver), Luxury (gold, bronze, copper), and Modern (many colors, including blue, red, yellow, green, brown, black). Each brings its own attributes to amplify a wine’s brand.

Yes, glass weight does help define quality but it is far from the only contributing factor. Design aspects, especially those on heavier bottles, are equally important. We also know that new glass designs are continually being developed and research shows that early adopters of new design concepts are doing better than those not adapting to change. Our continued work with these and other innovative suppliers assures our and our clients’ future success.

Sustainability is increasingly gaining traction with wine buyers, so wineries are also well advised to consider that trend in packaging decisions. Our recent case study on Acquiesce Winery detailed this winery’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint, choosing lighter weight bottles that saved the winery approximately 12,600 pounds per year in glass, or four ounces per bottle. It also selected shipping cartons that are 100% recyclable paper and pulp. As mentioned above, Estal’s Wild Glass collection of bottles can also be a good solution for wineries seeking more ecological-friendly packaging.

Finally, Chinese glass has proven to be an integral part of the industry, providing affordable and very good, consistent quality that has helped our industry when domestic and European supply shortages occur. Our long-term relationships with Chinese glass suppliers have provided our clients with outstanding options, such as our Elegant Light ™ line of European-style bottle shapes at affordable pricing and featuring a wide neck that defines higher-end wines along with elegant straight lines.

So, Global Package has it all …affordable stock bottles in standard shapes and colors, domestic and European glass, and custom molds for one-of-a-kind bottles for the premium wine market. We welcome your inquiries and invite you to visit our Napa showroom. We remain open during Covid-19, adhering to strict protocols.

 

Packaging That Makes a Difference

Erica Harrop, Founder and CEO of Global Packaging LLC, recently learned that client, Adam Lee of Clarice Winery, received kudus not just for his high-scoring Pinots, but also for the wine’s bottles and labels. According to Good Vitis editor, Aaron Menenberg:

“The bottles and labels themselves received serious design consideration and effort as well. The labels are beautifully designed and executed, and are true pieces of art. And the bottles bear a Chateauneuf de Pape -inspired custom cartouche. Both myself and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the ascetics of the Clarice Wine Company labels and bottles.”

Global Packaging started working with Lee—familiarly known as the “Prince of Pinots”—last year before debuting his three new Pinots. Lee wanted packaging  that reflected the history of the wine’s namesake, his beloved grandmother, Clarice, as well as the winery’s close affinity with France’s famed Chateauneuf de Pape wines. He shared this:

“I knew generally the height and weight I wanted, so I contacted Erica, who presented several options and suggestions, including an etched cartouche to the bottle for added distinction. I initially thought the pricing and quantities required for a custom designed bottle would be prohibitive, but it turned out that the quantities required were quite reasonable and the pricing was really fair. It cost a bit more than a stock bottle, but given the bang for the buck, it was quite reasonable. With Erica’s help the finished product is both classy and classic. I was also pleased with how smoothly and quickly the whole process was.”

Lee’s choice of a screw cap for the wines was also unusual: “Some have been surprised by my choice of a screw cap on the package …it was not to save money. My many years in the industry as a Pinotphile have convinced me that screw tops are the best closure; they allow the right amount of oxygen in without TCA contamination.”

Wine writer Jeb Dunnuck scored all of Clarice’s 2018 Pinot Noirs with high marks: Garys’ Vineyard Pinot (97-94 Points); Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot (97 Points); and Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot (94 Points).

“It’s so gratifying to see Adam’s Pinots take off,” says Harrop. “He has a wonderful aesthetic and an inspired commitment to educating his community of members about every facet of winemaking and wines around the world.

Check out the Clarice website: www.claricewinecompany.com and become a member.”