Glencairn helps with glass shortage

Crystal glassware manufacturer Glencairn is offering premium glass bottles to spirits producers to help with the ongoing shortage in the industry.

Glencairn is making large quantities of premium glass bottles available to drinks producers, especially to those making premium whisky, as the crystal manufacturer believes they are most feeling the impact of the glass shortage.

The firm said that the scarcity of glass for bottling is a particular problem for companies producing premium malt whiskies aged 18 years or more, as well as other spirits of significant age and value.

Known for its luxurious crystal decanters, Glencairn noted that lead-times for premium glass bottles are now up to 12 to 18 months long, with increased energy costs and transport issues hiking up prices. However, according to new product development director Scott Davidson, Glencairn’s partners are capable of achieving shorter lead times, enabling the crystal firm to maintain its supply and meet demand at short notice.

“We currently have access to a high level of stock of cosmetic quality bottles as well as decanters, and wanted to ensure companies were aware of this should they require them for any limited release bottlings,” Davidson said.

“As a business, we have great glass and crystal partners who have shorter lead times for glass stock ranges, compared to the current squeeze from the major container makers that many companies seem to be experiencing,” he said, adding that fully recyclable glasses are available “in all shapes and sizes”.

Davidson further explained that Glencairn’s decoration facilities are at “the cutting edge of the market”, with industry-leading production processes in engraving, decoration and precious metal and materials application.

“We have worked hard to take the learnings from some of the most expensive decanters in the world, and to supply this on more affordable, and importantly, more readily available, premium glass bottles,” he told the drinks business.

In March, we reported how rising glass costs are pushing up wine prices in Portugal, with glass bottles costing 50% more than they did a year ago.

Meanwhile, aluminium prices have jumped by more than 24% in the last six months, posing real difficulties for craft brewers. Some suppliers are raising their minimum order from 200,000 cans to 1 million cans, squeezing producers even further.