News

Guala wants to ‘democratise’ access to bespoke closures

17 December 2025 By Florence Ingleby

Italian manufacturer Guala is expanding its services to help small and boutique wineries produce closures with the same detailed customisation previously reserved for large-scale companies.

The move comes after a period of growth for the company, which has recorded more than £728 million in revenue in the past two years. Operating in more than 100 countries, Guala Closures has more than 200 patents for closure systems used by major drinks and consumer brands worldwide.

The new digital printing technology and consultancy services are aimed at supporting small winemakers and boutique wineries.

Arturo Matorelli, chief commercial officer at Guala Closures, appointed this summer, said that “democratising access to advanced closure solutions and empowering winemakers – regardless of production scale,” is key to the company’s mission.

The innovation will seek to empower winemakers “with the design freedom and technical precision needed to compete successfully in global markets.”

Digital printing technology

The new service allows for minimum order quantities as low as 1,000 units, with no set-up costs, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for the “premium decoration” of closures. As a result, small and boutique wineries can produce limited editions, seasonal releases or premium lines with a level of customisation previously reserved for large-scale industrial production.

The technology offers an unlimited colour palette and high photographic resolution, enabling intricate designs, subtle gradients and distinctive branding to be reproduced with high accuracy.

As spirits and wine brands increasingly aim upmarket, packaging is now a vital tool for differentiation. Digital printing supports this shift, enabling limited editions, craft releases and small-batch products to place greater emphasis on design and storytelling without the cost constraints. This is particularly important as producers seek to engage younger consumers and enhance gifting, duty-free and unboxing experiences, where visual impact and perceived exclusivity play a decisive role.

Full-service consultancy

Alongside the technology, Guala Closures is offering a comprehensive consultancy service to guide winemakers through every stage of the closure selection process. This includes expert advice on liner choice and Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR), ensuring closures align with a wine’s intended ageing profile and preserve its organoleptic characteristics.

Furthermore, the company is supporting producers interested in transitioning from cork to screwcaps, offering them the opportunity to trial closures without investing in costly capping machinery.

Partner Content

‘The best value for quality bubbles’: Patriarche Crémant sales surge 20%

Wines of Hungary makes central Europe the centre of attention

Pata Negra Fauna range reveals the characters of Spanish terroirs

Why you should add Barcelona Wine Week to your calendar

Technical assistance includes helping wineries identify mobile bottling services that can operate directly on-site, allowing for a smooth and cost-effective transition while safeguarding wine quality.

Climate variability, longer and less predictable supply chains, and the rise of premium and age-worthy wines have intensified scrutiny around consistency, oxygen management and long-term quality control. At the same time, shifting consumer perceptions and export market requirements mean producers are under pressure to justify closure choices not only in terms of performance, but also sustainability, brand positioning and cost efficiency.

For closures companies, innovation is essential for survival. As global wine consumption declines – even in traditionally strong markets like the UK, US, and APAC – firms must continuously adapt to evolving consumer habits. Offering diverse, distinctive products has become crucial to retaining a competitive edge.