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Can You Ship Alcohol? What to Know About Shipping Beer, Wine, and Liquor

⚞ The Highlights:

Yes, alcohol can be shipped, but only by licensed businesses using a carrier that has approved them. Unlicensed individuals generally cannot legally ship alcohol.
USPS prohibits mailing alcohol. FedEx and UPS ship it only for licensed businesses that have signed an alcohol shipping agreement, not for the general public.
Licensed shipping needs a federal TTB basic permit plus the right state licenses, and direct-to-consumer rules vary a lot by state.
Every shipment needs adult-signature delivery (recipient 21+) and carrier-required markings identifying it as alcohol.
Packaging and durable labels matter. Bottles need protection from breakage, and product labels need to survive moisture and abrasion in transit.

Yes, you can ship alcohol, but only if you’re a licensed business using a shipping carrier that has specifically approved you to do it. For an unlicensed individual, the honest answer is usually no. The U.S. Postal Service prohibits mailing alcohol entirely, and FedEx and UPS accept alcohol shipments only from licensed businesses that have signed an alcohol shipping agreement. So the answer to “can you ship alcohol” depends on who you are.

We print labels for breweries, wineries, and distilleries that ship their products, so we see the labeling and packaging side of this closely. Below is a plain-language rundown of who can ship alcohol, which carriers allow it, what licensing it takes, and how to package and label it to arrive intact. One important note: alcohol shipping laws are complex, vary by state, and change over time. This is general information, not legal advice, so confirm the current rules with the carrier and the states involved (or a compliance professional) before you ship.

Can you legally ship alcohol?

Whether you can ship alcohol comes down to licensing. The rules treat a licensed business very differently from a private individual.

Can an individual ship alcohol?

Generally, no. Private individuals can’t legally ship alcohol through the major carriers. USPS prohibits it outright, and FedEx and UPS only accept alcohol from licensed businesses under a formal agreement, not from consumers mailing a bottle to a friend. Sending alcohol without the proper license and carrier approval can violate federal law, state law, and carrier policy at once. If you’re an individual wanting to send someone a drink, the legal route is to order from a licensed retailer or winery that’s set up to ship to that person’s state and have them fulfill it.

Can a licensed business ship alcohol?

Yes. Licensed producers, retailers, and distributors can ship alcohol, provided they hold the right federal and state licenses and use a carrier that has approved them for alcohol shipments. This is how wineries run their wine clubs, how distilleries fulfill online orders in states that allow it, and how retailers ship to customers. The rest of this guide is written for that licensed-business path.

The short version: If you are not a licensed alcohol business with a carrier shipping agreement, you cannot legally ship alcohol through USPS, FedEx, or UPS. There is no consumer workaround, and getting caught can mean seized packages and penalties. Order through a licensed shipper instead.

Which carriers ship alcohol?

The three major carriers handle alcohol very differently. Here’s where each one stands right now (confirm each carrier’s latest policy before shipping, since they update their terms).

Carrier	Ships alcohol?	Who can ship	Key requirements
USPS	No	No one (mailing alcohol is prohibited)	Not an option for shipping alcohol
FedEx	Yes, restricted	Licensed businesses with a FedEx alcohol shipping agreement	Signed agreement, approved license, adult-signature delivery, required markings
UPS	Yes, restricted	Approved licensed shippers under a UPS agreement	Signed agreement, approved license, adult-signature delivery, required markings

USPS

USPS does not allow alcohol in the mail. It’s a prohibited item for both individuals and businesses, so it isn’t a path for shipping beer, wine, or spirits, period.

FedEx

FedEx ships alcohol, but only for licensed businesses that have entered into an alcohol shipping agreement with FedEx. Consumers can’t ship alcohol via FedEx. Approved shippers have to use adult-signature delivery and follow FedEx’s packaging and labeling rules.

UPS

UPS works the same way: it accepts alcohol shipments only from approved, licensed shippers who have signed a UPS alcohol shipping agreement and meet its requirements, including adult-signature delivery. Like FedEx, it isn’t open to the general public.

What licenses do you need to ship alcohol?

Shipping alcohol as a business is a licensed activity at both the federal and state level. The exact mix depends on what you make or sell and where you’re shipping.

Federal: the TTB basic permit

At the federal level, producers and importers of alcohol need a basic permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This is the federal foundation for operating as an alcohol business before state shipping licenses come into play.

State licenses and direct-shipper permits

States regulate alcohol shipping heavily, and this is where it gets complicated. Many states require a specific direct-shipper permit or license for each state you ship into, and the requirements differ by state and by product type. A permit that lets you ship wine to one state may not cover spirits, or may not exist for that state at all.

Direct-to-consumer vs. wholesale

There are two broad shipping models. Wholesale shipments move between licensed businesses (producer to distributor to retailer) and follow the three-tier system most states use. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipments go straight to the customer, and this is the more regulated path: it typically requires state DTC permits, age verification, and adult-signature delivery. DTC rules vary widely. Some states allow DTC wine but not spirits, some allow very little, and some don’t allow it at all.

Age verification and adult signature

Any legal alcohol shipment has to reach an adult. That means age verification at purchase and adult-signature delivery (the carrier confirms someone 21 or older signs for the package). This isn’t optional, and carriers enforce it.

Dry counties and state bans

Even where shipping is broadly legal, some counties and municipalities are “dry” and prohibit alcohol, and some states ban inbound DTC shipments entirely. You have to check the destination, not just your home state, before you ship.

Shipping your beer, wine, or spirits?

We print durable product labels built to survive transit, moisture, and handling. We’ll help you spec a label that arrives looking as good as it left.
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How do you package alcohol for shipping?

Once you’re cleared to ship, packaging protects the product, and the carrier will have packaging requirements you have to meet. Broken bottles mean lost product, unhappy customers, and messes that can trigger carrier penalties.

Choosing the right containers and inserts

Use shipping cartons designed for bottles, with molded pulp or corrugated dividers that keep each bottle separated and immobilized. These inserts are built to the bottle shape and are the single biggest factor in whether bottles arrive intact.

Protecting bottles in transit

Separate every bottle. Dividers stop glass from knocking against glass.
Cushion the load. Add appropriate cushioning so bottles can’t shift.
Seal it well. Use strong tape and a sturdy outer carton rated for the weight.
Distribute weight evenly. Balanced packing survives handling better.

Beer, wine, and spirits ship differently

Beer is sensitive to temperature and pressure, so it needs sturdy materials, good separation, and attention to heat during transit.
Wine is often shipped in temperature-aware conditions and typically packed to protect the cork and label, with careful cushioning.
Spirits are higher-proof and can carry stricter handling expectations, so tamper-evident, high-strength packaging is worth the investment.

Labeling and your product label in transit

Shipping alcohol involves two labeling layers: the carrier markings the package needs, and your product label surviving the trip. Both are easy to overlook until something goes wrong.

Carrier-required shipping markings

Alcohol shipments have to be marked so everyone in the chain knows what’s inside and that an adult signature is required. Carriers require specific alcohol-shipping labels (for example, a label noting the package contains alcohol and requires the signature of someone 21 or older) in addition to your normal shipping label. Your carrier agreement spells out exactly what’s required, so follow it to the letter.

Protecting your product label from moisture and abrasion

This is our corner of the process. A product label that looks perfect leaving the facility can arrive scuffed, smeared, or lifting if it isn’t built for the trip. Shipping means moisture (condensation, ice packs, humidity), abrasion (bottles rubbing against inserts), and handling. A durable film label like BOPP, often with a protective laminate or coating over the print, holds up far better than an uncoated paper label. If your product ships, it’s worth choosing a label material and finish with transit in mind, not just shelf appeal. Our guide to waterproof labels covers the material side in more depth.

Worth knowing: The label that survives a store shelf isn’t automatically the label that survives a shipping box. If direct-to-consumer is part of your plan, tell your printer, so the material and finish are chosen for handling and moisture, not just for looks on a shelf.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming one permit covers everything. Federal and state licenses are separate, and each destination state can have its own rules.
Checking only your own state. The destination’s rules (including dry counties and DTC bans) govern whether the shipment is legal.
Trying to ship as an individual. There’s no legal consumer workaround through USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
Skipping adult-signature delivery. It’s required, and delivering to a minor carries serious consequences.
Under-packing bottles. Inadequate dividers and cushioning lead to breakage and carrier penalties.
Using a shelf label for a shipped product. Choose a material and finish that survive transit.

Shipping alcohol the right way

Shipping alcohol is doable, but it’s a licensed, regulated activity: the right federal and state licenses, a carrier that has approved you, adult-signature delivery, and packaging built to protect the product. For individuals, the path is to buy from a licensed shipper rather than mailing it yourself.

We can’t file your permits, but we can make sure your labels are built to survive the trip. Request a sample pack to see our durable, shipping-ready materials, or get in touch and we’ll help you choose a label that holds up from your line to your customer’s door.

Frequently asked questions

Can you legally ship alcohol?

Yes, but only licensed businesses using a carrier that has approved them for alcohol shipments. Unlicensed individuals generally can’t legally ship alcohol. USPS prohibits mailing alcohol entirely, and FedEx and UPS accept it only from licensed businesses that have signed an alcohol shipping agreement. Shipping without the proper license and carrier approval can violate federal law, state law, and carrier policy.

Can an individual ship alcohol to a friend?

Generally no. Private individuals can’t legally ship alcohol through USPS, FedEx, or UPS. The legal alternative is to order from a licensed retailer or winery that’s authorized to ship to the recipient’s state and have them fulfill the shipment, which handles the licensing, age verification, and adult-signature requirements.

Can you ship alcohol through USPS?

No. The U.S. Postal Service prohibits mailing alcohol. It’s a prohibited item for both individuals and businesses, so USPS is not an option for shipping beer, wine, or spirits.

What licenses do you need to ship alcohol?

Shipping alcohol as a business generally requires a federal TTB basic permit plus the appropriate state licenses, which often include a direct-shipper permit for each destination state. Requirements vary by state and by product type, and direct-to-consumer shipping is more regulated than wholesale, typically requiring state DTC permits, age verification, and adult-signature delivery.

Do you need an adult signature to receive shipped alcohol?

Yes. Legal alcohol shipments require adult-signature delivery, meaning someone 21 or older must sign for the package. Age verification at purchase and adult signature at delivery are standard requirements, and carriers enforce them.

How should you package alcohol for shipping?

Use shipping cartons made for bottles with molded pulp or corrugated dividers that separate and immobilize each bottle, add cushioning so nothing shifts, seal with strong tape in a sturdy outer carton, and distribute weight evenly. Beer is temperature and pressure sensitive, wine is usually shipped with cork and label protection, and spirits often call for tamper-evident, high-strength packaging. Product labels should be a durable film built to survive moisture and abrasion in transit.

Ready to ship with labels that hold up?

Handle the licensing and carrier side with a compliance pro, and let us handle the label. We print durable, shipping-ready labels for beverage brands that ship. Request a sample pack to see the materials, or get in touch with your product and we’ll help you spec a label built for transit.

More on shipping and selling alcohol:

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Why Don’t Beer, Wine, and Spirits Labels Have to Disclose Ingredients or Serving Facts on Labels?

⚞ The Highlights:

- Different agency, different rules. Beer, wine, and spirits labels are regulated by the TTB (the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, not by the FDA under food labeling law. That’s why the FDA’s Nutrition Facts and ingredient-list rules don’t apply.
- Ingredients and serving facts are voluntary today. You can add them, and many brands do, but federal rules don’t require them on most alcohol.
- Some “alcohol” actually falls under the FDA. Beers not made from malted barley and hops, and wines under 7% alcohol by volume, are regulated by the FDA and do need a Nutrition Facts panel and an ingredient list.
- This may change. In January 2025 the TTB proposed two rules that would make an “Alcohol Facts” statement and major food allergen labeling mandatory. They are still proposals, not law.

Pick up a box of crackers and you’ll find a Nutrition Facts panel and a full ingredient list. Pick up a six-pack, a bottle of wine, or a fifth of bourbon, and most of that information isn’t there. If you make or sell alcohol, you’ve probably wondered why your label gets to skip what every packaged food has to show.

The short answer: your label answers to a different agency, under a different law. Here’s how that works, what your label actually has to include today, and the proposed rules that could change all of it in the next few years.

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Finding the Perfect Match: Beer Container Types and Beer Labels

⚞ The Highlights:

The main beer container types are cans, bottles, growlers, crowlers, kegs, and barrels. Each one needs a different approach to labeling.
12 oz and 16 oz cans dominate craft beer. Cans can be branded three ways: pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, or direct-printed cans.
Growlers (refillable jugs, 32 or 64 oz) and crowlers (single-use 32 oz aluminum cans) both serve taproom-to-home customers, just with different cost and reuse profiles.
Kegs use collars and wraps, not full body labels. Barrels and casks rarely need consumer-facing labels at all.

Cans, bottles, growlers, crowlers, kegs, and barrels are the main containers breweries use to get beer to customers. Each one has different sizing, label requirements, and use cases. We work with breweries on labels for all of them, and the right container often depends as much on where the beer is going as on what’s inside.

Below is a quick comparison of the main beer container types, then a breakdown of each with sizes, label dimensions, and what we typically see breweries use them for.

Beer container quick reference

Container	Common volumes	Label format	Typical use
Can	8.4, 12, 16, 19.2 oz	Pressure-sensitive label, shrink sleeve, or direct-printed	Retail, distribution, taprooms
Bottle	12, 16.9 (500 mL), 22, 25.4 (750 mL) oz	Front + back labels (or full wrap)	Retail, premium and specialty releases
Growler	32, 64, 128 oz	Pressure-sensitive label, hang tag, or wrap-around	Taproom-to-home (refillable)
Crowler	32 oz	Pressure-sensitive label	Taproom-to-go, outdoor events, sample shipping
Keg	5, 5.16, 7.75, 15.5 gal	Keg collar (around the top) + optional keg wrap	Bars, restaurants, large events
Barrel or cask	4.5, 9, 53, 59, 66 gal	Minimal labeling (typically internal use)	Aging, secondary fermentation, specialty batches

1. Beer Cans

Cans dominate craft beer for a few simple reasons. They’re lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to ship. The metal blocks light, which protects flavor better than clear glass. They’re highly recyclable, which matters for both brewers and consumers paying attention to packaging waste.

And cans give you size flexibility. You don’t have to stop at the standard 12 oz format.

Common can sizes

8.4 oz. Often used for specialty releases or high-ABV beers
12 oz. The classic standard
12 oz slim. Same volume, narrower profile
12 oz “Sam Can”. A wider-mouth format produced for Boston Beer Company
16 oz. The “tallboy” or “pint” can, popular for IPAs and tap-pour-style craft beers
19.2 oz. The “stovepipe,” often sold as single-serve
32 oz crowler. An aluminum can used for taproom fills (covered separately below)

Can label dimensions

For 12 oz cans, pressure-sensitive labels are typically around 3.625″–4″ tall by 7.5″–8″ wide.

16 oz cans usually run around 5″ tall by 7.5″–8″ wide.

If you’re using shrink sleeves, the label can cover the entire can from top to bottom: roughly 5″–6″ for a 12 oz can or 6″–7″ for a 16 oz can, depending on how much real estate you want for the design.

Pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, or direct-printed cans?

The same can can be branded three different ways:

Pressure-sensitive labels are the standard sticker-style label. They go on flat or cylindrical surfaces with adhesive. Lower setup cost, low minimums, and easy to change between runs. The format most craft breweries start with.
Shrink sleeves wrap the entire can in a printed film that shrinks under heat. They give you 360° coverage and more design real estate, but cost more and have higher minimums. A fit when the design needs to wrap or the container has unusual shape.
Printed cans (direct-to-can) put the design directly on the aluminum, with no separate label at all. They used to require minimums in the hundreds of thousands. Digital direct-to-object printing has changed that. We typically work with breweries on minimums around 1,500 to 2,000 cans per design, which is realistic for a single seasonal SKU rather than a year’s worth of inventory.

For a deeper comparison of growlers, crowlers, and printed cans, see our Growlers vs. Crowlers: What’s the Difference? post.

2. Beer Bottles

Beer bottles

Bottles are still a real part of the craft beer market, even with cans pulling ahead in raw volume. Bottles hold a loyal following for specialty releases, premium positioning, and traditional formats. Some brewers prefer them for high-gravity or barrel-aged beers, where the slower oxygen exchange lets nuanced flavors develop over time.

Why choose bottles?

Brand image: glass carries a premium or nostalgic feel that some consumers still associate with quality.
Flavor preservation: dark glass shields beer from harmful light, especially important for hop-forward and barrel-aged styles.
Tradition: many craft beer drinkers still associate bottled beer with authenticity and craftsmanship.

Common bottle sizes

12 oz. The classic standard for craft and mainstream beers
16.9 oz (500 mL). Popular for breweries with European roots or styles
22 oz “bomber”. Frequently used for limited-edition or specialty releases
750 mL. Typical for high-end Belgian-style or barrel-aged releases

Bottle label dimensions

Beer bottles typically use a front label and a back label, though some breweries use a single wrap-around label that covers the whole bottle.

A common front label is around 3″ x 3″. The back label typically runs between 2.5″ x 2.5″ and 3″ x 4″, depending on the bottle shape and how much regulatory information you need to fit.

3. Beer Growlers and Crowlers

Growlers and crowlers serve the same goal. Getting fresh draft beer out of the taproom and into a customer’s hands. With two different approaches.

Growlers (refillable)

A growler is a refillable jug, typically amber glass with a handle, sized at 32 oz or 64 oz (and occasionally 128 oz / one gallon). The customer brings it back to the brewery for refills, which makes it the natural fit for taproom-focused breweries that build local repeat business.

Growler labels generally sit in the 4″–5″ tall by 4″–6″ wide range, depending on the curve of the bottle and how much branding you want to show. Some breweries use larger wrap-around labels (around 4″ x 14″) for full-coverage branding.

Crowlers (single-use)

A crowler is a 32 oz aluminum can filled and sealed at the brewery on demand. The name is a mash-up of “can” and “growler,” and the format borrows the best of both: the freshness of a growler fill, with the durability of a can. Crowlers are single-use; once you’ve finished it, the can goes in the recycling bin.

Crowler labels typically run around 6″ x 9.5″. Most breweries apply them at the time of fill so the same blank crowler stock can serve multiple SKUs.

Worth knowing: Crowlers ship better than growlers because aluminum is durable, the seal is airtight, and there’s no UV light penetration. For breweries that send out samples or fulfill small online orders, crowlers (or printed cans) are usually the more reliable option than glass growlers.

For a deeper comparison of growlers vs. crowlers vs. printed cans, see our Growlers vs. Crowlers: What’s the Difference? post.

4. Beer Kegs

Kegs are the workhorse of draft beer. A lot of craft beer sales happen on-premise. Bars, restaurants, taprooms. And aluminum kegs are how that beer moves. The decision to use kegs usually comes down to cost-efficiency (refillable, reusable), reduced packaging waste, and straightforward shipping logistics.

Why choose kegs?

Bulk distribution: built for high-volume on-premise service.
Quality control: minimal oxygen exposure keeps beer fresh longer than bottles or cans on a shelf.
Sustainability: reusable containers reduce per-pour packaging waste.
Cost efficiency: fewer materials per ounce of beer than individual cans or bottles.

Common keg sizes

Half barrel (1/2 bbl): 15.5 gallons, the standard for bars and large events
Quarter barrel (1/4 bbl): 7.75 gallons, often called a “pony keg”
Sixth barrel (1/6 bbl): 5.16 gallons, popular for smaller tap rotations and limited releases
Cornelius keg (“corny keg”): 5 gallons, common for homebrewers and small-scale operations

Keg label sizes

Keg collars sit around the top of the keg and usually measure 6″–7″ in diameter. They carry compliance information (style, ABV, brewery) and basic branding.

Some breweries also use keg wraps, longer narrow labels that wrap around the keg’s body. These typically run 3″–6″ tall and up to 30″ wide, depending on the keg’s circumference. A well-designed wrap helps a keg get noticed in a crowded cellar or cooler line.

5. Beer Barrels and Casks

Beer casks

Barrels and casks are used by craft breweries for aging or secondary fermentation, typically after the initial brewing process. Wood barrels can infuse unique flavors into the beer (oak, bourbon, wine notes) that can’t be replicated in stainless steel. The result is more complex, layered profiles.

Brewers usually reach for a barrel when they want to create limited-edition or specialty batches that stand out. Beers that command premium prices and generate buzz among craft enthusiasts.

Why use barrels or casks?

Flavor enhancement: wood barrels previously used for spirits or wine can add vanilla, caramel, tannins, or residual whiskey or wine character.
Extended aging: slower oxygen exchange creates subtler, more nuanced flavor development over time.
Brand differentiation: barrel-aged beers stand out on shelves and menus, and they support premium pricing.

Common barrel and cask sizes

Standard bourbon barrels (53 gallons): often repurposed from bourbon distilleries; the most common size in the U.S.
Wine barrels (59 gallons): popular for sour or wild ales, where vinous qualities add complexity
Hogsheads (66 gallons): larger barrels used for extended aging
Firkins (9 gallons): smaller traditional British casks used for real ale or specialty releases
Pins (4.5 gallons): half the size of a firkin, ideal for very small-batch cask ales

Smaller casks are useful when you’re trying out a new recipe without a big commitment. Larger barrels hold more beer and support extended aging when the recipe is dialed in.

How to choose the right container for your beer

The container is half of the packaging decision. The label is the other half. A few factors usually drive the call:

Where is the beer going? Retail shelves want cans or bottles. Taprooms, refill programs, and event sales lean toward growlers and crowlers. On-premise distribution is keg territory.
What’s the volume per SKU? Pressure-sensitive labels and shrink sleeves are flexible at smaller volumes. Printed cans get cost-competitive once you commit to a planned run.
How often will the design change? Seasonal SKUs, one-off collaborations, and frequently rotating releases benefit from formats with low minimums and short turnaround. Flagship beers that hold a design for years can justify a longer-run printed can.
What’s the brand’s positioning? Bottles still carry premium or traditional connotations for some consumers. Cans signal modern craft. Growlers feel local and refillable. Each format sends a signal before anyone reads the label.
What’s your operational setup? If you don’t have an applicator, shrink sleeves require a partner. If you don’t have a seamer, crowlers do too. Format choice has logistics implications beyond the design.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the most common can size for craft beer?

The 12 oz can is the long-standing standard. The 16 oz “tallboy” has become equally common for craft IPAs, sours, and seasonal releases over the last decade. Most craft breweries use both, with 12 oz for flagship year-round beers and 16 oz for limited or higher-ABV releases.

What’s the difference between a growler and a crowler?

A growler is a refillable glass jug (typically 64 oz). A crowler is a single-use 32 oz aluminum can filled and sealed at the brewery on demand. Growlers are reusable; crowlers are recycled after use. Crowlers ship better and stay fresh longer once sealed; growlers are the better fit for local taproom-to-home programs. For a deeper comparison, see our Growlers vs. Crowlers post.

Can you put a label on a printed can?

You can, but it usually defeats the point. Printed cans carry the design directly on the aluminum, so a separate label adds cost without adding visual real estate. Most breweries that use printed cans go without an additional label. The exception is a small “neck” label or sticker for limited-edition variants on a base printed can.

What size label fits a 12 oz can?

A standard 12 oz can label is around 3.625″–4″ tall by 7.5″–8″ wide when applied as a pressure-sensitive label. Shrink sleeves for the same can run roughly 5″–6″ tall and cover the full body of the can.

How big are bottle labels?

Most beer bottles use a front label around 3″ x 3″ and a back label between 2.5″ x 2.5″ and 3″ x 4″, depending on the bottle shape and how much regulatory information you need to include. Wrap-around labels for bottles can run up to roughly 3″ tall by 10″–12″ wide.

Do kegs need labels?

Yes, but they’re different from bottle or can labels. Kegs use collars (round labels that sit on top of the keg, around 6″–7″ in diameter) for compliance and identification. Some breweries also add longer keg wraps around the body of the keg for branding visibility in a tap-line cooler. The collar is required; the wrap is optional.

Why do some brewers use bombers (22 oz bottles)?

Bombers carry a “specialty release” feel that 12 oz bottles and cans don’t. Brewers use them for limited editions, barrel-aged releases, anniversary beers, and other one-off projects where the format itself adds perceived value. The bigger format also handles barrel-aged or high-gravity beers that benefit from more headspace and aging time.

Ready to talk through containers and labels?

Your container is half the story. The label that goes on it is the other half. Whether you’re packaging a first run of 12 oz cans, a 22 oz specialty release, or building a refill program with growlers, getting the format right comes down to your audience, your distribution, and your timeline.

If you’re sorting through which container fits your brewery’s stage, take a look at our digitally printed cans page for more on direct-to-can production, or our craft beer label printing page for an overview of label work across all formats. Request a sample pack to see materials and finishes in person, or get in touch if you have specific questions about your beer and your container.

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Adding Value to Your Label with a QR Code

Guest Post by: Gretchen Ardizzone at Shout Out Studio

Having a well designed, well-executed label is the first step in attracting attention to your product, but there’s an opportunity for your label to do more. If you want to communicate the added value of your product, you might consider a QR code. QR (quick response) codes aren’t the newest technology to hit the market. In fact, the two dimensional barcodes have been around for almost twenty years. But we’ve seen them more (both good and bad) in the last few years in attempts to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace. When applied thoughtfully, they can provide their benefits.

Some people think the primary use of a QR code is a good way to direct consumers to your website. Not entirely. The reality is that your web address can just as easily be printed on your label, and if a consumer wants to visit your website before or after purchase, they’ll likely do it anyhow. The first question to ask is how engaging is your website? If you’re driving traffic there, it’s crucial that there’s something there to engage them. If it’s just basic company information and where to find your product (which they just did), you might want to reconsider.

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