Blog

Latest news and insights

Hennessy still exploring bottling Cognac in China to mitigate tariff challenges

LVMH's Hennessy, a renowned producer of premium Cognac, has been exploring a strategic pilot project to bottle its popular VSOP and XO lines directly in China, aiming to produce an estimated 600,000 cases annually for the domestic market. Henri Berthe, CEO of Rockwood Bottling, a French-owned glass and ceramic bottling plant in China, highlights several benefits of filling in China: • Tariff avoidance: By importing bulk spirits and bottling them in a Chinese free trade zone, Cognac producers can bypass steep tariffs on finished products. • Cost savings: Local bottling reduces expenses by leveraging Chinese-made glass and packaging materials, yielding savings of up to 20%. • Market agility: Bottling within China enables producers to maintain ready-to-ship inventory, improving responsiveness to market demand.

Why tinted glass and ceramic bottles are superior to aluminum cans for preserving THC potency in cannabis drinks

As the market for THC-infused beverages continues to grow, so does the need for effective packaging that preserves the potency and quality of these innovative drinks. The right choice of packaging is crucial for both producers and consumers alike. Let's explore why tinted or dark glass bottles, as well as ceramic bottles, are superior to transparent glass bottles or aluminum cans for storing THC drinks and beverages.

Tequila uncovered: A guide to quality, varieties, and craftsmanship

Tequila is a spirit steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. And while its reputation for salt-licking, shot-downing, lime-sucking party antics has lasted decades, the 2010s and 2020s have seen a growing appreciation for premium and artisanal tequilas. This has led to a more nuanced understanding of tequila as a complex and high-quality spirit, suitable for both the nightlife scene and sophisticated tasting. But what exactly makes a tequila premium and a symbol of refinement? Let's delve into the intricate world of tequila, exploring the factors that contribute to its quality, the different types, and the unique regions that produce the best tequila in the world.

Unveiling the science & art behind well-fitted closures, corks, and caps for alcoholic beverages

Meticulous sealing techniques between the “finish” (the moth of the bottle’s neck), and the “closure” (cork or cap) are required to guarantee 100% leak-free bottles and untainted product…without leaving aesthetics behind. Can both science and art be combined to provide consumers with an optimal experience from a noteworthy bespoke bottle? Leading bottle manufacturing companies, such as French-owned Rockwood Glass in Shanghai have R&D specialists and design teams who work together to achieve commendable results.

Inside Rockwood’s state-of-the-art bottling factory

A state-of-the-art bottling factory that has set new standards in quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Located in an Economic Free Zone just outside the city of Shanghai, China, this bottling plant is owned by the French family-run company, Rockwood Glass. The fusion of French heritage with Chinese efficiency and innovation creates a dynamic blend that has redefined the bottling of high-end spirits and liquors in the industry.

The benefits of manufacturing your custom bottles in Duty-Free Zones in China

What is a Duty-Free Zone for manufacturing? It is officially known as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which is a type of Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with several economic benefits. Within these zones, goods are imported, handled, manufactured, and exported without direct intervention from customs. What’s in it for your spirit and liquor brands? Affordability and efficiency in custom bottle production, bottling services, and shipping. If you opt to have your tailor-made glass bottles manufactured and bottled by a bottle production company located in an FTZ in China, you will reap the many advantages offered by such a location.

Choose Rockwood's private label expertise for your spirits & liquors

Are you ready to embark on a journey of crafting your own private label? At Rockwood, we've joined forces with esteemed distilleries like Real Craft Distillery in the Netherlands to curate exceptional spirits and liquors tailored precisely to the palates and preferences of our esteemed clients. Rockwood is a French-owned one-stop shop bespoke bottle manufacturer, spirit producer, private label developer, and bottler, based in China.

Ceramic bottles: When it comes to bespoke pieces, artistic expression is given unprecedented freedom!

As bespoke items designed by artists can now be produced on a large scale in modern facilities, contemporary ceramic bottles are taking the luxury industry by storm. Rockwood Ceramics, a French-owned bottle manufacturer in China, is at the epicenter of this premium bottle trend. Its state-of-the-art ceramics factory produces bottles for well-known spirits companies who choose to bottle their products in unique, handmade, and hand-painted ceramic works of art. For some, it is a matter of designing pristine limited-edition ceramic bottles that elevate their brand and complement their glass bottles.

Luxury ceramic bottles are safe vessels for spirits and liquors

As premium ceramic bottles are gaining momentum and filling isles with their exquisite bespoke designs, some consumers are asking the questions: “Are they safe for liquor?”, “Are they leak-proof?”, “Are they lead-free?”, “Are Made in China ceramic bottles safe?”. In short, the answers are yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Glass & ceramic bottle transport: 85% drop in freight rates from Shanghai China to West Coast USA

Did you know that around 90% of global trade is transported by sea? This is around 11 billion tons worth of goods per year. With such a dependency on maritime trade, it comes as no surprise that the freight rate crisis had such a severe impact on the global economy. Rockwood & Hines Glass Group, China’s largest foreign-owned manufacturer of custom glass and ceramic bottles, felt the impact. As did our clients. We saw 40ft container rates (Shanghai to West Coast USA) spike from 2,500 USD in June 2020 to 20,000 USD by September 2021.

Bespoke ceramic bottles are worth every cent! Find out why.

Premium, bespoke ceramic bottles are proving to be a huge asset to companies in the liquor and beverage industry. Especially to those wanting to launch a new product line or a limited-edition ceramic bottle that complements an existing glass bottle range. When it comes to customized shapes, embossed designs, engravings, textures, and sizes, ceramic material has unrivalled design possibilities, compared to glass. The craftsmanship that goes into a bespoke ceramic bottle generates an exceptional item. The end consumer is prepared to pay more for a bottle that looks and feels like a work of art.