RTD canned cold brew beverages are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide: they’re convenient, offer smoother and more diverse flavours, and feature higher-quality coffee.
This rising demand presents an opportunity for coffee businesses to enter the booming RTD market. However, manufacturing canned cold brew in-house can be extremely costly and challenging to scale.
This is where private labelling comes in. Many coffee shops and roasters are now partnering with private label canned cold brew manufacturers, who have the expertise and equipment necessary to produce high-quality canned cold brew instead of doing it themselves.
In 2023, the global consumption of RTD coffee reached 7.3 billion litres and will likely exceed 8 billion litres by 2028. The market value also grew by over 9% between 2021 and 2023 and is projected to reach over $32 billion by 2030.
We spoke to Alex Holliefield, Area Sales Manager at Critical Mass Group, to learn more about how working with a private label canned cold brew manufacturer can help you succeed in this competitive landscape.
A cost-effective way to tap into the canned cold brew market
In 2022, RTD coffee sales grew by 32%, with private label canned cold brew accounting for 7% of the total RTD coffee market.
Unsurprisingly, many coffee brands are eager to enter this lucrative market, but investing in a full-scale cold brew canning facility and operation is only feasible for some.
“Cold brew, traditionally, requires a lot of time and labour, with equipment that produces a low extraction yield product,” says Alex.
Partnering with a private label canned cold brew manufacturer allows coffee shops and roasters to offer an in-demand product with lower overheads and increased profitability.
“Small and medium-sized businesses can especially benefit from private label canned cold brew manufacturing as they do not have to make the risky investments into equipment, materials, and other overhead expenses required to produce products,” he explains.
Entering the RTD market not only helps coffee brands meet the growing demand for cold brew coffee but also diversifies their product offerings and attracts new customers. This is especially true for millennials and Gen-Z coffee drinkers, who now prefer cold canned coffee over hot coffee.
Safety and consistency from private label canned cold brew manufacturers
A common challenge for many coffee businesses is maintaining consistency and quality across large batches of cold brew.
Manufacturers with a specialty coffee background often source high-quality coffee to ensure the best private label canned cold brew product. They also have the professional equipment and setup needed to keep quality, flavour, and acidity consistent from batch to batch.
Alex emphasises that outsourcing cold brew production to such a manufacturer can improve extraction, increase shelf-life, and guarantee a consistent, safe product.
For instance, Hardtank uses a patented rapid cold brew extraction method that minimises oxidation and better preserves freshness and flavour and is in the process of obtaining a BRC certification as a mark of its commitment to the highest global food safety standards.
It’s also essential to ensure your canned cold brew meets strict health and safety standards. Proper production and storage are crucial to avoiding contamination and bacterial growth.
“Producing a safe cold brew can – whether it is cold-chain or ambient shelf stable—is very difficult and should be taken seriously,” says Alex.
He adds that the most significant advantage of working with a private label cold brew manufacturer is the high level of food safety standards.
“They can safely produce the canned product to comply with strict food safety standards,” he explains. “Executing ambient shelf-stable cold brew cans requires strict procedures and relatively expensive equipment, something that would take many years to understand and put together from scratch.”
Scalability and new product development
Instead of investing in your own canning facility, partnering with an external cold brew manufacturer can help you scale production more efficiently.
As demand for your canned cold brew fluctuates, for example, through different seasons, private label manufacturers offer the space and resources to adjust production levels flexibly. This means you avoid the extra costs and hassle of expanding your own facility to meet demand.
“Once outsourced, scalability is limitless as the company now has access to multiple SKUs and packaging types that could suit any customer’s needs and broaden the potential market,” says Alex.
Working with an external supplier also simplifies new product development. They can help you create a variety of canned cold brew offerings that cater to different tastes and preferences, including oat milk lattes, cold brew tea, cascara, and other flavoured or functional beverages.
Some manufacturers, like Hardtank, offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs). This allows you to test new products in the market with smaller shipments before committing to larger order volumes.
“Private label manufacturers carry certifications and qualifications necessary in order to validate a product and make it available to sell anywhere,” says Alex. “They understand the costs and retail potential at every level and will offer pricing in order to make the transaction favourable for their customers.”
Customise and brand your private label cold brew cans
Once your private label cold brew is ready, the manufacturer will package it in cans featuring your branding and logos.
“Private label manufacturers can fill multiple sizes of cold brew cans, giving the brand the capability to produce a unique product that fits its style and goals,” says Alex. “They will also have the connections and purchasing power to find the specific packaging a brand may want.”
Customised cans help your cold brew stand out in the crowded RTD coffee market. With eye-catching branding, you can attract younger consumers who are always looking for authentic and unique cold brew options.
For instance, Hardtank can personalise your cold brew cans with your logos, branding, and colours, making them distinctly yours.
Given the rapid growth of the RTD coffee market and the surging demand for cold brew, more brands than ever are using this opportunity to create their own RTD cold brew products.
However, building a canning facility requires significant investment and years of experience to perfect the process—something many coffee businesses can’t afford or prefer to avoid.
Hardtank has been sourcing, canning, and branding cold brew for private label clients for years. Our world-class facilities, innovative canning technology, expert team, and rapid development times make producing consistently delicious cold brew easier than ever.
We can even use your product or formula to create a private label canned cold brew!
Are you interested in creating your own RTD cold brew product? Contact us to learn more about our private label services.
