In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why wholesale cold brew RTDs are becoming so popular
- How they can help you expand your off-site sales
- What to look for in a wholesale cold brew supplier
For coffee businesses, wholesale cold brew RTDs have become a more viable option than ever. Modern consumers want low-sugar drinks in convenient formats that fit into their busy lifestyles, and the smooth, bold profile of cold brew fits these requirements.
However, knowing how to launch wholesale cold brew RTDs can be a challenge. There are two main options: to handle manufacturing and production in-house, or to outsource it to private label partners. Your choice can influence everything from your speed to market to your profit margins and future scalability.
To learn more about how to launch wholesale cold brew, I spoke to Steve Shuyler. He is the CEO of JavaTwist, an RTD cold brew business based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Read on for his insight.
Are wholesale cold brew RTDs suitable for coffee businesses?
Steve believes that wholesale cold brew RTDs are ideal for coffee businesses – particularly those targeting new consumer touchpoints. “They’re definitely suitable for brands that want to grow outside their café walls,” he tells me.
Provided your RTD formulation is the same as the fresh coffee you offer on-site, you can replicate the experience for a much wider consumer base. “RTDs allow coffee businesses to reach grocery stores, events, and customers who want something ready to grab and go,” he explains.
After all, if you only have a few in-person locations, your overall market reach is limited. With RTDs, you can get your products on shelves in other regions and countries, which opens up significant opportunities for expansion. “It opens up new revenue without needing more retail space,” he says. “We’ve seen firsthand how RTD coffee creates opportunities beyond traditional coffee shops.”
Often, coffee businesses outsource the development and manufacturing of RTDs to a wholesale cold brew manufacturer, such as Hardtank. This means you don’t have to invest time and money into manufacturing facilities and compliance steps that can delay your route to market.
What to look for when choosing a wholesale cold brew supplier
When choosing a wholesale cold brew strategy, you need to prioritise consistent formulations across production batches and SKUs, shelf life requirements, and logistics handling.
If you want to launch your RTDs in a matter of weeks or months, manufacturers with market-ready formulations are a wise choice. These pre-developed cold brew wholesale RTD beverages have already met compliance checks and microbial testing, meaning you can launch with a product that consumers trust without needing to start from scratch.
However, custom formulation is also an effective way to stand out from competitors and establish yourself in the market. Leading private label manufacturers will give you full ownership of your formulation after production, meaning you can repeat it across future batches.
This is especially important because consumers demand consistency. That means your wholesale cold brew RTDs need the same flavour, texture, and quality in every batch. “Consistency is everything,” Steve explains. “The flavour has to taste the same every time, no matter the batch size.”
However, you should also factor in logistics. “You have to think about shelf life, packaging, and how the product travels,” Steve adds. If your packaging isn’t protective enough, or your drinks have a short shelf life, they may arrive with retailers in sub-standard condition, which can reduce sales potential. Hardtank produces wholesale cold brew RTDs that can achieve a shelf life of up to 12 months under validated storage conditions, or up to eight months for formulations including plant milk.
It’s important that your wholesale cold brew manufacturer be able to balance all these factors while maintaining consistency in every batch as demand grows. “If you can’t replicate your process exactly, scaling becomes risky,” Steve says. “Ensuring quality remains steady while growing is essential.”
When launching a popular, trendy product like canned cold brew, it often makes sense to start with a smaller batch to gauge consumer response. Partnering with a manufacturer that offers low minimum order quantities (MOQs) can minimise the risk of leftover inventory and allow you to manage cash flow by keeping initial investment costs lower.
Do consumers prefer wholesale cold brew RTDs in convenient formats?
Modern consumers care more than ever about convenience. For coffee businesses, this means offering RTDs in portable, grab-and-go formats that preserve your drinks’ shelf stability and quality.
Steve has witnessed this shift first-hand and understands why it’s so important for wholesale cold brew RTDs. “Convenience definitely matters today,” he says. “People like having a ready-to-drink option they can take anywhere.”
Wholesale cold brew RTDs are suited to meet the needs of this consumer segment. For brands already serving freshly made cold brew in-house, it’s an opportunity to extend the same experience to customers who want the beverage without the wait.
However, Steve also emphasises that both fresh service and RTD options should co-exist for coffee businesses. Rather than limiting consumers to one format, they increase your appeal across consumer touchpoints. “RTDs don’t replace coffee shops,” he says. “They add to the experience. Some days, people want the café vibe. Other days, they just want great coffee fast.”
Therefore, wholesale cold brew is a suitable option for many coffee businesses. If you’re looking to expand your product range and extend off-site sales potential, it’s an effective way to tap into modern consumer trends.
At Hardtank, we meet these needs through our private label services, where we offer a wide range of RTD beverages, from nitro cold brew to milk-based coffees. Our readily available shop-to-go recipes can be delivered within four to six weeks, while custom formulas take as little as two to three months, from formulation and lab testing to canning and labelling.
Wholesale cold brew RTDs: Key takeaways
- Wholesale cold brew RTDs help coffee businesses expand beyond fresh service in coffee shops.
- You can tap into new consumer touchpoints like grocery stores, events, and grab-and-go retailers.
- Working with a private label supplier helps you to ensure consistent flavour, texture, and quality without needing to invest in your own production facilities.
Ready to learn more about Hardtank’s private label RTD services? Visit our website or schedule a free consultation.
Wholesale cold brew RTDs FAQ
Are wholesale cold brew RTDs suitable for small coffee businesses?
Wholesale cold brew RTDs can be suitable for small coffee businesses, especially those looking to expand their presence beyond their physical locations. Private label partnerships with low MOQs can lower the barrier to entry for RTDs as well.
How long does it take to launch a cold brew RTD?
It depends on the manufacturer and whether you’re using a pre-developed formulation or a custom recipe. Pre-approved formulations can launch within four to six weeks, while custom formulas take slightly longer based on recipe approval.
What should I prioritise when choosing a supplier?
Look for suppliers who offer consistent formulations and flavour across batches, provide microbial safety certification, and allow you to scale production as you grow.
Want to learn more about Hardtank’s wholesale cold brew RTDs?
- Browse our range: Explore our shop-to-go recipes here.
- Design your own drinks: With our custom formulation services.
- Speak to an RTD expert: Contact the team today.
