The trend to move from 750ml bottles to 700ml bottles

[rzelinka]

I would submit we should prepare to see many of our favorite bourbons, whiskeys move towards a 700ml bottle versus the 750ml bottle. I see this happening more and more these days. Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniels have done so with their higher end or aged offerings. At the same time, if bottles find their way to the European market, they have to be no more than 700ml. Now if the price comes down with it, so be it, but I don't expect to see this.

 

This trend happens with other things too. Potato Chips, and Cereal brands have been doing this for years. Reducing the size of the offering but keeping the price the same. Just a sign of the times I suppose.

[markandrex]

“Shrinkflation “  - getting less for more.

 

Not having to have a variable/two bottling lines makes sense.   I understand it, I just don’t like it.

[fosmith]

If they would hang a 50ml 'airplane bottle' from the neck of a 700ml bottle, I would be perfectly happy with that.  

[fishnbowljoe]

As y‘all know, most domestic bottles are 750 ml, and most export bottles are 700 ml. About the only thing that is consistent between the two bottle sizes is the distillate that goes in them. A change in bottle size means a different label, changes to the bottling line, and different packaging. IIRC, part of the thought going in to a possible change over to 700 ml bottles is savings of time and money. One bottle, one label, one box.

 

 

[Richnimrod]

56 minutes ago, fishnbowljoe said:

As y‘all know, most domestic bottles are 750 ml, and most export bottles are 700 ml. About the only thing that is consistent between the two bottle sizes is the distillate that goes in them. A change in bottle size means a different label, changes to the bottling line, and different packaging. IIRC, part of the thought going in to a possible change over to 700 ml bottles is savings of time and money. One bottle, one label, one box.

 

Yup!   Makes perfect sense.   When bottling a brand that is marketed in the US as well as abroad, a distiller/NDP, etc. would realize a significant saving over time when using 'universal' materials; bottles, labels, tooling on the bottling line, over-pack (cartons, etc.).    I don't blame our Bourbon producers for making this transition.   

I also, can't imagine that they haven't noted they'll be selling a somewhat smaller quantity; but, will almost certainly NOT adjust the price downward to compensate consumers for this difference.   Why? ...When many consumers won't even notice, and those that do won't really have a choice, if their brand isn't available in 750's any longer.   ...Other than going for the "family sized" jugs, if their brand offers that option.

I'm actually a little bit surprised that this hasn't happened sooner.   OTH, with the 'tariff' issue possibly having some impact on export decisions, there may be a reason to delay such a transition for a time.   ???Who can say?

[fishnbowljoe]

46 minutes ago, Richnimrod said:

I also, can't imagine that they haven't noted they'll be selling a somewhat smaller quantity; but, will almost certainly NOT adjust the price downward to compensate consumers for this difference.   Why? ...When many consumers won't even notice, and those that do won't really have a choice, if their brand isn't available in 750's any longer.   ...

I wish I could find the old article where I read about the possible conversion to 700 ml bottles. Another thing that was discussed was that while there wouldn’t be a reduction in price, there could be at least some cost savings to consumers in the future. Less price adjustments for at least a little while. Six of one, half dozen of another.  

[smokinjoe]

This is a nonissue for me.  It will just wash through the markets in a matter of a few months.  It’s a little less than a 7% reduction in volume, which on a $25 dollar of whiskey, would equate to an ~$1.70 reduction in pricing if played straight up.  If I currently go to 15 nearby package stores, I’ll see that much, or more, variance between pricing on the same item from each store.  For me personally, the differential has to be much more pronounced to impact my decision making.  
And, since there is the 3 tier system in alcoholic beverages, who is to say that the producer would be the sole beneficiary of the “shrinkflation” potential.  

[flahute]

8 hours ago, fosmith said:

If they would hang a 50ml 'airplane bottle' from the neck of a 700ml bottle, I would be perfectly happy with that.  

This!

[Richnimrod]

I'm not too upset about the small 'cash penalty', if the distilleries "bend us over" on this deal.   It's the lack of lubrication that irritates.....