Bottler

Bottler refers to a person, company, or facility that fills beverages or other liquids into containers for distribution. In the beverage industry, bottlers may be original bottlers (part of a brand’s own production network) or contract bottlers that manufacture for multiple brands under private label arrangements. Bottlers work with various container types, including glass bottles, plastic bottles, metal cans, and cartons.

Typical products include carbonated soft drinks, water, juice, beer, wine, and spirits. In many markets, large beverage brands rely on a network of bottlers to scale production and manage regional distribution. Some brands own bottling operations outright, while others license production to independent co-packers or contract manufacturers.

Core steps in bottling lines include bottle washing, filling, capping or sealing, and labeling, followed by packaging into cases or pallets. Additional processes may involve sterilization or pasteurization, quality control checks, and traceability via lot numbers. Common equipment includes bottle washers, filling machines, cappers, corkers or screw-cap applicators, labelers, and packers.

Historically, bottling emerged with returnable glass bottles and the development of standardized closures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The shift to non-returnable bottles and plastic containers, and the rise of PET, expands bottling efficiency and packaging options. Global bottling networks are often organized around private label manufacturing, contract production, and national or regional bottling partners.

Regulatory frameworks govern labeling, quality standards, container materials, and recycling requirements. Bottlers must maintain sanitation, product integrity, and chain-of-custody records to ensure safety and compliance.