225 - CEO of Dio Cocktails, Nick Bradley talks about why packaging matters to emerging brands
Nick Bradley, co-founder of Dio Cocktails, discusses the evolution of his brand's packaging strategy, moving from a failed custom glass bottle to a 200ml aluminum can with shrink sleeves, and finally to direct can printing. He explains how high-ABV fresh juice formulations created corrosion and liner compatibility challenges, forcing a pivot to stock packaging to manage costs and supply chain risks. Bradley highlights Dio's differentiation through clean labels, low sugar content, and transparent ingredient listing, aiming to reinvent the canned cocktail category by balancing luxury aesthetics with sustainability.