Zhiwei Bao
Owner of ÉLITER Packaging Machinery
Market scale of craft beer has been exploding either in overall volume, as well as the ever intense competition within the industry.
As until 2024 and according to the market research by the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA), there are some 1,748 active breweries in operation in UK. For the case of the United States, there were some 9,500 breweries in operation as reported by the Brewer’s Association. In contrast to the seemingly vibrant market growth, some 98 percent of them are small and independent craft brewers, driving to a wide variety of craft beers that serve the market and meet different customer preferences.
Attracting customer attention in this crowded market then turns into the key factor that differentiate a craft brewery from others. One of the key factors that matters is the packaging that enacts as the first point of contact with the consumer.
Packaging is the visual medium through which the story and image of a brand is conveyed to the consumer. From the perspective of consumers, the packaging also tells and defines the experience they will have when enjoying the drinks.
A successful packaging design that features attractive images and a strong message relies on collaboration between the manufacturer and the graphic designer. However, investing in the right equipment for the packaging process is also crucial to create optimal packaging that enhances brand awareness and boosts sales.
Movement along the supply chain is full of uncertainty and potential damage. When the beer is on the journey from the brewery to retailers and consumers, effective packaging is crucial for ensuring that beer remains safe and free from damage. Otherwise, when packaging is damaged, it not only fails to protect the product but can also tarnish the brand’s image. Since consumers tend to be discerning shoppers, damaged packages are typically the last ones left on the shelves.

Sturdy cardboard cartons and boxes are the most prevailing option of packaging for all sort of beer containers, ranging from sleek cans to classic bottles. Packaging and shipping of canned beverage typically comes in arrangement of 8, 16 and 24-pack in quantities per unit of secondary packaging. Case and cartons made by corrugated cardboard ensure the brews arrive at their destination free from damage and retinas the integrity from location A to B.
Branding is essential. With so many products available, standing out from the competition is a key driver of sales. Brand identity and shelf appeal often serve as primary differentiators. The rise of craft beer has led to more engaging, premium, and visually appealing secondary packaging across the beverage market.

Cardboard sleeves and cluster multipacks offer significant benefits for enhancing brand awareness in the beverage industry. As competition intensifies, these packaging options help products stand out on crowded shelves. A well-designed cardboard sleeve can feature high-quality graphics that convey a brand’s unique story and values, creating a memorable first impression for consumers. This visual appeal not only attracts attention but also reinforces brand identity, making it easier for customers to recognize and recall the product.
Standing out from the competition and building lasting connections with your customers through packaging do not only protects your craft beer but also promotes your brand image. ELITER Packaging Machinery’s beverage packaging equipment ranges from cartoning to cluster packing and case packing, with various adaptable systems and leading-edge options of packaging machines to help you achieve better throughput with your beverage packaging.
Since taking over his family business in 2021, Zhiwei Bao has developed hands-on expertise in mechanical engineering, industrial automation and carton-sleeving systems. His involvement in R&D and product strategy has helped ÉLITER build solutions for single packs, multipacks and cluster packs across a wide range of production speeds.
Check Zhiwei Bao's Profile
Owner of ÉLITER Packaging Machinery
Read through the stories about ÉLITER Packaging Machinery and discover what sets us different from the rest of the companies in the niche, from mindset, approaches and focuses, to market positioning.