Brewery labels, glasses and T-shirts: an industry guide

Brewery labels are most often printed on white or transparent PP film with contour cutting — it's moisture-resistant and won't be damaged in the fridge, an ice bucket, or by condensation on the bottle. We start print runs from 50–100 pcs per design, with turnaround of 1–3 business days, at indicative prices from around 0.35 EUR/pc at 100 pcs down to around 0.05 EUR/pc at 3,000 pcs (excl. VAT, depending on size and material). A single order can combine several variety designs, which is more cost-effective for small breweries with seasonal batches than paying for a separate job every time.

Labels for bottles and cans: materials and finish

The choice of material determines both the look and whether the label will survive the journey to the consumer.

• White PP film — the standard solution for bottles and cans: waterproof, resistant to abrasion, colours stay vivid.
• Transparent film — a "no label look" effect, works well for pale ales in glass bottles and for lemonades.
• Metallised (silver) film — for accent designs, seasonal batches, anniversary releases; gold and copper tones are achieved by printing over the metallised base.
• Paper labels — a more matte, craft feel, but not suitable for long exposure to ice water.

Finish options — sheets (cheaper for small runs, applied by hand) or rolls (if labels are applied with an applicator; in that case you need to know the core size and winding direction). The shape can be rectangular, oval, round, or any custom contour — contour cutting follows the cut line in your artwork file. More on materials and formats: sticker printing.

What to include in the artwork

Beverage labels must include, in addition to the design, the mandatory information: product name, alcohol content by volume, volume, ingredients and allergens, manufacturer, batch number, warning texts, and deposit system marking if the container is included in the scheme. If the label is also going for export, we often print a separate translation sticker in a smaller format and apply it next to or over the original — this is cheaper than reprinting the whole batch.

Technical requirements: vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg), CMYK, raster images at 300 dpi, 2 mm bleed on each side, text at least 1.5 mm from the cut line.

Label prices by print run

Indicative prices for a single-design label ~60×90 mm on white PP film, excl. VAT. The exact price depends on size, material, shape, and number of designs.

Alongside labels, breweries often also need bar materials — price tags, tasting cards with variety descriptions, IBU/ABV tables, and event invitations. We print these with digital printing from 1 pc, so you don't need to order 500 cards when a festival needs 40.

Merch for tastings and festivals

T-shirts and hoodies with the brewery's logo serve two purposes at festivals: the team is recognisable at the stand, and the same item can be sold to visitors. We choose the printing technology based on quantity:

Standard printing areas: left chest 110×90 mm, front or back up to 280×210 mm, sleeve 80×60 mm. In practice, breweries most often choose the logo on the chest and the variety name or slogan on the back. See apparel printing options and browse the T-shirts and caps range in our catalogue. It's also worth considering socks with a woven-in logo from 100 pairs — they sell well at festivals and don't require a size range like T-shirts do.

Your stand can also benefit from a roll-up banner stand listing your varieties and beach flags — both are visible from a distance at outdoor events.

Glasses, coasters and bar essentials

Printed glasses usually involve large print runs and long turnaround times, so for smaller batches two other options tend to work better. First — mugs and thermal mugs with full-colour sublimation from 1 pc; breweries use these for their team and gift sets. Second — coasters with digital printing, the cheapest way to get your brand onto a table at a bar or tasting event. A bottle opener with your logo is usually added alongside.

Examples from our catalogue

• Lumin round coaster – plastic coaster with 1-colour digital printing, from 1.14 EUR/pc at 250 pcs.
• Lumin square coaster – same series in a square shape, 1-colour digital printing, from 1.14 EUR/pc at 250 pcs.
• Snapper bamboo keyring with bottle opener – bamboo with laser engraving or pad printing in 1 colour, from 1.29 EUR/pc, also from 1.29 EUR at 100 pcs.
• Schyn wheat straw bottle opener – wheat straw material, digital printing or pad printing up to 2 colours, from 0.90 EUR/pc, from 0.90 EUR at 100 pcs.

All prices are indicative, excl. VAT; the final price depends on quantity, number of print colours, and setup fee. Full range — promotional products with logo.

How the process and timelines work

You add the items to a request on our website or simply write to us about what you need. Within one business day we send you an online quote and a PDF with product photos, prices, printing location, setup fee, and turnaround time for each item; if needed, we prepare a 3D preview with your logo. The artwork is approved by email before production starts.

• Labels, stickers, cards, posters (our production facility on Kandavas iela 29A): 1–3 business days.
• Promotional products with printing: usually 6–10 business days (production 4–7 business days + delivery 2–3 business days).
• Urgent jobs before a festival — by arrangement, just let us know the date straight away.

Frequently asked questions

What's the minimum print run for labels?

In practice, we work from 50–100 pcs per design. For smaller quantities, the price is mainly determined by setup, so it's often more cost-effective to combine 2–4 varieties in a single job.

Will the label survive an ice bucket and moisture?

PP film labels with the appropriate adhesive are resistant to moisture and abrasion, and won't come apart on a bottle with condensation. Paper labels aren't suited for such conditions — choose them if the bottle is served immediately.

Can you print labels on rolls for an applicator?

Yes. Tell us the core diameter, maximum roll diameter, winding direction, and spacing between labels — we'll prepare the rolls to match your equipment.

How many T-shirts do I need to order for screen printing to pay off?

From around 30–50 pcs per design. For smaller quantities and full-colour images, we use DTF transfer, which works from 1 pc as well.

What file format should I send the design in?

Vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg), in CMYK colour mode; raster images at 300 dpi. If you only have a JPG or a logo from social media, let us know — we'll assess whether the quality is sufficient or whether it needs to be redrawn.

Can I order a single test label before the full print run?

Yes, we can prepare a print sample separately to check the colours, shape, and how the label looks on your specific bottle.

Email us at info@attaprint.lv or call or message us on WhatsApp at +371 25776699 — let us know the varieties, print run, and the date you need to receive them by. We'll prepare a quote with prices, printing locations, and timelines within one business day.