In the fast-moving world of drinks innovation, it’s easy to get caught up in the creative side of things. You’re experimenting, trying new ideas, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—and that’s the fun part. But in the middle of all that, how often do you take a step back and look at the numbers?

More specifically: how much are you actually spending to bring these ideas to life—and is it sustainable?

Margins Still Matter

Even the most exciting product needs to make financial sense. But when you’re in development mode, it’s easy to stick with whatever process or supplier works without asking if it’s the best value. You figure something out, it does the job, so you move on to the next thing. Totally understandable—but over time, those choices add up.

Whether it’s your supply chain, packaging facility, label printer, website host, or design support, there’s almost always an opportunity to reduce costs. Sometimes it’s about switching suppliers. Other times, it’s as simple as picking up the phone and asking if you can get a better rate.

Real Example: £0.30 per Unit = £7,500 Saved

Not long ago, I took a look at another drinks brand’s production costs. After a few calls to alternative suppliers, testing a couple of samples, and pushing for better pricing, we managed to reduce their cost per unit by £0.30.

That might sound small. But for their next production run, that’s a saving of around £7,500. And if you’re producing at any kind of scale, those numbers start to snowball.

We’ve All Been There

I’ve definitely been guilty of going with the easiest or most familiar option—whether it’s a supplier I’ve used before or one that came recommended. And often, that works out fine. But every now and then, it’s worth taking a moment to ask: Is this still the best option?

That quick bit of reflection can make a real difference. Sometimes the alternative is not only cheaper—it’s better too.

Where to Look

If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your running costs, here are a few places that are often worth revisiting:

• Suppliers you’ve been using out of habit
• Packaging and printing costs
• Website hosting or e-commerce fees
• Graphic design, content creation, or agency retainers
• Software subscriptions or tools you’re no longer using fully

None of this needs to be a major project. Even a one-hour cost review every few months can uncover simple wins.

Take a Moment, Look Outward

Innovation is exciting, but it needs strong foundations. Regularly checking in on your running costs is a small habit that can have a big impact. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about making sure your margins are healthy enough to support the great work you’re doing.

So if it’s been a while, take a moment this week. Look outward. Ask a few questions. You might be surprised by what you find—and by how much you could save.

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