Meet the Maker: Nolan Kane

Our meet the maker series is back as we look to introduce you to more of our stellar team here at Verallia. This time round, we’ll be speaking to our Head of Emerging Brands, Nolan Kane to find out exactly what is so special about working with emerging brands within the drinks market.    

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your history in the industry

I’m Nolan and I’m the Head of Emerging Brands at Verallia UK. For more years than I’d like to mention I’ve worked in the spirits industry. From working within venues, to brands and for the last 8 years with Verallia UK, partnering with some of the industry’s most exciting new brands to create some of the most distinctive on shelf glass packaging in the industry.

What does your role at Verallia entail? What does a typical day look like?

Each day is different. Half of my time is spent internally at Verallia UK working with our design and operations teams in collaboration with design agencies and customer brand teams to create bottles that will have everyone talking. The other half is spent with my Emerging Brands team out in the field spending time with our fantastic customers assuring that we are supporting their growth in a very complicated and competitive market.

What do you love about working with emerging brands?

There’s an excitement surrounding the channel as it pushes innovation in liquid flavours, packaging design and consumer trends. Successful emerging brands’ need to disrupt their chosen categories whilst scaling in line with customer demands. I love supporting them with our expertise throughout their journeys.

What does an emerging brand’s journey with Verallia typically look like?

It varies for each customer, driven by where they are in their brand journey. Different stages of a brand’s life will have very different demands; some are ready for a proprietary bottle and some want a unique off the shelf standard bottle with decoration. We continue to expand our premium off the shelf range with new and interesting shapes whilst also pushing the boundaries in bespoke glass design within proprietary bottles, both largely driven by the Emerging Brands channel. What remains the same for all Emerging Brand customers is that we work closely with them to support their growth through collaboration.

What is the most exciting project you have worked on?

Ha, that’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! Internally we’re always pushing for the newest and best glass pack. Externally I always get a buzz when our work has been a part of a brand’s success; and there have been a lot of successful projects! 

If you could give a piece of advice to new brands in the market, what would it be?

Be the best on your street, then your neighbourhood, then city, etc. whilst building your brand. Don’t try to take over the world in a day. Grow at an organic pace (which will be different for everyone) and do it well.  

What trends do you see happening within the industry?

Consumers continue to widen their taste pallets for new and interesting flavours, both at home and within the on-trade scene which means there is always room for innovative products. This is now expanding beyond traditional alcohol driven liquids as exceptional alcohol alternatives get traction globally, which is what is currently excelling the no-lo category. In both cases, having a unique on shelf offering is key to standing out in a crowded market.    

Last but not least, what’s your drink of choice? 

It’s hard to beat a well-mixed Old Fashioned. For something different I highly recommend a Chocolate Old Fashioned made with King’s County Chocolate Whisky, orange bitters and Luxardo Maraschino Cherry syrup. I’m also really enjoying Warner’s 0% Juniper Spirit with tonic when I fancy a G&T but not the alcohol element.  

Our emerging brands team loves nothing more than supporting the newest and most ground-breaking brands in the market through the art of glass packaging. If you are looking for a glass manufacturer to help make your glass bottle stand out on the shelves, get in touch with a member of the team!