Reefer Containers in the Wine, Beer, and Spirits Industry

In the global transport of alcoholic beverages like wine, beer and spirits, maintaining optimal temperature is crucial to preserving product quality. A reefer, short for refrigerated container, offers a way of doing this. It ensures that your beverages stay at a consistent temperature throughout their journey, from the place they are collected to the place they are delivered. This article explores the role of reefers in the logistics of alcoholic beverages, why they are the container of choice for many and the alternative container types available.

What is a reefer?

A reefer is a specialized shipping container equipped with refrigeration units that maintain a controlled environment inside the container. These units can be digitally monitored and adjusted to keep the temperature stable, ensuring that the alcoholic beverages inside are not subject to harmful fluctuations. In the wine and beer industry, this is particularly important. Some varietals or types of wine like organic, and craft beers are extremely temperature sensitive. So, they can need the consistent conditions a reefer container can offer.

Many alcoholic beverages, can spoil if exposed to excessive heat or cold. For example, wine’s delicate balance of flavors and aromas can be affected by temperature changes, leading to oxidation or spoilage. Beer, too, can lose its crispness or develop off-flavors if not kept at a stable temperature during transit. Spirits mare less vulnerable to temperature than wine and beer and often travel in dry containers.

Why choose a reefer for shipping wine, beer and spirits?

There are several reasons why importers and distributors of wine and beer opt for reefer containers:

• Temperature control: Reefer containers offer precise temperature control, which can range from -30°C to 30°C. This allows for the transport of these alcoholic beverages at their optimal temperature, to help preserve their quality.
• Protection from external conditions: Whether the container is on a ship crossing the equator or sitting at a busy port waiting to off-load, a reefer protects the contents from extreme external temperatures. The shock of even a day to night temperature shift can damage wine and beer quality.
• Preservation of quality: By maintaining the ideal climatic environment inside the container, reefers can prevent degradation of taste, aroma and appearance, which is crucial for high-value beverages like fine wines and craft beers.
• Flexibility: Reefers can be used for both full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL), meaning they are flexible enough to accommodate shipments of various sizes. Whether shipping a small batch of craft beer or a large consignment of wine, a reefer can be a practical solution.

Additionally, the reefer market is rapidly expanding, with advancements in technology and increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products driving growth. According to a report by Port Technology, reefer containers are overtaking traditional methods and becoming the preferred choice for temperature-controlled shipping due to innovations like IoT technology. 

There are some reasons however, why you may not choose reefer containers:

• Availability: Reefers are generally harder to come by in the market compared to standard dry containers, making them less available when demand is high. 
• Budget constraints: Refrigerated containers are more expensive to operate and rent than dry containers due to their specialized refrigeration systems and higher maintenance costs.
• Sustainability: There are higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with an operating reefer container than a dry container. 

These factors, combined, can make reefers a less attractive option for certain shipments.

Alternatives to reefer containers

While reefers are a popular choice, they are not the only option available for transporting alcoholic beverages. Depending on the specific needs of the shipment, alternative container types might be more suitable:

1. Dry Containers

Dry containers are standard containers without any form of temperature control. These containers are the most used in global shipping and are ideal for products that do not require refrigeration. For alcoholic beverages that are less sensitive to temperature changes, such as spirits, a dry container may be an economical alternative. Equally, for wine and beer shipments travelling short distances or at a time the weather conditions are favourable, a dry container may be suitable.

However, dry containers do not offer the same protection against temperature fluctuations as reefers, which can be a risk for temperature-sensitive products like wine and beer. In some cases, dry containers may be fitted with insulation liners to offer some level of thermal protection, but they still do not provide the to-the-degree temperature settings that reefers do.

2. Insulated Containers

Insulated containers, also known as insulated dry containers, are equipped with an insulation liner. These containers are useful for alcoholic beverages that do not need refrigeration but still require protection from extreme temperature shifts. For instance, insulated containers can provide enough thermal stability for beverages like beer and wine to travel without refrigeration, even over long distances.

Hillebrand Gori insulation liners also offer protection from humidity, which can cause things like container rain. This is when you get a build-up of water vapour in the air, that when it reaches its ‘dew point’, rains down onto what’s being carried in the container. Here’s an article you might be interested in.

Insulated containers are often used as a more cost-effective alternative to reefers as they still provide a degree of temperature control. It’s a good choice, depending on the type of wine and beer being transported.

3. ISO Tank Containers

ISO tank containers are designed for the bulk transportation of liquid products, like distilled spirits. These containers are stainless steel and can carry large volumes, making them ideal for shipping bulk quantities of spirits which are classed as dangerous goods over a certain literage held in a single container. While they are not refrigerated, ISO tanks are heavily insulated and can maintain a stable temperature during transport. Wine and beer can be transported in them too.

4. Flexitanks

Flexitanks are also an innovative option for bulk wine shipping. A flexitank is a flexible polyethylene bag that fits inside a standard dry container. They offer an economical way to transport wine in bulk as you can move around double the amount in a single container compared to transporting in cases.

Flexitanks can be used in a dry container or a refrigeration container. They act of transporting wine in bulk offers temperature control naturally. The mass of the volume carried has a greater thermal inertia compared to bottled shipments. Hillebrand Gori flexitanks are also produced with a protective barrier layer to safeguard the wine against oxygen migration and taint compounds. This makes flexitanks a popular choice for shipping wine in bulk.

Reefer containers vs. other container types: when to choose each

Choosing the right container for shipping wine, beer or spirits depends on several factors, including the type of beverage, the route, the weather and the budget. For some wines and beers, where maintaining the exact temperature is critical, reefers are the best choice. The active cooling and precise temperature control that reefers provide, ensure that these beverages arrive in optimum condition.

For spirits, which are more robust and less sensitive to temperature changes, dry containers or ISO tanks may be sufficient. Similarly, for bulk wine shipments where cost efficiency is important, flexitanks may offer the best solution.

In some cases, insulated containers may provide a middle ground, offering protection from temperature extremes without the higher cost of a reefer.

The choice of container type is a crucial decision for anyone involved in the transport of wine, beer, and spirits. Each type offers its own set of benefits, and the decision will ultimately depend on the specific requirements of the shipment.

Hillebrand Gori are here to help you make the right choice

Choosing the right container for your shipment is just one part of the logistics puzzle. We specialize in transporting alcoholic beverages globally, offering expertise in selecting the best container type for your products. Whether you need reefers for temperature-sensitive wine or ISO tanks for bulk spirits, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions. Let us manage the complexities of your supply chain, so that your alcoholic beverages arrive safely.

Reviewed by Hillebrand Gori