Roberson Wine on Tap: Bridging Innovation and Tradition in the Industry

For decades, the wine industry has been synonymous with glass bottles, corks, and enduring traditions. However, modern consumers and hospitality businesses now demand efficiency, sustainability, and consistent quality.

Founded in 1991 and recognised for sourcing and distributing high-quality, innovative wine products, Roberson Wine has embraced a new way of serving its products—by the tap. Operating across the UK, Europe, and expanding globally, Roberson Wine caters to both high-end restaurants and casual eateries, making “wine on tap” a powerful revenue driver. Their forward-thinking approach merges heritage with innovation, providing an opportunity to modernise traditional practices without sacrificing quality.

The Challenge: Tradition, Cost & Sustainability

As Roberson Wine set out to introduce a tap system for its portfolio, the team encountered several industry challenges. The company needed a solution that could balance cost, operational efficiency, and environmental impact while retaining the integrity and flavor of their wines. Their primary concerns included the high expense of traditional packaging methods and the sustainability drawbacks inherent in glass and steel systems.

• Avoiding Large Up-Front Costs: Investing in a fleet of stainless steel kegs entails steep upfront capital, not only for the kegs themselves but also for the associated sanitization equipment and labor-intensive return logistics. This level of investment was not feasible for a producer aiming to scale incrementally.
• Managing Logistics & Storage: Glass bottles are fragile and occupy significant storage space, while steel kegs, though durable, require costly handling and return processes. Both alternatives present challenges in reducing breakage and optimizing shipping efficiency.
• Meeting Sustainability Goals: In an era when environmental responsibility is paramount, traditional packaging methods contribute to a higher carbon footprint through energy-intensive production, heavy material usage, and extensive cleaning processes. Roberson Wine needed a packaging solution that supported its commitment to reducing water use and emissions.
• Ensuring Scalability: The winery sought a flexible solution that allowed for small initial orders with the potential for gradual scaling, enabling them to enter the tap market without a high-risk, all-at-once investment.

The Solution: One-Way Petainer Kegs

After thorough research into various kegging options, Roberson Wine opted for Petainer’s one-way PET kegs—a solution designed specifically to overcome the challenges of traditional systems. The transition to these kegs provided a seamless integration into their existing tap systems and aligned perfectly with their sustainability and cost-efficiency goals.

• Cost-Effective Setup: The initial investment was remarkably low—a manual filling head starting at just 200 euros—with the flexibility to upgrade to an automated system as production scales.
• Streamlined Logistics & Reduced Storage Needs: Being up to 90% lighter than traditional steel kegs, these PET kegs enable more efficient shipping with fewer pallets and lower transportation costs. Their one-way design also eliminates the need for return logistics, reducing both handling complexities and potential breakage.
• Superior Freshness & Quality Preservation: Petainer’s advanced PET material features active oxygen scavengers that minimize oxidation, while built-in UV barriers protect the wine from light-induced flavor degradation. These innovations ensure that wine remains fresh and stable for extended periods after tapping.
• Enhanced Sustainability:</strong> Fully recyclable and designed with environmental efficiency in mind, one-way PET kegs contribute to a significantly reduced carbon footprint—only about 30% of the emissions produced by traditional steel kegs.

Results: Smooth Transition from Conventional Steel Kegs

Roberson Wine’s rollout of Petainer kegs was executed in phases, beginning with select restaurant clients who were eager to test the wine-on-tap concept. The transition was smooth due to the kegs’ identical fitting systems with conventional steel kegs. Early feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with operators noting improvements in efficiency, quality, and overall cost savings.

1. Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings: The elimination of a return-and-refill cycle allowed the winery to cut down on capital expenditure and reallocate resources toward product innovation and market expansion.
2. Logistics Advantages: The lighter, one-way kegs reduced shipping costs and storage requirements, leading to measurable savings in both transportation and warehouse management.
3. Market Expansion: The simplicity and appeal of the wine-on-tap system enabled Roberson Wine to secure new accounts—from casual eateries to high-volume venues. Notably, a French producer working with Roberson leveraged the benefits of these kegs to expand into U.S. markets.
4. Environmental Impact: By shifting to a system that eliminates heavy return logistics and resource-intensive cleaning processes, Roberson Wine significantly reduced its carbon footprint, reinforcing its reputation as an eco-conscious brand.

Conclusion: A Future with Sustainable Wine on Tap

Roberson Wine’s adoption of Petainer’s one-way disposable kegs has revolutionised their operations by bridging the gap between tradition and modern innovation. This cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution has not only streamlined logistics and reduced capital expenditure but has also enabled the winery to expand its market presence without sacrificing quality.

Their experience stands as a powerful example of how even heritage-rich producers can embrace change to meet modern market demands and drive profitability.