The terms white label sake, private label sake, and OEM sake are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among sake enthusiasts and professionals alike. While these concepts share similarities, they have distinct differences that can impact your decision-making when creating your own sake brand. Let’s dive deeper into these terms and explore the opportunities they present.
What is White Label Sake?
White label sake refers to sake already brewed by a manufacturer, sold under a custom label provided by the buyer. The sake recipe and brewing process remain unchanged; only the branding and label design differ.
How Does White Label Sake Work?
The buyer, typically an importer or distributor, controls the sake packaging and label design while the brewery handles production and bottling. Once the buyer provides the design, the brewery applies the labels and ships the sake. Marketing and sales are the buyer’s responsibility.
This approach allows the same sake to appear in multiple markets under different labels, catering to diverse audiences without altering the core product.
Example of White Label Sake
A notable example is “Sake for Ukraine,” a white label project that combined social responsibility with creative branding. Organized by the Sakura Sake Shop and Hagino Brewery, the sake’s marketing supported charitable donations for Ukraine, drawing significant media attention and showcasing how white label projects can build brand visibility.
What is Private Label Sake?
Private label sake involves creating a completely customized product tailored to the buyer’s specifications. The importer or distributor collaborates with a brewery to develop a unique recipe, ensuring exclusivity. Private brand sake or private label sake can be used interchangeably with OEM sake.
How Does Private Label Sake Work?
The buyer specifies the recipe, packaging, and branding. After identifying the right brewery, production is arranged, often requiring a significant minimum order quantity. This process demands close collaboration and may take longer than a white label sake.
Example of Private Label Sake
“Île Four Modern Sake” is an excellent example of private label sake. This brand offers a diverse range of sake and shochu products with customized recipes, targeting various distribution channels in Europe. Their broad product spectrum enables them to cater to different market segments, from supermarkets to upscale restaurants.
Key Differences Between White Label and Private Label Sake
Benefits of White and Private Label Sake
Both white and private label options offer unique advantages:
- Higher Margins: Custom branding allows higher pricing, especially in foreign markets with exclusivity.
- Brand Control: Buyers manage the branding and marketing, building strong consumer recognition.
- Flexibility: White label sake enables quicker market entry, while private label sake offers full creative control.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Model
When deciding between white label and private label sake, consider the following:
- Target Audience Needs: Does your market demand quick product availability or unique offerings?
- Budget Constraints: White label sake is cost-effective; private label sake requires greater investment.
- Partner Breweries: Finding the right brewery with aligned goals and flexible terms is crucial.
- Regulations: Ensure your labels meet local regulatory requirements for sake imports.
Private Sake Brands: A Rising Trend in Japan
Private sake brands are reshaping the sake market by offering companies the ability to develop unique and exclusive products. With complete control over the brewing recipe, packaging, and branding, private sake labels are a popular choice for businesses aiming to stand out and capture higher margins. This approach allows for increased investment in marketing, creating premium experiences that appeal to niche markets.
In Japan, several private sake brands have emerged as innovators in this space, including SAKE HUNDRED, MINAKI, TAKANOME, 夢雀 MUJAKU, WHITEDROP, SAKE NOVA, SAKETOKE, SHIROKIMONO, and VEGALO. These brands highlight the potential for differentiation in the competitive sake market, with unique recipes, innovative marketing strategies, and premium positioning.
For instance, SAKE HUNDRED leads with a range of high-end products, while TAKANOME focuses on umami perfection, and SHIROKIMONO integrates biotechnology to elevate traditional brewing methods.
Conclusion
Both white label and private label sake provide exciting opportunities for importers and distributors to establish unique brands in the global sake market. Whether you choose to customize an existing product or create your own recipe, careful planning and collaboration with breweries are essential.
If you’re ready to explore these options, connect with us today. We’ll guide you in creating a sake brand that resonates with your audience and stands out in the market.
