Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
Partnership and Development PHOTO: KRISTIN CHAPPA PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG SKY GLOBAL PACKAGING "Big Sky looks to partner with brands, as well as complimentary packaging sources for their component supply," says Dutton. "We provide value-added services, and in a sense, become the brand's in-house project development provider. We do this with boutique brands as well as larger brands that might be looking to reduce their overhead and/or departmental costs." Big Sky's ability to partner in development has led global supply companies to take notice. Two powerhouses in the wine and spirits world, Amorim Cork (Portugal) and Saver Glass (France), are a natural fit for the complementary supply of components, and they look to Big Sky to design and engineer custom bar tops and closures directly for their customers. With luxury brands typically positioned on the top shelf behind the bar—a place where they are prominently in a customer's view—bar tops and closures are the perfect place to start differentiating. They can be as captivating as a finial on a classic lamp. "That type of awareness is key," says Dutton, "because it elevates the level of the brand itself. Closures are the most cost-effective way to enhance perceived value." Erin S. Dutton is founder and CEO of Big Sky Global Packaging Resources. Sights Set High Big Sky's goal is to grow its spirits industry service to exceed 70 percent of its business (it's currently at 50 percent). With any market as saturated—and fickle— as spirits, there's always the danger that the segment that's hot at the moment might flame out quickly, and there are also seasonal considerations. But with such a broad portfolio and its practice of diversifying within the industry, Big Sky sees continual opportunity because of its emphasis on component parts. "We're not spirit-specific," says Dutton. "If vodka is no longer explosive, we'll turn to another side of the market; for example there is plenty of opportunity in bourbon right now. Big Sky also produces seasonal gift sets, such as a box that holds a brand's bottle and two Martini glasses, or any other type of secondary packaging." Beginning with a client's idea, Big Sky designs, evaluates and applies technical manufacturing solutions specifically tailored for each project. Dutton recalls a recent client interaction that sums up how much the market needs the start-to-finish service that Big Sky provides. "We are in the development stages with a number of global brands, and after our initial presentation of services for one industry giant in particular, we were certainly pleased to hear that until meeting us, they had not come across a company like ours in this industry." Clearly, with big growth estimates for 2014 of at least 300 percent over this year, Big Sky lives up to its name, with its sights set on the horizon. december 2013 / the tasting panel / 127 TP1213_104-148.indd 127 11/23/13 8:38 PM