Energy Drink Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) and Lead Time

Why does an MOQ exist?

The minimum order requirement isn't arbitrary; it comes from three cost realities. First and most important is the printed can: aluminium cans are printed for your brand at specialist can makers, and can makers require a minimum quantity per design — typically starting around ~250,000 cans. Second is line economics: every production change means cleaning the lines and setting up the new recipe; on small batches that fixed cost grows per can. Third is logistics: beverages ship efficiently in full containers; a half-empty container raises freight per can noticeably. For the full cost breakdown see the production cost guide.

How many cans is the MOQ per size?

Figures vary slightly with pallet layout; binding quantities are confirmed at the quotation stage. Production runs only in 250, 330 and 500 ml aluminium cans; each size needs its own printed-can design, so starting with a single size makes the minimum easier to manage.

Starting without an MOQ: ready brands

For distributors who want to test a market first, Hema's own brands — Power Jaguar, Double Boom, Dream Can and others — can be bought with no container minimum and loaded as mixed containers. A common strategy is to enter shelves with a ready brand in the first season, then switch to your own brand via private label or contract manufacturing once sales data comes in.

Lead time: from order to shipment

After order confirmation and the printed cans reaching the factory, production is typically completed in 4-6 weeks. Hema's three parallel filling lines shorten queue times; if your recipe is ready, the project can also be planned as a co-packing service. Shipment is EXW, FOB or CIF; the Torbalı plant is ~45 km from the Port of İzmir — details on the export page.

Planning your first order

Standard shelf life is 24 months, which makes it practical to produce the full MOQ in one batch and plan the next batch around actual sales. Since each can size needs its own design, adding a second size after the first sales data is a common approach. Size your warehouse and distribution around container counts: at 250 ml the MOQ equals three truckloads.

Mini FAQ

What is the MOQ?

3×40ft containers for branded production: ~276,000 cans at 250 ml, ~216,000 at 330 ml, ~144,000 at 500 ml.

Can I start without an MOQ?

Not under your own brand; Hema's ready brands can be bought with no container minimum, as mixed containers.

How long is the lead time?

Typically 4-6 weeks after order confirmation and printed-can supply.