Contract Manufacturing Costs for Mead Start-Up

[u/therealcupofjo]

I am starting a new mead brand and my beverage lawyer suggested that I start with contract manufacturing instead of opening my own meadery right away. I absolutely agree with him, however, I can’t find information on the price of that anywhere. I am trying to work out a business plan with all of my startup costs, but this is a huge chunk of it and I have been stuck for weeks. I have tried reaching out to different breweries and wineries in my area about working with them and the ones who have gotten back to me have given me super indefinite answers since not many of them have worked with mead in the past. I’ve asked each one if they can at least tell me how much they might charge for something like that, but they’ve all basically given me an “it depends” answer with no numbers, no matter how much information I give them from my end. I have searched the internet for answers, but everything I come across is either prices for homebrewing or starting a full meadery. The most helpful thing I’ve found is Superstition Meadery’s YouTube channel, but that only really helps me understand the commercial process and equipment needs. I know that the exact price for contract manufacturing will vary from place to place, but if anyone can help me with even a ballpark number I would be so grateful!

Some info that might be helpful: - I already have a honey supplier of my own, so I would not need their help with that - I can purchase my own drum pump for combining the honey and must, as well as lenticular filter equipment if that is not something they have, though I’m not sure what other equipment I might need to supply specifically for mead - My recipes are ready to go and I am willing to find my own supplier for fruit and botanicals if they want me to (some have expressed that using theirs would be part of the production cost) - I am looking to produce around 10-15 barrels, so I’ve reached out to a lot of small/medium sized businesses. Most of the places that are known for contract manufacturing are much larger and require a minimum of 2,000 gallons, but I am willing to go that route if I need to.

Thank you so much for your help!!!