Monterey Wine Company reports repeat orders, major retail adoption and international expansion as Frugalpac's Frugal Bottle gains traction among wine and spirits brands.
Monterey Wine Company (MWC), operator of the United States' first paper bottle manufacturing facility, is marking two years of production with growing commercial demand for Frugalpac's Frugal Bottle. The facility has recorded repeat orders, expanded retail distribution and international interest, demonstrating the increasing adoption of alternative packaging solutions in the wine and spirits industry.
Based in King City on California's Central Coast, MWC became the first US manufacturer of the Frugal Bottle after installing a Frugal Bottle Assembly Machine in 2024. The facility provides bottle manufacturing, filling and packing services, enabling beverage producers to adopt paper-based packaging through a local production partner.
Since its launch, Frugal Bottles manufactured at the facility have reached consumers through major US retailers, including Target, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven and Total Wine & More.
Repeat Orders Signal Growing Consumer Acceptance
A key milestone for the facility has been the commercial success of Petalscape wines, produced by Scout & Cellar, part of Full Glass Wine Co. Two California wines – a 2025 Sauvignon Blanc and a non-vintage Red Blend – were introduced in Frugal Bottles manufactured by MWC earlier this year.
Following strong consumer demand, the initial production run sold out, prompting a repeat order to replenish supplies.
The development highlights the potential for alternative packaging formats to move beyond product launches and establish repeat commercial demand in established beverage categories.
California-Made Paper Bottles Reach International Markets
MWC is also extending its reach beyond the US market through collaborations with international beverage producers.
The facility has manufactured Frugal Bottles for Mexican spirits producer Blessed Remedy Spirits, which is introducing Mezcólogo Mezcal Artesanal Espadín. The product is positioned as the world's first mezcal in a paper bottle and is launching in Mexico through Amazon, with distribution planned at Chedraui stores.
A second product, Metoro Mezcal Artesanal Espadín, is being exported to Australia, demonstrating the facility's ability to support beverage brands targeting international markets.
The growing visibility of the technology has also attracted interest from retailers and beverage producers. Following a feature on CBS Weekend News highlighting MWC and its Frugal Bottle Assembly Machine, the company reported receiving a significant increase in enquiries.
Local Manufacturing Supports Regional Expansion
The Frugal Bottle manufacturing model is designed to bring production closer to beverage filling operations rather than transporting large quantities of empty bottles over long distances.
MWC's original Frugal Bottle Assembly Machine has an annual production capacity of up to 2.5 million bottles. By transporting paperboard and associated packaging components in a flat format and assembling bottles near filling facilities, the model aims to improve logistics efficiency and support regional manufacturing.
Shannon Valladarez, General Manager at Monterey Wine Company, said the facility's progress over the past two years demonstrates the growing commercial opportunities for paper-based beverage packaging.
She highlighted the repeat order for Petalscape as an encouraging indication of consumer acceptance, while noting that the company's California manufacturing capabilities are now supporting brands across international markets.
Louis Amoroso, CEO of Full Glass Wine Co., said the Frugal Bottle offered Petalscape an opportunity to combine California wine with distinctive packaging suited to occasions such as picnics, festivals and outdoor activities. He added that the successful first production run and subsequent reorder reinforced the commercial potential of the format.
Eberth Vera, Founder and CEO of Blessed Remedy Spirits, highlighted the importance of having access to manufacturing capabilities in North America, enabling the company to bring its paper-bottled mezcal to market in Mexico while supporting further international expansion.
Frugalpac Expands Its Global Manufacturing Network
According to Frugalpac CEO Malcolm Waugh, the progress at Monterey demonstrates the potential of decentralised paper bottle manufacturing, allowing beverage producers to access local production rather than relying on long-distance transportation of empty glass bottles.
The company reports that more than four million Frugal Bottles have now been produced globally, with the format gaining visibility at retailers including Target, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven, Aldi and Sainsbury's.
Frugalpac's manufacturing network also includes KinsBrae Packaging in Canada, extending production capabilities across North America.
The company sees local manufacturing as an important factor in scaling adoption, enabling wine and spirits producers to explore alternative packaging while benefiting from nearby bottle assembly, filling and packing capabilities.
As Monterey Wine Company enters its third year of production, the combination of repeat orders, retail distribution and international launches signals continued commercial momentum for the Frugal Bottle. The development also reflects the broader interest in lightweight, fibre-based packaging alternatives as beverage brands explore ways to differentiate products and reduce packaging-related environmental impacts.