In 2019, amidst the backdrop of Australia’s vibrant hospitality and craft brewery scene, Print A Glass was born. Yet, behind this young company is a legacy steeped in over 20 years of glassware expertise. As the third generation in a family of glass blowers, Fernando Ruiz transformed decades of hands-on experience into a modern enterprise designed to meet the evolving needs of the market.
From Family Tradition to a Modern Business
Fernando’s journey began long before Print A Glass officially launched. With a rich heritage in glass blowing, he grew up immersed in the art and craft of working with glass. When he migrated to Australia, he noticed a distinct gap: there was a lack of high-quality, customisable glassware—especially the kind that could cater to the burgeoning craft beer market. Recognizing the rising popularity of local microbreweries and their need for unique, personalized drinkware, Fernando set out to change the scene.
Adapting in the Face of Adversity: The Covid Challenge
Shortly after our establishment, Covid-19 hit, dramatically altering the business landscape. With most hospitality venues closed and social gatherings halted, the demand for traditional glassware seemed to vanish overnight. However, where others saw obstacles, we saw opportunity.
When microbreweries were forced to pivot to takeaway models, we quickly adapted our operations to supply and brand beer growlers and squealers. Though the start was challenging and uncertain, our readiness to respond to the immediate needs of local breweries meant that we soon became known as a reliable partner in these testing times. Our willingness to supply exactly what our customers needed, when they needed it most, laid a strong foundation for future success.
Rising to the Top: Expanding Our Services
As lockdowns eased and the hospitality sector began to recover, Print A Glass emerged as the preferred supplier for a full range of glassware. Our early adaptability paid off; many breweries returned to us, not just for growlers and squealers, but for an expanded portfolio of custom glassware. This success allowed us to branch out and forge new partnerships with glassware wholesalers and wine merchants—offering them specialized etching and printing services that set their products apart in a competitive market.
One of our proudest achievements has been establishing the quickest turnaround times in the industry. By understanding every nuance of the glassware manufacturing process, we ensure that each order is not only high in quality but also delivered promptly to meet our clients’ busy schedules.
Upholding Quality and Compliance
Quality isn’t just a promise at Print A Glass—it’s a commitment backed by official recognition. We earned the Weight and Measure certification, ensuring that our glasses meet Australian standards for serving alcoholic beverages. This certification not only underscores our dedication to quality but also builds trust with our clients, who know they’re getting products that comply with stringent industry regulations.
Additionally, becoming a member of the APPA (Australian Promotional Products Association) has broadened our market reach into the promotional products industry. This membership reinforces our credibility and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining industry best practices.
The Art and Science of Glassware Personalisation
At Print A Glass, we don’t just print logos on glassware—we transform each piece into a canvas for brand expression. Our expertise spans a full range of personalisation techniques, including:
- Screen Printing
- Pad Printing
- Decal Application
- Laser Etching
- Custom Nucleation
We use premium, German-made 2-component and ceramic inks, specifically formulated for glassware. This technical mastery, coupled with our deep understanding of the glass manufacturing process, allows us to advise our clients on the best branding solutions for each type of glass.
Looking Ahead
Today, Print A Glass stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of legacy. From our humble beginnings during a global pandemic to becoming a trusted partner for breweries, wholesalers, and hospitality venues, our journey is driven by a simple principle: offering the best solution for every customer.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains on improving customer service, delivering fast turnarounds, and offering competitive pricing—all while upholding the time-honoured traditions of glass craftsmanship. Whether you’re a microbrewery seeking that perfect branded glass or a wholesaler looking for reliable printing and etching services, Print A Glass is here to help your brand shine.