Hard
Fizz
When speed, flexibility, and creativity collide — magic happens. Here's how Hard Fizz launches NPD best-in-class by partnering with East Coast.
Trusted Partner
Always Ahead of the Curve
Wade Tiller and the crew at Hard Fizz are known for staying ahead of the curve. Whether they're launching trending SKUs, trialling spirit-based RTDs, or pushing into functional beverages, the Gold Coast-based brand moves fast — and looks good doing it.
But behind the eye-catching cans and energetic campaigns is a product development process carefully built for speed, learning, and execution. A process that depends on a partner who can keep up.
That's where East Coast comes in.
"It Was a Game Changer When Digital Printing Happened"
Hard Fizz began their journey with East Coast using label stock and mobile canning — a solid foundation. But when digital direct-to-can printing became available, everything shifted.
"We weren't inhibited by all the minimum order quantities, which are a real barrier for us. Once digital printing was on the table, it was a game changer."
— Wade Tiller, Founder, Hard Fizz
With digitally printed cans, Hard Fizz could produce shelf-ready prototypes fast. No more arriving at range reviews with glass bottles and PowerPoint decks — instead, they walked in with the actual product. Filled, printed, and ready to pour.
"It changed our success rate dramatically. We did an extra strength range with East Coast as a prototype — and it got accepted nationally in all major banners."
— Wade Tiller
From Idea to Shelf — Fast, Flexible, and Fully Supported
Hard Fizz doesn't just move fast — they shoot full launch campaigns months ahead of release, using digitally printed prototype cans to lock in everything from retailer sell-ins to consumer-facing creative.
Behind the scenes, East Coast supports it all: flexible MOQs for quick turnarounds, mobile filling that integrates seamlessly into the brewery's workflow, and on-site crews who show up ready to work.
"They've become part of our team here. They're super efficient, clean, and always embrace what we're doing. It's a real partnership."
— Wade Tiller
Speed to Market
Prototype runs produced fast enough to support full campaign shoots and retailer sell-ins — months before launch.
Flexible MOQs
No need to commit to 100,000 units of untested product. Test at small scale, then scale with confidence.
Embedded Partnership
East Coast crews show up efficient, clean, and ready — fully embedded in Hard Fizz's production workflow.
Retailer-Ready Prototypes
Walk into range reviews with a filled, printed, ready-to-pour can — not a PowerPoint. The difference is dramatic.
R&D Support — and a Bonus You Might Not Expect
With early-stage production runs focused on testing and range reviews, Hard Fizz has also been able to claim their prototype runs under the R&D Tax Incentive — something more beverage brands should be exploring.
"We've substantiated that these aren't going to market. They're a prototype run for the purpose of range review and testing. That qualifies under R&D."
— Wade Tiller
Worth Knowing
If you're regularly running prototypes or NPD trials, it's worth having a conversation with your accountant about the R&D Tax Incentive. If runs are genuinely for testing and aren't going to market, the savings can be significant.
Product Development With Fewer Bottlenecks
By removing traditional barriers — long lead times, massive MOQs, and complex logistics — East Coast has become a critical part of Hard Fizz's ability to innovate with confidence. From flavour development to artwork execution, the team can experiment, refine, and act quickly without the risk of over-committing.
Risk Mitigation in Practice
"Risk mitigation is a big part of it. We'd rather get it wrong on a couple of layers than on a couple of trailers."
— Wade Tiller
That philosophy — test smart, scale fast — is only possible when your production partner is set up to support it. East Coast's digital print platform is built precisely for this kind of agile NPD.
What Does East Coast Canning Taste Like?
We couldn't wrap up without asking Wade the big question: if East Coast Canning & Printing was one of his drinks, which one would we be?
"You'd be the Extra Strength Lemon Lime. It's my go-to when I want to get stuff done quick. Does what it says on the tin."
— Wade Tiller, Founder, Hard Fizz
We'll take that.
Ready to Launch Your Next NPD Like Hard Fizz?
Let's help you get to shelf — faster, smarter, and with less waste. Whether it's a prototype run or a full launch, East Coast is ready to move at your pace.
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