What size BIB is best for a bar, restaurant, or event?
For a wine bar with high turnover, a 10L BIB (80 glasses) is the ideal format: large enough to last several shifts, small enough to guarantee the wine's freshness. For a restaurant with 2 to 3 covers per shift for a specific wine, the 5L is more suitable. For an event with 50+ people, the 22L or 33L formats are the best choice.
The logic of choosing in the HORECA sector
The right format is the one that allows you to finish a BIB before the quality is affected—while avoiding opening too many BIBs at once. Shelf life of 4 to 6 weeks after opening provides flexibility, but in the HORECA sector with regular turnover, you will finish it well before that deadline.
The basic rule: estimate your weekly consumption per reference, and choose the format that empties in 1 to 2 weeks maximum during active service. This ensures wine is always fresh and turnover is managed.
Guide by establishment type
Wine bar, wine bistro (high turnover by the glass): the 10L is your reference format. Over 3 to 4 shifts per week with 15 to 20 glasses served per reference, a 10L turns over in less than 2 weeks. Margin is optimized, turnover is efficient.
Traditional restaurant, bistro (moderate service by the glass): the 5L (40 glasses) covers 2 to 3 weeks of service for a moderate reference. Ideal for testing a new reference before switching to the 10L if the turnover follows.
Hotel, brasserie, high-volume dining: the 10L or 22L depending on volume. A 22L (176 glasses) can be emptied in a week in a high-traffic establishment. At this volume, a single BIB replaces 29 bottles — the logistical simplification is radical.
Caterer, event planning: the 22L or 33L depending on the size of the event. A 33L (264 glasses) covers an evening for 60 to 80 people with 3 glasses each. Single connection, smooth service from the first to the last glass.
Association, works council, group meals: the 10L or 22L depending on the group size. A 10L covers 25 people with 3 glasses each.
Practical calculation
The simple formula: Number of people × glasses per person = number of glasses needed.
Then convert: 3L = 24 glasses / 5L = 40 glasses / 10L = 80 glasses / 22L = 176 glasses / 33L = 264 glasses.
For events, add a 10 to 15% margin — better to have a started BIB for the next one than to run out in the middle of service. And with a 6-week shelf life, leftovers are never wasted.
Ordering in volume from LET IT BiB
For professional orders — large formats, regular volumes, support with selection — our Pro area is dedicated to HORECA and events. We help you build your selection and calibrate volumes according to your establishment.
And to understand everything about the economic advantages of BIB in HORECA, check out our complete guide: the cubi in HORECA.
Frequently asked questions
Which BIB capacity for a cocktail bar that offers wine by the glass?
The 5L is often the right choice for a cocktail bar: turnover on wine is lower than in a wine bar, and the 5L allows you to offer 2 to 3 references without tying up excess volume. If a reference becomes popular, move up to the 10L.
Can you store several open BIBs in parallel during service?
Yes, no problem. Each open BIB keeps independently for 4 to 6 weeks. You can have a red, a white, and a rosé BIB open simultaneously without any interference.
Read also
- The cubi in HORECA: the complete guide
- Wine by the glass and BIB: how to maximize your margin
- Which BIB capacity for a bar, restaurant, or event?
- BIB in HORECA: savings, practicality, sustainable commitment
- Restaurant and wine bar: why the BIB is your best ally
- Hotels, caterers, events: How does the BiB simplify your beverage logistics?
- Pro Access — order in volume