The Real Challenges in Contract Manufacturing 1. Mismatched Expectations Between Brands and Contract Manufacturers In the world of contract manufacturing, clear communication and alignment are key. When brands and manufacturers don’t see eye to eye, it can lead to a host of problems. Whether it’s a misunderstanding about quality standards, timelines, or even the materials used, these mismatches can lead to delays, increased costs, and a product that doesn’t meet expectations. For CPG brand owners, this means wasted time, money, and potentially a damaged reputation. 2. Hidden Costs That Can Cre ..read more

Introduction As we step into 2024, the food and beverage industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by an imperative that resonates across the globe: sustainability. This shift isn’t just a fleeting trend but a fundamental change in how we produce, package, and perceive our food and beverages. In this article, we’ll explore how embracing sustainability is reshaping the industry, focusing on practices like local sourcing, energy efficiency, innovative packaging, and the move towards regenerative agriculture. Local Sourcing and Homegrown Flavors The concept of local sourcing is ..read more

Navigating the world of copacking can be a wild ride. It’s like a dance, and knowing the right steps can make all the difference. So, what happens when the copacker asks you about your target cost? Let’s dive into this crucial moment. The Big Question: What’s Your Target Cost? You’re in the middle of a conversation with a copacker. They hit you with the big question: “What’s your target cost?” Your heart skips a beat. What do you do? 1. Don’t Share Your Target Cost ❌ Nope. Not this one. Keeping your cards close to your chest might seem like a smart move, but it’s a roadblock in the world of co ..read more

Introduction: Why You Need A Contract Manufacturer In the world of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), finding the right contract manufacturer is akin to discovering a secret recipe for success. These manufacturers are the unsung heroes, turning your vision into tangible products. One of the biggest reasons your brand would need contract manufacturing services is to scale your product. Maybe you’re making it yourself but your daily output is preventing you from growing. A contract manufacturer will be able to produce the output you need to scale your product. Let’s embark on a journey to find the p ..read more

Consider this… I know that building a CPG brand is one heck of a rollercoaster ride. You’re juggling a million things, and sometimes, it can be tough to maintain a smooth relationship with your Co-man. I get it; I’ve been there. But hold your horses! Before you make the hasty decision to divorce your Co-man, let me share some wisdom with you. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. 1. Communication is Key It’s no secret that communication is crucial in any relationship. So, before you throw in the towel, try talking it out. Set up a meeting, either in person or virtually, and air your concerns. It’s ..read more

If you’re looking for a one-night stand, you’ve likely closed this blog post already. You probably never even opened it up, to begin with! But if you’re looking for a long-term, successful marriage with your manufacturer, keep reading… Vetting a manufacturer is no small task, at least not when doing it the right way. I’ve been doing this for 13 years, and there are hundreds of things you can ask, but I strongly believe these 15 criteria will help you understand whether or not your contract manufacturer is the right partner for you. Lastly, this is just one part of the full vetting process. T ..read more

Hey there, ? I keep hearing how collaborative the CPG community is. I’d like to put that to the test. You heard of “sharing is caring,” but did you know sharing is also saving? You can join forces with brands similar to yours to source ingredients or packaging components together and save some money. Your copackers procurement team is already doing this…but you may not be seeing the financial benefits. Here’s how you’d do it: Step 1: Play Detective ? Your mission is to find other awesome brands like yours that need the same stuff you do. Maybe you’re all in the organic sauce game and need moun ..read more

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing for Brands Introduction to Contract Manufacturing Contract manufacturing offers numerous advantages for brands in the consumer packaged goods industry. By outsourcing their production to contract manufacturers, brands can benefit from cost savings, specialized expertise and resources, increased flexibility and scalability, and reduced time to market. One of the primary benefits of contract manufacturing for brands is cost savings through economies of scale. Contract manufacturers often have large-scale operations and established supply chains, allowing them ..read more

Introduction to Copacking and Contract Manufacturing Copacking and contract manufacturing are two essential processes in the food and beverage industry. Copacking refers to the practice of outsourcing the packaging and assembly of products to a specialized third-party company, known as a copacker. On the other hand, contract manufacturing involves entrusting the entire production process, from formulation to packaging, to an external manufacturer. These practices have gained significant popularity among businesses in the food and beverage industry d ..read more