How Do I Find The Right Copacker?
Until now, the best source for entrepreneurs to gather information about co-packers, their abilities and how they work with entrepreneurs is often from other entrepreneurs. Now that you've found GourmetCopackers.com, you can use this website as a resource to find copackers in any corner of the country. Simply use the search box in the left column to find specific information or conduct a broader search by statewide search.
Meeting other entrepreneurs at state association meetings, food shows, and trade shows is helpful too but can be costly to travel and attend. Specialty copackers advertise in food industry trade magazines and state directories of manufacturers will provide information about manufacturing companies, but can be limited in the fact that the information you need is buried behind a firewall and you need an account to access the information.
GourmetCopackers.com is a great resource that openly lists copackers and their specialties in one easy-to-use location.
Working With A Copacker
Bring your specifications and checklist to your first meeting with the copacker. You may wish to consult your attorney for instructions on protecting the confidentiality of your documents and conversation. Some copackers will restrict confidentiality agreements only to written specifications, formulations, pricing and customer information. Most will not agree to non-compete arrangements, as that would restrict their livelihood and their business interests. You may be able to use a model confidentiality contract furnished by the copacker.
The costs of all services at a copacker must be recovered. Be sure to have an agreed-upon price for each of these. Once an agreement is reached, you will need a contract for services. Be sure to get a guaranteed price for at least a year.
Some copackers have an in-house R&D department. This can produce a considerable savings in time and development costs.
Ask to tour the copacker's facilities. Note the state of cleanliness and order. Look at the most recent inspection report. Is the copacker operating under a quality control or food safety system such as HACCP? Do they have the equipment needed to process, label, and package your product correctly?
Request from the copacker the names of others he has copacked for. It is a good idea to speak with them about what it's like to work with the copacker; ask about his commitment to schedules and to quality. Ask about concerns they might have.
Share both your present and future needs with the copacker. Early in the relationship, you may need small production runs, later you may wish to have more volume. Can the copacker deliver on production? What about peak seasons? In the specialty foods business, there are often seasonal needs, such as, the Christmas holidays, when turn-around time for resupply of stores may be short. Can the copacker accommodate this?
Usually, early in the process, it will be necessary to produce product for storage/stability testing. You may wish to produce samples in alternate sizes or different containers. Check to make sure these can be processed.
Meeting other entrepreneurs at state association meetings, food shows, and trade shows is helpful too but can be costly to travel and attend. Specialty copackers advertise in food industry trade magazines and state directories of manufacturers will provide information about manufacturing companies, but can be limited in the fact that the information you need is buried behind a firewall and you need an account to access the information.
GourmetCopackers.com is a great resource that openly lists copackers and their specialties in one easy-to-use location.
Working With A Copacker
Bring your specifications and checklist to your first meeting with the copacker. You may wish to consult your attorney for instructions on protecting the confidentiality of your documents and conversation. Some copackers will restrict confidentiality agreements only to written specifications, formulations, pricing and customer information. Most will not agree to non-compete arrangements, as that would restrict their livelihood and their business interests. You may be able to use a model confidentiality contract furnished by the copacker.
The costs of all services at a copacker must be recovered. Be sure to have an agreed-upon price for each of these. Once an agreement is reached, you will need a contract for services. Be sure to get a guaranteed price for at least a year.
Some copackers have an in-house R&D department. This can produce a considerable savings in time and development costs.
Ask to tour the copacker's facilities. Note the state of cleanliness and order. Look at the most recent inspection report. Is the copacker operating under a quality control or food safety system such as HACCP? Do they have the equipment needed to process, label, and package your product correctly?
Request from the copacker the names of others he has copacked for. It is a good idea to speak with them about what it's like to work with the copacker; ask about his commitment to schedules and to quality. Ask about concerns they might have.
Share both your present and future needs with the copacker. Early in the relationship, you may need small production runs, later you may wish to have more volume. Can the copacker deliver on production? What about peak seasons? In the specialty foods business, there are often seasonal needs, such as, the Christmas holidays, when turn-around time for resupply of stores may be short. Can the copacker accommodate this?
Usually, early in the process, it will be necessary to produce product for storage/stability testing. You may wish to produce samples in alternate sizes or different containers. Check to make sure these can be processed.
Credits:
John E. Rushing, Ph.D.
NC State University
