co-packing

The Simple Explanation

A co-packer, co-manufacturer or co-man are the short-form industry vernacular for Contract Packaging or Contract Manufacturer. These terms refer to a facility that either manufactures product lines or receives finished goods in bulk and packages them for you. This is an efficient, cost-effective way to bring your products to the market rather than building your own manufacturing facility. Unfortunately, Contract Manufacturers are not easy to find. Their websites are usually designed for experts already in-the-know. Descriptions of their processes often use unfamiliar terms like “flexible pouch retort”, “extrusion facility”, or “form and fill sealers”. Manufacturers have been burned by many brands over the years and have learned how to avoid wasted time. They have heard projected sales numbers hundreds of times and that big chains want your brand before taking on projects that failed. They have heard every story you can think of. So “honesty” is the greatest policy to get into the door.

The Manufacturing of your own products line could be very expensive.  Co-manufacturers know that many startup companies and food entrepreneurs have limited funds needed for all the test-runs and experimentation needed to validate the manufacturing product process. Experimental test-runs and line time can cost thousands of dollars and manufacturers would prefer to work with established food & beverage companies with financial backing. Because of this, manufacturers don’t invest money into marketing their facilities and they don’t bend over backwards to work with you unless you come recommended and or the brand utilizes the services of a reputable sourcing firm like Ricardo Foods Group. RFG works with companies that are funded startups to existing brands with up to 1 Billion in sales per year. We have formed alliances with over 600 US base food, beverage & bakery manufacturing facilities.