Understanding Co-Packing: What You Need to Know

A co-packer, or contract packager, is a company that manufactures and packages products for other companies to sell. Co-packers  handle the entire process from raw materials to the finished product ready for sale. While Co-Packers can create a diverse range of products, we specialize in baked goods. See our products and services here. Overall, co-packers are an essential part of the supply chain for many businesses, enabling them to bring products to market efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Yes! Co-Packers have the availability and expertise to launch and scale your food products in the quickest and most cost effective way. Working with an experienced Co-Packing partner allows you to shift your focus from the complexities of manufacturing to sales and marketing. 

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ's): This tells you the scale of the Co-Packer and if they are the right fit for your business.

Turnkey: This means that the Co-Packer will make your entire product for you. They will create a recipe, order ingredients and packaging, and produce them for you. This is common for brands that have a large amount of products.

Tolling: This means that you will provide everything for the co-packer (recipes, ingredients, etc). They will only charge for the use of their machines and labor.

Line Trial: A line trial is a sample-size production run made to test the recipe and packaging to validate the product and price it.

Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI):  The Global Food Safety Initiative is a private organization that aims to ensure continuous improvement in food safety management systems and the delivery of safe food to consumers worldwide. GFSI benchmarks existing food safety standards against a set of criteria, ensuring they meet rigorous international requirements. GFSI recognizes several food safety certification programs, including SQF (Safe Quality Food), BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards), FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), and IFS (International Featured Standards). 

Safe Quality Food (SQF):  The SQF program is an internationally recognized certification designed to ensure the production, processing, and distribution of safe food products. SQF certification covers all aspects of the food supply chain, including primary production, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. To become SQF certified, a company must undergo a rigorous audit process conducted by a licensed SQF certification body. This includes document reviews, facility inspections, and interviews with staff. 

Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS):  BRCGS standards are designed to protect consumers by ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance with legal requirements throughout the supply chain. To achieve BRCGS certification, companies must undergo a rigorous audit process conducted by accredited certification bodies. The audit assesses compliance with the relevant BRCGS standard.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):  The USDA is a federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. They have a variety of programs and agencies that provide support for those in the food industry and enforce product safety standard to protect consumers.

National Restaurant Association (NRA):  The NRA represents a wide range of foodservice establishments, including independent restaurants, chains, franchises, and suppliers. Membership provides access to a variety of resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights.  They offer the ServSafe program, which includes training and certification in food safety, alcohol service, and workplace safety. 

International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA): The IDDBA is a nonprofit trade association serving the dairy, deli, bakery, and related industries. The IDDBA's members include retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, distributors, and other professionals involved in the dairy, deli, and bakery industries. Members gain access to industry research, training programs, networking events, and various other resources designed to support their business operations and growth.