Many see the manufacturing process differently. For example, Roel Van Dam from Smart Fox Nutrition feels it’s important to ask what you need from a manufacturing partner. For example, he says, “Do you need just the manufacturing? Or do you also need development?”
Van Dam shares that making a list of requirements can go a long way in finding a reliable partner. For example, some needs brand owners could consider:
Ask others whether they know the manufacturers you are working with
Make sure the team fits your needs (whether a big or small company)
Visit the company—spend the time and money to see what their facility is like
Find out their system for recipes and production (if a lot is done by hand, then mistakes are more prone to happen)
Finding the right co-manufacturing partner is a challenge, but there are benefits. For instance, according to Van Dam, “There are a lot of manufacturers that can help in developing the products. Plus, you can [also] always switch to another manufacturer that uses newer technology.” He further believes flexibility is important in the long- and short- run. “The world changes, so you need to build up, and flexibility is key,” he says, adding that response time is of utmost importance. “You do not want to be waiting on information.” As the old adage says, "when you lose time, you lose money." It can also help, according to Van Dam, when looking at R&D to ask if the manufacturer can help optimise the formulation. The key to finding a reliable manufacturing partner doesn't stop there. In fact, Sarah Christianslund, marketing manager for Pelagia AS, has a different take on choosing a reliable manufacturer. “Don’t be afraid to ask for in-depth information about your manufacturing partner’s quality system,” she says.
Don’t be afraid to ask for in-depth information about your manufacturing partner’s quality system
Christianslund also suggests ensuring a formalised quality system should be a priority when doing business with the manufacturer. In addition, inquiring about the last time the company has been audited can make a huge difference in your product development. Furthermore, Christianslund says that having the flexibility of not having to manage a full supply chain can be beneficial. This is especially true if one plans to launch a full product range with different ingredients. For the most part, setting up your own manufacturing is difficult because new business funding can be limited. Plus, having a specialised field within the manufacturing realm means you can leverage the knowledge and experience of the manufacturer when formulating your product.
That said, every brand owner will have their own considerations when choosing a partner. Christianslund states: “Reliability is the key word here. You have to make sure you choose a company with a robust supply chain, excellent customer service, and it doesn’t hurt if they have solid ownership. Though it won’t be the cheapest manufacturer, companies that contain all the above qualities will eventually have more stable pricing over time. This will enable you to be a reliable supplier to your customers.” As you can see, taking careful considerations is a must for getting the ‘right’ manufacturer partner. For you to supply quality products to your customers, you must rely on valuable, trustworthy manufacturers.”
Talking nutrition and the endocannabinoid system— Video
