Ajax Mohamed from Nutragroup shared his secrets to finding a dependable manufacturing partner. He says one of the key factors is understanding the quality assurance steps companies take as well as their certifications. Further, if working with an integrated supplier that also does manufacturing, consider learning about intellectual property rights and the involved steps for scientific validation. Another critical factor is sustainability. “You want to make sure the manufacturing company can provide you with a sustainable product,” Mohamed says. “We always value the kind of customer every manufacturer currently supplies to. This gives a clear understanding of the strength of the company and the brand value.”
You want to make sure the manufacturing company can provide you with a sustainable product
Mohamed further feels that having a co-partner gives his company a big advantage in planning his stocks well in advance. He says continuous supply of ingredients is a key element with the current situation of the supply chain. He also notes that custom manufacturing is important to get big contracts with medium to big-size customers as it could save a lot of time and money when it comes to quality assurance and quality control. It’s vital to always ensure that your manufacturing facility should cater to your volume requirement. Mahamed suggests asking these questions when trying to do business with the appropriate manufacturer:
Are they able to expand the production lines as per your requirement?
How flexible are they?
How fast do they respond?
How credible are they?
How cost-effective are they?
Mohamed bases his decision on the above questions, and points out that brand marketers must look at their current client base. With the current world scenario, finding a partner who is part of a good CSR program should be a priority. Mohamed believes in giving customers high-quality products at a very reasonable price—and providing them with custom package packaging, so there is minimal wastage for any contract manufacturers or brand owners. Additionally, having access to full traceability of each ingredient from farm-to-shelf should be considered. If that wasn’t enough, Martin Felkner, key account manager of Finzelberg GmbH, offered what he considers the important aspects when choosing a contract manufacturing organisation (CMO). He admits relevant industry expertise and knowledge from the manufacturer will shed light the manufacturer’s reliability with the brand owner. For instance, plant-derived extracts such as Rhodiola rosea and Passiflora have different compound ingredients compared to chemical-synthetics APIs like ibuprofen or diclofenac. Familiarity with production capacity, and suitable equipment selection for different ingredients, high reliability across different galenic formulations and scientific regulatory knowhow are also key considerations for selecting a partner. Fostering a strong relationship between a manufacturer and brand owner is also important for long-term success. According to Felkner, “Long-term relationships are built on mutual confidence and trust. An innovative galenic form or a bespoke packaging requirement, which the brand owner wants to push in pursuit of innovation for his brand, might require a more open-minded CDMO who speaks the same language.” He adds that proximity to the target market and good availability will make face-to-face meetings and productive communication easier. Thus, allowing for better transparency between partners. For example, Felkner likes to identify the right partner based on theoretical criteria and subjective impressions discovered during audits and visits. He also acknowledges if the brand’s focus and expertise is geared towards an effective distribution process, then excellent sales skills and marketing power are needed.
