Whether you’ve already perfected your beverage recipe or you’re just starting and need help crafting a formula, selecting the right manufacturing partner is crucial. Your choice will impact everything from quality and efficiency to how quickly your product gets to market.

Based on our extensive experience producing a wide range of beverages, here are the top seven things you need to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Communication is Everything

A successful partnership is built on strong communication. Before you commit, find out who your main point of contact will be and how they prefer to communicate. Do they offer regular updates or weekly calls? Pay attention to how well they respond to you in the pre-sale phase. If it’s tough to get their attention now, it’s unlikely to get better once you’re a paying customer.

2. What Kind of Relationship Do You Need?

This is an intimate business relationship. Some manufacturers have a large client base and offer a strict, “this-is-what-you-get” service. Others are more invested in your success, offering a variety of services like third-party logistics (3PL), custom formulation, and a roadmap for future products. Decide what level of partnership you need and find a co-packer that aligns with your goals.

3. Expertise with Your Ingredients

Functional beverages often contain special ingredients like adaptogens, botanicals, or certain actives. Some of these ingredients have unique solubility challenges or require special handling to ensure they’re present in the final product. Depending on your formulation, it’s a good idea to find a co-packer with proven experience handling your specific ingredients.

4. Certifications That Matter for Your Growth

Thinking about getting into big retailers like Walmart, CVS, or Costco? NSF certification is often a non-negotiable requirement. Having this from the start can prevent you from missing a major opportunity down the road. Similarly, if you plan to target stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts, make sure your co-packer has the necessary certifications for organic or Non-GMO products.

5. Scalability for Future Growth

Imagine your beverage becomes a massive hit. Can your co-packer handle it? Your ideal partner should have the capacity or a solid plan to scale up production to meet your growing demand without compromising quality or speed.

6. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

MOQs can be a significant hurdle for new businesses. A co-packer with very high MOQs can tie up your capital and limit your ability to test the market. Find a partner whose MOQs align with your current financial capacity and market strategy.

7. Pre-Formulated, Market-Ready Options

If speed to market is your top priority and your formulas aren’t finalized, a co-packer with proven white or private label formulas can be a game-changer. This allows you to launch a quality product sooner while you continue to refine your own unique formulation with their help.

Additional Support to Look For

Beyond these critical points, here are a few other services a great co-packer might offer:

• Custom Formulation Support: A team willing to help you refine an existing formula or develop a new one to optimize its taste and effectiveness.

• Regulatory Compliance: A dedicated team that can help you navigate the complex world of food and beverage regulations, ensuring your product meets all labeling and safety requirements.

Choosing the right partner is a pivotal decision for the success of your beverage brand. We hope this guide helps you make the best choice for your business. If you’re interested in exploring GSM as your Functional Beverage Co-packer, reach out to contact@goodstuffmanufacturing.com.