How to Choose the Right Co-Packer
When looking for possible co-packers to work with, you may be faced with a variety of choices. While you might have many credible co-packers to choose from, there are some factors that can determine the best choice for your business. After visiting all of your potential co-packers, here are some questions to consider when making the final decision:
Is the workspace clean and safe?
It’s one thing to know that a co-packing company has all the necessary food handling and safety certifications, but it’s another to see that knowledge and experience actually put in practice. When looking at the workspace of your prospective co-packer, notice if the space looks clean, is free of any hazards or harmful chemicals and has up to date equipment. Whether they use their own space or yours, how they treat this space will let you know their work ethic. Choose a co-packer that respects their workspace; they will likely show you the same respect. Companies like Dure Foods keep a clean and safe workspace because it shows professionalism to clients.
Can they produce a variety of products?
If your potential co-packer is able to replicate your recipe, that’s a great start. However, if you want a long term partnership, you will want a co-packer that can produce a variety of recipes. Your menu will likely not be the same for your entire career, and you’ll want a co-packer with the diverse skills to keep up with your expanding products. When choosing a co-packer, find one that can produce many kinds of food products, not just the products you need right now. Good co-packers like those at Dure know a variety of recipes and are ready to work with many kinds of clients.
Can you afford their help?
As ideal a choice as a co-packer might seem, it is not worth going bankrupt over. With each co-packer you visit, be sure to go over all costs required for their serves (both base cost and any possible additional costs for inspections, location, etc.). Co-packing can be a great asset, but it’s a large investment as well. However, every co-packer has their own arrangement, so find one that is financially realistic for your company. Dure has many payment options and can find a plan that works for any client.
Do you get along?
It may seem obvious, but is extremely important all the same. A partnership with a co-packer involves many hours of working together and shared investment in your business being successful. If the co-packer is unfriendly or unapproachable, it won’t work out, regardless of how qualified the company may seem. When looking for co-packers, be wary of any warning signs that they might be difficult to work with or lack integrity. Alternatively, take note of co-packers that care about their work and show interest in building relationships in the industry.
Dure Foods likes to form a close, reliable and mutually beneficial partnership will all of our clients. If you’re interested in working with a co-packer, contacting us would be a great choice.
