Why is it so challenging to find the right drink manufacturer for your brand?

Finding the right co-packer isn’t always a straight shot. You need to find a manufacturer that is close enough to keep transportation costs low, can make your product safely and efficiently, and can scale with you as you grow. 

Plus, every manufacturer has different capabilities and requirements. Some co-man aren’t able to work with smaller MOQs, while others may not have the specific services or production processes you’re looking for. 

Here are some steps to get you on your way to find your next co-packer. 

1. Start with Research
Understand your process and what capabilities and manufacturing equipment you may need to produce your product and which certifications you require. You will also need to have a good idea on the volume you want to produce for the first run and the first year. 

Identify potential beverage bottlers through online directories, industry publications, trade shows, and referrals from trusted sources. 

2. Send Outreach
If you’ve narrowed your search to a few possible contenders, then it’s time for some cold calling or emailing. Contact beverage companies and manufacturers to introduce your business and express your interest in partnering with them. 

Manufacturers and companies are busy and receive cold calls all the time. Provide a concise and impactful message that establishes credibility, outlines your product and volume, and sets the stage for further discussion. 

Alternatively, create a project on PartnerSlate’s marketplace. This will summarize all the key information co-mans need to analyze your product. After publishing your project, you can connect with qualified matches within a few days. 

3. Conduct Site Visits
As with all business decisions, a degree of healthy caution is always a good idea when entering a partnership with a company. Visiting the manufacturing facilities in person will give you a better understanding of their operations, food quality control measures, and overall suitability for your business. 

During the site visits, closely observe their production processes, cleanliness standards, storage facilities, and equipment. Discuss any specific requirements or customization options for your sauce product. Make sure that any of their products are properly certified according to government regulations and guidelines.

4. Prioritize Culture Fits 
Another perk of site visits is seeing if there’s a culture fit between your brand and the co-packer. If your values don’t match, their production process can be difficult. Ask about their relationships with suppliers and workers to ensure they prioritize a healthy product environment. 

Understanding the manufacturer’s culture will also help you build a long-term partnership that supports your brand values and resonates with your target audience.

5. Conduct Onboarding
Before finalizing the partnership, carefully review and negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract, and ensure that the contract covers aspects such as pricing, production capacity, quality control, delivery schedules, and any other specific requirements. Once the contract is signed, collaborate closely with the manufacturer to establish an efficient onboarding process and communicate your expectations.

6. Make it Easier with PartnerSlate
This extensive process of finding the best beverage manufacturer can be arduous without the assistance of platforms like PartnerSlate. The research alone can take months–especially when balancing the other elements of growing your food business. But that’s why we created PartnerSlate: so you could find your co-packer in just days instead. 

You can create an account and include all the details about your beverage product and what you’re looking for in a manufacturer. Manufacturers can see the project details and determine whether or not they’re a good fit for you. If they are, the manufacturer will reach out, and you can start the process immediately. 

We then streamline the onboarding and document-sharing process so you and your new manufacturer can get started as soon as possible!