3 Vital Steps to Finding the Right Co-Manufacturer

One of the most crucial aspects of launching a successful consumer product is finding the right co-manufacturer, or "Co-Man." A co-manufacturer is a third-party company that produces products on behalf of a brand. A good match between a company and a co-manufacturer is vital.

Choosing a reliable co-manufacturer can be challenging because the best ones often don’t advertise. They’re usually booked with clients who know their value and keep coming back for more. At CuliNEX, we’ve helped clients find ideal Co-Man relationships for almost 20 years using these three important steps.

Step 1: Define and align your goals

Just like in any relationship, alignment is key. Successful relationships are built on finding a Co-Man that not only can produce your product but also believes in your mission and shares your values.

Step 2: The Turnkey vs. Tolling Decision

Another decision you’ll need to make when approaching a co-manufacturer is whether you’ll go for a turnkey or tolling arrangement.

• Turnkey means the co-manufacturer handles everything—ingredients, packaging, and supply chain management.

• Tolling means the brand takes responsibility for sourcing ingredients, packaging, and managing the supply chain, while the co-manufacturer handles the actual production.

Each approach comes with its own set of cost implications and logistics. "It’s important to decide early on who will manage what in the process," advises Casey Jenkins, Product Development Manager at CuliNEX. Misalignment of responsibilities can lead to tension and miscommunication, which could ultimately impact the product’s success.

Step 3: Check Certifications and Compliance

Before contracting with a Co-Man, make sure they meet all necessary regulatory requirements, including allergen management, food safety, and environmental considerations. Your co-manufacturer must have all the certifications you need. Are your products gluten-free, organic, or kosher? If those certifications are lacking, you may run into delays or complications down the line.

Step 4: Align Timing and Scheduling

Co-manufacturing isn’t a quick process. Finding the right fit and aligning schedules can take time. On average, a co-manufacturer search can take six to eight weeks, depending on the complexity of the product and the manufacturing processes required.

The timing of the search is also crucial. "We generally start looking for a co-manufacturer during the early stages of product development," said Casey. "That way, when we hit the bench testing phase, we can start to replicate the manufacturer’s processes to ensure a smoother transition to large-scale production."

Let CuliNEX help you find the right Co-Man

To find the right Co-Man for your product, you not only need a deep understanding of your own company’s goals—you also need to be sure that the co-manufacturer’s capabilities meet all your needs. If you are embarking on the Co-Man journey, CuliNEX offers expert guidance and project management to support you through every step of the process.