This factsheet is one in the "Food Entrepreneurship in Florida" series, which assists beginning and established food entrepreneurs by providing them information on topics highly relevant to starting and running a food business, including regulations, safety, labeling, processing, and marketing. This series serves as a useful guide to help run a successful food-related business.
You are a home-based cottage food operator who is now considering larger-scale commercial production to make bigger profits. Or you are currently operating out of a commercial kitchen and recently got a contract with a big, national chain store to carry your products. Whatever stage of the food business you are currently in, you will reach a point where you will need high-volume production. At this point, running your operation out of your home kitchen or renting a commercial kitchen might not be the best option, because the facility size or availability might not accommodate your needs. You can build your own facility if you have capital; however, if you have limited funds or if you think you are not ready to hire staff and operate new equipment for your production, then hiring a co-packer can be a great option. This factsheet will provide a brief overview on the definition of co-packers, advantages and disadvantages of using a co-packer, and the list of things you need to consider when you hire and work with a co-packer.
What is a co-packer?
A contract packager, commonly called a co-packer, is a manufacturer that will produce, package, and/or label a product for clients. A co-packer is often a manufacturer that has excess processing capacity and processes clients' product under a private label for a fee. In addition to manufacturing, packaging, and labeling, some co-packers also offer services in certifications, storage, and distribution.
What are the advantages of using a co-packer?
(1) Reduced financial risk: There are occasions that may warrant outsourcing to a co-packer. For example, your business may have outgrown the space you have or will require the purchase of additional equipment. You might need to build your own facility or hire more employees. This expansion of business can be costly and pose great financial risk. By using a co-packer, you can produce products of a predetermined quantity and test these products in a market without investing large sums of money in building, equipment, and employees. Once your product has proven successful in the market, you can invest in your own equipment or facility. This approach significantly reduces financial risk for small food manufacturers with limited resources.
(2) Professional assistance and resources: Because co-packers are established food processors with years of business experience, most co-packers are familiar with food regulatory requirements, shipping and distribution, and other business needs. Some co-packers have in-house staff and offer services for their clients such as product testing, nutritional labeling, product formulation, ingredient substitution, product design suggestion, and other product development services. Additionally, many co-packers have food industry contacts and sources, and they can direct you to appropriate professionals who can help with any specific questions or issues you might have during the production. These resources can be especially valuable for new food entrepreneurs.
(3) Saving time and space: Operating your own production facility and overseeing the production requires a significant time commitment. By working with co-packers, you can devote more time to marketing your products to potential customers. Many co-packers also have proper facilities that can store your ingredients and finished products, reducing costs associated with storage.
(4) Facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements: Food regulations under local, state, and federal laws are complex, and complying with all aspects of food regulations can be overwhelming, costly, and time-consuming for beginning manufacturers. Many co-packers have obtained the necessary licenses and permits, have appropriate waste disposal systems in place, and have completed trainings or certifications required for their manufacturing operation. By working with a co-packer, you can save money and time to meet regulatory requirements.
What are the disadvantages of using a co-packer?
One of the disadvantages of using a co-packer is a loss of control over your product and its manufacturing. You will also be subject to the co-packer's production schedule. Most co-packers do not require a customer to be present during the production except the first run. This can lead to future production runs that the customer might not be fully satisfied with. If there is any dispute or disagreement between customers and co-packers, it can delay production and distribution of products.
A co-packer often works with multiple customers for a similar type of products. Because you need to share sensitive product information with your co-packer, including ingredients, formulations, and product specifications, confidentiality can be a potential problem. If this is the case, you might consider obtaining a confidentiality agreement with the co-packer to protect sensitive information about your product.
How should I select a co-packer?
Because a co-packer can run full scope of production, from ingredient receiving and manufacturing to labeling and packaging (and even shipping to your customers), it is critical to choose the best co-packer for your food product. Before meeting with the co-packer, prepare a detailed business plan. This business plan should include your business goals and objectives, product description, marketing plan, and financial plan (Ahn et al. 2017). Writing a business plan will give you an opportunity to review your business goals and marketing plan and help you assess the appropriate size of the order. Reviewing your business goals will facilitate finding a co-packer who has the same business mindset and can meet your specific needs. In addition, write detailed process instructions with specifications for ingredients, packaging, and labeling as well as any relevant regulatory requirements. It is important to have a well-developed idea of what you want for your product before meeting with potential co-packers.
If you have identified several potential co-packers, bring your process instructions and business plan to your first meeting. It will help to create a checklist or a list of questions for the meeting. Some of the questions you should ask include:
- What size and type of packaging am I interested in for my product?
Certain co-packers may only specialize in one type of food or container size. For example, if the product you are looking to produce is a hot sauce, you would need a co-packer who can package liquids into small bottles. You might need to know if they can hot fill or are capable of aseptic filling and other specific production needs unique to your product.
2. What is the minimum production the co-packer is willing to do?
In general, larger co-packers will only produce greater amounts of a product, whereas smaller co-packers offer smaller production runs.
3. What is the specific cost for processing and handling your product?
Be sure to specifically ask the price for the co-packer's service. You can ask if they can offer a guaranteed price for a year or other certain terms. Make sure there are no hidden fees.
4. Can the co-packer produce your product the way you want it to be made?
If your product requires special preparation techniques, ingredients, or storage, ensure that the co-packer can follow your specifications.
5. If applicable, can the co-packer provide the certifications you need?
If you want your product to be Kosher, Halal, organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO certified, you will need to find a co-packer who can provide those certifications.
6. Will this co-packer be able to assist in product design and development?
If your product is not quite ready for the shelf, you can benefit from product development services. Ask if the co-packer has staff or offers services for product development, including product testing, nutritional labeling, product formulation, ingredient substitution, and product design. Using the co-packer's in-house product development services can save considerable time and costs.
7. What is the co-packer's safety and quality policy?
Touring the co-packer's facility can answer many production-related questions as well as give insight to the cleanliness, safety, and potential hazards of the facility. You can also ask for the most recent inspection report and their food safety systems (e.g., Preventive Controls, HACCP) or quality control systems, if they have any. A co-packer should have a list of clients. If possible, contact a current client to discuss their experiences, and try one of the products manufactured by the potential co-packer.
8. What is my production timeline?
Production schedule is an important factor to consider when you work with a co-packer. You should carefully communicate with the co-packer on scheduling so you will not be stuck in a production hold, which could jeopardize your business. Many co-packers ask their clients to confirm the production at least a month or more in advance. You might need to ask how the co-packer handles "emergency" product demands (e.g., holiday season) and if they have the equipment/personnel resources to handle unexpected demands, and at what cost.
9. Will the co-packer handle growing demands in the future?
When you meet a co-packer, you also need to think about future needs. Early in the production, you may need only small production runs, but once your business grows, you may need more volume. You have to make sure this co-packer can accommodate high-volume orders in the future.
10. Can the co-packer provide assistance with ordering and storage of ingredients and supplies?
One of the main reasons to work with a co-packer is a lack of facilities. You may need storage space for your ingredients, supplies, or finished products. Ask potential co-packers if they can provide storage space. Also ask the co-packer if they can directly order ingredients and supplies or if you need to order and ship them to the co-packer. Some co-packers can introduce you to brokers or distributors that you can work with. Other factors you need to consider are:
- A confidentiality agreement
- The financial stability of the co-packer
- The location of the co-packer
Once you have identified a co-packer for your product, you should write a contract to ensure your product is manufactured according to your specifications in a timely manner. In general, a contract should contain the following elements:
- The parties involved
- The quantity of product to be produced
- The quality of product to be produced (including specifications you require)
- The timeline for the production to be completed
- The price to be paid (including payment method and when the payment is due)
It is recommended to have your attorney and potentially your accountant review the contact before you sign. Your attorney can ensure that the terms are satisfactory and that you are legally and financially protected if any problem occurs.
Where can I find a co-packer near me?
Having a co-packer that is geographically close to you allows you to have a more active role in the production. However, it is not uncommon for a food entrepreneur to work with co-packers in other states, especially if your product has special needs (e.g., specific equipment, certifications, etc.). You can get information about co-packers by talking to other food entrepreneurs. State and national association meetings, food shows, and trade shows can also be good places to meet co-packers. Other good resources include food industry trade publications and directories, because many specialized co-packers advertise through them. If you look for more local co-packers, university Extension offices can also be a resource for locating a co-packer.
There are several websites that provide the national co-packer directory:
- Specialty Food Co-Packers Directory: http://www.specialtyfoodcopackers.com/The-Directory.html
- The Association for Contract Packagers & Manufacturers: https://www.contractpackaging.org (select Member Directory at the tab menu)
Below is a noncomprehensive list of co-packers located in Florida and Georgia. The list is simply for information purposes, and it does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by the authors or UF/IFAS Extension. For details, contact the company directly.
Florida
All Wrapped Up
3714 Northwest 16th St
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: (800) 891-2194
Fax: (954) 587-2144
Email: info@allwrappedup-gifts.com
https://allwrappedup-gifts.com/
Processing: chocolate, other candy and snacks, specialty food packaging
Al-Rite Bottled Ideas
18524 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33179
Phone: (305) 652-2540
Fax: (305) 652-4478
Email: info@al-rite.com
http://www.al-rite.com
Processing: liquid beverages, concentrates, sauces, teas, drink mixes
Ashlynn's Gourmet
1131 Gould Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 648-4734
Email: annthea@ashlynnsgourmet.com
https://www.ashlynnsgourmet.com/co-packing
Processing: sauces; also offers co-packing training course
Azure Water
1903 Greenleaf Lane
Leesburg, FL 34748
Phone: (352) 728-5646
Email: sales@azurewater.com
http://azurewater.com/company/
Processing: bottled water
Beneficial Blends, LLC
PO BOX 20363
Tampa, FL 33622
Phone: (800) 230-5952
Email: info@beneficialblends.com
https://beneficialblends.com
Processing: liquid and semiliquid products
Best Brand Bottlers
6620 19th Street East
Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: (941) 755-1941
Fax: (941) 755-1213
Email: office@bestbrandbottlers.com
https://www.bestbrandbottlers.com
Processing: salad dressings, marinades, BBQ sauces, pasta sauces, hot sauces and cocktail sauces
Criollos Food, USA.
9110 NW 105th Way
Medley, FL 33178
Phone: (954) 629-7471
Email: mvasquez@criollosfoodusa.com
https://www.criollosfoodusa.com
Processing: dry beans, peas, wheat, flours, cornmeal
Endorphin Farms, Inc.
3255 Parker Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 824-2006
Fax: (904) 824-4014
https://endorphinfarms.com
Processing: sauces
G. S. Gelato
1785 FIM Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: (850) 243-5455
Fax: (850) 243-5443
Email: info@gsgelato.com
https://gsgelato.com
Processing: gelato, sorbet, desserts
H&H Products Company
1051 Winderley Place, Suite 307
Maitland, FL 32751
Phone: (800) 678-8448
Email: info@hhproductscompany.com
https://hhproductscompany.com/copacking/
Processing: beverage, juice concentrates, syrups
Hot Wachulas
1060 Alpha Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: (863) 602-0857
Email: info@hotwachulas.com
https://hotwachulas.com/p/contract-packaging
Processing: Salsa, hot sauce
House Autry
2732 Hibiscus Drive
Edgewater, FL 32141
Phone: (386) 428-5833
https://www.house-autry.com/pages/private-label
Processing: dry blends (seasonings, marinades, sauces)
IPAC Inc. (International Packaging of Authentic Cuisine)
1270 Belle Avenue, Unit 115
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Phone: (407) 699-7507
Fax: (407) 699-7543
https://www.copack.com/about-us
Processing: sauces/salsas, soups, dressings, cocktail mixers
Islamorada Beverages
82229 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Phone: (305) 508-9093 / (305) 440-2162
Email: southgm@islamoradabeverages.com
https://www.islamoradabeverages.com/
Processing: beer, liquor, seltzer, canned cocktails
Kitchen Fusions
6349 82nd Ave N
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: (727) 546-3444
Fax: (727) 934-9967
Email: info@mycopacker.com
https://www.mycopacker.com/about-us/
Processing: sauces, dips (dry blending only)
Las Olas Confections and Snacks
1815 Cypress Lake Dr
Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: (407) 816-9944
Email: orders@lasolabrands.com
https://lasolasbrands.com/
Processing: candies, chocolates
Marina Foods, Inc.
11125 NW 124th St
Medley, FL 33178
Phone: (786) 888-0129
Fax: (786) 888-0134
Email: info@marinafoods.com
https://www.marinafoods.com
Processing: cooking oils, salad dressings, sauces
MyCopaker.com
6349 82nd Ave N.
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: (727) 546-3444
https://www.mycopacker.com/
Processing: Dips, sauces, spices, herbal seasonings, desserts, bread mixes, batters
Old Meeting House Ice Cream
4004 South MacDill Avenue
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: (813) 451-9854
Fax: (813) 248-6254
http://www.omhicecream.com/index-2.html
Processing: ice cream, soy cream, gluten free
Palmetto Canning Co. Inc.
3601 US Hwy 41
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone: (941) 722-1100
Email: pcrbaggs@tampabay.rr.com
http://www.palmettocanning.com
Processing: dietary supplements, marinades, sauces, dressings, cooking wines, jellies and marmalades
Refresco Beverages US, Inc.
15340 Citrus Country Drive
Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: (352) 567-2200
Fax: (352) 567-2257
https://www.refresco-na.com/na/
Processing: water, juices, teas, energy drinks, kosher, organic
The Sauceology Group
14221 60th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33760
Phone: (727) 389-3774
https://thesauceologygroup.com
Processing: sauces, spice blends, rubs, salsas, dressings, marinades
Sauce Crafters
3695 Interstate Park Way
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Phone: 561-848-2335
Text: 561-779-6915
Email: SauceMixer@att.net
https://saucecrafters.com/pages/co-packing
Processing: BBQ sauces, pasta sauces, hot sauces, gifts
Southeast Dairy Processors (division of Tiller Foods)
3803 E Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (866) 793-2479
Email: BillLacaillade@tillerfoods.com
http://tillerfoods.com
Processing: yogurt, sour cream, cream, buttermilk, whipping cream, ice cream and dairy mixes, dessert mixes, coffee creamer, Pareve (Parve) and Kosher
Stage Coach Sauces
806 N Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 328-6330
Email: info@stagecoachsauces.com
https://stagecoachsauces.com
Processing: sauces, condiments, dressing, syrups
St. Armands Baking Company
2811 59th Avenue Drive East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Phone: (941) 753-7494
https://www.starbake.com/co-packing
Processing: bread and roll bakery products
Transnational Foods, LLC.
1110 Brickell Ave., Suite 808
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 365-9652
Email: info@tfinc.com
https://transnationalfoods.com/
Processing: Olive oil, Low Sugar, Canned Vegetables, Canned Meats, Pasta, Condiments
United Oil Packers
3200 NW 125th St
Miami, FL 33167
Phone: (305) 687-6457
Email: contact@unitedoilcompany.com
http://unitedoilcompany.com/products.php4
Processing: Cooking oils, shortenings
Georgia
Braswell's Foods, Inc.
226 N Zetterower Ave
Statesboro, GA 30458
Phone: (800) 673-9388
Email: customerservice@braswells.com
https://www.braswells.com
Processing: jams, jellies, dressings, marinades, sauces, honeys, toppings
Coastal Packaging
10 Fresh Bru Drive
Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: (678) 854-2117
https://www.coastalpackaging.com/co-packing/
Processing: Tea, coffee, juices, energy drinks including organic and gluten-free
Country Ranch Foods
1460 Field Park Circle
Marietta, GA 30066
Phone: (770) 792-9000
Fax: (770) 792-8000
https://countryranchfoods.com/private-label-custom-pack/
Processing: kettle items (gravies, sauces, soups, stews, chitterlings, broths), oven items (baked, dried, smoked and steamed chicken, roast, sausage, turkey), raw items (bulk sausage, sausage patties and links)
Custom Beverage Concepts
344 Golf Course Rd
Tallapoosa, GA 30176
Phone: (770) 574-9899
Email: tyc18@custombeverageconcepts.com; ryanj@custombeverageconcepts.com
https://www.custombeverageconcepts.com/cbc-private-label/
Processing: hot and cold beverages, sweetener, creamer, protein shakes
D&D Foods, Inc.
3715 4th Avenue
Columbus, GA 31904
Phone: (706) 322-4507
Email: orders@foysbbq.com
http://www.foysbbq.com
Processing: sauces
Georgia Spice Company
3600 Atlanta Industrial Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: (404) 696-6200
Email: aray@gaspiceco.com
http://gaspiceco.com
Processing: dry blends (dressing, drink mixes, marinades, rubs, batters, seasonings)
Mainline Foods
3301 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (404) 465-1100
https://mainlinefoods.com/private-label-and-co-manufacturing/
Processing: Frozen, RTE foods including bakery, pastries, deli salads, appetizers
Ol’Geechees BBQ
2012 Hwy 441
Homer, GA 30547
Phone: (912) 550-6494
Email: kennydasher@yahoo.com
https://www.hogwallerbbq.com/co-packing
Processing: sauces
Sunbelt Packaging Co.
700 Westlake Parkway SW, Suite 780
Atlanta, GA 30336
Phone: (470) 896-4774
Email: info@sunbeltpackagingco.com
Processing: Condiments, sauces, seasonings
True Spice
2042 Weems Road
Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (404) 502-2394
https://www.truespicefoods.com/
Processing: spice blends, functional beverages, superfood blends, protein blends, coffee, tea
References and Resources
Ahn, S., A. O'Donoughue, L. House, and R. Goodrich-Schneider. 2021. How to Start a Food Business: Writing a Business Plan. FSHN14-12. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS259.
The Association for Contract Packagers & Manufacturers. 2023. CPA Member Directory. https://www.contractpackaging.org/directory
Brady, P. L., S. Seideman, and J. R. Morris. 2009. Choosing and Using a Co-packer. Research Report 985. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Accessed October 1, 2024. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=aaesrb
Cornell Food Venture Center. 2024. "Kitchens & Co-packers." https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-agritech/partners-institutes/cornell-food-venture-center/kitchensco-packers
Holcomb, R. 2017. Food Processing Using a Co-packer. FAPC-106. Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/food-processing-using-a-co-packer.html
Hood, K. 2009. Consider a Co-packer: A Risk Management Tool. Publication 2565. Mississippi State University Extension Service. http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2565.pdf
Rushing, J. E. 2022. Choosing and Using a Co-packer. FSE98(10-99). North Carolina State University. Accessed January 5, 2023. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/choosing-and-using-a-copacker
Smith, D. 2014. "Preparing for High-Volume Food Product Sales: Are You Ready for a Co-packer?" Michigan State University Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/preparing_for_high_volume_food_product_sales_are_you_ready_for_a_co_packer
Specialty Food Co-packers Directory. 2018. http://www.specialtyfoodcopackers.com/The-Directory.html
Specialty Food Resource. 2024. "Co-packers." https://www.specialtyfoodresource.com/find-a-business-resource/copackers/
University of California-Davis. 2016. "California Food Processing Co-packers." https://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk7366/files/inline-files/240926.pdf
University of Massachusetts Extension. 2014. "Co-packers." https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/food-science/copackers_aug2014.pdf