What should I ask a co-packer?

Posted by Damian Roberti on

What should I ask a co-packer?

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What should I ask a co-packer

Is your company interested in acquiring the services of a new distributor who can provide you with excellent frozen foods? Before entering into any kind of deal with co-packers, you are going to want to be aware of the greatest questions you can ask them. You will have distinct needs that call for a strategic approach whether you run a restaurant, are an independent chef, or distribute food. These roles all include dealing with food in some kind.

 

 


After you have formed an idea of who might help you pack, it is time to make a list of the tasks that need to be completed. Before engaging in conversation with anyone who works in the co-packing industry, you need to ensure that you are relaxed and well-prepared. What should I ask a co-packer

What should I ask a co-packer




Before you hire a co-packing food company to do the job for you, here is a list of the most important questions you should ask them!


 


1. Discover the Contents of Their Bags

Each individual that works as a co-packer will have their own set of skills and competencies. There is a possibility that you could find a small batch co-packer that does not pack particular kinds of foods. For instance, you can come across a co-packer that exclusively creates acidified and low acidified items. This kind of business is not uncommon.

What should I ask a co-packer



Some other food co-packing businesses may only be able to produce frozen foods or may focus exclusively on the processing of meat, for example.

2. Discover the Items That Are Not Packed




What should I ask a co-packer
Finding out what kinds of items are on a co-list packer's of things they won't pack is equally as vital. Avoid just inquiring about the services that co-packing food companies may provide for you. It would be much easier for you to avoid any misunderstandings if you can find out as quickly as possible what they are not capable of accomplishing.



For instance, you might come across a food co-packer that is unable to package raw meat items or dairy that has not been pasteurized. There are unquestionably food co-packing companies out there that have these skills. Before beginning work, they will, however, be required to obtain the appropriate certificates as well as the necessary equipment.



3. Find out the size of the batches they produce.
What should I ask a co-packer

Now, the very last thing that you want to go through is employing a tiny batch co-packer that won't be able to handle the quantity of orders that you have. Or, it's possible that a larger co-packer with the necessary skills is unable to produce food in the amounts that you require despite having those capabilities. You should find out this information before you hire someone rather than finding out about it after the fact.



You ought to inquire with food co-packing businesses about the normal batch sizes that they use. Inquire further about their capacity to finish several batches within a period of twenty-four hours. You could locate a co-packer that has a usual batch size of sixty gallons, or you could find a co-packer that offers far less, but either way, it is crucial to be aware of this information.


What should I ask a co-packer


4. Find out the Products That They Offer

 

 

 


Asking a co-packer what they truly supply is another essential question to pose to them. You will need to find out if their supplies include storage, packaging, labelling, and what kinds of ingredients are included in their products. It is a good idea to ask them to give a list of providers who are carrying particular ingredients if you want to do business with them.


 

 

 


You might also be able to discover a food co-packer that is willing to collaborate with either the vendor who provides your packaging or the label designer. You are in luck if you find one that not only provides short-term storage but also long-term storage options. In the event that this is not the case, it is not the end of the world, and you may be able to find an alternative source for what you need.



5. Determine What It Is That You Need to Supply

You should be aware of everything that will be expected of you to provide. You need to find out how quickly and how frequently they require their supplies from you as well. This may need placing an order for the necessary packaging and ingredients in order to delay the timing of their delivery.



You might, for instance, want to make sure that your shipment won't arrive earlier than the day that you have set for manufacturing. You will also need to make arrangements for the collection or shipment of your products within ten days of the completion of the project. Your company will have an easier time maintaining its consistency with the output of the co-packer if you do this.



6. Determine whether or if there are any other services available.

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Whether you are just beginning your journey as a food entrepreneur or are already well-established in the field, you will still require as much information as you can get your hands on. Find out what other services your potential co-packer provides and whether or not they are relevant to your needs. After then, request a detailed list of the additional services that are being offered.



To give just one example, are you able to acquire assistance with labeling, packaging, sealing, and the preparation of shipments as well? Do they provide support with a process that is on a schedule? Before deciding to hire a food co-packer, these are the questions you should ask them.











7. Determine whether or not the distance is a problem.

Working with a co-packer who is situated in close proximity to your business would undoubtedly be the situation that offers the greatest potential for success. You should nonetheless still be able to collaborate with them even if that turns out not to be the case. Immediately inquire about the location of the establishment.

 

 

 



When it comes to co-packing food, some businesses find that distance is not an issue at all. There is a possibility that you will find a co-packer that is geared up to operate with clients from virtually every region of the country. In addition to that, there are co-packers who do business with clients from all over the world.



When working with those co-packers, it is customary for you to send your materials straight to them via direct shipment. They would then make the necessary arrangements for the shipment of your merchandise to a location of your choosing. Not only is this practical, but it may also be the deciding factor in determining which co-packer is the most suitable for the requirements of your company.



Additional Concerns You Should Have Answered by a Food Co-Packer

This list should get you off to a good start when looking for a food co-packer, but there are plenty of other questions you should ask as well. Write down any further inquiries that you might have and make it a point to go over everything with your potential customers before you make any decisions that are irreversible.

 

 

What should I ask a co-packer