Picking a Co-Packer

Q.  I have a recipe that I’d like to go commercial with.  How do I pick a co-packer and why should I pick you?

Well, there is all kind of information on the web on what a co-packer is and how to go about selecting one.  We suggest you read this article from North Carolina State University to learn more about co-packing. 

What I’ll do is answer the questions that are asked in that article to help you learn all about Best Brand Bottlers.

 

Here is their checklist of needs you have from a co-packer:

Will you require product development assistance such as safety determinations, coloring, stabilizers and emulsifiers, or preservatives?

We will not need product development assistance.  Our Research and Development (R&D) personnel have vast experience and certifications in food product safety.  We recommend using all natural ingredients and we use the thermal process to insure shelf stability and follow the recommended process as outlined by an independent testing lab.  We have experience in using coloring, stabilizers and emulsifiers and will work with you to make sure that your product is safe AND appealing to the consumer

What are special product concerns such as: acidity, thermal process, refrigerated ingredients, refrigerated product storage?

We are a thermal acidified food processor.  What this means is that we heat almost all of the products we produce in order for pasteurization.  We do not process products above the pH level of 4.6.  If in our R&D lab we find that the product is above that level we work with you to add natural acid ingredients, such as lemon or lime juice, vinegar or citric acid to insure proper acid level for production.  We can do this without changing the flavor of the product.

We work with fresh ingredients in making products and have refrigerator storage for the amount that we work with.  However, we do not manufacture products that need refrigeration.

Are there special ingredient concerns?

We work with special ingredients all the time and there are always concerns. The biggest concerns are price and availability. The more special an ingredient is in your recipe, the more difficult it will be to buy that product in bulk at better prices.  As long as you understand that and are OK with having a higher priced product, so are we.  If by using a special ingredient in your recipe causes you to not be able to move your product, then we will work with you to find an alternative.

Will the product require specialized ingredients in terms of variety, function, or piece size?

In most cases, no.  In some cases, yes.  When it comes to piece size, the particulates must be able to pass through a filler.  So, for example, if your pineapple salsa calls for big chunks of pineapple, you may want to change that to smaller pieces.    

Will ingredient preparation such as onsite chopping, peeling, coring, or sugaring be necessary?

The processes of chopping, peeling, coring, sugaring, sautéing, etc. takes time and time is money.   Because we try to be as efficient as possible, we usually buy items that are already taken care of.  In some cases purchasing prepared items is cost-prohibitive.  Take onions, for example.   We use them in our specialty hot sauces and buy them whole.  We knock the tops and bottoms off, peel them, put them in a kettle and cook them.  While they are cooking we knock them down with industrial strength immersion blenders until they are smooth. 

Can ingredients be purchased ready-to-use?

Yes, they can.  This is sometimes the easiest method, but it is also the costliest.  Many BBQ sauces start off with ketchup as the base.  Using ketchup introduces things like High Fructose Corn Syrup into the recipe and you, the customer, has less control over what goes into a ready-to-use item.  We recommend that you start with basic commodities, such as tomato paste, and build your recipe from there.

Are there alternative sources for specialized ingredients?

Most definitely.  Our purchasing department is always looking for alternatives for all of our ingredients.  We look for the best ingredients at the least expensive prices.

Thank you so much for your interest in Best Brand Bottlers co-packing capabilities.  We specialize in thermal acidified processing of condiments, dressings, marinades and sauces.  Stay tuned to this blog to read more about choosing the right co-packer.