The perf co-packing solution exists
2-min read
You could be more resourceful and open minded about commercializing your food or beverage product. Many of you are speeding to market without fully taking time to test and prove out product design, process engineering, and manufacturing methods. The barrier is always “finding” a copacker. But a bit of time and exploration could reveal previously undiscoverable manufacturing partners.
I’ve written before about setting aside R&D budget for plant trials, which can be as expensive as an actual run. But in some cases, especially when specialized equipment is concerned, it can be free. Contacting OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and inquiring about running trials can lead to awesome outcomes.
OEMs can get you connected to co-mans whom they sell and support.
Good co-mans can be elusive because they don’t need new customers, that’s why getting referred in is so important. If what you are doing is interesting to them, they might open up capacity.
Additionally, OEMs themselves can run trials for you. Such is the case with Egan Food Tech, maker of bar and molding equipment, and Hiperbaric, maker of HPP systems. These guys are attentive. It’s not a waste of time to run trials with them, and I suggest going in person.
Here’s Egan testing methods on a bar when the brand didn’t know whether to go with slab or extrusion —
Here’s Egan on a co-man/brand collab case study:
Some of our customers are co-manufacturers, and we can point companies that way when they are not yet ready to purchase equipment. Because there are so many variables in recipes and different types of equipment, we would tailor our recommendation vs sharing a standardized list. We've also had brands and co-manufacturers work together in purchasing equipment. Here's a case study that's a great example of that - BoCo Bar Founding Partner Presses on for Perfect Co-Packing Solution (eganfoodtech.com)
Similarly, Hiperbaric was absolutely amazing with Goddess Mousse in running trials for their silky smooth vegan mousse (that you can’t tell is vegan – swear!) using HPP technology, which gives shelf life to foods while retaining nutrients. (learn more about Goddess Mousse here!) And then they found their perfect co-man -
A quick word on used equipment—
I have personal experience with purchasing and installing used equipment and I have had clients also buy used. Let the record show that good results are 50/50 at best. I’ve never seen a case where no troubleshooting was needed. I’ve more often seen stuff end up in the bone yard. It highly depends on how rudimentary the piece is. Complex equipment is risky. For sure, don’t go this route if you or someone on your team is not mechanically inclined.
Get in touch with Hiperbaric here or Egan Food here.
All my best,
Jennifer