What Questions Should I Ask a Co-Packer Before Signing?

What Questions Should I Ask a Co-Packer Before Signing?

Before signing with a co-packer, ask about packaging capability, minimum production quantity, specific cost, ability to meet your exact specifications, certifications, food safety and quality policy, production timeline, future capacity, and ingredient ordering and storage — and tour the facility and speak to a current client before you commit.

This list comes straight from a University of Florida IFAS Extension guide, so it's a genuinely neutral starting point rather than any one co-packer's sales script.

The 10 Questions to Ask

• What size and type of packaging can you handle? Some co-packers specialize in one food type or container size; a hot sauce, for example, needs a co-packer who can fill small bottles, and you may need to know whether they can hot-fill or aseptic-fill.

• What is the minimum production you're willing to do? In general, larger co-packers only produce larger amounts, while smaller co-packers offer smaller runs.

• What is the specific cost to process and handle my product? Ask directly, ask about a guaranteed price for a year or set terms, and make sure there are no hidden fees.

• Can you produce my product the way I want it made? If your product needs special techniques, ingredients, or storage, confirm they can follow your specifications.

• Can you provide the certifications I need? If you want Kosher, Halal, organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO certification, you need a co-packer who can provide it.

• Can you assist with product design and development? If your product isn't shelf-ready, some co-packers offer testing, nutritional labeling, formulation, and ingredient substitution in-house, which can save time and cost.

• What is your safety and quality policy? Tour the facility, ask for the most recent inspection report and their food safety systems (e.g., Preventive Controls, HACCP), and if possible contact a current client and try one of their products.

• What is my production timeline? Many co-packers ask clients to confirm production at least a month or more in advance; ask how they handle emergency demand (like holiday season) and at what cost.

• Can you handle growing demand in the future? You may need only small runs early, but confirm they can accommodate higher volume as you grow.

• Can you help with ordering and storing ingredients and supplies? Ask about storage space, whether they order ingredients directly or you ship them, and whether they can introduce you to brokers or distributors.

UF/IFAS also flags three more factors to weigh: a confidentiality agreement, the financial stability of the co-packer, and the co-packer's location.

What About the Contract?

Once you've chosen a co-packer, a written contract protects you. UF/IFAS Extension says it should generally include the parties involved, the quantity to be produced, the quality and specifications required, the production timeline, and the price (with payment method and timing). It's recommended to have your attorney, and potentially your accountant, review the contract before you sign.