This blog is from content presented by Greg Dennis of Original Juan’s at the From the Land of Kansas annual meeting March 4, 2014.

Essentially, co-packing is a contract packing arrangement.

Don’t get co-packing confused with private labeling. Co-packing is when a company contracts with a manufacturer to produce a select recipe or product for the company (client).

Keep in mind:

• Everything will take longer than you think
• Private Label Manufacturing Association
• Minimums and lead times are important
• Use your instincts when selecting a co-packer

10 things you really need to know:

1. Start early
2. Find the right co-packer, keep in mind product, volumes, goals
3. Establish expectations
4. Determine where you need to be with your product and with pricing: Ex. Original Juan?s has a calculator
5. Monitor every step: Participate actively throughout the entire process
6. Your product will taste different when produced industrial
7. Communication is your friend, ask questions
8. Pause before you give the thumbs up, be a champion for your own product
9. There is a lot to running a food company, beyond what's in the jar promoting your product is the key to success
10. Time frame is four to six months; if you make quick decisions and have flexible timing it can be as quick as two to three months.

Example costs for co-packing a sauce:

1. Test batch $600, may need 1 ? 2 batches so plan on $1,200
2. Artwork for label and logo design: $800 ? $1,600
3. Label printing $500 - $1,000 (first run)
4. Nutrition analysis $200 - $500
5. Initial batch $1,000 - $1,500 (500 ? 1000 units from a 68 gallon batch)
6. Web design (Trademark, insurance, legal incorporation, shipping) $3,100 - $5,300

Interested in Kansas co-packers? Schedule an appointment with one of the many From the Land of Kansas companies who offer co-packing and private label services.

• Rabbit Creek Products
• Pantry Shelf Mixes
• Original Juan: provides a manual to prospective client.

If you are looking to still make a product yourself, but don’t want to or can’t invest in a full commercial kitchen? Use one of the many Kansas incubator kitchens from across the state. At most incubator kitchens, you rent the kitchen space and limited equipment by the hour.

• Glacial Hills Food Center; Horton, KS
• Douglas County Incubator Kitchen; Lawrence, KS
• Kitchen 4 Hire; Salina, KS

If you know of an incubator kitchen in your area, let us know who they are! Email: fromthelandofkansas@kda.ks.gov

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