How to Get a Co-Packer to Respond to You
Send an Email, Fill Out the Website Contact Form
Looking to connect with a co-packer to understand their capabilities and learn if they’re a good fit? We love it when individuals reach out to us directly on our contact form or via email. Be sure to include the best way to contact you so that a co-packer can loop back quickly.
Tip: Skip leaving a voicemail, they can be hard to hear and are difficult to pass on to the correct contact, if they end up in the wrong voicemail box. Rather than call, we highly recommend an email, it leaves an electronic paper trail that is much easier to follow up on.
Have All Your Numbers Ready
When a potential partner reaches out about a co-packing project and they have all of their ducks in a row, we are especially excited to chat with them about their project. It immediately shows that they could be a solid partner.
Tip: Here’s what we are often looking for info on:
Annual volume in pounds
Packaging specs
Info on any included allergens
Process: Hot, Cold, Dried…
Holding Temp: Cold, Frozen, Room-Temp
Desired timeline
Target price per pound
Ask the Right Questions
From our 50 years of experience, potential partners who take the time to ask about food and teammate safety, the sourcing process, how R&D works, even about our company culture and goals, end up being a much better fit for all parties involved than those brands who come to the meeting and simply ask, “How soon can you make it?” We always recommend that brands and co-packers enter into a partnership that is mutually beneficial. How will you know if you and the co-packer would make an effective pair? Ask the right questions!
Have a Realistic Timeline
Finding a co-packer who is a good fit for you is tough and can feel daunting at times. Take time to create a realistic timeline for your product and share that with potential co-packers. Having a realistic goal will help co-packers take you seriously and answer you seriously on if they can deliver to that timeline.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask a co-packer what their standard start up time is for a new product. Remember, the more complex your recipe, the longer sourcing and setup may take.
Do Some Research First
Before you reach out to a co-packer, take five minutes to peruse their website. If a company clearly states they don’t work with peanuts, for example, save yourself the trouble of reaching out and asking if they will make your nut butter. It may also help you show up to the initial meeting with pertinent questions. It goes a long way to show you have done your homework.
Ask for a Recommendation
Tip: Most co-packers know other co-packers. As you inquire with co-packers, don’t be afraid to ask if they have a recommendation for another partner, if they can’t meet your needs.
Ready Foods products are available through major broad-line distributors around the country. We are regularly stocked in California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Texas and more!