How to choose a nutraceutical contract manufacturer: 12 questions to ask

Product and confidentiality

• 1. Will you manufacture to my formula exactly? You should approve samples that match your specs before anything is produced.
• 2. How is my formula protected? Get an NDA and a clear answer in writing before you share it.
• 3. Have you made products like mine? Ask for examples in your format and category.
• 4. What does your sample and pilot process look like? You should approve samples and see a pilot run before full production.

Manufacturing and quality

• 5. Do you manufacture under GMP? Ask how batch records, in-process checks and lot traceability are handled.
• 6. Do you run production on your own equipment? Some companies broker production to other plants. Know who actually makes your product.
• 7. Which formats do you run? A partner with several formats can grow with your product line.
• 8. What are your minimums and lead times? Make sure they fit your launch plan and cash flow.

Packaging, fulfillment and partnership

• 9. Can you handle packaging? Film, pouches and cartons have their own lead times. A partner who coordinates them avoids delays.
• 10. What happens after production? Ask whether they can connect you with warehousing and fulfillment.
• 11. Who is my point of contact? One person who knows your product saves time on every order.
• 12. How do you handle problems? Ask for an example of a product or run that went wrong and how it was fixed.

A good answer sounds specific

Strong manufacturers answer these questions directly, with examples. Vague answers about ownership, quality or who makes the product are a warning sign.