NutraLink - The Nutraceutical Industry Blog

Not All Dietary Supplement Contract Manufacturers Are the Same.

Written by Vesta Contract Manufacturing Team | Jul 19, 2024 11:45:00 AM

Agreeing to most of your market entry questions does not guarantee a deep understanding of your long-term requirements.

To help you assess potential partners, we've devised 10 essential questions to pose to your contract manufacturer before finalizing any agreement. Their responses could make all the difference between a success and a failure:

  • Lead Time: Ensure the lead time accommodates testing, material procurement, laboratory assessments, FDA compliance, paperwork, production, and packaging. Trust your instincts if the lead time seems insufficient.
  • Trial Runs: Inquire about the availability and cost of trial runs, which are valuable for testing new products.
  • Up-front costs: Determine typical initial costs, including setup, design, packaging, and market research expenses.
  • Scaling Up: Ask about the manufacturer's capacity and willingness to scale up operations as your business expands.
  • Testing Procedures: Inquire about the types of testing conducted, including third-party evaluations for compliance, quality, and customer demands.
  • Certifications: Check for essential certifications like cGMP, NSF compliance, and memberships in industry associations, such as the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
  • FDA Registration: Confirm that the manufacturer is FDA-registered and complies with relevant regulations.
  • Insurance Coverage: Ensure the manufacturer carries relevant insurance, such as general, umbrella, and product liability insurance.
  • Documentation: Request regulatory, safety, and quality documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (CoA) at no extra cost.
  • Experience: Evaluate the manufacturer's experience in manufacturing dietary supplements to gauge their expertise and dedication.

While these questions are crucial, they may not cover every aspect of your assessment. Remember, how they respond is just as significant as their answers. Your potential partner should demonstrate a solid understanding of their operations to earn your trust.

In closing, work with an FDA-registered cGMP facility that is fully equipped to meet your contract manufacturer's needs down to the modern packaging equipment so they can supply your product in the packaging of your choice, including bottles, blister packs, or sachets. 

For further information on contract manufacturing in the Nutraceuticals and Supplement Industries, please contact our team at 888-558-3782 or email 
info@vestanutra.com