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Dairy Co Packers

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 82 dairy co packers across the United States, from specialty culturers of artisanal yogurts to large-scale aseptic fillers of shelf-stable milks.

Buyers often seek partners to solve critical scaling challenges, from achieving consistent overrun in ice cream production to ensuring thermal stability in high-protein beverages. The inherent perishability of most dairy products means facilities must excel in rapid chilling, precise ingredient decking, and maintaining strict cold chain integrity, often for products requiring unique homogenization profiles.

Supplier types vary significantly, encompassing facilities dedicated solely to fluid milk, those specializing in fermented products like kefir or sour cream, and others offering comprehensive dry blending capabilities for bases. Some focus on large-volume commodities, while others excel in niche, high-value organic or functional dairy lines, often distinguished by their aseptic filling lines versus traditional hot fill processes.

Brands approaching dairy co-packers should arrive with clearly defined product specifications, including target Brix, viscosity, pH, and desired shelf life. Co-packers, in turn, expect detailed bill of materials, packaging material specifications, and anticipated volume forecasts, along with an understanding of any specific regulatory hurdles like a need for PMO compliance or organic certification.

A notable trend in dairy co-packing is the surge in demand for plant-based dairy alternatives processed on shared lines, alongside the continued expansion of Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and aseptic products. This shift necessitates sophisticated allergen management programs, stringent CIP protocols to prevent cross-contamination, and greater flexibility in packaging formats, moving beyond traditional cartons to innovative pouches and bottles.

82 companies·51 emails·68 phones

Company Directory

82 companies nationwide

Santa Ana, CA

Based in Santa Ana, CA, Brothers International Desserts Inc. provides comprehensive ice cream co-packing services. The company specializes in producing a diverse range of frozen desserts including novelties, pints, quarts, vegan, ultra-premium, light ice creams, and sorbets for various brands.

Grand Rapids, MI

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Butterball Farms, Inc. specializes in butter and sauce manufacturing. The company provides comprehensive co-manufacturing, co-packaging, and private-label services for various butter products, catering to B2B clients requiring dairy co-packing solutions.

Turlock, CA

California Dairies, Inc. manufactures a variety of high-quality dairy products from its facilities in California. The company specializes in milk powder, bulk butter, nutritional powders, and processed fluids. They produce for private label retail, foodservice, industrial applications, and export sales, serving a global market.

Fullerton, CA

Based in Fullerton, CA, California Sunshine manufactures and exports premium US milk and dairy products, including extended shelf life (ESL) milk. The company offers private label co-packing services for dairy items. They provide solutions to supermarket chains, foodservice providers, and distributors for client-branded dairy products.

Littlefield, TX

Based in Littlefield, TX, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest produces Grade A dairy products and ingredients for manufacturers globally. Offerings include nonfat and skim milk powders, buttermilk powder, condensed milk, cream, and butter. They also provide custom formulations for various applications.

Linwood, NJ

Based in Linwood, NJ, Clofine Dairy & Food Products Inc. specializes in custom formulating dairy-based products. With over a century of expertise, they provide functional and cost-effective solutions for the bakery, snack food, frozen dessert, and cheese industries.

Based in Reading, PA, Clover Farms is a dairy co-packer collaborating with over 170 local dairy farms. They offer comprehensive production and distribution capabilities, enabling clients to produce dairy products under their private brands. They manage the entire process, from sourcing milk to final delivery.

Coopersville, MI

Based in Coopersville, MI, Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC produces low, medium, and high heat nonfat milk powders using advanced spray drying technology. They provide custom formulations of grade A, Gold Star quality milk products, supplying manufacturers globally with over 300,000 lbs. daily.

Franklin Park, IL

Based in Franklin Park, IL, CooLab Foods, LLC specializes in co-packing and co-manufacturing frozen desserts, including ice cream. As a certified SQF Level 2 plant with over 40 years of experience, they partner with brands in CPG and food service, offering quality assurance and pick & pack services.

Modesto, CA

Based in Modesto, CA, Crystal Creamery is a dairy manufacturer providing co-packing and private label services. They produce a broad portfolio of fresh dairy products such as milk, ice cream, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, and juices for retail and foodservice channels.

Blue Mounds, WI

Based in Blue Mounds, WI, DairyfoodUSA is an esteemed cheese manufacturer. The company specializes in providing co-packing and co-manufacturing services for dairy products. They serve a diverse clientele, including food service providers and distributors, offering their expertise in cheese production for various commercial needs.

Kansas City, KS

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. provides dairy co-packing services, utilizing aseptic processing and packaging technology to produce shelf-stable milk and other dairy-based beverages. As a farmer-owned cooperative, they leverage their extensive network to deliver high-quality dairy products and solutions from farm to table for various brands.

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Foodies Urban Kitchen is a co-packing facility assisting small-scale artisanal food businesses. They manage complex recipes and diverse food types, including raw, dehydrated, vegan, paleo, keto, fermented, gluten-free, alternative proteins, and functional foods. They operate adhering to HACCP and GMP standards.

Middleton, WI

Based in Middleton, WI, Foremost Farms is a major dairy cooperative and food manufacturing business. It produces large volumes of cheese, butter, and a variety of liquid and powder dairy ingredients. The company serves business customers across the United States with high-quality, nutritious dairy products and innovative ingredient solutions.

Casa Grande, AZ

Based in Casa Grande, AZ, Franklin Foods is a private label and co-pack supplier specializing in cream cheese. The company leverages 125 years of cheese-making expertise, focusing on high-quality products and sustainable practices. Franklin Foods is the US subsidiary of the Hochland Group.

Fresh Ideas LLC is a butter co-packing company specializing in services for brands. They partner with clients to bring high-quality, delicious butter products to market, offering comprehensive co-packing expertise.

Germantown, WI

Gehl Food & Beverage, based in Germantown, WI, specializes in aseptic manufacturing of shelf-stable food and beverages, including real dairy products. The company provides private label and contract manufacturing services, offering R&D, validated packaging, and distribution from its facilities in Wisconsin, California, and South Carolina.

Irvine, CA

Based in Irvine, CA, Golden State Foods LLC is a large diversified supplier to the Quick Service Restaurant and retail industries. The company specializes in providing custom solutions for specialty dairy and beverage products, including items with extended shelf-life for commercial clients.

Hiram, OH

Great Lakes Cheese Co., Inc. is a manufacturer and packager of natural and processed cheese products, including bulk, shredded, and sliced varieties. Based in Hiram, OH, the company offers co-manufacturing services, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a national distribution network, ensuring food safety and quality for its customers.

Fresno, CA

Based in Fresno, CA, Helados La Tapatia specializes in dairy co-packing and private label services for a diverse range of ice cream products. The company offers businesses the opportunity to develop their own custom lines of frozen treats, utilizing its manufacturing expertise for various product types.

Dodge City, KS

Based in Dodge City, KS, Hilmar Cheese Company provides B2B dairy co-packing services. They produce cheese for private label, regional, and national brands worldwide. Specializing in unlocking dairy's full value, they also supply high-quality whey protein and lactose ingredients to global business customers.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Komplete Packaging Service provides comprehensive contract packaging. They offer liquid filling, dry good packaging, and other solutions for various products across food & beverage, health & beauty, and industrial sectors. Their state-of-the-art facilities ensure high-quality and efficient packaging services.

Lakeview Farms, a division of Novus Foods, specializes in custom manufacturing and private label services for fresh food products. They offer capabilities for refrigerated categories, including dairy items like yogurt and rice pudding, alongside various dips and spreads, emphasizing quality whole milk and farm-fresh ingredients.

San Leandro, CA

Based in San Leandro, CA, Loard's Ice Cream and Candies provides dairy co-packing services with decades of experience. They assist clients through the entire co-packing process, from artwork and packaging options to special requirements, specializing in ice cream products.

Anacortes, WA

Based in Anacortes, WA, Lopez Island Creamery provides co-packing and private label manufacturing services for frozen desserts. With over 27 years of experience, the company specializes in producing high-quality ice cream pints, sandwiches, and food service tubs from scratch.

Mill Road Dairy is a specialized dairy processor offering large-scale co-packing and private label production. Located near the NY, NJ, CT metro area, their state-of-the-art facility processes milk, juices, cream, and various flavored beverages, handling extensive production orders. They focus on fresh, farm-to-table products delivered within 24 hours.

Irwindale, CA

Based in Irwindale, CA, National Stabilizers, Inc. provides co-packing services for food and beverage manufacturers. They specialize in liquid, dry, and aseptic blending, filling, and spray drying. The company also supplies various stabilizers and ingredients, supporting applications including dairy, desserts, and bakery products.

Industry, CA

Ninth Avenue Foods, a family-owned company based in Industry, CA, specializes in dairy co-packing and private label manufacturing. They operate state-of-the-art ESL facilities, with advanced aseptic PET packaging launching in 2026. The company leverages 50+ years of dairy industry experience, prioritizing quality and customer collaboration.

Farmingdale, NY

Noga Dairy provides dairy co-packing services for private label brands from its Farmingdale, NY facility. They specialize in manufacturing all-natural Indian Dahi and Lassi, using Grade A milk and proprietary cultures. Their unique hot-fill process develops an authentic homestyle taste and texture for dairy products.

Sheboygan, WI

Based in Sheboygan, WI, Old World Creamery is a fourth-generation dairy co-packer. They manufacture, package, and distribute butter and cheese products, offering private label services for established brands across the US. The company operates state-of-the-art facilities in Wisconsin, backed by a century of family expertise.

Grand Prairie, TX

Pack'n Fresh, LLC. provides turnkey custom food co-packing services, specializing in blending, batching, and packaging nutritional and diverse food products. They offer sustainable, customizable options for various packaging formats like pouches, cans, jars, and cups, ensuring quality, freshness, and high food safety standards.

Fresno, OH

Based in Fresno, OH, Pearl Valley Cheese is a family-owned private label cheese manufacturer. They specialize in crafting award-winning Swiss, Colby, Marble, and Cheddar cheeses, with recipes perfected since 1928. The company prioritizes product quality and safety for its customers.

Newton, WI

Based in Newton, WI, Pine River Pre-Pack, Inc. crafts award-winning cheese spreads from aged Wisconsin cheddar. Operating an SQF-certified facility, the company provides co-packing and outsourcing services for dairy products. They specialize in private label formulation, custom food service, and no-label programs for traditional, natural, and gourmet cheese spreads.

PBI, LLC is a co-packing partner for traditional dairy products like yogurt and sour cream, as well as non-dairy alternatives. They offer versatile packaging solutions, including single and multi-serve cups, bottles, and stand/snack pouches. PBI leverages state-of-the-art technology to provide quality and exceptional service.

Atlanta, GA

Printpack, based in Atlanta, GA, specializes in innovative flexible and rigid packaging solutions for the cheese and dairy industry. They offer advanced printing, manufacturing, and converting capabilities, including a pilot plant with packing machinery expertise. Services extend to prepress and analytical lab support.

Reykjavik Creamery is a high-tech, mid-tier dairy specializing in co-manufacturing cultured dairy products for the US market. As an innovative dairy manufacturer, they offer reasonable volume minimums and filling capabilities for common yogurt cup sizes, ensuring high-quality production processes.

Chino, CA

Based in Chino, CA, Scott Brothers Dairy Inc. is a vertically integrated dairy producer offering private label co-packing services for frozen yogurt, ice cream mix, and other dairy products. They manage their own farm, ensuring high-quality, sustainably produced milk from healthy cows for their clients.

Orrville, OH

SmithFoods, Inc., based in Orrville, OH, is a fourth-generation family business offering dairy contract manufacturing, private label, and custom blend services. They produce fluid milk, cream, cultured products, ice cream, and various mixes, including plant-based alternatives, for specialty and proprietary recipes.

Denver, CO

Based in Denver, CO, Sugar Lab of Colorado provides dairy co-packing services, specializing in small-batch ice cream production. They offer manufacturing solutions, crafting ice creams in precise 13-quart batches. This ensures quality and preserves unique product characteristics for their business clients.

Lolo, MT

Based in Lolo, MT, The Milky Whey provides wholesale dairy ingredients and custom dairy blends. They offer a wide array of milk, whey, butter, organic, and goat milk powders and proteins. The company formulates tailored solutions for clients' needs, including ice cream, yogurt, and bakery blends.

Tiller Foods offers co-packing and private label services for dairy and non-dairy products, including ice creams. Since 1936, the company has provided high-quality formulations, handling small to large batch volumes in various package sizes for local, national, and international clients.

San Bernardino, CA

Based in San Bernardino, CA, Team Packaging offers contract and turnkey packaging solutions with over 30 years of experience. They specialize in precise filling for thin and thick liquids into bottles, jars, tubes, and pouches, providing custom solutions tailored to industry needs.

Lancaster, NY

Based in Lancaster, NY, O-AT-KA Milk Products provides dairy co-packing services for B2B partners. They specialize in developing and launching innovative dairy-based products for large beverage manufacturers. Utilizing extensive facilities and expertise, O-AT-KA offers comprehensive custom dairy processing and packaging solutions, backed by decades of industry experience.

Westby, WI

Based in Westby, WI, Westby Cooperative Creamery provides private label co-packing for cultured dairy foods. Services include production flexibility, scalability, package design, and shipping. They craft award-winning products like cottage cheese using milk from over 100 local family farms.

Johnstown, NY

Based in Johnstown, NY, Westmeadow Creamery offers Kosher-certified dairy co-packing services. They maintain rigorous processes to meet specific client requirements for various dairy products. The creamery specializes in producing artisanal cheeses, including flavored cheddars, cave-aged selections, and fresh curds, providing comprehensive processing solutions.

Turlock, CA

Based in Turlock, CA, Darey Brands specializes in co-packing and private label services for dairy and plant-based products. They are innovators in sustainable, lactose-free, and goat milk dairy. The company offers scalable, tailored solutions for brands, encompassing both traditional and alternative dairy manufacturing.

Canyon, TX

Lone Star Dairy Products processes over 2 million pounds of milk daily at its state-of-the-art facility. Specializing in value-added milk powders, including nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder certified to low-spore requirements, they also offer various customizable commodity butters and creams, serving as a dairy co-packer.

Dallas, TX

Mockingbird Food Group is a food co-packer based in Dallas, TX, specializing in customized co-packing solutions for best-in-class results. Driven by industry veterans, the company emphasizes culinary excellence, unparalleled quality, and safety within its extensive network of food companies, serving diverse customer needs.

Monarch Beach, CA

Oceanside Dairy, located in Monarch Beach, CA, provides contract manufacturing services primarily for the dairy and nutritional supplement industries. Capabilities include protein powder blending and cheese converting. The company also offers global distribution of various high-quality dairy ingredients, serving manufacturers and food service providers.

Burley, ID

Based in Burley, ID, Suntado LLC provides advanced co-packing services for ESL and aseptic dairy and plant-based beverages. Vertically integrated with direct conventional and organic dairy farms, the company operates a state-of-the-art facility to produce high-quality products for commercial brands.

Odessa, TX

Based in Odessa, TX, West Texas Blending, LLC provides comprehensive contract blending, mixing, and packaging for dry-mix powders, granular products, and liquid solutions. They serve diverse industries, including food & beverage, industrial, and nutritional supplements. SQF certified, the company offers high-quality co-packing services for various food-grade products.

Based in New Holland, PA, AFP advanced food products llc provides food co-packing and contract manufacturing services. Utilizing its innovative 'Flex Line,' the company offers flexible, cost-efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions. They specialize in diverse food products, making them suitable for dairy co-packing requirements.

Cortlandville, NY

Byrne Dairy offers private label and co-packing services for dairy and other beverages. Based in Cortlandville, NY, they specialize in ESL and UHT processing for refrigerated and shelf-stable formats like gable top and Tetra Pak cartons. Capabilities include organic, ultra-filtered, and lactose-free milk, creams, and non-dairy options.

Torrance, CA

Based in Torrance, CA, Calpack Foods offers co-packing for fresh foods and beverages, including dairy spreads and dips. They provide bottling, pouching, and cupping services, leveraging high-pressure processing to extend shelf life. Calpack supports businesses with small minimums while preserving recipe integrity.

Bridgeton, NJ

Based in Bridgeton, NJ, Cumberland Dairy is a farmer-owned manufacturer providing private label and co-packing services. They produce ultra-pasteurized milks, creams, frozen dessert mixes, and other refrigerated fluid products. Customers include quick-service restaurants, retail chains, and wholesale food distributors.

Kansas City, KS

DFA Ingredients is a global provider of high-quality dairy ingredients and services, specializing in food manufacturing. They offer private label cheese, dairy powders, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, committed to delivering the dairy flavor consumers demand for various food products.

San Bernardino, CA

Based in San Bernardino, CA, Farmdale is a family-owned dairy manufacturer established in 1953. The company specializes in producing high-quality cultured dairy products, including sour cream, cheese, and buttermilk. Farmdale offers private label co-packing services for food manufacturers, the food service industry, and restaurants.

Galloway Company crafts innovative dairy ingredients and products for manufacturers and businesses. With over sixty years of expertise, they offer custom formulations for sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk equivalents, frozen dessert mixes, cream liqueurs, and non-alcoholic dairy beverages, supporting diverse commercial needs.

Bronx, NY

Based in Bronx, NY, Gelato New York is a wholesale manufacturer specializing in kosher frozen desserts. They provide co-packing and private label services for gelato, ice cream, and frozen yogurt products. The company supports clients from startups to large enterprises, offering custom manufacturing solutions and product development.

Lebanon, MO

Based in Lebanon, MO, Ice Cream Factory Co. specializes in crafting premium ice cream products. The company offers comprehensive co-packing and private label solutions, enabling brands to develop and produce custom dairy frozen treats with their expertise and facilities.

West Orange, NJ

Based in West Orange, NJ, Ice Cream University offers co-packing services for various frozen desserts, including ice cream pints, tubs, popsicles, and ice cream cakes. They also provide comprehensive R&D and product development, guiding clients from concept to market for ice cream, frozen yogurt, plant-based desserts, and gelato.

Jasper Products is an aseptic beverage manufacturing facility that provides contract manufacturing services. Owned by Dairy Farmers of America, the company utilizes its production processes to co-pack a large variety of shelf-stable dairy and other beverage products for its customers.

Tracy, CA

Koru Pacific Packaging, based in Tracy, CA, is a family-owned company providing custom co-packaging, co-manufacturing, and toll blending services. They specialize in packaging powders, bulk dry foods, capsules, and tablets for small to large companies. With an emphasis on quality and service, they offer versatile packaging solutions.

New Lisbon, WI

Based in New Lisbon, WI, Mill Haven Foods specializes in the manufacture of dry dairy food ingredients. The company provides custom blending and packaging solutions for the food and beverage industry, focusing on maximizing ingredient functionality. They operate facilities in New Lisbon and Tomah, Wisconsin.

Penn Dairy specializes in the contract manufacturing of yogurt, leveraging both traditional and innovative production methods. The company focuses on producing high-quality dairy products for commercial partners, serving brands seeking specialized yogurt production expertise for various dairy offerings.

Akron, NY

Based in Akron, NY, Perry's Ice Cream is a dedicated manufacturer of real, creamy ice cream. They specialize in providing private label co-packing services for various brands, leveraging their expertise and over 75 flavors. This allows other businesses to efficiently launch their own branded dairy dessert products.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Qual Pac offers versatile, large-volume custom co-packing and re-packing services. Specializing in complex food and beverage contract packaging, they manage production from materials to shipping. Qual Pac also provides new facility management and packaging line design for tailored production solutions.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Schneider's Dairy offers dairy co-packing services, specializing in fresh milk pasteurization and other pasteurized products. Their capabilities include co-packing for various milk types, iced tea, juice, cream, cultured products, and ice cream mixes for commercial partners.

San Antonio, TX

Based in San Antonio, TX, Son Beverage Co. is a full-service beverage co-packer offering hot-fill, cold-fill, and aseptic processing. They specialize in co-packing diverse beverages, including juices, teas, sports drinks, functional beverages, and ready-to-drink coffee and dairy products.

St. Paul, MN

Based in St. Paul, MN, St. Paul Beverage Solutions is a complete fluid beverage processor. The company specializes in contract packaging and manufacturing, offering capabilities like HTST, ESL, and aseptic processing for various fluid beverages and traditional dairy items.

Elma, NY

Based in Elma, NY, Steuben Foods Inc. is a contract manufacturer specializing in food and beverage production. They are especially adept at processing dairy and plant-based products under low-acid aseptic conditions. The company offers a one-stop solution with state-of-the-art manufacturing, R&D, and aseptic packaging for various partners.

Lincoln, NE

Universal Pure provides high pressure processing (HPP) and comprehensive co-packing services for food and beverage brands, including beverage bottling, kitting, packaging, labeling, and cold storage. Focused on safety and extending shelf life, the company helps deliver clean-label products without heat or chemicals in their US facilities.

Fresno, CA

Based in Fresno, CA, Producers Dairy operates a substantial milk processing plant spanning over 40,000 square feet on 13 acres. The company specializes in milk and various dairy product processing, indicating significant capabilities for the dairy industry.

Howard, WI

Based in Howard, WI, Winona Foods Inc. provides dairy co-packing and private label services, utilizing its manufacturing capabilities for quality cheese products. Since 1995, they have served the foodservice industry. The company commenced full operations at their modern Howard, WI facility in 2018.

Waterloo, WI

Ab E Manufacturing offers specialty drying toll manufacturing solutions using state-of-the-art fluid bed processing in their 3A dairy and food-grade facilities. They produce customized, high-quality dried and agglomerated materials for various applications, handling both pilot-scale and commercial production with extensive expertise.

Baldwin Richardson Foods Co. provides extensive manufacturing capabilities, specializing in aseptic beverage bases and finished products. They offer custom packaging solutions for nutritious, fresh, and shelf-stable beverages, along with syrups, fillings, sauces, and dessert toppings, serving the food and beverage industry.

Prosper, TX

Dairy Manufacturers, Inc., in Prosper, TX, provides food product design and manufacturing. They specialize in dairy-related animal nutrition, including milk replacers. Offering robust manufacturing capabilities and supply chain management, they serve as a co-packer. Prioritizing product safety and quality.

Dallas, TX

Based in Dallas, TX, Hill Country Dairies processes fresh milk and dairy products, sourcing from local Texas farms. They supply a range of dairy items to wholesale, foodservice, and retail clients. The company also provides custom packaging and private label co-packing services for other brands and large volume orders.

Marathon Cheese Corporation specializes in natural cheese packaging, providing custom quality packaging solutions for its customers. Founded in the heart of dairy country, the company emphasizes excellence in packaging and dedication to meeting diverse customer needs.

Pine Creek Pack operates as an organic copacker, offering versatile designs and a variety of packaging options for food products. They specialize in co-packing services for dairy products, eggs, meats, tea, spices, chocolate, candy, bakery goods, fruits, and allergen/gluten-free items, serving diverse food industry needs.

Dallas, TX

Saputo Food Service USA partners with manufacturers to produce high-quality, custom dairy and non-dairy products under their brands. They offer co-packing solutions for various formulas and finished goods, leveraging extensive manufacturing capabilities for commercial B2B clients across the United States.

Bakersfield, CA

Based in Bakersfield, CA, Valley Natural Beverages is a dairy co-packer specializing in Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic/Shelf Stable Ultra High Temperature (UHT) dairy products. They leverage advanced technology and sustainable practices for efficient dairy production and packaging, providing comprehensive manufacturing services for the dairy industry.

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How to Choose a Company

  • Verify Grade A PMO compliance: For any fluid milk, yogurt, or other Grade A dairy product, confirm the co-packer's facility holds current PMO certification and has a strong history of positive state regulatory audits. This isn't optional; it's foundational.
  • Assess processing technology for product stability: Beyond basic pasteurization, inquire about their specific HTST or UHT capabilities, homogenization pressures, and cooling rates. A co-packer excelling in cultured dairy requires precise temperature control and inoculum handling, distinct from one processing shelf-stable milks.
  • Evaluate cold chain and warehouse infrastructure: Many first-time buyers overlook the entire journey. Confirm their ability to maintain precise temperature ranges (e.g., 34-38°F) from production to outbound shipping, including refrigerated storage capacity and readiness for LTL or FTL refrigerated transport.
  • Scrutinize allergen control and CIP protocols: If your product requires specific allergen declarations or is non-dairy but shares a line, demand detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Clean-in-Place (CIP) cycles and validation records. A common red flag is a lack of clear segregation or inadequate washdown verification for shared lines.
  • Understand minimum order quantities (MOQs) relative to sanitation cycles: Dairy processing involves significant downtime for Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sterilization. Smaller batch sizes often carry disproportionately higher costs per unit due to fixed changeover expenses and mandated sanitation, so challenge MOQs that seem low but incur high unit costs.
  • Confirm packaging line capabilities for sensitive products: Dairy products are sensitive to light and oxygen. Verify their fillers handle barrier packaging materials (e.g., opaque cartons, multi-layer films for pouches) and can accommodate specialized caps or closures that maintain product integrity through the Extended Shelf Life (ESL).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between HTST and UHT processing, and how do they impact my dairy product?

HTST (High-Temperature Short-Time) pasteurization typically heats dairy products to 161°F for 15 seconds, preserving a fresh taste but requiring refrigeration and offering a shorter shelf life. UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) processing heats products to 280-302°F for a few seconds, sterilizing them for aseptic packaging and yielding a shelf-stable product for months without refrigeration, though often with a slightly 'cooked' flavor profile. Your product's desired flavor, shelf life, and distribution model dictate the appropriate method.

How does the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) specifically affect my selection of a dairy co-packer?

The PMO is a set of federal standards governing the production, processing, and packaging of Grade A fluid milk and milk products. Any co-packer handling these items must be PMO-compliant and routinely inspected by state regulatory authorities. Non-compliance is an immediate deal-breaker for these products, as it ensures critical safety and sanitation protocols are met, influencing everything from equipment design to ingredient handling and facility layout.

What are the common pitfalls when negotiating MOQs with dairy co-packers, especially for specialized ingredients?

A common mistake is underestimating the true cost of small runs due to fixed sanitation cycles. Dairy equipment requires extensive Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures between product changes, which incurs significant labor, chemical, and utility costs regardless of batch size. Additionally, co-packers often have high MOQs for specialized dairy cultures, custom flavors, or unique packaging films, leading to costly ingredient decking or potential waste if not managed carefully.

How do dairy co-packers manage allergen cross-contamination, especially if they process both dairy and plant-based alternatives?

Reputable dairy co-packers implement robust allergen control programs compliant with FSMA. This includes dedicated production lines for major allergens, strict scheduling to separate runs, validated Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures between different product types (e.g., dairy milk then almond milk), and comprehensive testing (e.g., ATP swabbing, allergen rapid tests) after cleaning. Always request their allergen management plan and tour facilities to observe practices.

What is 'Extended Shelf Life (ESL)' for dairy products, and what co-packer capabilities are required to achieve it?

ESL refers to dairy products that have a longer shelf life than conventionally pasteurized items but still require refrigeration. This is achieved through stricter hygienic controls, often including microfiltration, specialized pasteurization (e.g., slightly higher temperatures than HTST), and ultra-clean or aseptic filling environments. A co-packer capable of ESL needs advanced sanitary design, enhanced air filtration systems in their filling zones, and expertise in packaging materials that provide superior oxygen and light barriers.

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