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Food Co Packers

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 90 food co packers across the United States, from small-batch specialists to high-volume co-manufacturers.

Brands often arrive seeking solutions to critical scaling challenges, whether they're moving from pilot plant volumes to hundreds of thousands of units, or expanding into new product formats that require specialized processing equipment. The core problem is frequently maintaining batch consistency and achieving long-term shelf stability while adhering to stringent food safety protocols like HACCP and current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). For many, the goal is to leverage a co-packer's existing certifications, such as SQF or BRC under the GFSI framework, to streamline market entry and mitigate significant capital expenditure.

The co-packing landscape bifurcates broadly into highly specialized, high-volume facilities and more versatile, often smaller-scale operations. High-volume partners excel in categories like beverage bottling, ready meals requiring retort capabilities, or large-scale bakery production, typically demanding significant MOQs and often focusing on specific filling or packaging formats. Conversely, smaller co-packers might offer greater flexibility for new product introductions or complex artisanal items, potentially providing more hands-on scale-up support and accommodating lower initial runs, sometimes operating on a tolling agreement where the brand supplies all raw materials.

Preparing for engagement with a co-packer requires far more than just a product idea; a robust technical package is essential. Buyers should arrive with a finalized formula, detailed ingredient specifications, target finished product specifications, desired shelf life, and preliminary packaging designs. Suppliers, in turn, expect a realistic understanding of volume projections, quality assurance standards, and critical path timelines. A successful partnership hinges on clear communication and mutual transparency regarding capabilities, limitations, and the nuanced regulatory landscape of food manufacturing.

90 companies·55 emails·77 phones

Company Directory

90 companies nationwide

Bloomingdale, IL

Based in Bloomingdale, IL, Assemblies Unlimited provides turnkey food packaging and co-packing services. They specialize in handling powders, beverages, oils, and supplements, offering diverse packaging solutions such as pouches, bottles, and sachets for commercial clients.

Jackson, OH

Based in Jackson, OH, Bellisio Foods, Inc. provides contract manufacturing and co-packing services for large-scale frozen meal production. Their USDA/FDA-approved facilities include refrigerated production, inline freezing systems, and extensive warehousing. They produce millions of frozen meals daily for various industry partners.

Ontario, CA

Based in Ontario, CA, California Packaging Centers specializes in custom food packaging and dry blending services. The company supports clients from project inception through program maintenance, offering comprehensive co-packing solutions for various food products within their US facilities.

California Spice Basket, Inc. provides co-packing services for dry food products, supporting small local producers to scale their operations. They handle packaging for spices, seasonings, baking mixes, powdered drinks, coffee, cereals, and dietary supplements. This service enables businesses to focus on growth while ensuring professional product packaging.

Santa Fe Springs, CA

Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, CHL Packaging offers secondary packaging, warehousing, and order fulfillment services. With over 50 years of experience, they serve B2C and B2B clients, holding a CA State Organic Food License and providing refrigerated space. They specialize in custom solutions for various food products.

Nashville, TN

Based in Nashville, TN, Coalition Foods is a contract food manufacturer and private labeler. The company specializes in producing nutrition bars, powders, mixes, and snacks for both emerging and leading brands, offering comprehensive food manufacturing solutions.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Consolidated Mills, Inc. offers extensive food co-packing and manufacturing services. They specialize in wet and dry blending, private label, and contract packaging for beverage concentrates, processed foods, and bakery emulsions. The company also provides herb, spice, and non-spice blending, serving the food service industry.

San Antonio, TX

Based in San Antonio, TX, Creative Foodworks is an independent co-packer specializing in shelf-stable food and beverage products. They manufacture items like salsa, BBQ sauce, marinades, drink mixes, and pasta sauce. The company offers formulation, quality control, and product commercialization services, focusing entirely on client brands.

Albuquerque, NM

Based in Albuquerque, NM, El Pinto Co-Packing provides private label and co-packing services for food products like salsas, sauces, and dressings. Their SQF certified plant offers hot-fill packaging in various formats, including glass jars, plastic bottles, and single-serve cups, with significant room for growth.

San Antonio, TX

Based in San Antonio, TX, Food Craftory provides comprehensive food co-packing and private labeling services. They offer small and large batch production for ready-to-eat products such as sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The company helps clients reduce costs and expedite market delivery, ensuring quality control and food safety under USDA, FDA, and SQF guidelines.

Sun Valley, CA

Based in Sun Valley, CA, Foodies Urban Kitchen provides co-packing services for small-scale artisanal food brands looking to scale. They handle diverse food types, including raw, dehydrated, vegan, paleo, keto, fermented, and gluten-free products. The facility operates under HACCP and GMP standards, supporting business growth without capital expenditure.

Germantown, WI

Gehl Food & Beverage provides aseptic contract manufacturing and packing services for food and beverage products. With over 125 years of experience, the company specializes in producing RTD beverages, sauces, puddings, soups, and broths. They serve global brands, focusing on quality and food safety from their US facilities.

Santa Maria, CA

Based in Santa Maria, CA, Gold Coast Packing, Inc. is a grower, shipper, and processor of fresh, safe, and nutritious value-added food products. They offer tailored solutions designed to fit supply chain needs for store and restaurant levels, ensuring high quality. The company also maintains a proactive food safety program.

Dayton, OH

Based in Dayton, OH, Hinkle Fine Foods, Inc. specializes in food co-packing, manufacturing, and private label services. They provide product development and custom packaging for a variety of food items, including sauces, dressings, salsas, mustards, dips, relishes, and dry mixes, supporting clients with market entry.

Toledo, OH

Based in Toledo, OH, Hometown Food Company provides contract manufacturing solutions for beverages of all types and sizes. They offer a turnkey, risk-free approach to scale production from small regional volumes to large national needs, acting as a partner to complete projects efficiently.

Sanger, CA

Based in Sanger, CA, Initiative Foods is a private label baby food manufacturer. The company produces premium organic, natural, and conventional baby foods from its facility in California's central valley, offering contract manufacturing and private label packaging development services.

Castroville, CA

Based in Castroville, CA, Inn Foods provides contract manufacturing services specializing in frozen food solutions. With 50 years of experience, the company offers co-packing for skillet meals and meal kits, serving both retail and foodservice sectors. They leverage substantial purchasing power and invest in state-of-the-art production capabilities.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, John Henry's Food Products offers comprehensive co-packing and bottling services for sauces, marinades, spices, and other food products. They provide manufacturing, packaging design, fulfillment, and marketing support, specializing in small batch production starting at 40 gallons for brands needing production facilities.

Defiance, OH

Based in Defiance, OH, Keller Logistics offers comprehensive food co-packing services. Capabilities include filling, packaging, labeling, and palletizing within FDA-approved, food-grade facilities. They serve the food and beverage industry, providing tailored solutions alongside integrated logistics and warehousing services.

Grand Prairie, TX

KPAK provides contract packaging services and operates as a food co-packer, leveraging over 35 years of experience. The company maintains climate-controlled warehouses in the Dallas, Texas area, offering comprehensive co-packing solutions for various food products and manufacturers. They focus on efficient and reliable packaging operations.

Nelsonville, OH

Based in Nelsonville, OH, Milo's Whole World Gourmet offers boutique co-packing services for the specialty food industry. They specialize in creating and bottling sauces, providing free consulting on pricing, sales support, and industry connections. The company focuses on quality manufacturing and customer success as a partnership.

Azusa, CA

Based in Azusa, CA, MOQ Formulas is a contract manufacturer and packaging company for supplement and nutritional powder products. They offer formula manufacturing services, including food ingredient blending and packaging of raw nutritional powders for custom projects of any size, providing turnkey solutions.

New Caney, TX

Based in New Caney, TX, New Caney Beverage specializes in contract packaging for beverages and food supplements. Services encompass canning carbonated drinks, bottling non-carbonated liquids, and filling powders into canisters, stick packs, or sachets. They also package gels and thicker liquids in various plastic containers, supporting diverse volume needs.

Port Arthur, TX

Based in Port Arthur, TX, The Olive Packing Company offers co-packing and contract packing services. They help food businesses reduce capital needs, extend product lines, and introduce new brand offerings. The company provides skilled, artisan labor for specialty gourmet products and can package items in various deli cup sizes.

Fresno, CA

Based in Fresno, CA, Pacific Choice specializes in contract manufacturing and co-packing of high-quality specialty food items. They offer private label, recipe development, packaging design, and labeling services for national brands. Their facilities are BRC/GFSI, Organic, Kosher, and FDA certified.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Pack'n Fresh specializes in custom food co-packing and packaging solutions. They manage ingredient sourcing, blending, batching, and sorting for nutritional and food products. Offering various packaging types like standup pouches, boxes, cans, and jars, the company prioritizes sustainability through eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

Hammond, IN

Based in Hammond, IN, PacMoore is a contract food manufacturing company specializing in producing and packaging food ingredients. They offer extensive services like spray drying, extrusion, dry and liquid blending, re-packaging, and specialty food manufacturing, helping brands bring products to market without significant capital investment.

Wheelersburg, OH

Based in Wheelersburg, OH, Pick Your Own offers comprehensive food processing and co-packing services. They handle various food processing needs, from initial preparation to final packaging. The company specializes in processing and blending meat-based products, catering to commercial clients with their specific contract manufacturing requirements.

Indianapolis, IN

ProStar Packaging is a contract packaging and co-packing provider, specializing in kitting and assembly. With five strategic US locations, they offer flexible, scalable solutions. The company holds SQF, FDA, and AIB International certifications, ensuring rigorous quality and food safety standards for diverse client projects.

Based in Colorado, Ready Foods is a food co-packer and manufacturer specializing in innovative food and kitchen solutions. The company provides full-service kettle cooking and recipe development for its clients.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Ron's Foods provides comprehensive co-packing and private labeling services for food products. The company helps clients reduce labor and equipment costs, offering scalability and ensuring consistent quality. As an SQF Food Safety certified facility, they manage authentic recipe replication and adhere to federal and local food regulations.

Lebanon, IN

Based in Lebanon, IN, Skjodt-Barrett Foods Inc. provides contract manufacturing and custom food ingredients. They specialize in wet food ingredients, offering formulation and manufacturing for diverse products including baby food, fruit snacks, protein smoothies, salad dressings, and condiments. The company also offers contract filling services for spouted pouches.

Green Bay, WI

Based in Green Bay, WI, Schreiber Foods is a customer-brand leader in cream cheese, natural cheese, process cheese, beverages, and yogurt. They supply these products to retailers, restaurants, distributors, and food manufacturers globally, offering value-added services like consumer insights and culinary expertise.

Mundelein, IL

Based in Mundelein, IL, Sigma Services Corporation offers contract packaging services for the food packaging and manufacturing industry. Specializing in health foods and nutritional supplements, they provide liquid fill, dry fill, pouching, VFFS, flow wrapping, and rigid and stand-up packaging solutions.

Independence, OH

Based in Independence, OH, Signature Sauces is a proprietary manufacturer and private label co-packer specializing in sauces, dressings, barbecue, soups, and condiments. They provide custom product development and culinary innovation, supported by their chef-led, science-driven kitchen for the food service industry.

Groveport, OH

SK Food Group is a custom food manufacturing company with extensive operations across North America, including facilities in Cleveland, TN, Phoenix, AZ, Columbus, OH, and Reno, NV. They offer high-capacity automation and an I&D team to transform customer ideas into consistent, high-quality food products.

Shelby, IN

Based in Shelby, IN, Sonoma Farm Co-Packing is a small, hands-on food co-packer. It provides FDA-certified commercial food plant and production capabilities, offering scalable food production, packaging, bottling, and labeling services. The company serves entrepreneurs, chefs, and restaurant owners in the Midwest.

Santa Rosa, CA

Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Sonoma Valley Foods Inc. provides co-packing services for the food industry. The company specializes in optimizing production and packaging processes for tortilla products, chips, and tostadas. They partner with businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality food items reach customers efficiently.

Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group offers premium packaging and repack services from its BRCGS Audited and Certified food-grade warehouse. They provide a comprehensive range of solutions including shrink wrapping, poly bundling, cartoning, variety pack building, labeling, and quality control functions. With over 30 years of experience, they manage packaging for small or large runs.

Fort Worth, TX

Based in Fort Worth, TX, Southwest Packaging provides end-to-end contract packaging services, including material sourcing, filling, bagging, kitting, assembly, labeling, and distribution. With over 20 years of expertise, they partner with private labels and brands, ensuring compliance with industry and FDA requirements. They also offer alcohol co-packing services.

Columbus, OH

Based in Columbus, OH, Tarrier Foods offers food co-packing services specializing in custom blends, processing, and diverse packaging solutions. They provide blending, size reduction, roasting, and seasoning for manufacturers and distributors. Packaging options include pouches, bulk bags, bowls, and shakers, all upheld by rigorous quality assurance standards.

Fort Worth, TX

Based in Fort Worth, TX, TexBev functions as a beverage co-packer, offering comprehensive manufacturing and packaging services. The company specializes in producing drinks for small and mid-size brands, providing quality production for various beverage products. They assist clients with their co-packing requirements.

Central Kitchen provides co-packing services for food businesses, managing the production process from agreement and purchase order to scheduling and material sourcing. They require a 50% deposit for production initiation and material acquisition. The company supports businesses in bringing their food products to market, complementing their accelerator and incubator programs.

Denver, CO

Based in Denver, CO, The Spice Guy provides comprehensive food co-packing and private label services. They specialize in custom spice blends, handling ingredient sourcing, blending, and packaging in bottles, bags, shakers, and bulk boxes. Their FDA-approved facility accommodates orders from 500 units to truckloads.

Spring Lake, MI

Based in Spring Lake, MI, Total Food Package offers food co-packing services, including custom blending, private label packaging, and gluten-free co-packing. The company operates from a certified allergen-free facility, providing specialized production and packaging solutions for food industry clients.

Providence, RI

Based in Providence, RI, TreeHouse Foods manufactures a wide portfolio of private label foods and beverages. They serve retail grocery, foodservice, and co-pack customers. Capabilities include production of crackers, coffee, pickles, pretzels, and various snacking and beverage items. They offer organic and gluten-free solutions.

Riverside, CA

Based in Riverside, CA, Triple H Food Processors, LLC offers over 30 years of experience in custom co-packing and private label services. They provide food processing solutions utilizing modern technology, capable of handling a wide variety of container sizes, shapes, and types for their clients.

Baltimore, MD

Tulkoff Food Products is a full-service food co-packer with over 95 years of experience manufacturing condiments, sauces, and dressings. Operating SQF certified facilities in Baltimore, MD and Cincinnati, OH, they handle hot, cold, and emulsion-based items. Tulkoff provides various packaging formats, from consumer to bulk sizes, for customers nationwide.

Hayward, CA

Based in Hayward, CA, United Foods International (USA), Inc. offers full-service food co-packing and contract manufacturing. They custom-make sauces, seasonings, and dry mixes, providing product development and quality control. The company manufactures liquid and dry products for retail, wholesale, foodservice, and industrial needs.

Harlingen, TX

Based in Harlingen, TX, Valley International Cold Storage, LLC offers co-packing and cold storage services for food, beverages, and sauces. Their contract packaging capabilities include assembly, filling, labeling, heat sealing, and shrink wrapping, providing tailored solutions from packaging design to cold chain management for product manufacturers.

Woodway, TX

Based in Woodway, TX, Waco Bottling Co. is an SQF Level 2 certified food co-packer. They offer hot-fill and cold-fill private label production for beverages, sauces, dressings, sweeteners, coffees, and supplements. Services include canning, shots, and product development, providing both tolling and turn-key solutions for commercial clients.

Paris, TX

Based in Paris, TX, We Pack Logistics offers contract packaging, repack, display building, and co-manufacturing services. They provide multi-packing, shrink wrapping, and carton packing, specializing in the food, beverage, and CPG markets. The company brings over 30 years of experience.

Montgomery County, TX

Based in Montgomery County, Texas, Bottle n Pak Texas provides efficient and cost-effective contract packaging solutions. They specialize in streamlining manufacturing processes, offering reliable production services with a strong emphasis on quality control. The company supports clients in various industries, including beverage, supplement, and food.

Los Angeles, CA

Based in Los Angeles, Co-Packer LA specializes in food co-packing services for the food and beverage industry. The company addresses manufacturing challenges with a clear understanding of production needs. They provide efficient services, emphasizing fast turnaround times for various food and beverage products.

Garden of Light, Inc. is a private label manufacturer specializing in customizing granola, oatmeal, and other grain-based products. They offer diverse customizable inclusions and flavor options. The company provides various pack-out sizes, including single-serve pouches, resealable bags, and bulk foodservice cases, catering to retail and large-scale distribution.

Evansville, IN

Based in Evansville, IN, AmeriQual provides shelf-stable food processing and co-packing services. The company specializes in custom packaging solutions, offering both pouches and rigid containers for a diverse range of food products, serving industrial and commercial B2B clients.

Bernstadt, KY

Baxters North America is a contract manufacturer for shelf-stable food products and packaging solutions. The company offers turnkey solutions, combining culinary and technical expertise with comprehensive production and logistics capabilities. It supports brand owners by creating high-quality foods and providing end-to-end commercialization services.

Oakland, CA

California Juice Packers, operating as Ludford's Inc. in Oakland, CA, specializes in food co-packing and private label bottling services. They provide High Pressure Processing (HPP), cold press, and bottling solutions for juices, smoothies, and other beverages. The company serves various brands, offering custom packaging and fulfillment capabilities.

Torrance, CA

Based in Torrance, CA, Calpack Foods provides co-packing services for fresh foods and beverages. They specialize in bottling, pouching, and cupping, utilizing High Pressure Processing (HPP) for natural preservation. Calpack handles products like juices, smoothies, salsa, baby food, dips, and sauces, supporting businesses with flexible minimums and scalability.

Brunswick, OH

Based in Brunswick, Ohio, Yost Foods, Inc. & Food Basics is a midsize contract manufacturing company. The team specializes in providing comprehensive contract manufacturing services, focusing on food products. They serve commercial clients seeking reliable partners for their food production needs.

Jackson, WI

Based in Jackson, WI, Earth Ranch provides local food co-manufacturing and contract food production services for organic dehydrated snacks. They handle sprouted nuts and granola blends from their Certified Organic facility, offering various packaging including pillow pouches, bars, and standup bags. They hold SQF, GFCO, KETO, and Paleo certifications.

Milford, PA

Based in Milford, PA, Econo-Pak specializes in high-volume contract food packaging and co-manufacturing services. They offer wrapping, pouching, bagging, and cartoning across diverse food categories. The company operates FDA compliant facilities and holds SQF Level 3, Costco, Organic, and Gluten-Free certifications, serving major food brands.

Tracy, CA

Based in Tracy, CA, Koru Pacific Packaging offers custom co-packaging, toll blending, and co-manufacturing services. They specialize in packaging powders, bulk dry foods, capsules, and tablets for small startups to global manufacturers, ensuring high quality and customer satisfaction.

Auburn, CA

Based in Auburn, CA, Mad Will's Food Company offers co-packing and private label services for food brands. With over 30 years of experience, they provide a hands-on, quality-driven approach to product development, helping companies start and grow. They are employee-owned.

Downers Grove, IL

Maker's Pride specializes in contract food and packaging solutions, offering end-to-end commercialization from concept to market success. Based in Downers Grove, IL, they provide R&D, product optimization, logistics, and market strategy. The company crafts iconic food items and sophisticated packaging, maintaining high standards for quality and food safety.

Hazelwood, MO

Based in Hazelwood, MO, Marson Foods is a food manufacturer offering private label and contract manufacturing services. The company operates a 147,000 square foot SQF certified facility with 1,200 pallet on-site freezer storage. Marson Foods provides comprehensive food production, from raw material selection through to final distribution.

Hudson, CO

Based in Hudson, CO, Motherlode Co-Packing provides co-packing services for food businesses. Their FDA/HACCP/SQF approved manufacturing facility produces sauces, syrups, dressings, and condiments for both food service and retail sizes. They offer diverse glass and plastic packaging, supported by deep expertise in food manufacturing and supply chain.

Portage, IN

Based in Portage, IN, MSI Express, Inc. provides contract manufacturing and packaging solutions. They specialize in dry foods blending, liquid packaging, bottle filling, and dry pet food packaging. The company maintains Organic, Kosher, SQF Food Safety, and FDA Registered facilities, ensuring high quality and safety standards for food and supplement brands.

Cleveland, OH

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, National Foods Packaging manufactures food products for the foodservice, institutional, and commercial markets. They serve clients like large bakeries and cupcake shops, offering custom food product development. The company operates an 80,000 sq ft manufacturing and warehouse facility, shipping products nationwide.

Cincinnati, OH

Based in Cincinnati, OH, CREMER North America provides contract manufacturing solutions, including blending, diluting, pastillation, and flaking services. They produce food-safe oleochemical ingredients for the Food & Beverage and Pet Care industries. Their facilities are certified for food-safe production, meeting Kosher, Halal, and RSPO standards.

Grand Prairie, TX

Based in Grand Prairie, TX, Qual Pac offers long-term, large-run food kitting and variety-packing services. They specialize in high-speed automatic vertical bagging and pre-made pouch filling for snack foods, cookies, and crackers. Qual Pac also assembles meal kits and airline snack boxes, providing full order fulfillment and distribution.

SugarCreek Packing Co. is a diversified food manufacturer partnering with large companies to develop Brandworthy Food Solutions. They offer culinary expertise, packaging, and logistics. Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and strict quality control, they reliably manufacture meat products, including bacon, chicken, sausage, and lunch meat, plus grains and complete meals.

Santo, TX

Based in Santo, TX, Texas Best Proteins provides food co-packing services. The company operates a kettle cook team, handling premium quality food production. They offer their expertise to other brands seeking comprehensive co-packing solutions.

Texas Custom Spice Company, LLC specializes in co-packing and private labeling services for seasonings. They mass produce customer seasonings and provide packing in various retail-size containers and bags. The company also offers comprehensive labeling services, including nutrition facts, UPC codes, ingredient statements, and certificates of analysis to support retail sales.

Rusk, TX

Based in Rusk, TX, Uniquely Gourmet manufactures handcrafted salsas, preserves, pickles, and sauces. The company offers co-packing services for custom recipes, handling various pack types from glass to industrial containers. They provide branded or private label options, serving small to large accounts nationwide.

Brea, CA

Based in Brea, CA, Ventura Foods provides comprehensive food solutions, empowering partners to efficiently create innovative products and crave-worthy meals. The company specializes in manufacturing various food items, offering menu inspiration and product development for commercial clients.

Corona, CA

Based in Corona, CA, Wellington Foods Incorporated is a contract manufacturer of dietary supplements and nutrition products. They specialize in producing liquid bottled supplements and dry-blended powder-form nutrition items. Their facilities adhere to cGMP and dietary supplement manufacturing regulations for various market segments.

Northbrook, IL

Based in Northbrook, IL, Winland Foods is a global manufacturer specializing in private label and branded food products. The company offers co-packing services for retail and commercial customers, leveraging a network of manufacturing facilities strategically located across the United States to produce various food solutions.

Hayward, CA

Based in Hayward, CA, WN Foods is a private label manufacturer and co-packer specializing in sauces, dressings, and marinades. Founded in 1942, the company provides comprehensive co-packing services.

Marion, OH

Based in Marion, OH, Wyandot Snacks provides contract manufacturing services for food products, specializing in snacks. They partner with companies to produce their products, leveraging their expertise and facilities for manufacturing diverse snack items. The company focuses on quality production for the food industry.

Kyle, TX

Based in Kyle, TX, ATX Specialty Foods offers food co-packing services for restaurants, CPG brands, and business owners. They specialize in replicating and scaling unique product formulations, focusing on long-term partnerships. The company also supports distribution and has experience with its own private label.

Baldwin Richardson Foods Co. offers food co-packing and private label manufacturing services. They specialize in custom food toppings, fillings, sauces, syrups, and aseptic beverages, using high-quality ingredients. The company provides comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, including custom packaging solutions for commercial clients.

San Diego, CA

California Hot Sauce Solutions provides co-packing services for custom sauces, specializing in high-volume production. Their state-accredited kitchen and cannery help brands develop new products and scale recipes for market. The company has experience co-packing sauces featured on Hot Ones, ensuring efficient recipe scaling and timely order fulfillment.

Ithaca, NY

Cornell CALS provides food co-packing services, specializing in bottling acidified and low-acidified hot and cold foods. Their facility also offers dry fill food packaging and labeling. Equipped with commercial kitchen and production areas, they support various food businesses with processing and packaging needs.

Day-Lee Foods operates a frozen food processing plant in Southern California, specializing in high-quality Asian-inspired entrees and appetizers. The facility is USDA/FDA regulated and SQF Level 2 audited. They offer co-pack and contract packaging services, leveraging their capabilities in frozen food processing to meet diverse client needs.

Hempstead, NY

Based in Hempstead, NY, Gold Pure Food Products Co. Inc. offers retail and bulk co-packing opportunities. The company specializes in providing food co-packing services for various commercial needs, serving clients with their own facilities and workforce.

Protenergy Foods provides co-packaging services for major brands, manufacturing a variety of high and low acid products. Their state-of-the-art facility produces carton formats from 340 ml to 2 L, utilizing Tetra Aseptic and Tetra Recart technologies. They emphasize stringent quality assurance and safety standards to ensure timely, on-budget production.

Carson City, NV

Based in Carson City, NV, Tandem Foods is a contract manufacturer specializing in better-for-you nutritional snacks and ingredients. They provide comprehensive co-packing services, encompassing product development, ingredient sourcing, blending, extrusion, spray drying, roasting, milling, and diverse packaging solutions for commercial food industry clients.

Truvant provides full-service contract manufacturing and packaging services for food and liquid brands across the United States. Their offerings include product and package development, testing, line engineering, and production operations. They specialize in dry food production, primary and secondary packaging, and promotional displays, focusing on food safety and quality.

North Kansas City, MO

Based in North Kansas City, MO, Walker's Fresh Foods provides food contract packing services for restaurant chains and grocery stores. Specialties include cold mix solutions, kettle cooking, and retort cooking, handling both large and small quantities. The company also offers recipe development and adheres to stringent food safety standards.

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How to Choose a Company

  • For any product destined for retail, verify the co-packer holds a current Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked certification like SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000, ensuring a robust food safety management system beyond basic GMPs.
  • Confirm the co-packer possesses the specific processing technology required for your product's thermal treatment (e.g., hot-fill, aseptic processing, UHT, retort) and packaging format, as not all facilities are equipped for every method, especially for specialized categories like HPP beverages or clean-label baked goods.
  • Assess their track record with successful commercial scale-up for products similar to yours, particularly understanding their process for pilot runs, sensory evaluations, and validating critical control points (CCPs) on production lines to ensure product integrity and shelf stability.
  • Scrutinize their minimum order quantities (MOQs) for both finished goods and, crucially, their willingness to integrate your proprietary or niche ingredients, understanding that some co-packers may have restrictive ingredient matrices or require brands to toll specific components.
  • Beyond certifications, inquire about their in-house lab capabilities for micro testing, nutritional analysis, and organoleptic evaluation, and clarify their procedures for handling out-of-spec products and ensuring traceability through comprehensive batch records.
  • Beware of co-packers who promise unrealistically fast turnaround times or quote significantly lower than average without transparently explaining their cost structure; this often signals a lack of understanding of your product's complexity or, worse, cut corners on critical quality and safety measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the typical Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) I should expect when engaging a food co-packer?

MOQs vary dramatically by product type, packaging format, and the co-packer's specialization. For dry blending or simple packaging, you might find MOQs as low as 5,000 units. However, for specialized processes like aseptic filling, retort, or HPP, initial runs can easily start at 20,000 to 50,000 units or more due to extensive line setup, material ordering minimums, and equipment changeover costs. Always ask for specific MOQs early in the conversation, as this significantly impacts your financial commitment.

How do I ensure my product's shelf stability when working with a co-packer?

Ensuring shelf stability is a shared responsibility, but the co-packer plays a critical role in executing your specification. Provide them with your desired shelf life and storage conditions, and inquire about their process validation for critical steps like thermal processing (e.g., pasteurization, sterilization) and packaging integrity. Request their protocols for accelerated shelf life testing or real-time studies to confirm microbial safety, organoleptic quality, and nutritional retention over time.

What's the difference between a co-packer offering "turnkey" services versus a "tolling" agreement?

A turnkey co-packer handles almost everything from ingredient sourcing and manufacturing to packaging and sometimes even warehousing, providing a finished product ready for distribution. This is often preferred for brands seeking a hands-off approach. In contrast, a tolling agreement typically means the brand supplies all raw materials, packaging components, and sometimes even proprietary blends, with the co-packer only providing the processing and labor services. Tolling can offer more control over ingredient quality and potentially lower per-unit manufacturing costs, but shifts more logistical burden to the brand.

What certifications are most critical for a food co-packer to hold for retail distribution?

For most retail distribution in the US, a co-packer must adhere to FDA or USDA regulations and generally hold a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked certification such as SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000. These demonstrate robust food safety management systems beyond basic GMPs. Additionally, depending on your product, you might require specific certifications like USDA Organic, Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO Project Verified, or a specific allergen control program for common allergens.

What common mistakes do first-time buyers make when engaging a food co-packer?

One significant mistake is underestimating the importance of a fully finalized and robust formulation before approaching co-packers; frequent formula changes during the engagement lead to costly delays and wasted materials. Another common error is failing to clearly define quality control parameters and acceptable product tolerances, leaving too much ambiguity during production. Many also neglect to secure sufficient intellectual property protection or robust confidentiality agreements early in the partnership. Lastly, not having a clear understanding of packaging component lead times can severely disrupt production schedules.

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