Have you ever noticed how many bottled water brands all come in similar bottles?

The notable difference between these almost identical products is labeling. And like water, the $36 billion dollar dietary supplements industry does the same.

Many private label manufacturers make dietary products that companies purchase and then resell with their branding to consumers. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements, and weight loss products.

When you set up your supplements business, do you want to spend your time and money on formula research and development? Or would you rather start selling product that meets your vision as soon as possible?

Chances are that you’d rather use your time to sell your products. To do that, you need a private label manufacturer to make your products.

Read on for an essential checklist to find the best private label manufacturer.

What Is a Private Label Manufacturer?

A private label supplement manufacturer is also more commonly known to the business as a contract manufacturer. The manufacturer produces supplements as stock formula private label product ready to receive your brand label.

The private label manufacturer has done all the research, formulation, ingredient sourcing, blending, and manufacture of the product. The product is ready for a brand to purchase either in bulk deliver form – typically capsules, tablets, or powders – or pre-bottled and ready for their packaging line to apply your label to the product. A turn-key private label manufacturer can assist in printing your brand label, package the product for consumer sell, and even provide order fulfillment services shipping your consumer sales directly to them.

Why Use Someone Else to Manufacture?

Many brands and supplement businesses look for a private label manufacturer because they want to focus on the sales and marketing side of their business and stay out of the expense, regulation, and process of manufacturing. They also don’t want to reinvent the wheel in researching and developing products or the hassles of supply chain.

There is also a matter of convenience and cost. A specialized manufacturing facility can be capital intensive. Use of a qualified manufacturer to produce your product will allow better use of your capital. It means that you can focus on marketing and sales instead of buildings and equipment.

Private label manufacturers also tend to have years of industry experience. They are able to produce quantities of product that are out of reach to a home assembly process. FDA regulation of supplements is complicated to navigate. Wouldn’t you rather have someone with the expertise and knowledge putting your product together?

The Essential Checklist

1. Integrity

One of the first steps to find the right private label manufacturer is the least costly. Check the online presence of the manufacturer. This shows information like years of experience, certifications, and more. Reputable manufacturers will have trade association membership and be listed in industry directories.

Inspect and verify the manufacturers licensing, advertising, and website. A website is an engagement of trust and should have transparency in their products, processes, customer service, and in doing business.

2. Production Capacity, Space and Facility

Private label manufacturers can service multiple customers and package multiple products. Suitable size, materials and design are FDA requirements. These are highlighted in subparts 21 CFR 110 Subpart 110.20(b); 21 CFR 117.20(b); and 21 CFR 111.20 of the regulations.

Modern equipment, inventory systems, and access to raw materials give a manufacturer flexibility. If you have a sudden order expansion, can the facility give you a rapid turnaround time?

3. FDA Compliance, Staff Credentials, and Training

Your white-label manufacturer needs to understand the product regulations affecting your products. For nutritional supplements, this means 21 CFR Part 110/Part 117; 21 CFR Part 111. Regulatory oversight by qualified technical personnel is a must.

Good manufacturing practices demand regular inspection and quality assurance testing.

4. Co-Responsibility for Specifications and Requirements

A private label manufacturer is equally responsible for FDA compliance with your finished product. Your manufacturer performs the processing and production of a supplement or product, including the necessary testing and verifications. But you together, as the brand owner and manufacturer must be able to show regulatory compliance.

5. Strong Quality Agreements

Before you contract with a manufacturer or purchase private label products, know your requirements. Start with ingredients, packaging, and delivery. Be specific about product name, flavor, and size. Document product specifications and any certifications such as non-GMO. Of course, protect these agreements with non-disclosure and non-compete clauses as appropriate.

You and your white label manufacturer should define the Good Manufacturing Practices of each party. This includes details like hair and beard covers, shoe covers, gloves, and uniforms. A certified GMP manufacturer adheres to all FDA regulations in the manufacture and storage of the product.

A quality agreement document avoids unnecessary disagreements, packaging or product misunderstandings. This checklist covers some of the basics you will need to cover in your discussions with a white-label manufacturer.

No doubt your conversations will lead to more questions and answers. Your takeaway is to document it all.

Where to Find White Label Supplements

Finding a list of private label supplement manufacturers is as easy as going online. A simple search will find several directories to search. Finding a quality manufacturer among the many requires a little more effort. If you are looking for a turn-key solution to help you set up a supplements business, your list becomes even narrower.

Start with your business criteria. Your business model may call for:

• Low minimum order quantities
• 3rd party lab testing
• Meets industry and FDA standards
• High-quality products
• Private label products
• Sustainable and verifiable manufacturing

To find a private label manufacturer without getting overwhelmed, you need to narrow what you’re looking for in the first place. Start with a list of criteria similar to the one above.

Putting It All Together

Growing a supplement business with a private label manufacturer is a good choice. It allows you to concentrate on your marketing and branding while an expert takes care of manufacturing.

An expert manufacturer can help you navigate the FDA, too. The regulations governing supplements are stringent, and as the brand owner, you are responsible. The right manufacturer will have private label product that meets claims and requirements and can also help you make your product as required.

In short, your private label manufacturer should have:

• Current licenses to operate, including business and health department
• Certification if claiming kosher, GMO-free, organic, etc.
• Insurance certificate including product liability coverage
• Good Manufacturing Practices “GMP’s” certifications in place
• Third party or in-house lab testing
• Inventory control including date code, plant identifier, batch number, and manufacturing log
• Non-disclosure and non-compete agreement

Learn more about high-quality FDA-compliant private label supplements manufacturing. Contact us today with your questions or comments.