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There are an estimated 1,439 dietary supplement manufacturers in the United States as of 2023 [source: IBISWorld], and that number is likely to grow with the increasing demand for these products. Because of the sheer number of options, picking a successful manufacturing partner can be a real challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. These 3 questions can help you confidently choose your dietary supplement manufacturer.
Question 1: How does the manufacturer handle quality assurance and control?
Unlike pharmaceuticals, the FDA does not review or approve dietary supplements for effectiveness before they hit the market. Your brand is responsible for choosing reputable manufacturers with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to guarantee the quality and safety of your supplements. So how can you quickly assess a manufacturer's quality performance?
Check Their Website
Look for certifications: Its important to understand that being GMP certified is different than adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). What certifications are a must for you (SGS, NSF, etc.)?
Ingredient sourcing: Ask if they hold regular quality audits of their suppliers. Are they reputable suppliers known for quality?
Testing procedures: Do they mention any in-house or third-party testing they perform on raw materials and finished products?
Ingredient information: Do they provide detailed information on the ingredients they use, including their origin and potential allergens?
Ask Them Directly
Consider Additional Factors
A quick assessment won't provide an exhaustive picture, but it can give you a good starting point to identify potential red flags and manufacturers who prioritize quality control.
Question 2: Can I rely on my dietary supplement manufacturer to meet my deadlines?
Another significant concern is the reliability and timeliness of the contract manufacturer in delivering products according to schedule. It's essential to assess the manufacturer's production capacity, their ability to scale production as needed, and their track record for meeting deadlines. Additionally, evaluating their supply chain management practices and potential risks for disruptions can help mitigate the risk of delays. Here are some points to consider:
Research Online Presence
Look for a professional and informative website. Does it detail their manufacturing process, certifications, etc?
Check out their social media presence. Are they active and engaging?
Communication and Transparency
Timelessness Considerations
Choosing a reliable manufacturer from the start helps you avoid the pitfalls of production delays, such as missed market windows and damaged customer trust.
Question 3: What is the manufacturer’s cost and pricing structure?
Evaluating a manufacturer's pricing structure, setup fees, volume discounts, and payment terms, can help ensure that the partnership is financially viable in the long term. Let’s take a look at some of these costs in detail.
Ingredient Costs
What is the quality grade of the raw ingredients used? (e.g., organic, standardized extracts)
Where are the ingredients sourced from? (geographic location can impact cost and quality)
Manufacturing Processes
Consider these items when looking into a manufacturer’s transparency.
Breakdown of Costs
Does your manufacturer help you reach your cost goals.
Pricing Flexibility
A higher cost doesn't always guarantee better quality. By asking these questions, you can gain a clearer picture of the manufacturer's transparency, their commitment to quality ingredients and processes, and ultimately, if their pricing aligns with your product vision and target market.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right contract manufacturer requires thorough research, due diligence, and careful consideration of these and other factors relevant to your specific needs and priorities. We at Canyonside Labs would love to partner with you to create your perfect product, but let these 3 questions guide your research and speed up the process of connecting you with the dietary supplement manufacturer that meets your needs.
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