Co-Packing Companies: How to Evaluate the Best Co-Packing Providers

‍Co-packing companies are critical partners for brands that need to scale packaging operations to meet demand. However, not all co-packing services are the same - and finding a co-packing partner can be difficult as 'co-packing' is a broad term. At Buske Logistics, we operate over 40+ warehouses that provide a variety of co-packing services (kitting and secondary packaging assembly) for Starbucks,  PepsiCo, and more.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to select a co-packing companies and evaluate partners so you can make the right choice for your business.

What Are Co-Packing Companies?

Co-packing companies, also known as co-packing providers, are third-party businesses that help brands package, manufacture, assemble, and prepare products for distribution. The range of co-packing services can range from beverage filling, variety pack creation, and more.

How to Find The Best Co-Packing Provider

How do you find a co-packer? A co-packer and manufacturer of a beverage operates in a very different space than a 3PL for instance. We recommend to first identify which type of services is required amongst the 4 main co-packing services: primary packaging, secondary packaging, tertiary packaging, and labeling and coding.

Primary Packaging

Co-packing for primary packaging is any handling of the actual product such as a liquid or food.

1. ‍Co-packing services for primary packaging: Baking and packing of food, beverage filling and bottling, etc.
2. Types of co-packers to look for: Beverage co-packers, food co-packers, cosmetic co-packers
3. Examples: Circle Bev is a great co-packer for beverages - they will mix and can liquids for beverages. Creative Werks is an example of a co-packer that will bag raw food ingredients.
4. How to find them: Most co-packers struggle with general marketing, but there are many quality co-packers out there. We recommend going to trade shows like PACK EXPO to find one. If you're starting out, engaging with others also working with co-packers in your company's product vertical in Start-Up CPG's Slack channel is a good source.

Secondary Packaging

Co-packing for secondary packaging can be thought of as any services reconfiguring the primary packaging for display, cosmetic appearance, or final point of sale.

1. Co-packing services for secondary packaging: Retail display builds, variety pack creation, and custom box assembly
2. Types co-packers to look for: Third party logistics (3PL) providers and sometimes primary co-packers will offer this service.
3. Examples: At Buske Logistics, we offer a variety of kitting, retail displays, value-added logistics that would fit this category as an example. Most 3PLs offer some form of co-packing for secondary packaging.
4. How to find them: Many 3PLs that offer co-packing services can be found on Google Search, trade shows such as Manifest PACK EXPO, Modex, and more.

Tertiary Packaging

Tertiary packing can be considered as packaging to support movement of the product in bulk during shipping

1. ‍Co-packers for tertiary packaging: Wood pallet builders, shrink wrap, pallet corner boards, slip sheets, etc.
2. Types of co-packers to look for: This is a standard service by third party logistics (3PL) providers where they can add the packaging. Typically, they will source the tertiary packaging from another supplier.
3. Examples: Kamps pallets make wood pallets, Uline can used to source many products such as shrink wrap, corner boards, etc.
4. How to find them: 3PLs typically have these materials as a part of their service. A simple Google service will satifsy most searches.

Labeling and Encoding

Labeling and encoding are any of the stickers you seen on packaging for compliance or tracking.

1. ‍Services: Services are straight forward - any label application to secondary or tertiary packaging.
2. Types of co-packers to look for: Typically, primary or secondary co-packer will apply the labeling.
3. Examples: Label manufacturer include Camcode and Brady Corp
4. How to find them: A google search or as your 3PL or primary co-packer for help.

7 Key Services Offered by Top Co-Packing Providers

The best co-packing service providers tailor solutions to your specific needs. Whether you need assembly, labeling, or blending, top co-packing companies will have proven processes to deliver consistent results.

Below are some of the services you can expect when you partner with top co-packing providers:

1. Blending and Mixing: Co-packers help with blending and mixing final products. A great example is if a manufacturer doesn't have the machinery to mix raw product for a spice blend, it will typically be outsourced to a co-packer that has the certifications that can do it.
2. Assembly: Putting together various components to create a finished product. An example of assembly includes putting small parts on drive axels before shipping to automotive equipment manufacturers or building retail displays for our companies such as Starbucks.
3. Packaging: Placing products into final packaging, such as boxes, bottles, or bags. An example if putting wine bottles in branded boxes shipping to wineries.
4. Labeling: Applying labels to packaging, which may include barcodes, nutritional information, or branding.
5. Kitting: Combining multiple products into a single package, often for promotional or convenience purposes. A great example are variety packs for food brands. Kitting is also a requirement for Amazon FBA prep work.
6. Quality Control: Sometimes during the manufacturing process, machinery will cause a defect in the packaging such as a cocked cap, under fill of product, or foreign material in the bottle. Co-packers will provide quality control measures to identify bad product and repack them into safe and sellable product.
7. Shipping Preparation: Retailers such as Costco and Walmart require special packaging to sell into their stores. Co-packers can help with palletizing and wrapping product for companies.

Co-packing is one of Buske’s value-added services, which includes managing manufacturing processes and assembly lines. Buske's expertise covers many Fortune 100 company partners, including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Molson Coors.

Buske’s co-packing solutions also include efficiently coordinating production plans, ensuring its partners comply with regulations, and meeting forecast schedules.

What to Look For in a Co-Packing Company

Choosing the right co-packing partner can make or break your product launch, operational efficiency, and brand reputation. Whether you’re scaling up or entering new markets, here are the essential criteria to evaluate when selecting a co-packing company:

1. Industry Experience

Ensure the co-packer has deep knowledge of your specific product category—this can streamline onboarding and reduce costly mistakes.

• Food & Beverage: Look for expertise in perishables, shelf-life stability, and allergen management.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Ask if they handle formulations with sensitive ingredients or unique packaging formats.
• Nutraceuticals & Supplements: Confirm experience with powders, capsules, or liquids—especially with regard to dosage precision and labeling.

2. Certifications & Regulatory Compliance

A credible co-packing provider should be fully compliant with industry regulations to protect your brand and meet legal standards.

• FDA Registration: Mandatory for food, cosmetics, and supplement production in the U.S.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): Ensures product consistency and quality assurance.
• SQF or ISO Certifications: Offer added peace of mind for food safety and global quality standards.
• Labeling Compliance: Can they ensure your products meet legal labeling requirements by region?

3. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

Batch size flexibility is key—especially for startups or brands launching new SKUs.

• Low MOQ Options: Ideal for pilot runs or DTC brands testing new markets.
• Scalability: Can they increase production quickly as your volumes grow?
• Cost Efficiency: Do MOQs align with your margins and projected sales velocity?

4. Logistics Integration

Strong logistics integration can reduce time-to-market and streamline your operations.

• Supply Chain Compatibility: Can the co-packer work with your raw material suppliers or fulfillment centers?
• Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Integration: Ask if they can ship directly to Amazon FBA, retail distribution hubs, or DTC customers.
• Inventory Coordination: Do they provide visibility into production timelines and stock levels?

5. Turnaround Time & Production Scalability

Fast, reliable fulfillment is critical—especially during peak seasons or promotional surges.

• Lead Time Reliability: Can they hit deadlines for seasonal launches or trade shows?
• Rush Order Capacity: Do they offer expedited runs or overflow production support?
• Line Efficiency: Are they able to adapt to sudden changes in demand?

6. Technology Stack & Operational Transparency

Tech-enabled co-packing capabilities can offer better control, traceability, and communication.

• Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Helps avoid stockouts and overproduction.
• Automated Reporting: Enables instant access to production data, quality control logs, and order tracking.
• ERP/WMS Integration: Seamless data flow between your systems and theirs helps reduce manual tasks and errors.

Selecting a co-packing company isn’t just about cost—it’s about capability, compliance, and consistency. Prioritize partners that align with your industry, scale, and operational goals to build a supply chain that supports long-term growth.

How to Compare Co-Packing Companies

Before signing an agreement, always compare co-packing companies carefully. Evaluate co-packing partners by assessing their certifications, capacity, and flexibility to adapt to your requirements.

Based on our experience and the questions asked, here are the key factors to consider:

1. Experience and Expertise: Does the co-packer have previous experience to do the job.
2. Capacity and Scalability: Can they handle the volumes required in the identified time frame.
3. Quality Control: Do they have quality control processes and the certifications in place to handle the product.
4. Location: If a co-packer is far away from the required location of the job, it may incur additional costs for the brand that may not make a feasible option.
5. Reputation and References: References from credible companies with proven experience go a long way in how they will work with you.
6. Cost and Pricing Structure: Is their pricing structure transparent and competitive to the marketplace.
7. Flexibility and Customization: Co-packing projects are never the same. Can they adapt to your demands and create a process to ensure it’s executed every time.
8. Compliance and Certifications: Lastly, do they abide by certifications such as food-grade standards that ensure your product is compliant with your customers at all times.

Questions to Ask Potential Co-Packing Partners

Once you have a shortlist of co-packing companies, prepare questions to help you compare co-packing companies effectively. Here are a few questions to ask:

1. What co-packing services do you specialize in?
2. Can you provide references from other brands in my industry?
3. How do you handle product recalls or quality issues?
4. What technology do you use for inventory tracking and reporting?
5. How flexible are your production schedules during peak seasons?
6. What is your average turnaround time?
7. How do you ensure quality control during packing?
8. What’s your communication process for production issues?

3 Key Strategies in Managing Co-Packing Companies

Apart from sharing resources, here are 3 key strategies to execute a co-packing strategy in logistics:

1. Collaborative Planning: Regular weekly meetings are vital copacking strategies. This should involve stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and logistics providers, to efficiently identify potential bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation. A strategy we use at Buske is establishing key performance metrics in regard to production numbers. The question we try to answer every week is: Did we produce to our forecasted number?

2. Technology Integration: Companies can benefit from co-packing, especially with partners that utilize software platforms for inventory management, scheduling, and real-time updates. For example, Buske utilizes sophisticated Supply and Demand Forecasting to assist our clients in communication with their customers. The benefit may seem one-way but it helps us plan our labor schedules more efficiently and thus be more competitive in the market. 

3. Feedback Mechanisms: We have incorporated a form of a system called a Daily Management System (DMS) by Milliken that our executives used at PepsiCo. This feedback mechanism ensures maintenance and best practices are being discussed and expanded from the front lines. 

5 Benefits of Co-Packing in Logistics

To appreciate the value of co-packing, here are some ways on how it can benefit companies:

1) Enhanced Efficiency and Flexibility

3PLs share their resources, technology, and expertise with co-packing partners. Combined with joint planning and real-time communication, companies can quickly make decisions and well-coordinated actions. This results in fewer delays in the flow of goods within the supply chain. 

Additionally, this allows for greater flexibility in logistics operations. For instance, Buske Logistics helps clients like Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors remain agile with co-packing solutions. With co-packing solutions, companies can quickly adapt to changes in demand, market conditions, or unforeseen disruptions, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics.

2) Cost Savings

Shared resources and expertise are vital elements of co-packing. A strategic co-packing partnership frees companies from making huge (and permanent) investments in machinery.

With a reliable 3PL provider like Buske, co-packing can yield substantial cost savings without compromising supply chain management.

3) Better Risk Management

An excellent copacking strategy gives businesses and 3PLs a more holistic view of the supply chain. Transparency in sharing information and joint problem-solving allows partners to identify and mitigate risks proactively. Ultimately, this approach reduces the likelihood of disruptions in the supply chain operation.

This is backed by 2021 research, which noted that collaboration within supply chains can mitigate supply and demand uncertainties. It could also help reduce costs while improving profits for manufacturers.

4) Improved Service Quality

Enhancing overall customer satisfaction is one of the ultimate goals in partnering with a 3PL.

With the collaborative nature of co-packing, businesses can expect real-time updates and effective communication from their 3PL provider. This also allows companies to focus more on meeting customer needs and ensuring high service standards.

5) Competitive Advantage

The combined benefits of efficiency, cost savings, and improved service quality enable companies to outperform competitors. By adopting co-packing in logistics, businesses can gain a significant competitive advantage to enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.

The Co-Packer Evaluation Process

Here's our free “Co-Packer Evaluation Checklist” to compare vendors side-by-side.

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‍FAQs About Co-Packing Companies

What does a co-packer do?

A co-packer, or contract packaging company, helps businesses outsource packaging, labeling, assembly, kitting, and sometimes fulfillment operations. Co-packing companies take products that are manufactured or sourced elsewhere and prepare them for retail, wholesale, or direct-to-consumer distribution. By partnering with a co-packer, businesses can reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, improve packaging consistency, and focus more resources on product development, sales, and business growth.

‍What should I look for when comparing co-packing companies for my products?

‍When evaluating co-packing companies, consider their industry experience, certifications, quality control processes, technology capabilities, and the range of co-packing services they offer. The best co-packing partners should demonstrate expertise in your product category, provide transparent pricing, maintain regulatory compliance, and offer scalable solutions that can support future growth. It's also important to assess their production capacity, turnaround times, inventory management capabilities, and ability to handle custom packaging requirements.

How do the best co-packing service providers help my business stay competitive?

The best co-packing service providers help businesses stay competitive by improving operational efficiency, reducing labor costs, and accelerating time-to-market. Through advanced packaging equipment, streamlined workflows, and experienced production teams, co-packing companies can maintain consistent quality while increasing production speed. This allows businesses to scale more effectively, respond to market demand faster, and focus internal resources on strategic initiatives such as marketing, product innovation, and customer acquisition.

How do co-packing providers ensure product quality and compliance?

‍Experienced co-packing providers maintain product quality through strict quality assurance programs, standardized operating procedures, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Many co-packing companies utilize inspection checkpoints, barcode verification systems, batch tracking, and documented quality control processes to ensure products are packaged accurately and safely. Depending on the industry, they may also maintain certifications and follow regulatory requirements that help ensure compliance with food safety, consumer goods, healthcare, or retail standards.

What industries benefit most from partnering with co-packing companies?

‍A wide variety of industries benefit from co-packing services, including food and beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), health and wellness, beauty and personal care, retail, eCommerce, household products, and promotional marketing companies. Businesses in these industries often rely on co-packing companies for services such as product assembly, labeling, kitting, bundling, repackaging, subscription box preparation, and retail-ready packaging to improve efficiency and support growth.

How can I evaluate co-packing partners before signing a contract?

‍Before selecting a co-packing partner, request client references, review case studies, assess industry experience, and evaluate their operational capabilities. Ask about production capacity, quality control procedures, technology platforms, compliance certifications, turnaround times, and scalability. Comparing multiple co-packing companies based on service offerings, reliability, communication, and long-term growth potential will help you identify the best partner for your packaging, fulfillment, and supply chain requirements.

Get Started with a Reliable Co-Packing Company

Partnering with one of the top co-packing companies can give your brand a competitive edge. Contact Buske today to learn more about our co-packing services and discover why we’re among the best co-packing service providers in the industry.

New to co-packing? Read our ultimate guide to co-packing to understand the basics before you evaluate co-packing companies.