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  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • CPA
  • Become a Member
    • Contract Packaging Assn
    • Commercial Kitchens
    • Pilot Plants
    • Food Innovation Centers
    • The Co-Packing Network
    • Lemonaders
  • State Programs
    • State Proud
    • California
    • Florida
    • Illinois
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • Texas
    • Hawaii
  • Regional Programs
    • Carolineage
    • Cascadia Angels
    • Embark
    • Mountain States
    • New Englanders
    • North-Central
    • Ohio Valley
  • Advisory Sites
    • Coming Soon
  • Our Partners
    • Coming Soon
  • Cottage Foods
  • Commercial Kitchens
  • Food Innovation Centers
  • Pilot Plants
  • Contract Manufacturing
  • Private Labeling
  • CPG With Facilities
  • Inventions / Prototyping

What is the Difference Between a Contract Manufacturer, Packager and Co-Packer?

  • Takes responsibility for the entire production process, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing the final product.
  • Often has more extensive capabilities, including product formulation and development.
  • May handle multiple aspects, such as procurement, quality control, and distribution, depending on the agreed-upon terms.
  • Specializes in the final stages of food production, where they focus on packaging the finished products.
  • Typically, does not engage in the manufacturing process but receives already-produced goods for packaging.
  • Offers services such as labeling, bottling, and other packaging solutions to make products shelf-ready.
  • Works in collaboration with the brand or company to produce the product based on their specific recipe and formula.
  • Typically, does not own the product's intellectual property or brand and operates under the brand's guidance.
  • May offer manufacturing capabilities tailored to the brand's needs but may not have the same level of product development expertise as a contract manufacturer.
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