[t6dpilot]

Bill, interesting - I didn't know you were in the contract packaging biz. Which one?

Mark, I come from the flexible packaging industry and worked with lots of copackers. Are packaging flexible or rigid? What kind of food product? As Bill said, the agreement can be structured a number of different ways. You can supply the product and they package it, you supply the formulation and they make/ package it, or you can choose from one of their formulations. As far as packaging materials go, that can be sourced by you or the copacker. Because flexible packaging can be very highly engineered for specific barrier properties, the food company typically will manage the supply of printed roll stock.

You will want to work with a company that separates nut based products from other food products. Some may have altogether separate plants for safety. Any copacker worth his salt is managing the allergen situation on the plant floor. It goes without saying that you will for sure want to work with a company that is at a minimum AIB certified and most now are going to an SQF or BRC standard (more stringent). And make sure that they have a clear raw material tracking plan for recalls. This should also pertain to your packaging material suppliers as well.

If you need recommendations, let me know - I may be able to help you.