How to Find the Right Food or Drink Manufacturer
6 min read · Paul Jaggard · Relevant service: Manufacturing & Supplier Sourcing
Finding the right manufacturer is one of the most consequential decisions a food or drink brand will make. Get it right, and production becomes a source of confidence. Get it wrong, and it can quietly limit growth for years.
Start with a proper brief
Before approaching any manufacturer, be clear on your product specification, target volumes now and in twelve months, packaging format, budget expectations and any certifications you need. A vague brief invites vague quotations that are impossible to compare fairly.
Understand minimum order quantities early
MOQs vary enormously between manufacturers, and they matter more than most founders expect. A manufacturer with a low MOQ might be perfect for your first run but unable to support the volumes you need in a year's time. Think about the whole journey, not just the next production run.
Assess capability, not just price
The cheapest quote is rarely the most useful comparison point. Look at the manufacturer's existing client base, their accreditation and quality processes, their lead times, and how they handle problems when things don't go to plan — because at some point, something will.
Run a proper sampling and trial process
Never commit to a full production run without a sampling and trial stage. This is where you catch issues with taste, texture, shelf life, packaging fit and production consistency — problems that are far cheaper to solve before a commercial run than after one.
Have a backup plan
Even a good manufacturer relationship carries risk — capacity constraints, ownership changes, or simply outgrowing what they can offer. Understanding your alternative options before you need them puts you in a much stronger position.
Where Lexan can help
Lexan supports brands through the full manufacturer search process — from building the brief through to shortlisting, quotation comparison, sampling and onboarding into a first commercial run. Read more about Manufacturing & Supplier Sourcing.