We spoke to Marlis Bens Head of Resource Development at Venturepark. Marlis has helped over 100 early-stage food and beverage companies with what to know and where to go for finding the packaging that meets the needs of their production and product.
Marlis has these tips to share:
Organize your search progress.
There are hundreds of packaging suppliers across Canada, each offering their own range of products and services. We hear from brand owners that it is challenging to narrow down their options and track communication chains. Some options to try are: monday.com, smartsheet.com, click up.com
Simplify the first communication with a ready to go list of questions.
Ask about:
· Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
· Pricing, including delivery costs or volume discounts
· Typical delivery lead time
· Location of manufacture and warehouse
· Ordering and payment process
· Request product information sheets or “specifications”
· Other services offered: artwork design, printing
Determine what your product needs to maintain safety and quality.
Look for:
· Protection from breakage
· Prevention to product tampering
· Barrier to light, moisture, air
· Withstanding shipping and storage conditions
Look for a package format that delivers on your brand position and message:
Focus on:
· Quality perception; premium, custom, economy
· Sizing; single use, multipack, family sizing
· Environmental impact; compostable, recyclable, recycled content
Be open to your packaging changing as your business evolves
It is ok for your packaging format to change as over time. Your options will increase as your ability to meet minimum purchase orders grows. As your production process scales up the packaging format may need to shift to meet a different process. Often for a growing brand the marketplace and your consumer may also point to the need to elevate your packaging format.
Brand Spotlight
Any great local brands you would like to share with us?
I am a big fan of MIFA skin care products. Their Eucalyptus Body wash is a household favourite, and their body milk moisturizing lotion is so silky and a little goes a long way. I shared some with my mom during a recent visit and she was hooked!