
In the competitive world of beverage production, getting your product from concept to customer requires more than just a great idea and a killer recipe. One of the most critical steps in scaling your beverage brand is partnering with the right co-packer. A beverage co-packer (contract packager) helps brands produce, bottle, can, label, and prepare beverages for distribution — often providing the infrastructure and expertise small or growing brands can’t afford to build in-house.
But how do you find the right beverage co-packer for your business? Here’s what you need to know.
A beverage co-packer is a third-party manufacturer that handles the physical packaging and/or production of your beverage. Depending on their capabilities, co-packers may also assist with formulation, compliance, packaging design, warehousing, and logistics. Essentially, they allow you to focus on sales and brand-building while they take care of production.
Partnering with a co-packer can offer significant advantages for your beverage brand. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to scale quickly without making large capital investments in your own production facility. For example, instead of spending hundreds of thousands on bottling equipment, you can leverage a co-packer’s existing infrastructure to bring your product to market faster and more cost-effectively.
A reliable co-packer also ensures your beverage meets strict regulatory and food safety standards. Navigating FDA compliance, HACCP protocols, or third-party audits can be overwhelming for a small brand—but co-packers often have these systems already in place. This reduces your risk and ensures your product is ready for retail or eCommerce distribution.
Another key advantage is access to high-volume production capabilities. Whether you’re producing a shelf-stable iced tea or refrigerated juice, a co-packer can accommodate larger runs as your brand gains traction. As your order sizes increase, you’ll also benefit from economies of scale—reducing your cost per unit and improving margins.
Finally, many co-packers offer integrated services beyond just manufacturing. They may provide warehousing, inventory management, and logistics support, helping streamline your supply chain. For example, some will store your finished goods and coordinate shipments directly to Amazon FBA centers or retail distributors, saving you time and reducing operational complexity.
However, the success of your beverage launch—or your ability to scale effectively—often hinges on choosing the right partner.
Make sure your potential co-packer can handle your beverage type (carbonated, non-carbonated, alcoholic, dairy-based, etc.). Not all facilities are equipped for every product category. Check:
Food and beverage production is heavily regulated. Your co-packer should be fully compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Ask about:
Co-packers vary widely in their required production volumes. Some work with small-batch brands, while others cater only to enterprise-level companies. Clarify:
Ask about typical lead times and how far in advance you need to book production slots. If your product is seasonal or has tight launch timelines, this is critical.
Understand how your co-packer charges. Costs may include:
Some co-packers offer turnkey solutions, including sourcing of bottles, caps, labels, and cartons. Others may require you to provide your own materials. Know what’s included and whether you’ll need to coordinate with outside vendors.
Choosing a co-packer near your key markets can reduce shipping time and cost. Consider:
Look for co-packers with experience in your beverage category and a proven track record. Ask for references and talk to other brands they’ve worked with. Red flags include:
Finding the right beverage co-packer is a critical decision that can determine the trajectory of your brand. Take the time to vet candidates thoroughly, clarify expectations up front, and choose a partner who can grow with you. With the right co-packer, you’ll have a strong foundation to build a scalable, efficient beverage business — whether you’re launching a kombucha brand, a ready-to-drink coffee line, or a functional hydration drink.
Need help prepping your beverage brand for scale? At MyFBAPrep, we support consumer brands with warehousing, fulfillment, and eCommerce logistics. Whether you’re shipping to Amazon, retail, or direct-to-consumer, we’ve got your back.