The global supplements market was estimated at a value of $48.51 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2030. The market offers excellent opportunities for innovative new products, but it is also highly competitive. To succeed, you need to partner with the professionals who have the facilities and sources required to create the finest products.

If you’re ready to get your supplements on the shelves as soon as possible but aren’t sure where to start, collaborating with a private label supplements manufacturer may be just what you need. Finding a quality supplement manufacturing company as your partner will allow you to turn your attention to growing your business.

The right manufacturing partner can make all the difference in your success, but how do you find the best one? Here’s everything you need to know about how to find a private label manufacturer that can enhance your product line and achieve mastery over your brand.

Table of Content

What Is a Private Label Supplements Manufacturer?

A private label supplements manufacturer is a company that specializes in supplement production for other businesses that sell them under their own brand name. These manufacturers work closely with retailers, online sellers, or health industry professionals to formulate and produce supplements that meet their specific requirements.

building custom formulation

Manufacturing supplements successfully requires incorporating many elements, including research and development, following industry regulations and best practices, and using industry-specific equipment. Not everyone who sells supplements has the resources or expertise to support the development and manufacturing aspects of the process.

Fortunately, you can work with a private label supplements manufacturer who will handle all of these details for you. This is particularly wise for small businesses without the staff, space, equipment, or budget to make their products.

Benefits of Working with A Private Label Supplements Manufacturer

Partnering with a private label supplements manufacturer offers several advantages to businesses. These manufacturers can leverage their expertise and help companies carve a distinct market presence through their production process.

A private label supplements manufacturer can help you in the following ways:

  • Increase efficiency
  • Monitor and manage the production process
  • Organize packaging
  • Market more effectively
  • Develop new products
  • Gather unusual ingredients
  • Ensure everything meets the highest standards and passes regulations

Many business-savvy company owners prefer to outsource this part of the process so they can focus on the marketing, logistical, and financial aspects, along with day-to-day operations.

Private Label vs. White Label

Both private label and white label products are manufactured by one company and sold under another company’s name brand. The differences lie in how involved a company can be and how much a brand can customize its product. Which product type a brand chooses often depends on the level of control they desire over the products they sell.

White label products are also referred to as stock products. The most significant difference between white label and private label products is that white label items are made:

  • In bulk
  • In advance
  • For multiple buyers

Essentially, “white label” is a term used to include stock products sold by multiple companies using their own logos and brand names. White label products often have a higher ROI since they are ready and waiting when needed.

Private label products, on the other hand, are custom-made for a specific brand or seller. Although getting your product on the market may take longer, you can design it exactly how you want it. You’ll need to factor in time for research and development, but in the end, you’ll have a product exclusive to your brand.

12 Tips for Choosing the Best Private Label Supplements Manufacturer

Choosing a collaborative private label supplements manufacturer, you can trust is essential. You’ll count on them to deliver products that meet your standards and specifications, and you don’t want to worry about whether they’ll get the job done. Below, we provide you with the best criteria to determine how to identify the best supplement manufacturer.

1. Certifications

Manufacturer certifications are vital to the integrity of your supplement products. Look for a provider that has earned international certifications from third-party inspectors. These certifications will help you be confident that you’re working with a company that follows safety regulations and meets high industry standards.

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 establishes the criteria and monitoring of the safety and labeling of nutraceutical products.

As a supplement supplier, you want to make sure your manufacturer has an impeccable current Good Manufacturing Practice standing (cGMP). When considering suppliers, you can also consult other resources, such as:

  • United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
  • NSF International
  • Informed Choice
  • Natural Products Association (NPA)

You will also need to consider other certifications your products must meet. For your products to be labeled kosher, gluten-free, vegan, pesticide-free, etc., your manufacturer must take additional steps to maintain these standards.

2. Customizations

Find out if the manufacturer provides both private label and white label supplements. This way, you can offer your customers many popular stock items and a few custom brand formulas.

3. Industry Experience

Often, a manufacturer’s length of experience goes hand-in-hand with knowledge of the process and regulatory requirements. But don’t confine yourself to using the company that has been in business the longest. New, up-and-coming manufacturers have the potential to bring new technology and techniques to the trade.

4. Quality Ingredients

Ask the provider what ingredient options they offer, where they source them, and whether they’ve been tested for safety and potency. If they can provide a wide variety of high-quality, patent-protected, international ingredients from an extensive supplier network, they’ll likely be able to accommodate your needs.

5. Confidentiality

When you work with a private label manufacturer, knowing their policy for working with new products is essential. If you work with them to create a unique formula, do you retain the rights to the recipe, or can they share it with other buyers? Look for a company that will create a turnkey product just for you, a company that keeps the formula private.

6. Low Minimum Order Quantities

Research a company’s minimum order threshold. For greater flexibility in inventory management, a manufacturer with lower minimum order quantities can better cater to businesses of all sizes. This ability is especially crucial for niche markets or companies wanting to test market demand with different product offerings.

Review any minimum order requirements before entering into a manufacturing contract. If your order volumes don’t meet the minimums, you’ll waste money on products you can’t use.

7. Quick Turnaround Times

It’s vital to stay competitive, no matter your market. Investigate a manufacturer’s production speed and its ability to meet tight deadlines. A manufacturer with quick turnaround times is more likely to be able to respond to demand surges or help you capitalize on seasonal trends with a reliable supply chain.

Find out the manufacturer’s turnaround time from the time of order to the day of delivery. As you learn more about turnaround times, determine whether they’re the same for existing and new products.

8. The Highest-Caliber Lab and Research Facilities

Before committing to a manufacturer, ask for a tour of their facilities. Not only do you want to make sure they are clean and well-run, but you also want to pay special attention to their laboratory facilities. When touring the lab, ensure the staff uses current equipment and procedures.

Consider going with a manufacturer who goes beyond production to pursue research and development opportunities, particularly if you want to expand the business.

9. Product Stocking and Order Fulfillment

Ask your manufacturer about the product stocking capacity and order fulfillment capabilities. Some specific questions to ask include:

  • Can you keep specific products on hand at all times?
  • Are you able to fulfill a large order quickly and efficiently?

10. Packaging, Shipping, and Storage Options

Depending on your business model, you may want to partner with a supplier who can package products on your behalf. Some manufacturers only offer wholesale products, which would put the packaging back on your team to handle.

It’s also important to consider the shipping and storage options various manufacturers offer. Review the numbers and determine if it makes more fiscal sense to outsource the packaging, shipping, and storage or handle those tasks internally.

11. The Ability to Develop Custom Formulations

Standing out in the industry often involves offering unique products with custom formulations. Make sure your manufacturer can oblige by creating customized products for your business.

Many manufacturers can create off-the-shelf supplements that are commonly sold by most retailers. Every independent brand that hires a supplement manufacturer likely has their own branded version of the most popular supplements.

But, some manufacturers are also able to help create entirely new supplements from scratch. This requires industry knowledge in research and development, regulatory compliance dealing with ingredients, and an understanding of how different ingredients interact. These are specializations that you may not be knowledgeable about, but your trusted partner is capable of managing.

12. Manufacturing Using Your Own Ingredients

If you want to supply the ingredients for products, find out from the manufacturer whether your company would be subject to an additional cost. Some manufacturers may only be willing to use their own sourced ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Label Supplement Manufacturers

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about supplement manufacturers.

Can I make and sell my own supplements?

Yes, you can make and sell your own supplements by contracting with a supplement manufacturer that can help you develop and produce custom formulations, manufacture your products, and deliver products to sell under your brand name. Working with a supplement manufacturer ensures labeling, marketing, and packaging compliance for your products.

How do I choose a supplement manufacturer?

To find a supplement manufacturer, research its reputation, experience, certifications, production capabilities, privacy, customization options, and ability to meet your order requirements. The right supplement manufacturer will align with your company’s needs and your brand’s standards with high-quality ingredients and various product offerings.

How much does it cost to start a supplement brand?

The cost of starting a supplement brand varies, depending on factors like product type, inventory complexity, packaging, order quantities, and the manufacturing process. Typical expenses include formulation development, which may take some time, and multiple samples to land on a final product, as well as manufacturing and marketing costs.

In addition to product costs, it’s essential to consider other expenses like your storefront, promotion, and business permits and licenses. It can be helpful to find a private-label manufacturer with low minimum order quantities and in-house support for development and manufacturing to maximize your start-up budget.

Do I need a license to sell supplements?

You may not need a license to start a supplement business or sell supplements in the United States. Still, you must comply with specific labeling, manufacturing, and safety regulations. These requirements are why it’s crucial to partner with a trusted supplement manufacturer. A certified private label supplement manufacturer understands your target market’s specific requirements for supplement formulation and labeling to ensure safety, quality, and consumer trust.

What’s the difference between OEM and private label manufacturers?

While an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) traditionally produces products based on a brand’s specifications, a private label manufacturer does this and performs other services, such as assisting in creating custom formulations and branding. A private label supplement manufacturer offers a more comprehensive solution for businesses wanting to develop, produce, and sell unique products.

How do I find a private label manufacturer?

You can find a private label manufacturer for your supplement business by researching manufacturers in the industry and determining whether they have all the required tools and services to start your company and make your brand stand out. Research companies that specialize in your desired products—look at third-party certifications and order samples to get a feel for the quality of their formulations.

Align Your Brand with the Best Private Label Supplement Manufacturer

With the global supplements market being so highly competitive and lucrative, it is vital that you align with supplement manufacturing professionals with the facilities and resources to create competitive products using only the best ingredients.

Creating your own private label requires a partner who specializes in research and development, production regulations, sourcing the finest ingredients, including ingredients that are hard to find, and operating a manufacturing facility.

The right private label supplements manufacturer will work closely with you to formulate and produce supplements that meet all of the necessary requirements and they will have the necessary certifications to ensure your trust.

Why Soft Gel?

Soft Gel Technologies stands out as the best private label supplements manufacturer. With their extensive industry experience, their commitment to quality, and comprehensive services, they will provide you with an unmatched level of support.

Choosing Soft Gel Technologies as your manufacturing partner isn’t just about connecting with a company that can manage the creation and packaging of your product line. It is about having a dedicated partner in the industry that understands what it takes to compete against a competitive and crowded market.

Discover how Soft Gel Technologies helps companies in various niches to create custom products, provide private and white label supplements, and more.

We will work with you from the ground up, developing unique products, sourcing the hardest-to-find ingredients, and providing you with the fundamental trust and stability of products designed to stand the test of time.

Contact us today for a quote or more information about manufacturing your supplements.