How to Pitch a Co-Man: Expert Advice from 20 Years if Building Co-Man Partnerships

Whether your company makes snacks, beverages, meals, or nut butters, or any branded product, the right Co-Man can be a crucial partner in getting ready for market. A co-manufacturer, or Co-Man is a third-party company that produces products on behalf of a brand. This relationship can be key to scaling your product from its initial concept to a full-fledged product.

The reality is, you can’t just choose a Co-Man. A Co-Man must also agree to work with you. That means you need to present a strong business case to your co-manufacturer. What does a Co-Man look for in a partner? We’ve developed some expertise in this area, after 20 years of experience working with co-manufacturers.

A Winning Pitch Deck

Co-manufacturers look for a well-thought-out pitch deck with a clear business case to determine whether or not your project aligns with their business goals. This helps the co-manufacturer understand your market, your consumer base, and why your product is worth producing.

Gather your Essential Details

What specific information goes into your business case pitch deck? The search for the right co-manufacturer starts by gathering the essential details, such as:

• What’s the expected annual production volume?

• What kind of packaging will be used?

• Are there specific timelines for production (quarterly, monthly, etc.)?

• How will the product scale over the next 1 to 3 years?

Protecting Your Intellectual Property (IP)

When entering into a co-manufacturing agreement, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is another major consideration. Sharing your product formula or recipe is often necessary, but there are ways to protect your innovations.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are key. First vet the co-manufacturer and ensure that their business practices align with your needs. Go for transparency without compromising confidentiality. You don’t want to risk a situation where your IP is leaked or misused.

Co-Manufacturing is Key to Scaling Your Product

The process of finding the right co-manufacturer can be daunting. With the right approach, and the right pitch, you can find the Co-Man to successfully take your product to market. The search requires clear communication, strategic planning, and a willingness to forge strong, mutually beneficial relationships with your co-manufacturing partners.

If you’re looking to scale your product or need support in identifying the best Co-Man, reach out to CuliNEX. We can help you navigate the complexities of co-manufacturing and bring your product to life efficiently and effectively.