Working With Nutra Connection: Your Project Roadmap (Turnkey)
If you’ve hit your contract manufacturer’s production ceiling, the partnership is now a liability, not an asset. Partner with a high-capacity manufacturer like Nutra Connection to eliminate potential bottlenecks, optimize operational efficiency, and grow your brand confidently. As a large-scale supplement manufacturer, we offer the turnkey services you need to handle full-scale production of your largest SKUs. Discover a quick guide to your product’s lifecycle below.
Minimum Order Quantities
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100,000 stick packs per SKU + Annual projections above minimum requirements
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50,000 sachets per SKU + Annual projections above minimum requirements
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5,000 bottles (around 300,000 capsules) per SKU + Annual projections above minimum requirements
We can fill Size 0 or Size 00 capsules (HPMC or Gelatin)
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5,000 units per SKU (tubs, pouches, jars, bottles) + Annual projections above minimum requirements
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5,000 units per SKU + Annual projections above minimum requirements
Co-packing only (unit-count or weight-based filling). We do not manufacture solid food products.
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Our MOQ on the V-Blender is $1,500
V-Blender Capacity: 2,000 kilos per shift
Our MOQ on the Paddle-Fluidizer Blender is $2,500
Paddle-Fluidizer Blender Capacity: 15,000 kilos per shift
Operational Note: MOQs serve as a baseline for project consideration. Initial POs at the MOQ level are evaluated alongside total annual projections to offset the cost of technical R&D and operational expenses.
From Project Onboarding to Finished Goods in Four Stages
Project Evaluation and Initial Quote Generation (1 to 2 Weeks)
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Upon receipt of an RFQ, our team evaluates project compatibility by communicating with you via email. Any cost estimates (quotes) we provide during this stage typically exclude raw materials. If you wish to proceed with an introductory call, our Sales team can review your RFQ with you and help you take the next step toward finalizing a quote (that includes your raw materials). A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) can be issued before these exchanges upon request.
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Packaging format & specifications (including secondary packaging format & specifications, if applicable)
Order quantities (unit count per SKU)
Service type required (Turnkey vs. Tolling)
Sourcing responsibilities matrix (Nutra Connection-sourced vs. Client-supplied)
Packaging responsibilities matrix (Nutra Connection-sourced vs. Client-supplied)
Product formula (ingredients, active dosages, and serving sizes)
NOTE: Initial quotes generally exclude raw material costs (i.e., ingredient sourcing costs) and are subject to change during the next stage of our timelines. To receive a full quote, see Phases 1 & 2 under “The Onboarding and R&D Roadmap,” below.
If your project aligns with Nutra Connection’s services and our tentative quote is acceptable to you, we can onboard your project and generate a quote that includes the cost of your raw materials (ingredients).
Project Onboarding and R&D - Finalizing Your Quote (2 to 8 Weeks)
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In most cases, onboarding begins by filling out our“Project Brief” form (issued by a member of Sales). This form integrates with our project management software, which our R&D/Supply Chain team can use to access your project information. A member of our team is assigned as your Account Representative during this phase.
Our R&D team then puts together a paper formula (with flavoring placeholders*) so we can generate a preliminary per-serving cost. Because we may need to request new or updated pricing, this process usually takes 5-10 days.
Once the per-serving cost is drafted, we can finalize a quote and send you the paper formula for review (1 to 3 weeks)
*After flavoring is complete, any placeholders in your paper formula are replaced with the final flavor profile, which may alter the total cost. We will make sure you are aware of any changes to the quote.
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Nutra Connection’s in-house R&D services are reserved for manufacturing clients and can help with technical scaling, flavor optimization, custom formulation, etc.
R&D FEES = $2,500 per base formulation. First-time clients may have this fee credited toward their first production run with Nutra Connection.
If the projected cost of your formula looks good, we can begin requesting the materials necessary to create bench-top samples. Sampling can take 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the number of materials required and how quickly suppliers ship them to us. Once you taste and review bench-top samples, we can use your feedback to generate new iterations. Generally, we try to finalize your formulation within 3 iterations. During this phase, we also confirm your approximate serving size and packaging dimensions so you can prepare your artwork.
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Submit a purchase order to Sales:
Once your formula is ready, it is expected that you place your manufacturing PO. We recommend submitting your PO a minimum of 12 weeks in advance of your launch date to secure your slot in the production calendar and prevent supply chain disruptions.
Standard Production Lead Time for New Projects:
10 to 12 weeks from receipt of PO. This time is spent receiving your packaging artwork, which must be reviewed by our internal team and suppliers, receiving and approving proofs, completing the Statement of Work (SOW), and receiving & testing all incoming raw materials before production.
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Before a project is added to our production schedule, a formal SOW (Statement of Work) is created. This document outlines:
Final product specifications (formula)
Shelf Life
LOT Code and EXP Format
Final artwork
Master case count & requirements
Etc.
Manufacturing & Quality Control (8 to 12 Weeks)
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After receiving a purchase order (PO), our production lead time is typically 8 to 12 weeks. We are compliant with NSF (GMP) and SQF quality standards and are registered with the FDA. Nutra Connection can manufacture and package powdered goods. We can also package solid food items into bulk formats (pre-formed pouches and jars).
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Sourcing & Vetting:
Raw materials are sourced according to established criteria (branded, certified organic, non-GMO, etc.). COAs are mandatory.
Incoming Raw Material Testing:
100% of incoming raw materials undergo Identity and Microbiology testing via accredited third-party laboratories. Additional testing can be ordered by clients.
Precision Blending:
High-capacity uniformity is achieved by utilizing advanced powder blenders. Scaled to your desired batch size, our V-Blender and Powder-Fluidizer Blender deliver homogeneous blends ready to be packed into sticks, sachets, bags, capsules, etc.
Clean Rooms:
We protect the integrity and purity of your products during production by working in cleanrooms, which are specially controlled spaces designed to minimize airborne particles, microorganisms, and contaminants. This means strict protocols for air filtration, temperature, humidity, and personnel attire are followed.
3PL - Warehousing & Order Fulfillment
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Our infrastructure includes 3PL services such as warehousing and order fulfillment. If you already have a preferred Third-Party Logistics partner, we can help ship your finished goods to them.
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Storage & Logistics:
We can provide secure warehousing for raw materials, packaging components, and finished goods. These services can be quoted to you as needed.
Fulfillment Services:
Through integrated software, orders placed via your online shopping carts are received, picked, packed, and shipped directly to your customers or distribution centers (e.g., Amazon distribution centers).
Scale Your Product With Confidence
Nutra Connection provides the technical expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure you need to scale your production effectively and accurately. Tell us about your project to get started!