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Chris Bauer - A Masterclass On Co-packers
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On this episode, we’re joined by Chris Bauer, CFO at Catapult Commercialization Services, the product development and commercialization “fixer” for the CPG industry - from R&D and formulation to supply chain setup, manufacturing, co-packers, and go-to-market strategy.
Chris provides a masterclass on the world of co-packers. He breaks down how to actually pick the right co-packer, how to structure the agreement, why so many brand-owner expectations go sideways, and what good looks like when it comes to transparency, contracts, and operational readiness.
We talk about why most brands are over-optimistic about production timelines, what co-mans won’t tell you, and how to spot the red flags before you sign. Plus: whether it’s better to use a single turnkey partner or build a modular supply chain with separate vendors for R&D, production, and fulfillment.
Episode Highlights:
🏗️ What Catapult Commercialization Services actually does
🔍 How to find and approach the right co-packer
💬 Getting a co-manufacturer to take you seriously
🧪 Vetting co-packers without relying on vibes
📝 What should (and shouldn’t) be in your co-man agreement
🔒 How to protect your IP before you scale
📉 Avoiding runaway COGs before it's too late
⚠️ “Take or Pay” clauses and how to negotiate around them
👩🍳 Going from kitchen-made to co-manufactured
📊 What KPIs you should track with your co-man
Table of Contents:
00:05:30 – Sourcing co-packers
00:10:44 – How to properly vet co-packers
00:13:30 – Structuring a co-packer agreement
00:16:58 – Protecting your IP
00:21:03 – How to avoid runaway COGs
00:30:13 – Tracking co-packer KPIs
00:33:38 – Risk planning
Links:
Catapult Commercialization – https://www.catapultservices.com
Follow Chris on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bauer-4623b55a/
Follow me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-martin-steinberg/
Check out https://www.kitprint.co for CPG production design support
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