Steps to Private Labeling Ice Cream Products

Know the steps.

The primary questions I receive are from individuals interested in private labeling a product. Individuals state that they have invested a considerable amount of time and money into the project and inquire on where they can have it made or ask how to get their “foot in the door” in retail sales.

The answers I provide are usually surprising to them, because it takes them back to the inception of their idea, and in many cases, they find that they placed the cart in front of the proverbial horse.

If you have an interest in private Labeling of your product, then you need to know some of the basic steps that I suggest be considered to insure overall success and guard against investing in a “white elephant”. The steps are designed as an overview, to cover a range of topics you need to be aware of. It is not intended to suggest that these are all of the tasks, simply an insight of what needs to be known.

Private Labeling Dairy and Non-Dairy Frozen Products:

Step 1: Ask Yourself

• • Why do you believe your idea is needed in the marketplace?

• • Did people other than friends/family tell you the product would be a hit?

• • Have you seen a like product offered anywhere else?

• • Will the product make people a fan?
  • Is it an improvement on an existing product in the marketplace or is it new?

Step 2: Formulate a Strategy

• • Get familiar with the law and requirements of selling your product commercially.

• • Find a graphic design service that can put your logo/concept to paper.

• • Know if your product will perform the same when made on a larger scale.

• • Determine the type of packaging you want to sell your product in.

• • Identify if you want to primarily sell in the grocery store, vending cart, online, restaurant or stadium.

• • Know what a buyer requires when approaching in any segment.

• • Know the information required to print on a label, package and box.
  • Know the estimated budget required in step 2.

Step 3: Act on the Basics

• • Establish a company name.

• • Create a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

• • Create a time-line to follow steps 2 & 3.

• • Identify and secure a name, logo and color scheme.

• • Investigate whether the brand name or logo are already owned.

• • Purchase a url and establish an email.

• • Know the certifications affiliated with the product.
  • Have a proven formula on paper.

Step 4: Understand Manufacturing & Logistic Basics

• • Will the product be made in-house or by a co-packer?

• • Equipment required in the manufacturing process.

• • Core ingredients of the product.

• • Does the product need to be made in a specific region of the country?

• • The legal requirements to produce the product for commercial sale.

• • The difference between a frozen carrier and a distributor.

• • Know the storage temperature in a frozen warehouse.
  • Investment required for any proprietary equipment, ingredients & packaging.

Contact Darryl, he can guide you through he necessary steps to private label your product to sell in the commercial space.