Private Labeling Manufacturers Key Terms

Understand private label manufacturers terminology to know what you're getting

Private label manufacturers can help you put your product on the shelves or help you to create a special gift for your customers or clients. A private label manufacturer may make products, usually foods or beverages, and allow you to place your own company's name on the label. If you're looking into PL manufacturers, there are a few terms that you should know, such as custom labels and co-packing. Knowledge of these terms will help prevent any misunderstandings between you and the manufacturer.

 

Private Label Manufacturers Association

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is a professional network of those in the private label business. It's a good place to learn new trends and meet others. Look for a company that belongs to this organization when choosing private label manufacturers.
Try: Take a tour of the Private Label Manufacturers Association through its website.

Branding

Branding is a way to get your company's name out there. Some people think that branding is only about a company name or logo, but it's also about how people think about your product. When someone thinks of your company or product, do they think reliable, cheap or delicious? The answer is the result of your branding. Private label manufacturers allow you to use your brand on the products they create.
Try: AllAboutBranding.com describes some of the branding techniques that famous companies have used.

Store brand

It's common for stores to have their own line of products, usually called the generic or store brand. Private label manufacturers can work with your store to create a store brand.
Try: The Safeway Eating Right brand is a popular store brand.

Custom label

Private label manufacturers will put a custom label on the product that they create for you. This will include your company logo and any other information that you want. Companies often have designers on staff to help with designs, or they may offer a set of templates you can choose from.
Try: Look to Custom Wine Source for examples of custom label wines.

Co-packing

In most cases, private label manufacturers already have a recipe that they use to create and bottle your product. However, if you choose to use contract packaging, or co-packing for short, a private label company will take your recipe and create a product from that.
Try: Wine Country Kitchens explains the differences between the two options and the pros and cons of co-packing.

Bar codes

If you plan to sell your product in stores, it needs to have a bar code. This allows the item to be scanned at the register. Each product has a unique bar code that identifies it and its manufacturer.
Try: WiseGeek explains the UPC bar code. Private label manufacturers all have to register a new product with the GS1 US to obtain a bar code for the product.

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