“We’ve been very fortunate to grow by about 7x in the last 18 months and Lief has been really amazing in that regard in a sense that some of our orders have grown proportionally . . . with a lot of other partners we know we would have had production delays and delays on ingredient sourcing given that there’s been some pretty meaningful growth there, but Lief has been great in the sense of being able to scale with us….and just make our lives easier.”

– General Manager of Equip Foods

Think of your manufacturer as an extension of your brand. Your relationship with them and their performance is going to directly impact your brand’s success. Whether you already have a manufacturer or are searching for one, make sure that they are contributing to your growth and not hurting your bottom line. A great manufacturer will have the following 5 traits:

1. Prioritizes Quality
   Quality is arguably the most important aspect of manufacturing. A manufacturer that prioritizes quality is going to create a safe, compliant, and reliable product for your brand. For supplements in particular, a quality manufacturer will produce your product in accordance to the latest cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines and in compliance with 21 CFR Part 111.

   Additionally, high standards of testing are a must. A manufacturer with a Quality Control laboratory that is ISO certified ensures that they are operating with competence and that they generate valid results. To vet a manufacturer’s quality, ask to see their certifications and verify that they were certified by a reputable company.

   Lief Labs is cGMP certified through the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) and our Quality Control laboratory has been recognized by A2LA – ISO/IEC 17025, which is an accredited body for microbiological testing.

2. Turn-Key Services
   Whether your contract manufacturing needs include flavoring, blending, encapsulating, packaging, or testing, a manufacturer with established and readily available services is going to save you time and resources. Strongly consider a manufacturing partner that is going to help streamline your operation with efficient yet stable services.

   A manufacturer that offers advanced product development and research & development services is a huge advantage because of their ability to help you create customized, innovative, and market-smart products under the same roof where your products are being produced and packaged.

   Lief Labs prides itself on being both a manufacturer and product development house. Our team works hand in hand with brands to create efficacious formulas, which are then trialed though our Research & Development lab until the perfect flavor, consistency, and effectiveness are achieved.

3. Industry Advocacy & Involvement
   A manufacturer that goes the extra mile to advocate for the greater good of the supplement industry indicates a level of support and staying power that you will benefit from. Manufacturers that are involved in trade organizations will have access to a great network and industry insights that you as a brand can tap into.

   Lief Labs is a proud member of both NPA (Natural Products Association) and AHPA (American Herbal Products Association), where we support, protect, and advocate for the best interests of the nutraceutical industry and keep our clients up-to-date with the latest regulatory and legislative news.

4. Proven Experience
   An experienced supplement manufacturer is well-versed and in-tune with the industry’s changing landscape and can better adapt to a brand’s evolving needs. Additionally, they are generally better equipped to offer advice and problem solve when brands run into obstacles. To ensure a manufacturer is reputable and has viable experience, we encourage you to request to see testimonials or case studies from brands that have worked with them.

   With over 150 years of combined industry experience, our team at Lief Labs is well suited to adapt to your needs and scale with your brand as it grows. Lief has experience manufacturing for brands located in over 30 countries worldwide and has formulated over 1,000 products for a multitude of dietary supplement categories. Our clients have praised us for our customer service, innovative product development, flexible solutions, and more!

5. Great Communication
   Communication is an important quality that can make or break the relationship between a brand and manufacturer. A manufacturer that provides timely updates and feedback (whether positive or negative) is going to foster a trustworthy partnership that leads to a better overall experience.

   At Lief Labs, our Customer Operations department is a team that specializes in and focuses on providing exceptional customer service during each step of the manufacturing process. This includes being an available point of contact for any questions, providing order statuses and updates, and being transparent with any issues.

Are you interested in learning more about the traits of a great manufacturer? Our team is available to answer your questions and provide additional information! Feel free to contact us at info@lieforganics.com.