The Process

1. Consultation & Planning

We begin by getting to know you — your business, your goals, and your product vision. Together, we’ll review your recipe concept, packaging ideas, and production requirements to determine the best path forward. During this stage, we discuss the co-packing process in detail, including batch sizes, pricing structure, turnaround times, and quality standards. We’ll also complete confidentiality agreements, a credit application, and a co-packing contract so everything is clear before we begin production.

2. Development & Testing

Next, we move into the technical stage of recipe refinement and validation. Our team helps you optimize your recipe for taste, texture, safety, and scalability, ensuring consistent results at production scale. We’ll guide you through completing your Scheduled Process, which documents every preparation, cooking, packaging, and storage step. This evaluation defines critical control points, required processing conditions (time, temperature, pH, etc.), and ensures regulatory compliance. Once approved, your recipe is production-ready and fully documented.

3. Design & Packaging

While development is underway, we collaborate on your product’s presentation. We assist with label design, packaging selection, and regulatory compliance, ensuring your branding meets both creative and legal requirements. This includes creating an ingredient statement, nutrition facts panel, allergen disclosures, and label layout that meets FDA standards. We can also coordinate with suppliers to source bottles, jars, caps, or pouches that align with your product’s style and production requirements.

4. Production & Bottling/Packaging

Once your formula and packaging are approved, we move into production at our Albany, NY facility. Vital Eats offers bottling and filling in glass plastic and flexible packaging, all done in small, high-quality batches. Every product is made with precision and care — delivering the small-batch quality, consistency, and craftsmanship that Vital Eats is known for.