GraceKennedy Limited one of the largest and most successful conglomerates in the Caribbean with a very strong food manufacturing and distribution system is now offering contract manufacturing for private brands and labels around the world.  This is done by offering serious brand owners consistently high quality food products to their specifications that will allow them to build their business on a strong, very capable, and stable supply base.

With three wholly owned factories in Jamaica specializing in the production of a wide range of food and beverage products under the Grace brand.  The factories are ISO and HACCP certified and guarantee best in class manufacturing which allows products produced in their plants access to markets all over the world.

As part of their growth strategy going forward, they have decided to leverage the manufacturing facilities for growth by increasing the investment in manufacturing in Jamaica and ensuring the full utilization of all their plants through contract manufacturing.

Below is a list of the product categories they are able to manufacture.

–          Tomato Ketchup

–          Portion packed condiments

–          Vienna Sausages

–          Canned Vegetables

–          Breakfast Meats (Franks, Salami, Bologna, Bacon)

–          Non carbonated beverages (Hot Fill)

–          Drink Mixes

–          Packet Soups

–          Instant Meals (Porridges, Veggie Mince)

“Firms that desire to improve their focus on brand building, improve service levels and increase the value of their offerings to the consumers should contact us directly to determine how best we may serve their needs.” Stated information released by the company

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contract Manufacturing

When working with contract manufacturing there are advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are lower costs, flexibility, access to outside expertise in selling the product, and lower capital requirements, since there is no need to produce anything. Contract manufacturing works if the company gets involved with the right company. If the company were to get involved in the wrong company, the whole process will not work. Or, the company engaging in the contract with the manufacturer may assume too much or make the wrong assumptions. For one thing, it is hard to track prices when the market changes, because the emphasis may be placed on the wrong company. Another problem that can occur is the company may need to deal with suppliers for the products they are selling. However, the supplier may only want to do deal with the original manufacturer. This may limit the company from obtaining supplies.

In order to gain the benefits of using contract manufacturing, it is best to take a strategic approach. Here are three areas you can focus on that will help you better prepare to manage contract manufacturing:

• Timing and reason: In order for contract manufacturing to work, the timing has to be right. Is it the right time to get involved in contract manufacturing? What is the reason for getting involved with contract manufacturing? Did you analyze your position and see the need to get into outsourcing? Does the company you want to get involved with offer a product that is well received?

• Right mindset: In order to enter into a contract manufacturing deal, the company that wants to get involved must have the right mindset. They may want to look at the deal as if it is really an in-house arrangement. The basic precise here is the company wants to have a certain amount of control with the product. They want products that are known to sell and can be predicted as to what areas or territories the products will sell well at, so as to engage in affective marketing.

• Effective organization: To handle contract manufacturing, the business has to be developed and be effective in selling the product that he is contracted to sell. This is very important or the whole process will not work. There has to be stability in place along with the ability to keep grow and expand as the need arises.

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