[Food product manufacturing consultant](http://www.right-brain-consulting.com/meet-the-team/) Will Madden of Right Brain Consulting has authored a book addressing the complexities of sourcing a co-manufacturer or co-packer. The book is titled Separating the Con Man From the Co Man: How to Source a Contract Manufacturer and is now available both in Kindle and paperback.
Madden first got the idea to write this book when he saw a terrible contract one a client had signed. Madden asked the client why he would ever enter into such a disadvantageous contract. The client had no clue that what the co-manufacturer was asking for wasnt customary. Madden knew then that there was a huge need for education on the topic of contract negotiation, including what to expect from a good contract and how to find a decent co-manufacturer.
Maddens book describes how to find a co-manufacturer or co-packer, how to put your best foot forward when negotiating a deal and how to protect yourself from unfair arrangements. The book is written for companies new to the food industry, including new food product developers who may already have a relationship with a co-man or co-packer but who are unsure if the contract is fair or unfair.
Madden says, It is the company's hope the book helps new food product companies to get on a more level playing field with their co-man or co-packer. The book empowers food companies to recognize when they have a good deal so they can preserve that relationship, but the company's hope is that it enables food companies to recognize unfair arrangements before they sign a bad contract so that disreputable co-manufacturers cant take advantage of their lack of experience or knowledge.
Information about sourcing a contract manufacturer is hard to find, Madden says. The competition is stiff; good co-mans and co-packers are everyones best kept secret. Marketing companies dont want consumers to know that they dont make their own products. Because of this, co-mans and co-packers cant really advertise and give examples of what they do.
Maddens book, Separating the Con Man From the Co Man: How to Source a Contract Manufacturer, is available on Amazon.
Right Brain Consulting serves food product companies, offering the following services: contract negotiation, supply chain management, quality control process planning, food safety process and monitoring and general co-manufacturer sourcing and advising. To learn more about food industry contract negotiation, sourcing a co-manufacturer or co-packer and detailed information about the production of new food products, visit the company website.
