Bulk
Bulk means the producer ships the product in industrial packaging (drums, IBCs, flexitanks, food-grade bags) for you to repack or process at destination.
- Best for: repackers, blenders, industrial users, foodservice groups with their own filling lines.
- Advantages: lowest unit cost, maximum control over final format, no dependence on producer packaging lines.
- Disadvantages: requires destination filling capacity, quality-control burden, storage cost.
- Typical MOQ: one flexitank (about 22 tonnes for olive oil) or one truck of drums.
Private label
Private label means the producer manufactures a finished consumer product with your brand on it, to a specification you approve. This is the most common model for retailers, distributors and challenger brands.
- Best for: retailers, distributors, HoReCa groups, brand owners.
- Advantages: full brand equity, control over recipe and format, retail-ready pallets.
- Disadvantages: MOQ per SKU, artwork lead time, dependence on producer's packaging capabilities.
- Typical MOQ: one to three pallets per SKU for ambient categories; a full truck or more for chilled dairy.
Co-packing
Co-packing sits between private label and bulk. The producer manufactures to your recipe and specification, but the arrangement is longer-term, deeper and typically involves shared investment in tooling, moulds, artwork masters or dedicated production windows.
- Best for: established brands moving from private label to a dedicated production relationship.
- Advantages: recipe protection, priority in the production plan, deeper technical collaboration.
- Disadvantages: contractual commitment, minimum annual volumes, upfront investment.
- Typical MOQ: annual volume commitment, often a truckload per month or more.
How to choose
| Model | Brand equity | Unit cost | MOQ per SKU | Lead time | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk | None | Lowest | 1 flexitank / 1 truck | 3–5 weeks | Highest at destination |
| Private label | Yours | Middle | 1–3 pallets ambient / 1 truck chilled | 6–10 weeks first order | Recipe and pack, not process |
| Co-packing | Yours | Middle to low | Annual commitment | 8–14 weeks first launch | Recipe, pack and production window |
The mixed reality
Most theGreex client programmes combine two models: bulk EVOO for an existing filling line plus private-label PDO Kalamata for the same brand's premium tier, or a private-label yoghurt cup range plus a foodservice bulk pail line under the same producer relationship. The point of a good sourcing partner is to let you switch between models as your business grows, without changing producer relationships.
Buyer FAQ
Questions we hear repeatedly from importers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa buyers.
What is the MOQ for private-label olive oil?
For 500 ml or 750 ml glass, one pallet per SKU is the practical entry point (roughly 600 to 1,200 units). For 5 L tins, one pallet is 100 to 120 units. Bulk drum orders start at one 190 kg drum; flexitank shipments start at roughly 22 tonnes.
When does co-packing make sense over private label?
When you own the recipe or specification and want a producer to manufacture under your process instructions rather than adapt an existing house line. Co-packing typically requires higher volumes and longer lead times but gives full recipe control.
Who owns the artwork under private label?
The buyer owns the artwork and the trademark. The producer owns the recipe, the PDO reference and the production process. Both parties should sign a short IP agreement before first production.
What lead time should I plan for a first private-label run?
8 to 12 weeks from approved artwork for shelf-stable categories; 6 to 10 weeks for chilled dairy; longer if new packaging tooling is required. Sample rounds and label proofs add 2 to 4 weeks up front.
Can I mix bulk and finished-goods in one shipment?
Yes. theGreex consolidates mixed shipments regularly so a first-order can include a drum of bulk oil alongside private-label retail pallets and a HoReCa pail programme.
What are the risks of bulk sourcing?
Quality drift between production tanks, cold-chain gaps in transit for temperature-sensitive product, and misalignment between your bottling line's expectations and the delivered batch. Mitigate with tight specifications, pre-shipment samples and independent third-party inspection.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. theGreex signs mutual NDAs before sharing producer names or detailed technical specs for private label and co-packing programmes.
Can I visit the producer before committing?
Yes. Producer visits, either alongside theGreex or independently once introduced, are encouraged for private-label and co-packing programmes above a certain value.