A Masterclass On Co-packers | Chris Bauer, Catapult Commercialization Services

On this episode, we’re joined by Chris Bauer, CFO at Catapult Commercialization Services, the product development and commercialization “fixer” for the CPG industry - from R&D and formulation to supply chain setup, manufacturing, co-packers, and go-to-market strategy.Chris provides a masterclass on the world of co-packers. He breaks down how to actually pick the right co-packer, how to structure the agreement, why so many brand-owner expectations go sideways, and what good looks like when it comes to transparency, contracts, and operational readiness.We talk about why most brands are over-optimistic about production timelines, what co-mans won’t tell you, and how to spot the red flags before you sign. Plus: whether it’s better to use a single turnkey partner or build a modular supply chain with separate vendors for R&D, production, and fulfillment.—---------------Episode Highlights:🏗️ What Catapult Commercialization Services actually does🔍 How to find and approach the right co-packer💬 Getting a co-manufacturer to take you seriously🧪 Vetting co-packers without relying on vibes📝 What should (and shouldn’t) be in your co-man agreement🔒 How to protect your IP before you scale📉 Avoiding runaway COGs before it's too late⚠️ “Take or Pay” clauses and how to negotiate around them👩‍🍳 Going from kitchen-made to co-manufactured📊 What KPIs you should track with your co-man—---------------Table of Contents:00:05:30 – Sourcing co-packers00:10:44 – How to properly vet co-packers00:13:30 – Structuring a co-packer agreement00:16:58 – Protecting your IP00:21:03 – How to avoid runaway COGs00:30:13 – Tracking co-packer KPIs00:33:38 – Risk planning—---------------Links:Catapult Commercialization – https://www.catapultservices.comFollow Chris on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bauer-4623b55a/Follow me on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-martin-steinberg/ For help with CPG production design - packaging and label design, product renders, POS assets, retail media assets, quick-turn sales and marketing assets and all the other work that bogs down creative teams - check out KitPrint.Shout out to my friends over at Glimpse, the go-to partner for automating retail-related back-office operations and unlocking margin trapped in invalid fees and manual processes.Are you in the market for a new flexible packaging partner? Check out HD Packaging. Third-generation, family-owned and built for the needs of category leaders like Newman’s Own and A Dozen Cousins. Faster launches, lower costs, and no artwork fees.