Co-packer MOQs explained: what minimum orders mean and how to work with them
A minimum order quantity, or MOQ, is the smallest run a co-packer will take on. It is often the first thing that decides whether a facility is a fit, so it pays to understand it before you reach out.
Why co-packers set minimums
Every run has fixed work that costs the same whether the run is small or large:
- Setting up and adjusting the line for your product and package.
- Cleaning and changeover before and after your run, which matters even more for organic and allergen control.
- Scheduling labor and quality checks.
- Batch sizes: a kettle, mixer, or tank has a size it runs well at.
A minimum spreads that fixed work over enough units that the price per unit makes sense for both of you.
How MOQs are measured
There is no standard unit. You may see minimums in units, cases, batches, pounds or kilos, gallons, or hours of line time. Always convert it to finished units of your product so you can compare quotes side by side.
What CoPacker Index data shows
14 of the 1299 co-packers in our directory publish a minimum order on their website. For everyone else, the minimum is unknown until you ask. Treat any published number as a starting point, since minimums often change by product and package.
Minimums you might not expect
- Packaging. Printed pouches, labels, and custom bottles often have supplier minimums of their own.
- Ingredients. Organic ingredients may only be sold by the bag, drum, or pallet.
- Setup fees. Some facilities accept a smaller run if you pay a one-time setup or changeover fee.
How to start when your first run is small
- Ask about a pilot or test batch before a full run.
- Start with fewer flavors or SKUs so each one reaches the minimum.
- Look for smaller facilities that focus on emerging brands.
- Ask whether a setup fee would lower the minimum.
- Use stock packaging for the first run and move to custom packaging later.
Questions to ask about minimums
- What is the minimum per SKU and per run, in finished units?
- Is there a setup, changeover, or cleaning fee?
- Does the minimum change if you supply the ingredients or packaging?
- What does the price per unit look like at the minimum and at two or three times the minimum?
When you are ready, send a free match request with your estimated first run size. We only suggest co-packers that fit, and we flag when a minimum is unknown.