What are the packaging requirements for beef jerky?
Beef jerky packaging must be food-safe and moisture-resistant, with a strong barrier to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. FDA regulations require clear nutritional labeling, ingredient lists, allergen disclosures, net weight, and manufacturer information. Resealable pouches with oxygen-absorber compatibility are the most common retail format, and packaging must comply with applicable USDA and FDA guidelines for processed meat products.
What is beef jerky co-packing and how does it work?
Beef jerky co-packing means outsourcing your production to a specialized manufacturer who produces the product under your private label. You provide your brand concept and recipe direction; the co-packer handles formulation, production, packaging, labeling, and quality control. Consolidated Design West manages the entire process through their partnership with Respect Manufacturing, delivering finished, shelf-ready products ready for retail or direct-to-consumer sale.
What does Consolidated Design West's beef jerky co-packing process look like from start to finish?
CDW follows a 5-step process: Step 1 is Brand Discovery & Custom Formulation, where your marinade profiles, protein blends, and flavors are developed. Step 2 covers Packaging Design & Label Development to meet FDA standards. Step 3 is Production & Co-Packing at a state-of-the-art facility. Step 4 involves Quality Control & Compliance Review of every batch. Step 5 is Fulfillment, Warehousing & Logistics, coordinating delivery to retailers or consumers nationwide. A new product launch typically spans 8–16 weeks from discovery to finished goods delivery.
What types of beef jerky packaging formats does CDW offer?
CDW offers a range of primary and secondary packaging options for beef jerky brands. Primary packaging includes resealable pouches, flexible films, and sachets designed to balance visual appeal, barrier protection, and compliance. Secondary packaging includes corrugated boxes, folding cartons, and retail pouches, with eco-friendly options available. Printing is available via digital, offset, and flexographic methods to suit any brand aesthetic.
Can you help with private label beef jerky branding and design?
Yes. CDW provides full commercial printing and label design services using digital, offset, and flexographic printing methods. Their team develops private label packaging — including pouch artwork, secondary box graphics, and retail-ready labeling — that meets FDA compliance standards while making your brand visually compelling and distinctive on store shelves.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for beef jerky co-packing?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the formulation, packaging format, and production run complexity. CDW works with both startup brands and established businesses, tailoring MOQs to align with your launch scale and budget. You can contact their team directly to discuss your specific volume requirements and receive a customized production quote.
Do you offer warehousing and fulfillment for finished beef jerky products?
Yes. CDW provides integrated warehousing, inventory management, and fulfillment services as part of their end-to-end co-packing solution. Once your beef jerky is produced and passes quality control, the logistics team coordinates storage and shipping to retailers, distributors, or directly to consumers, with project managers strategically located across the United States to ensure on-time delivery.
What quality control measures are in place during beef jerky co-packing?
Quality control is embedded at every stage of CDW's co-packing process. Inspections cover formulation consistency, moisture content, seal integrity, correct weight, label accuracy, and regulatory compliance. This rigorous QC focus ensures that every batch of beef jerky leaving their facility meets the same high standard, protecting your brand reputation and ensuring a safe, consistent product for consumers.