Frequently Asked Questions
Every buyer comes to us with a different starting point, so we've split the answers into four paths: Private Label, Branded CPG, Foodservice, and Emerging Brands & R&D. Jump to your section, or read straight through if you're still figuring out where you fit.
Don't see your question? Call us at 585-254-9205 or reach out here.
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PLF holds certifications from New York State Ag & Markets, FDA, SQF, and CFIA, with food safety and HACCP compliance across the facility.
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We're based in Rochester, NY, which is a practical advantage for brands distributed in the eastern half of the United States — freight costs and regional logistics knowledge optimized. We also produce for clients across North America and internationally.
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Fill out the project form and tell us about your program — store count, product category, packaging platform, and whether you have an existing formula or need one developed. We'll follow up promptly.
General Questions
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MOQs are tied to our kettle batch sizes — typically 500 or 1,000 gallons per run. Tell us your product and target volume so we can translate that into a case count for your specific product.
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Most of our private label programs run 100 to 700 store locations, and we can support larger programs as well depending on the fit. Our products can be found in family-owned grocery stores to the largest retailer in the country.
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Yes, label compliance and regulatory review are built into how we work with private label clients. We'll flag anything that needs attention before it becomes a production problem.
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Yes, this is a common path for us. We'll work with you on a transition timeline that avoids a gap in your shelf supply. Matching your existing specification is usually the first step.
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We can produce virtually anything in containers from 5 oz to 250 gallons in both plastic and glass. Our most common platforms are 12 oz and 16 oz for dressings, and 16 oz and 24 oz glass for tomato-based products.
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Typical lead time once we receive a purchase order is 4 to 6 weeks. If formula development or R&D is needed first, that adds 3 to 12 months before production begins. Actual timelines are dependent on label development which requires client feedback and approval.
Private Label Grocery Program
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MOQs are tied to our kettle batch sizes — typically 500 or 1,000 gallons per run. Tell us your product and target volume so we can translate that into a case count for your specific product.
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In most cases, yes, whether you're bringing us a finished formula or switching from another co-manufacturer, we can work to match your existing specification. If ingredient sourcing or our production equipment requires an adjustment, we'll flag it early and work through it with you.
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We've done this before. The process usually starts with matching your existing formula and spec, running a trial batch for client approval, then transitioning production on a timeline that avoids a gap in your distribution.
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Yes, that's a common reason CPG brands come to us. Whether you're adding a SKU to an existing line or expanding into new retail distribution, we can scale with you.
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We can produce virtually anything in containers from 5 oz to 250 gallons in both plastic and glass. Our most common platforms are 12 oz and 16 oz for dressings, and 16 oz and 24 oz glass for tomato-based products.
Established CPG Brands
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Yes. We produce in bulk and case-pack formats built for foodservice distribution and restaurant group volume, in addition to standard retail packaging. Typically, these are 1-gallon jugs and 6 lb. bags.
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Both. We work directly with broadline distributors as well as restaurant groups sourcing their own supply.
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Yes. Our 500- and 1,000-gallon kettles give us the production range to support consistent volume for distributor accounts, and we can schedule recurring runs to match your ongoing demand.
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We offer a range of bulk and case-pack formats, including:
— PET liters
— Pizza/pasta bags
— BBQ bags
— PET gallon jugs
— PET 5-gallon pails
— 55-gallon barrels (metal or plastic)
— 250-gallon totes -
Our minimum for foodservice accounts is 500 gallons per production run and may be purchased in increments of 500 gallons. Case counts are provided once the packaging platform has been established.
Foodservice
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Yes, that's exactly what our R&D track supports. If you have a concept, a benchmark product, or even just a direction you want to go, we can take it from there through to a production-ready formula.
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Development costs are dependent on the product complexity. We can provide an estimate with an introductory call to estimate such cost. This covers formula development, up to three iteration rounds with samples for your feedback, and a specification sheet with ingredients and NFT needed for label development.
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Expect the first round of samples within four weeks. For a single SKU, first contact to an approved formula usually takes one to three months. Multiple SKU projects generally take longer.
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MOQs are tied to our kettle batch sizes, typically 500 or 1,000 gallons per run. Tell us your product and target volume so we can translate that into a case count for your specific product.
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Yes, label compliance and regulatory review are part of how we support brands moving from R&D into production.
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We can produce virtually anything in containers from 5 oz to 250 gallons in both plastic and glass. Our most common platforms are 12 oz and 16 oz for dressings, and 16 oz and 24 oz glass for tomato-based products.