Minimum order quantity is one of the first questions a growing food or snack brand needs to consider when looking for custom flexible packaging. The quantity you order can affect production costs, storage requirements and how much packaging you need to commit to before you know how quickly your product will sell.
There is no single figure that applies to every UFP flexible packaging project. The appropriate order quantity depends on the packaging specification, format, printing requirements and production requirements, which means these details should be discussed with your packaging supplier before an order is placed.
UFP does not publish one fixed minimum order quantity across all flexible packaging products. The appropriate order volume depends on factors such as the packaging format, specification, printing requirements and production requirements. For a growing food brand, the important consideration is whether the proposed order quantity works with the product's production volumes, expected demand, storage capacity and wider packaging requirements.
Why do flexible packaging suppliers have minimum order quantities?
Custom flexible packaging involves several stages before the finished packaging reaches the customer. Materials, printing, conversion and production requirements all need to be considered when determining the appropriate order quantity for a particular project.
The packaging specification can also influence the production requirements. A brand may need a particular pouch format, film structure, print specification or packaging feature, meaning the supplier needs to understand the project before confirming the most suitable production approach.
When discussing a custom packaging project, businesses should consider:
- Packaging format
- Material structure
- Dimensions
- Printing requirements
- Number of SKUs
- Expected production volumes
- Packing method
- Required packaging performance
UFP provides flexible packaging across a range of formats and production methods, including VFFS, HFFS and ready-made pouches.
Does the order quantity need to match your expected sales?
The order quantity should be considered alongside the amount of product a business expects to produce and sell.
Ordering packaging for larger production runs can make sense when demand is established, while a business at an earlier stage may need to consider how much stock it can realistically use and store.
The right approach depends on where the product is in its growth journey.
A start-up developing a new food product has different packaging requirements from an established brand producing at larger commercial volumes. Understanding those requirements before placing an order helps ensure the packaging specification and production approach fit the wider business.
UFP works with food, snacks and confectionery businesses and has more than 20 production lines across its operation, supporting a range of flexible packaging formats.
What should you ask before agreeing to an order quantity?
Before committing to a production run, it is worth understanding exactly what the supplier is quoting and how the packaging will fit into your wider production plans.
Ask your packaging supplier about:
- The minimum order for your specific packaging project
- Whether the order quantity applies per SKU
- How the material and specification affect production
- Printing and artwork requirements
- Production and delivery timescales
- Storage options if you do not need the full order immediately
- Whether the supplier can support larger volumes as demand grows
These questions become increasingly relevant when a brand moves from small-batch production towards larger commercial volumes.
UFP provides flexible packaging alongside contract packing, storage and delivery, allowing businesses to manage several parts of their packaging requirements through one supplier.
How can UFP help with flexible packaging requirements?
The minimum order quantity is only one part of choosing a flexible packaging supplier.
UFP provides flexible packaging alongside printing and contract packing services. Its current printing capabilities include flexographic and rotogravure printing in up to 10 colours.
The business operates more than 20 production lines across facilities covering more than 100,000 square feet, providing the infrastructure to support a range of packaging and production requirements.
UFP also provides storage and delivery, with its Sunningdale facility offering 2,500 pallet spaces for finished goods and incoming components.
For growing food and snack brands, this means the packaging conversation can extend beyond the initial order quantity to consider how packaging will be produced, packed, stored and delivered as requirements develop.
If you are looking for custom flexible packaging in the UK, UFP can discuss your product, packaging format and expected volumes to determine the appropriate approach for your project.
Looking for custom flexible packaging for your food or snack brand?
Discuss your packaging requirements with UFP