Quality Powder Production

by Luke Holcombe

Producing a quality finished product requires product, experience, a sustainable process and quality control. When considering quality food-grade powder products, the recipe for top-level achievement is no different. The influx of different types of powder productseverything from sports (i.e., protein, pre-workout, post workout, meal replacement) to specialty health issues (i.e., bone/joint, energy, focus, ingestible beauty) to ingredient categories (i.e., superfruits, greens)does not change the key considerations. A third-party audited process and know-how are a must, and many aspects need to be considered when selecting a powder production partner.

First and foremost is cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) certification. Certification audits and internal audits offer invaluable documentation. Audits allow companies to assess standard operating procedures (SOPs). Necessary improvements or production streamlining can come from clear discussions on GMPs and implementation. Companies that have GMP certification have taken the time to think through what they offer, and how they can offer it better.

Next is the issue of sourcing. Raw materials are the heart of all manufactured products. If the quality is inferior, it will always show in the end product. It is important to source quality materials and secure availability. Ask what type of testing practices are in place to ensure the finished products are of the highest quality. Raw materials should be tested against benchmarks and compared to those standards for organoleptic properties and analytical data. A company can offer material, but if it doesnt meet the operational quantities, time and resources must be spent finding more available material to match the predetermined standard. Changing sources could cause inconstancies in the final product, leading to unhappy customers.

As GMPs and testing play into the importance of quality, having a well-educated, experienced quality and compliance department is an asset in manufacturing. An experienced quality unit can help prevent mistakesnot just find them. Preventing errors can save countless amounts of time and resources. Quality units must have the necessary equipment to ensure the raw materials and finished goods meet required specs. A compliance department that is up to date on industry cGMPs can put the company ahead of the curve and in front of the competition..

Another important part of the team is customer service. Having an experienced person who knows how to route feedback appropriately and to partner providers can provide the ability to react quickly to industry shifts. Such companies remain proactive to industry changes, ensuring they stay on the front line in areas stretching from testing procedures to delivery systems and hot ingredients. Communication should be the norm, whether good news or bad news.

Formulation abilities are also a consideration. Having a team of experienced food chemists with range and an out of the box mentality on flavor profiles is extremely important. Products that taste good will build repeat business. Knowledge of powders in how the physical and organoleptics combine to form a marketable finished product is an absolute must. Companies with experienced people in place to make the proper recipe of taste, efficacy and stability in a product will yield long-term relationships and customer satisfaction. Having the proper testing procedures and experience in how raw materials react to the environment will provide a superior finished product that a customer can have peace of mind in, and will provide stability to their bottom line.

Finally is the issue of manufacturing procedures. Operating to allow the least amount of down time while meeting cGMP requirements is essential to manufacturing. New regulations are increasing companies consciousness of the ins and outs of manufacturing systems, making it vital to have experienced scheduling personnel to meet that demand. Being aware of allergens and probiotic materials and how they integrate into manufacturing are just two examples of how an experienced scheduling department can increase efficiency while meeting quality standards. They will also ensure consistent lead times.

The common denominator in what makes a successful powder manufacturer is experience. This is, above all, what makes companies stand out among their competitors. In the area of powder production, knowing the science behind everything that goes into a product is key, but experience is most likely the key element to providing a marketable product. When to add specific ingredients in the blending process, how long to blend different products, and knowing how the multitude of raw ingredients will react and affect the economy of the process are crucial.

Experience is arguably the most important asset of any marketable process. Just like a favorite recipe for any legendary home-cooked meal, experience, a sustained process and quality ingredients are the keys to success.

Luke Holcombe is the key account manager with Lawrenceville, GA-based Valentine Enterprises Inc . Contact him at (770) 995-0661 or [email protected].