#128 Burnt Out & Broke: How to Afford a Co-Manufacturer

You’re burning out – but still not paying yourself a wage. So how do you afford a co-manufacturer without cutting corners?

In episode 128 we’re getting real about the biggest challenge many Foodpreneurs face: you’re working non-stop, but your margins aren’t big enough to pay yourself - let alone afford to outsource production.

But here’s the thing: sticking with in-house manufacturing might actually be costing you more.

That’s why I’m joined by Naishad Dalal, food scientist, entrepreneur, and Founder of the Food Entrepreneurship Academy. Naishad knows everything about scaling food and drink products the smart way, and in this episode, he’s breaking down:

📈 How to assess your true production costs, and where you can find margin to pay yourself without switching to lesser-quality ingredients.

📈 The negotiation strategies that help Foodpreneurs reduce co-manufacturer MOQs (so you’re not overcommitting to huge runs you can’t afford).

📈 How economies of scale actually work, and why ingredient purchasing power could be your secret weapon.

📈 What founders get wrong about IP protection (yes, your ingredient list is public, but that doesn’t mean your formulation is up for grabs).

📈 Why your attachment to in-house production might be holding you back, and how to shift your mindset to unlock new growth opportunities.

We also talk about Doughlicious’ collaboration with PepsiCo and what emerging brands can learn from how they leveraged a co-manufacturer to tap into the hot new ‘swicy’ trend.

If you’re hesitant to outsource because you think you’ll lose agility, or you’re worried that co-mans will limit your ability to launch new products quickly, this episode will challenge your thinking.

Missed Naishad’s first episode? Check out Episode 107 for the foundations on developing a commercially viable food or drink product. 

Season 13 is all about systemising your supply chain, so you can grow without grinding yourself into the ground. Tune in now and take the next step towards paying yourself while making more sales and building a stronger brand.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Become a Chelsea Ford Insider

Season 14

Season 14, out now, is 'Scale Season' and is being presented by Chelsea Ford Co.’s 10th anniversary.

For a decade, Chelsea Ford has backed Foodpreneurs and pushed to shake up an industry that too often plays it safe and leaves smaller players behind. She champions bold products, smarter tech, and better ways of working - because the future of CPG should be shaped by ideas, not just deep pockets.

Chelsea believes every emerging brand deserves a fair shot - not crumbs from the big end of town. Founders, no matter their gender, ethnicity, cultural background, spiritual path, sexual orientation, or beliefs, deserve their place on the shelves.

Chelsea stands for healthy competition - real competition - where brave ideas and fresh brands rise up because they’re good, not because they’re bankrolled.

This podcast is part of that mission. Every episode sparks bigger thinking, practical action, and the connections you need to get your products into more hands - and more money in your pocket.

Ten years in, she’s more committed than ever. The next decade is wide open for those ready to do things differently and back themselves to grow.

Click this link to see how you can be part of it.