Amino acids are the primary building blocks of proteins. They are widely used in various fields, including the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Amino acids are attractive and promising substances, which is why the demands for their production are constantly increasing.
Companies that lack sufficient resources to establish their own production can turn to contract manufacturers for this task. Amino acid production is becoming an increasingly popular method for companies to create their own brand. In this article, we will delve into the concept of private label production, where you will learn about its advantages, interesting facts, and the necessary steps to create your own amino acid brand.
Understanding private label amino acid manufacturing
Private label amino acid manufacturing refers to the production of goods by one company and their release under another company’s brand. This approach allows a brand to tailor the product to its target audience without the need to invest resources in its own manufacturing. Typically, the manufacturing company is involved in formula development, ingredient sourcing, and final product testing.
The human body utilises 21 amino acids for normal functioning, and the primary focus of production is on complex supplements. All amino acids can be divided into groups:
- Essential amino acids are those that our bodies cannot produce independently and must be obtained from food or specific supplements. This group includes eight amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan.
- Nonessential amino acids are those that the human body can synthesise independently from other sources. However, they can also be taken externally through dietary supplements. Examples of nonessential amino acids include arginine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, carnitine, ornithine, taurine, proline, and serine.
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential for muscle growth and rapid recovery after intense physical exertion. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are classified as BCAAs.
- Special-purpose amino acids possess specific properties for targeted purposes. For instance, taurine is widely used in beverages and functional products, while cysteine serves as an antioxidant in the food industry.
To release products and enter the market, the manufacturer must meet certain requirements and hold certificates that attest to the quality and safety of the products. The facility where the supplements are produced must adhere to sanitary norms and conduct raw material quality control. Each production site must have a quality control system in place to ensure that the product meets the standards for dietary supplements. Compliance with environmental production standards, including waste disposal, the use of eco-friendly components, and energy efficiency, is also an important requirement.
Benefits of private label amino acid manufacturing
- Strengthening control over the production process. Contract amino acid manufacturing allows the client to control every stage, from raw material selection and quality of the production process to packaging and labelling of the final product. If the amino acids produced do not meet the required quality standards, the client always has the option to terminate the contract with the manufacturer. Process control ensures the ability to maintain a high standard of quality, which is essential for the reputation of every brand.
- Increasing profitability. With this approach, you can directly profit from selling the product without investing in development and production. The purchase of equipment, renting premises, hiring employees, and paying salaries required a significant investment. By having your own brand, you have resources remaining for marketing tasks.
- Opportunity to differentiate your brand among competitors. Thanks to established production processes, you can obtain the finished product much earlier and focus on its market promotion. You can develop and promote your unique concept, implementing branding that helps attract customer attention.
Key aspects of starting a private label amino acid business
If done correctly, private label amino acid manufacturing can truly help elevate your brand to a new level. This concept refers to adhering to a plan for engaging with a contract manufacturer. Below are the main components, which may vary depending on the country of business launch and regional legislative norms.
- It all starts with developing a detailed business plan that includes research, sales strategy, finances, and business profitability.
- Ensure the availability of licences and permits for amino acid sales. Alternatively, prepare a document package and request them from local regulatory authorities.
- Engage in selecting a company with manufacturing capabilities. Pay attention to cleanliness, safety, and quality standards compliance.
- Specify the equipment owned by the manufacturer. It would be advantageous if they have the necessary tools for comprehensive amino acid production, such as mixers, reactors, filters, dryers, and packaging machines.
- Enter into contracts with reliable raw material suppliers that the manufacturer will use to produce your product. Be sure to test samples to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
- To stand out among competitors, develop an effective and appealing packaging for amino acids. You can do this independently or seek assistance from designers. Often, the manufacturing company handles comprehensive work, including the design of primary and secondary packaging.
- For quality control of amino acids, you may visit the production facility, even if it is located in another city or country. After all, it is about guaranteeing the quality of your product. Request laboratory testing and analysis at each production stage, starting from raw material receipt and ending with finished goods.
- Promoting amino acids in the market is as important as amino acid manufacturing itself. Develop a marketing strategy. Begin with researching the target audience, identifying the product’s competitive advantage, and exploring various sales channels, including online platforms and retail stores.
Interesting facts and trends in the supplement industry
Researchers discovered the majority of currently known amino acids after 1953 while searching for new antibiotics among microorganisms, fungi, seeds, plants, and fruits. They found the very first amino acid, called asparagine, in 1806. They associated the name of each amino acid with the source from which they isolated it. For example, they first discovered asparagine in asparagus, and they found glutamic acid in gluten from wheat. They named glycine for its sweet taste (glykys means “sweet” in Greek).
According to specialists’ forecasts, the average annual growth rate between 2022 and 2027 will be 6.23%. The demand for amino acids increased in 2019 due to the pandemic, leading to a growth in the market.
Manufacturers are currently dividing the market by type, application, and location. They are focusing on producing amino acids for food purposes, which will enable them to use the amino acids in the production of functional food and beverage products, enhancing their nutritional properties.
For instance, in 2021, Arla Foods Ingredients released a whey protein ingredient containing essential amino acids, targeting the South American yoghurt market. By using this ingredient, it was possible to increase the protein content in the product beyond the total amount, making it functionally beneficial for consumption.
Popular amino acid products and their benefits
Complex blends containing a combination of all the necessary amino acids are considered popular amino acid supplements. These include BCAA (branched-chain amino acids), glutamine, and arginine. Each component plays an important role in the proper functioning of the entire human body. We would like to remind you that before taking any supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor to consider all possible individual characteristics.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) have their own structural chains, which can consist of carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, amino groups, and carboxyl groups. BCAA chains are linked to three carbon atoms: valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The advantage of this group of amino acids is their participation in collagen synthesis, normalisation of metabolism, increased endurance, and stimulation of regenerative processes. BCAA supplements have minimal side effects. We recommend avoiding the intake of these supplements for those who have gastrointestinal tract issues, as well as liver and pancreatic problems.
Glutamine makes up approximately 20% of all amino acids in the body. Its functions include being an energy source for immune system cells, the intestinal mucosa, and the pancreas. Glutamine transports the toxic substance ammonia from stressed muscles, helps process it, and eliminates it from the body. Furthermore, it also improves heart function, boosts the immune system, aids in the treatment of gastric ulcers, and accelerates wound healing. However, before taking glutamine, it is necessary to consult with a specialist and adhere to the recommended dosage. Overdosing can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, increased stress on the kidneys and liver.
Arginine helps accelerate the post-workout recovery process, stimulates protein synthesis, neutralises the catabolic process, and promotes growth hormone production. Moreover, this amino acid stimulates insulin production and is also necessary for the production of creatine, which affects brain function.
When you follow the recommended dosage, you do not observe any side effects. Individual intolerance to the amino acid can manifest as nausea, diarrhoea, or headaches.
Conclusion
Successful private label amino acid manufacturing requires a good understanding of the market, high product quality, and an effective marketing strategy. If you properly organise the entire structure and manage the business correctly, you will be able to achieve success in this field.
