How to find a supplement manufacturer in the EU.
The honest playbook. Skip the trade-directory rabbit hole and the Alibaba detour. Here's what works in 2026, based on Jake's network of EU contract manufacturers.
1. Write a one-paragraph brief
Format (capsules / gummies / powder / liquid), target MOQ, target landed cost per unit, key actives, certifications (GMP minimum, plus organic / kosher / halal / vegan if needed), target market (which EU countries), and timeline. One paragraph. CMOs ignore long briefs at the inquiry stage.
2. Decide: stock formulation or custom
Stock = existing supplier formulation under your label. 3–6 week lead time, lowest MOQ, lowest cost, generic. Custom = built to your spec. 8–20 weeks, €1,500–10,000 development, defensible product. Most brands start stock.
3. Pick a country shortlist
Germany for regulatory rigour and probiotics. Italy for softgels, liquids, and beauty. Spain for protein and gummies. Slovenia for low-MOQ capsules and custom. Poland and Czechia for cost. Don't shortlist more than 3 countries, you'll drown in quotes.
4. Get to 3–4 quotes, not 20
Twenty quotes look thorough but they're noise. Three to four verified, on-spec CMOs is enough to triangulate fair pricing and lead time. Quality of shortlist > quantity.
5. Verify certifications and request CoAs
Ask for GMP, ISO 22000, and any spec-specific certs in writing. Request a recent batch CoA for a similar SKU. Ask for two reference customers in your category. Real CMOs send these without friction.
6. Sample before signing
Sample fees of €50–300 are standard and usually refundable on first order. Test for taste, appearance, dissolution (capsules), stability under your conditions, and label compliance. Skip this step at your peril.
Red flags to walk away from
- • Refuses to share GMP certificate or recent CoA.
- • Won't quote until you sign an LOI or pay upfront.
- • Quotes 50%+ below market on a regulated active (red flag for sourcing shortcuts).
- • No physical samples available, only "documentation".
- • Vague on country of origin for raw materials.
Message Jake with your brief. He pre-filters his verified EU network and intros 2–4 CMOs that fit your spec, MOQ, and certifications. CoAs and references included.