Co-packers take on intermediary role between suppliers and brands

European suppliers of machinery and materials are increasingly relying on contract packers to bring the benefits of their products to the attention of food brands.

A new co-operation agreement between board producer Stora Enso and Budelpack is a case in point. Powders and solids can now be filled into airtight paperboard cups in sizes between 125ml and 750ml on the co-packer's Dutch food site. Jalliina Järvinen, manager for food solutions at Stora Enso, says: "Many brands want to have a testing place for their products, and start small without making a major investment."

Debbie Hayler, national account manager at Budelpack March in the UK, says: "Brands are looking much harder at a focus on core manufacturing, and in other areas want cost-effective routes without staff or other overhead costs."

Budelpack March is understood to be filling the new squeezable Marmite pack for Unilever.