Private-label gummy launch checklist: what to prepare before requesting a quote

Most delays in gummy projects come from incomplete briefs, unclear target markets, artwork changes, and documentation gaps. This checklist helps brand teams prepare the information DAT needs to review feasibility and route the project accurately. It is not a guarantee of timeline; lead time is confirmed in the quote and depends on the production calendar at the time of order.

1. Define the commercial positioning Before any formula work, the brief should answer: what shelf does this SKU sit on, what is the brand promise, and what is the lead positioning angle. The formula route, the packaging format and the documentation set are all chosen against this answer — not the other way around.

2. Confirm target market and responsible operator Identify the primary distribution market and any secondary markets. Confirm which legal entity will be the food business operator on pack. The FBO responsibility shapes labelling rules, claim wording and notification scope.

3. Choose the formula route There are three working routes: - White-label: pick a reviewed concept from the public catalogue - Semi-custom: adjust dose, flavour or active stack within an existing matrix - Custom development: bespoke formulation, custom flavour, custom packaging

The earlier the route is confirmed, the faster the rest moves.

4. Prepare active ingredient priorities A short, ordered list of actives — must-haves vs nice-to-haves — beats a long wishlist. Active selection is reviewed against gummy compatibility (taste, dose loading, heat profile) and against the target market's regulatory framework.

5. Review claims and label wording early Final on-pack claim wording is reviewed per project against the relevant target-market framework — for the EU and UK that means EU 1924/2006 and the authorised list under EU 432/2012. Bring any wording you already need to honour into the brief; do not assume claims will pass review until the project review has run.

6. Choose the packaging format PET bottle, doypack and sachet sit on a separate axis from positioning. Sachet configuration in particular is confirmed per project — including gummies per sachet, sachets per unit, film, outer packaging and logistics. Pack format influences MOQ and the documentation set.

7. Prepare artwork and dieline requirements Artwork direction (brand guidelines, hero positioning, on-pack hierarchy) and the right dieline for the chosen pack format make the artwork stage shorter. Send what you have — even early — so the spec sheet and the artwork can be reviewed in parallel.

8. Confirm target quantity and MOQ tier Indicative quantity for the launch window plus a forecast for the first few months helps DAT confirm route, packaging and the right MOQ tier. White-label runs from 1,000 units; semi-custom from 2,500; fully custom from 5,000+.

9. Understand documentation by stage Documents are released through their own gates: specification before production; label and claims review against the target-market framework; batch-specific Certificate of Analysis after production and QC release; packaging documents per project. Nothing is downloadable from the public site — the project workspace lives in the DAT portal.

10. Plan samples and production approval Samples are arranged once the brief and the spec are locked. Sample format depends on packaging and any custom flavour or colour work. The sample stage includes a sensory review before the formula is signed off.

11. Plan launch stock and reorder timing A first-order plan that accounts for the production calendar, raw-material lead times and the target launch window is more useful than a rule-of-thumb buffer. Reorder timing is confirmed during the project — DAT can support forecast review for repeat orders.

The earlier the brief covers steps 1–6, the faster the rest of the project moves through its gates.