Astaxanthin Gummy Manufacturer for Global Brands

Our Guangdong plant runs four starch-mogul and depositing lines for pectin, gelatin and vegan gummy bases. For astaxanthin, we use a low-temperature depositing process that keeps the carotenoid below 60°C. Each line produces 1.2 to 1.8 tonnes of finished gummies per shift, equal to roughly 300,000 to 450,000 units depending on piece weight. Typical astaxanthin gummy weights range from 2.2 g to 3.5 g.

We offer custom shapes, colours and flavours. Astaxanthin naturally gives a red-orange hue, so we can avoid synthetic colours. Packaging options include 30, 60, 90 and 120-count bottles, plus single-serve sachets. We also run blister packs and stick packs for travel retail. Changeover between SKUs takes 4 to 6 hours, which keeps small runs economical.

Astaxanthin oleoresin is oil-soluble and prone to oxidation. We micro-encapsulate it with a starch or protein matrix before adding it to the gummy syrup. This improves dispersion and protects the active during cooking and drying. We also add mixed tocopherols or rosemary extract as antioxidants. Typical overage is 10-20% to meet label claim at end of shelf life.

Taste is the other challenge. Astaxanthin has a mild marine note. We mask it with natural berry, citrus or tropical flavours and a small amount of citric acid. For vegan gummies, we use pectin and tapioca syrup. For gelatin, we use porcine or bovine sources. We test each batch for active content, texture and water activity before release.

Every astaxanthin gummy batch is tested for potency, microbial safety, heavy metals and water activity. We hold GMP, ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications. Our facility is FDA-registered. For halal claims, we source certified gelatin and run dedicated production slots. Organic and non-GMO project verification are available on request.

We ship from Shenzhen and Hong Kong ports. Standard export documents include certificate of analysis, certificate of origin, health certificate and MSDS. We can arrange DDP delivery to the US, EU, UK and GCC countries. Lead times for repeat orders are 20-25 working days. We also provide stability data for 24-month shelf life at 25°C/60% RH.

Every astaxanthin gummy batch is tested at three stages: incoming raw material, in-process gel mass, and finished product. Astaxanthin oleoresin is assayed for astaxanthin content by HPLC (target 5% or 10% oleoresin), identity by UV-Vis spectrum, and microbial load. Gelatin or pectin, sweeteners and flavours are released against COA and in-house microbial screening. In-process checks cover Brix, pH, setting temperature and gummy weight uniformity at ±5%. Finished gummies are held for full release testing before any carton is sealed for export.

Finished-product testing covers astaxanthin potency (HPLC, typically 90-110% of label claim at release), microbials (total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and disintegration time (target under 30 minutes for gelatin, under 60 minutes for pectin). Where the label claims vegan or halal, we verify the absence of animal-derived excipients and run a separate line clearance record. Each batch has a retained sample of at least 200 g stored at 25°C/60% RH for the full shelf life plus six months.

The Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued with each batch lists batch number, production date, expiry date, astaxanthin content, microbial results, heavy metals, disintegration, appearance, and a statement of conformity to the agreed specification. We also provide a specification sheet, MSDS and, where required, a free-sale certificate. Stability is monitored on the first three production batches at 25°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH for 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, tracking astaxanthin retention, colour, texture and microbial status. Accelerated data at 40°C supports the 24-month ambient claim before real-time data is complete.

Astaxanthin gummies are packed in HDPE bottles (60, 90 or 120 count), PET jars, blister packs, stick packs or single-serve sachets. Bottles are induction-sealed, then fitted with a child-resistant or standard cap as required by the destination market. Desiccant is added where the gummy is pectin-based and humidity-sensitive. Cartons are printed to your artwork with lot number and expiry date inkjet-coded on the base and the bottle label. We can apply Amazon FNSKU labels, polybag and bubble-wrap for e-commerce, or retail-ready shelf trays for club stores.

For the US market, we format the label to include the Supplement Facts panel, serving size, astaxanthin amount per gummy, other ingredients, allergen statement, and the FDA disclaimer. We do not write the label for you, but we check that the panel matches the formula and that the net quantity and storage statement are present. For EU and UK, we align to the relevant nutrition and health claims rules and include the food business operator address. Lot and expiry coding follows your agreed format, typically Julian date plus line code, and is recorded on the batch packaging record.

Carton and pallet specifications are agreed before production: standard export carton is 5-ply, with 12 to 24 bottles per carton depending on count, and 40 to 48 cartons per pallet. We provide carton dimensions, gross and net weight, and pallet configuration for your freight forwarder. For Amazon and other marketplaces, we can print and apply FNSKU labels, pack in Amazon-compliant polybags with suffocation warning, and prepare FBA shipment labels. Retail compliance checks cover barcode scannability (UPC/EAN), country of origin marking, and any market-specific warnings such as California Proposition 65 if you request it.

Sampling starts with a brief and a target dosage, typically 2 mg to 12 mg astaxanthin per gummy. We provide a sample timeline of 7 to 10 working days for a standard pectin or gelatin base with your chosen flavour and colour. If you need a new flavour or a vegan pectin system with a specific texture, allow 10 to 15 working days. Samples are sent by courier at your cost, with a preliminary specification and a draft label for review. Sample approval in writing triggers the production slot.

Mass production runs 20 to 35 working days after sample approval and receipt of deposit, depending on whether the line is already scheduled. 1,000 units per SKU are possible for market testing, while retail bottling runs typically start at 1,000 units per SKU. We confirm the production window in the proforma invoice. For repeat orders with unchanged formula and packaging, the window can shorten to 18 to 25 working days. We do not quote a lead time we cannot hold, and we notify you in writing if a raw material delay affects the schedule.

Delivery terms are EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, or DDP to your warehouse for selected markets. Sea freight is standard for full pallets and takes 25 to 40 days depending on destination port; air freight is used for samples and urgent launches at higher cost. Documents provided with each shipment include the commercial invoice, packing list, COA, MSDS, and a free-sale certificate where the destination requires it. Phytosanitary certificates are not normally applicable to gummies, but we can arrange them if your import broker requests. We also support your customs broker with product classification and ingredient breakdown.