Milk Thistle Gummy Manufacturer for Private Label Brands

EUPHM operates four gummy depositing lines with a combined output of 12 tonnes per day. For milk thistle gummies, we run starch-moulded and deposited formats. Starch moulding suits pectin-based recipes and gives a softer, more translucent chew. Deposited gelatin lines produce a firmer, springier texture. Both formats accept a range of shapes: round, square, bear, leaf, or custom moulds. We bottle in 30, 60, 90 or 120 count HDPE or PET jars, with induction seals and child-resistant caps where required. Secondary packaging includes cartons, labels and shrink wrap.

Line changeover for a new milk thistle SKU takes 4 to 6 hours. That includes cleaning, allergen swab testing and first-article inspection. We schedule pilot runs of 1,000 to 2,000 units before full production to confirm texture, taste and silymarin uniformity. For brands scaling from one SKU to a range, we can run multiple fill weights on the same day if the base recipe is identical. Capacity is reserved in 2-week blocks, so lead times hold during peak season from August to November.

Milk thistle extract is bitter and slightly astringent. At 100 mg of 80% silymarin extract per gummy, the bitterness is noticeable in a plain pectin base. We use a three-part masking approach: a fruit juice concentrate blend (usually mixed berry or citrus), a natural flavour system with masking notes, and a small amount of citric or malic acid to round off the finish. For sugar-free versions, we use allulose or maltitol with stevia and monk fruit. The target water activity is below 0.65 to prevent microbial growth without artificial preservatives.

The extract itself matters. We source milk thistle extract standardised to 80% silymarin, with a silibinin content of 30% to 35%. Suppliers provide a certificate of analysis for each lot, and we verify silymarin content in-house using HPLC. For organic claims, we use certified milk thistle extract and organic tapioca syrup. Vegan claims require pectin instead of gelatin, plus vegan-certified colours and flavours. Halal certificates are available for gelatin-free and gelatin-based recipes respectively, depending on the certification body.

Every milk thistle gummy batch is tested for silymarin content, fill weight, water activity, pH, and microbiological safety (total plate count, yeast, mould, E. coli, Salmonella). We hold GMP, ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications. Our facility is FDA-registered for dietary supplements. For the EU, we provide documentation for novel food status of ingredients, allergen statements, and nutrition declarations. For the Middle East, we supply halal certificates from recognised bodies and shelf-life validation at 40°C/75% RH for 3 months, which supports a 24-month room-temperature shelf life.

Documentation turnaround is 2 to 3 working days after batch release. We provide certificates of analysis, certificates of origin, free-sale certificates, and product specification sheets. For brand owners who need stability data before launch, we run accelerated studies at 40°C/75% RH for 3 months and real-time studies at 25°C/60% RH for 12 months. Retain samples are kept for 2 years. If a batch fails any specification, we do not release it. That has happened twice in the last 18 months, and both batches were reworked at our cost.

Milk thistle gummies are typically packed in HDPE bottles with induction seals and child-resistant closures, in counts from 30 to 120. We also run blister packs (PVC/PVDC or alu-alu), stick packs of 5 to 10 gummies, and single-serve sachets. Bottle diameters and heights are standard, but we can tool a custom bottle at 10,000-unit MOQ. Labels are applied by wrap-around or pressure-sensitive applicator; we hold a library of stock bottle and cap colours to avoid tooling delays. For stick packs, fill weight tolerance is ±3%.

For the US market, we format the label to FDA dietary-supplement requirements: statement of identity, net quantity, supplement facts panel with silymarin amount per serving and % daily value where applicable, other ingredients list, directions, and the mandatory disclaimer. We do not write claims; the brand owner is responsible for structure/function statements and substantiation. Lot number and best-by date are inkjet-coded on the bottle base or label edge, and we can add a QR code linking to your batch COA. For EU retail, we follow FIC labelling and can include the nutrition declaration.

Cartons are standard 5-ply corrugated, with a maximum gross weight of 15 kg for manual handling. Pallet specification: 1200 x 1000 mm or 1200 x 800 mm, shrink-wrapped and strapped, with a maximum height of 1.8 m including pallet. We can print your Amazon FNSKU on the bottle label or apply a separate FNSKU sticker, and we can pack in Amazon-ready poly bags with suffocation warning. Retail compliance checks include barcode verification (GS1) and a label proof approval step before printing.

Packaging materials are food-grade and supplied with migration test reports where required. We can source recycled PET or glass bottles on request. For blisters, we provide a child-resistant option tested to 16 CFR 1700.20. If you are listing on Amazon, we recommend a 60-count bottle with a shelf-life of at least 18 months remaining at dispatch; we schedule production so that the remaining shelf life at ship date is at least 80% of total shelf life.

Sampling starts with a brief and a target dose. Lab samples are prepared in 7-10 working days and shipped by courier at your cost; you receive 2-3 gummies per flavour plus a draft COA. If you need a custom flavour or colour match, add 5 working days. Sample fees are credited against the first production order above 10,000 units. We do not charge for standard formulation advice, but custom extract blends may incur a development fee quoted case by case.

Mass production runs 20-35 working days after sample approval and receipt of deposit. The window depends on packaging: bottles are faster than blisters, and custom tooling adds 15-20 working days. We confirm a production slot on receipt of the purchase order and deposit; peak season (August to November) books 4-6 weeks ahead. For repeat orders with unchanged specification, lead time reduces to 18-25 working days. We provide a weekly production status report with photos at the pitting, depositing and packing stages.

Delivery is quoted EXW, FOB Shenzhen/Yantian, or DDP to your door. Air freight is 5-8 days door-to-door and suits pilot or launch orders under 500 kg; sea freight is 25-35 days to US West Coast, 30-40 days to Europe, and 12-18 days to Middle East ports. We palletise to your forwarder's specification and can arrange booking on request. For DDP, we handle import clearance and duties; you provide the consignee details and a valid importer of record.

Shipping documents include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, COA per batch, MSDS (GHS format), and a free-sale certificate. A phytosanitary certificate is not normally required for gummies, but we can obtain one if your destination asks. Halal certificates are available for gelatin-free (pectin) lines; gelatin lines require a dedicated run and a certificate from our supplier. We also provide a declaration of origin and, where applicable, a GMO-free statement.