Zinc Gummy Manufacturer for Private Label Brands

Our Guangdong plant runs four depositing lines for gummies. Two are dedicated to pectin and two to gelatin and starch-moulded formats. Zinc gummies are typically deposited into 3.5 g to 5.0 g pieces. Line capacity is 1.2 to 1.8 tonnes per shift, which works out at 240,000 to 360,000 gummies per 8-hour shift depending on piece weight. We bottle in 30, 60, 90 and 120 count HDPE or PET jars, and can also run blister packs and stick packs.

Zinc is usually a secondary active in a multi-ingredient gummy. Common pairings include vitamin C, elderberry, echinacea, vitamin D3 and quercetin. We can run two-actives-in-one-piece or split into a layered gummy. For a single-ingredient zinc gummy, the main formulation decision is the zinc salt. Citrate and picolinate give the best absorption-to-taste ratio in our experience. Oxide is cheaper but harsher on the palate. Bisglycinate is the premium option and the easiest to mask.

Zinc has a low taste threshold. At 10 mg per 3.5 g gummy, most panels pick up a metallic note within 2 seconds. We counter this with a three-part approach. First, we use a coated or microencapsulated zinc where the dose allows. Second, we adjust the acid blend, usually citric to malic at a 2:1 ratio, to push the finish forward. Third, we add a masking system based on natural flavours and a small amount of sodium citrate. The target is a clean fruit finish with no lingering metal after 5 seconds.

Stability is the second constraint. Zinc itself is stable, but it can catalyse colour fade in anthocyanin-based systems such as elderberry or acai. We run 3-month accelerated stability at 40°C and 75% RH, plus 12-month real-time at 25°C. For a zinc plus elderberry gummy, we typically switch to a beta-carotene or caramel colour to avoid fade. Water activity is kept below 0.65 to protect texture and prevent microbial growth. Every batch is tested for zinc assay, uniformity and dissolution.

The facility holds GMP, ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications. We can produce halal, vegan and zinc gummies on request. Organic certification applies to the full bill of materials, so the zinc salt and any carrier must be on the approved list. We are an FDA-registered facility, which allows us to export to the US without a prior establishment inspection. Each shipment includes a certificate of analysis, a specification sheet and a allergen statement.

Lead times are 20-35 working days for mass production after sample sign-off. That covers ingredient procurement, blending, depositing, curing, bottling and QC release. We ship FOB Shenzhen or Yantian, or EXW if you prefer to arrange your own freight. Air freight to the US or EU typically takes 5-8 days. Sea freight takes 28-35 days. We provide full export documentation, including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and health certificate.

Every zinc gummy batch is tested at three points: incoming raw material, in-process, and finished goods. Zinc salts are verified for identity and assay by ICP-OES or titration before release to production. Pectin and gelatin are checked for bloom strength and microbial load. Finished gummies are tested for potency (elemental zinc per piece), microbials (total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and disintegration time. Testing follows USP methods where applicable, and each batch has a retained sample held for 24 months.

The certificate of analysis (COA) issued with each batch lists the product name, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, zinc form and dose per gummy, and the test results against specification. It also names the testing laboratory and the methods used. If your market requires it, we can include a statement of allergen status and a declaration that the product is free from specified substances. COAs are issued in PDF and can be batch-linked to your purchase order for traceability.

Stability follows a standard protocol: accelerated conditions at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for six months, with checks at zero, one, two, three and six months. Real-time studies at 25°C and 60% relative humidity run in parallel for 24 months. Parameters tracked are appearance, texture, zinc potency, moisture content, and microbial count. Results are used to set the shelf life printed on the label, typically 18 to 24 months from production when stored below 25°C in a sealed container.

Retention samples from each batch are stored at the factory for 24 months under controlled conditions. If a customer reports a discrepancy, the retained sample is pulled and tested against the original COA. We also keep production records including batch sheets, ingredient weigh records, and in-process checks for three years. These documents are available for audit by appointment, and we can provide a quality agreement covering testing frequency, specification limits, and deviation notification.

Zinc gummies can be packed in HDPE bottles, PET bottles, blister packs, stick packs, or single-serve sachets. Bottles are the most common for private label: 60, 90, 120, or 180 count, with induction seals and child-resistant or standard caps. Blisters suit pharmacy channels and sample packs. Stick packs and sachets are used for travel or subscription formats. We can supply the primary packaging or work with your nominated supplier, and we keep a library of stock bottle moulds to reduce tooling cost.

For the US market, labels must include the supplement facts panel with zinc dose per serving, other ingredients, allergen statement, and the standard dietary supplement disclaimer. We can draft the label from your formula and provide a print-ready PDF for your approval. Lot number and expiry date are inkjet-printed on the bottle and outer carton. We recommend a best-by date format that matches your market, such as MM/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY, and we can add a QR code linking to your certificate of analysis.

Cartons are specified to survive export handling. A standard export carton holds 12 to 24 bottles, depending on count, and is marked with product name, lot, quantity, gross weight, and country of origin. Pallets are loaded at 1,000 to 1,200 kg per pallet and shrink-wrapped. For Amazon FBA, we can apply FNSKU labels and poly-bag units where required, and we can pack to Amazon's carton weight and dimension limits. Retail compliance for EU markets includes the address of the food business operator and a nutrition declaration where applicable.

We do not print labels in-house; we coordinate with your label printer or a approved local printer. Artwork approval is a formal step: you sign off a PDF proof before printing, and we retain the approved artwork with the batch record. If you need a dieline or a bottle template, we provide it at sampling stage. Packaging changes after mass production starts can add 5 to 10 working days, so we recommend finalising packaging and label copy before the sample is signed off.

Sampling starts with a brief: zinc form, dose, base, flavour, colour, and target market. We send a sample proposal within two working days, then produce samples in 7 to 10 working days. The sample pack includes the gummy in your chosen base, a draft specification, and a preliminary COA. If you need a second round after tasting, allow another 7 working days. Sample costs are credited against the mass production order when it is placed.

Mass production runs 20 to 35 working days after sample sign-off and deposit receipt. The lower end applies to standard formulations and stock packaging; the upper end applies to custom colours, flavours, or packaging that requires printing. We send a production schedule at order confirmation and a pre-shipment notification with photos and the finished COA. Final payment is due before shipment unless agreed otherwise. We accept T/T and can discuss L/C for larger orders.

Shipping is by air or sea. Air freight from Guangdong to the US or EU takes 5 to 8 days door to door and suits pilot runs or urgent replenishment. Sea freight takes 25 to 35 days port to port, or 35 to 45 days door to door with customs clearance. We quote EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and DDP for select destinations. DDP includes duties and customs clearance but requires a valid importer of record and product compliance in the destination market.

Documents provided with each shipment include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, certificate of analysis, and material safety data sheet (MSDS). For markets that require it, we can arrange a free-sale certificate, certificate of origin, and phytosanitary certificate for plant-derived ingredients such as pectin. We do not provide halal certificates directly; these are issued by third-party certification bodies, and we can support the audit process if you are pursuing certification for your brand.