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About Eric Hofer
Expertise
Can answer questions related to the systems implementation, integration with SAP, training in processes, data conversion, design of processes for in-field operators to improve effectiveness. Areas I specifically know are: Pre-Sell, Tele-Sell, Route-Sell (Ex-Van), Vending, Settlement, Inventory, Invoicing, Credit Management, Marketing Equipment (Tracking, Service, Return on Investment), Despatch, Management Reporting, Systems Delivery)

Experience
Designed, delivered and implemented several system for multi-nationals (such as Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Walkers, Matutano) for the Back Office and In-Field (Customer Reps and Route staff). Have worked internationally for 20 years (Europe, Asia, and South America).

Education/Credentials
State University of New York NYU/Courant Institute of Mathematics

Past/Present clients
PepsiAmericas Pepsico Frito-Lay Pepsi-Foods Matutano Walkers Britvic Schweppes Mars Overseas Bottling FAURT (Hungary) ...

You are here: Experts > Industry > Maritime/Shipping > Distribution of Products > manufacturing and distribution channels

Distribution of Products - manufacturing and distribution channels

Expert: Eric Hofer - 10/28/2009

Question
Greetings Peter,
I would like to know, if you have info. on who I can contact that manufactures small runs on a health beverage. My budget is limited, so I'm looking for the right size company. I'm in So. California, so a company that's in the same region would work best for me.

Thank you,
Sylvia

Answer
Hello, THIS IS A FOLLOWUP... SEE END PLEASE !!!

I put a little bit of time into researching what's available in Southern California, but being remote and not knowing what you're doing, budget, recipe, etc. makes this a bit more problematic.

In the beverage industry lingo, what you're looking for is a "co-packer"; though a "bottler" or "jobber" might also be used. Consider this when searching.

Here's what I found so far:-

Some directory services:-
www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?cov=CS&what=bottler+southern+california&heading=55610646&loc=CA
www.bevnet.com
www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/idealmedia/bw0909/#/38
www.beverageworld.com
gourmetbusinessdirectory.com/

A couple of companies that, though they appear to do something similar (e.g. mineral water or oils), might be able to put you on to somebody else:-

www.goldendropbottling.com/
www.cbcwater.com - California Bottling Company, Inc

I saw a good idea as to contacting the FDA as they list companies that are licensed.

I also thought, perhaps a friendly enquiry to other companies in your market might turn up who they work with, for example:

www.frsplus.com

There's Nor-Cal (I guess that's not so near, and they might be now exclusive, but they seem prominent and apparently affable).

www.foodanddrinkdigital.com/Nor-Cal-Beverage-Company-Inc--It-s-a-family-affair_18935.aspx

And possibly, I stumbled on one company that might fit your needs; but there wasn't enough info to rate:-

www.triplehfoods.com/about.htm

When you've got the goods ready to go, your bigger challenge will be managing your sales force (as they'll be in the field most days), growing their capability and developing your client base. At that point consider www.salessuite.net, they provide coaching and systems that run over the internet (and in the hands of your in-field staff) that give you an inexpensive leg up to the capabilities normally the domain of the big players.

FOLLOW-UP....

I've spoken with a contact that can put you in touch with a co-packer in Southern California who has experience with RTDs and Concentrates. Email Grady Kittrell, the address is gkittrell [then the a t sign you know] usbeverageinc [and a period] com.

Good luck.

Good Luck,

Eric

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