Short, factual answers to the most common questions about co-packing in Canada and the Baron Co-Pack platform. Updated: October 2026.
What is co-packing?
Co-packing (short for contract packing) means entrusting the manufacturing, processing or packaging of your food product to a specialized company, the co-packer. The brand keeps ownership of its recipe and go-to-market; the co-packer provides certified facilities, equipment and production know-how.
What is Baron Co-Pack?
Baron Co-Pack is Canada’s first bilingual food co-packing marketplace. It connects food brands with verified co-packers, suppliers and service providers across the country. Searching the directory and submitting a production request are free for brands.
How do I find a co-packer in Canada?
The fastest way is to use a specialized directory like Baron Co-Pack: filter co-packers by product category, region and certification, then compare verified profiles (capabilities, minimum order quantities, certifications, contact person). You can also submit a production request describing your product and volumes to receive matching profiles.
How much does co-packing cost in Canada?
Cost depends mainly on the product category, the volume and the level of finishing required. Most co-packers charge per unit or per run, sometimes with set-up fees, and impose minimum order quantities (MOQ) ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of units depending on the equipment. Golden rule: confirm the minimum per run AND the expected annual volume before committing.
Is Baron Co-Pack free for brands?
Yes. Searching the directory, comparing profiles and submitting a production request is entirely free for food brands. Co-packers, suppliers and service providers pay a subscription to be visible.
How much does a Baron Co-Pack membership cost for a co-packer?
Three plans: Starter (free: one descriptive listing; you see capacity requests but can’t reply), Growth ($79 a month or $790 a year) and Pro ($149 a month or $1,490 a year: unlimited listings, featured placement and the Baron Mag All-Access membership included). Annual billing gives two months free. Prices in CAD, before taxes.
Which certifications should a co-packer hold?
HACCP is the minimum for any food product. For major retail, most retailers require a GFSI-recognized certification such as SQF or BRC. Depending on the product: organic, kosher, halal or gluten-free. Food processing requires a provincial permit (MAPAQ in Quebec, for example); to sell across provincial borders or export, the facility must hold a federal CFIA licence under the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
Which regions does the directory cover?
Baron Co-Pack covers all of Canada, in English and French. As of October 2026, the directory lists more than 140 companies based in six provinces: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
What types of services can I find on Baron Co-Pack?
Three families: co-packers (beverages, contract beer canning, sauces and condiments, snacks, bakery, confectionery, freeze-drying, prepared meals…), suppliers (packaging, ingredients and raw materials) and specialized services (R&D and formulation, testing laboratories, HACCP and regulatory consultants, marketing and branding).
How do I become a member of Baron Co-Pack?
Registration opens to the public on November 1, 2026: co-packers, suppliers and service providers create their account online and choose a plan, and the team reviews every listing before it goes live. Until then, registration is by invitation. Companies that joined before November 1, 2026 hold founding member status.
Are the directory listings verified?
Yes. Every listing is reviewed before publication: the company’s existence, contact details, website and production information. Companies that provide proof (business registration, certifications, a call with our team) also earn the “Verified” badge. The badge can’t be bought.
What is the difference between co-packing, co-manufacturing and private label?
In co-manufacturing, the partner makes the product from A to Z to your recipe. In co-packing in the strict sense, you supply the product in bulk and the partner packages it (bottling, canning, pouching). In private label, a manufacturer produces its own recipes under your brand. All three models can be found on Baron Co-Pack.