Private-label gummy launch checklist
The decisions and documentation gates a brand team moves through from concept to launch. Use this checklist to identify where you are in planning and what is still open.
What this checklist covers
- → Five project stages — Concept, Brief, Formulation, Specification, Production
- → Gate criteria and documentation deliverables at each stage
- → MOQ thresholds by route (white-label, semi-custom, custom)
- → Claim review process and when it runs relative to the formulation gate
- → Sachet format flag — sachet requires a pre-specification feasibility review
- → The documentation package — what it contains and when it is released
Who this is for
- → Brand teams at the start of a private-label gummy project
- → Founders mapping out the steps from concept to production
- → Operators auditing their current supplier process
- → Category managers reviewing project timelines before committing to a launch window
Working through the checklist and need a specific answer?
Drop your work email and a DAT team member will follow up with the right context for your project stage and target market.
The five project gates
Concept
- Define target market(s): EU, UK, US, or multi-country
- Confirm product concept: category, active ingredients, format (bottle / doypack / sachet)
- Review minimum order quantities by route: white-label ≥ 1,000 units; semi-custom ≥ 2,500 units; custom ≥ 5,000 units
- Identify the active ingredient stack — which ingredients, what dose anchors
- Flag any ingredients with Novel Food or GRAS considerations early
Brief
- Complete the DAT project brief: route, format, target market, quantity range
- Submit artwork brief or brand guidelines if semi-custom or custom route
- Confirm label language requirements for each target market
- Agree the claims positioning — structure-function or health claim (EFSA 432/2012 for EU)
Formulation
- Select formula (white-label), matrix adjustment (semi-custom) or define bespoke requirements (custom)
- DAT confirms gummy compatibility and format feasibility — sachet requires additional review
- Review pilot or prototype sample for organoleptic and visual acceptance
- Confirm active ingredient dose against the target market framework
Specification
- Receive product specification document — confirms formula, packaging, label artwork requirements
- Review claims wording against the EFSA authorised list (EU) or DSHEA framework (US)
- Confirm packaging dieline and artwork proofing route
- Sign specification — this gate locks the formulation before production
Production
- DAT issues batch manufacturing order — production scheduling confirmed per MOQ tier
- In-house quality team reviews the production run against the signed specification
- Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis issued post-production
- Documentation package released through the DAT portal project workspace
MOQ note: White-label starts at 1,000 units per SKU. Semi-custom starts at 2,500 units. Custom starts at 5,000 units. Sachet format requires a pre-specification feasibility review regardless of quantity. DAT confirms format feasibility before the specification is signed.
How to use this checklist
Work through the stages top to bottom. Each completed stage gives you the inputs for the next gate. The DAT team reviews your brief and confirms which stages can run in parallel (e.g. artwork and formulation review can overlap on a tight timeline) and which must be sequential.
If you are early in concept — before a formal brief — start at the top. The checklist helps you identify what is already decided and what still needs resolution before approaching a manufacturer.
Ready to start a project?
The DAT project wizard takes the brief and routes it through the right manufacturing gate. Pick the route that matches where you are in planning.