Independent Experts in
Food Contract Manufacturing

Whether you are an existing food brand or a newcomer, Cibus Nexum solves your outsourcing challenges with the best fit solutions.
  • Tackle your resource issues?
  • Reduce your time to  market significantly?
  • Need a qualified production partner ASAP?
Bringing in more than 75 years of experience, our food experts specialize in tailored outsourcing strategies and project execution. Helping you grow your food business.
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Marcello Murru
Marcello Murru
Cargill

“Collaborating with Cibus Nexum was a productive experience. Their organized and agile approach was evident throughout our project. They effectively utilized their network and were diligent in contacting potential candidates once our objectives were clear. I appreciate their commitment and professional handling of the tasks at hand. Working with Arjen and Stijn was both rewarding and insightful.“

Charley Molleman
Charley Molleman
Zuivelhoeve

“Working with Cibus Nexum has been a professional experience. The team brings reliability to the table and their solid approach gave us confidence from day one. A truly valuable partner."

Ton Abbenhuis
Ton Abbenhuis
Flower Farm

"Engaging with Cibus Nexum transformed our approach to food mediation. Their unparalleled expertise and connections with pivotal companies are invaluable. In a world of generic solutions, they stand out authentically."

Gardar Stefansson
Gardar Stefansson
Good Good

"Eager to launch my new food concept, I turned to Cibus Nexum. Their expertise, from the initial idea to the final shipped product, is unmatched. Their commitment ensured top quality within the fastest possible time-to-market. Truly transformative!"

Karin Marquering
Karin Marquering
Wholy Bones

"Cibus Nexum was swift, always accessible, and clarified all specifics. Their ‘stippenkaart’ was an excellent start, with the Oost NL voucher as a bonus. A truly knowledgeable partner."

Daphne Kolader
Daphne Kolader
Cups of Green

"I recently used Cibus Nexum's services and it was worth every penny! Their market knowledge and attention to detail stood out. The guidance was results-focused. I highly recommend them and will use them again as I grow."

some of our clients

Aware
Yarrah
Wholy Bones
Vivera
Topfit
Flower Farm
StarBucks
Cocoa
Good Good
Arla
Cargill
Creamy Creation
Cups of Green
Fiber Foods
Danone
Ecotone
Foodcase
Formo
Friesland Campina
Hochdorf
Dole
A. Food
Johnny Cashew 1
Max Bien
La Vie
Tasty Fish
Umiami
Salmon

Discover more about the topics

Agile Upscaling
1
Agile Upscaling
Innovative pathways
2
Innovative pathways
Make or Buy
3
Make or Buy
Plant based manufacturing
4
Plant based manufacturing
Private Label
5
Private Label
Waste valorization
6
Waste valorization

The FoodFlow Method

Discover the power of the FoodFlow Method - a revolutionary approach that transforms your food production. With this innovative method you optimize your processes, increase efficiency and achieve impressive results.

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Brand / scaleup

Supply chain & briefing
Scout & Engage
Trials, Quality & Commercial
Source, produce & launch
Design
Find
Onboard
Launch

Manufacturer

Business Development
Expertise & Market research
Develop & Negotiate
Collaborate & Launch

Curious about how the FoodFlow Method can lead your company to success? Download our whitepaper and discover the method behind this groundbreaking concept.

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Croissants

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Meet our experts

Stijn de Bats
Stijn de Bats
Managing Partner

Your Dedicated Expert in Food Production. Stijn de Bats is a veteran in the food industry, boasting over 25 years of international experience.

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+31 6 2139 7706
stijn.debats
@cibusnexum.com
Pascal Ruzius
Pascal Ruzius
Managing Partner

Your Trailblazer in Food Contract Manufacturing. Pascal Ruzius emerges as a seasoned connoisseur in the realm of Procurement FMCG and External Manufacturing, boasting a rich, international experience spanning over 25 years.

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+31 6 1090 5654
pascal.ruzius
@cibusnexum.com
Arjen van der Wijk
Arjen van der Wijk
Managing Partner

Your Swiss Army Knife in Innovative Food Production Management & Agile upscaling. Arjen stands at the forefront of innovation in the food industry, bringing to the table a profound expertise in outsourced food production.

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+31 6 5044 8865
arjen.vanderwijk
@cibusnexum.com
Henk ter Avest
Henk ter Avest
Senior Expert

Henk ter Avest, graced with an MBA in Business Administration, emerges as a luminary in the field, backed by more than 25 years of international experience.

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Lonneke Rijkmans
Lonneke Rijkmans
Senior Expert

Your Pioneering Expert in Food Technology and Business Innovation. Lonneke Rijkmans, with her rich educational grounding in Food Technology and Business Administration, stands as an embodiment of expertise and versatility.

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Pieter Tielen
Pieter Tielen
Senior Expert

Your Dynamic Expert in Business Engineering and Procurement. Pieter Tielen, an alumnus of the Technical University of Eindhoven (TUe) with a degree in Business Engineering, brings a wealth of over 20 years of international experience to the forefront.

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Jeroen Brockhus
Jeroen Brockhus
Senior Expert

Your Distinguished Expert in Chemical Engineering and FMCG Innovation. Jeroen Brockhus, an alumnus of the prestigious Delft University of Technology with a specialization in Chemical Engineering, brings to the table over 35 years of extensive experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

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Sabine Keizer
Sabine Keizer
Senior Expert

Your Accomplished Expert in Commercial Economics. Sabine Keizer, a seasoned professional in Commercial Economics, brings a wealth of over 25 years of international experience to the forefront, particularly in procurement for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and External Manufacturing.

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Gita Gregor
Gita Gregor
Senior Expert

Your Expert Innovator in Food Technology. Gita Gregor, a seasoned expert in Food Technology, comes with a rich tapestry of over 25 years of international experience in the food industry.

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Cindy Weber
Cindy Weber
Senior Expert

Your Visionary Food Concept Developer and Culinary Innovator Cindy Weber, an accomplished Food Concept Developer, comes with a wealth of over 25 years of experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

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Remco Breedt
Remco Breedt
SENIOR EXPERT

Your Strategic Mastermind in Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization Remco Breedt, with his solid foundation in Supply Chain Engineering, brings over 20 years of rich experience in the nuanced realms of Supply Chain management, logistics, warehouse management, order management, and planning.

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Arjen van der Wijk
Arjen van der Wijk
Managing Partner

Uw Zwitserse zakmes als het gaat om innovatief beheer van voedselproductie. Arjen van der Wijk staat in de voorhoede van innovatie in de voedingsmiddelenindustrie en brengt een diepgaande expertise in uitbestede voedselproductie met zich mee.

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+31 6 5044 8865
arjen.vanderwijk
@cibusnexum.com
Cecile Veerman
Cecile Veerman
Senior Expert

Your enthusiastic and experienced food innovation professional. Cecile has over 20 years of industrial innovation experience and she gets energy from removing roadblocks in innovation trajectories to realize viable agri, food and biotech innovations towards a more sustainable and healthy future.

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Raphaelle O'Connor
Raphaelle O'Connor
Senior Expert

Your Visionary in Food Innovation and Nutritional Solutions Raphaelle O'Connor brings extensive expertise in food innovation, nutritional product development, and functional ingredient solutions.

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Peter Roepers
Peter Roepers
Senior Expert

Innovator in Food Technology and Beverage Development Peter Roepers, founder of PREfresco Beverage Lab, is a food technology expert who uses his technical knowledge and passion for innovation to help companies create high-quality, safe, and shelf-stable beverage products.

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Jochem Wolthuis
Jochem Wolthuis
Senior Expert – German Market Strategy

Your Connector and Strategist for Dutch-German Food Market Expansion Drs. Jochem Wolthuis is a leading authority on the German food market, with over 25 years of experience connecting Dutch food companies to German retailers, foodservice providers, and importers. As founder and director of Duitsland Desk Agri, Food & Flowers, Jochem leverages a broad network of industry specialists and a hands-on approach to help businesses enter and thrive in Germany’s dynamic food landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find your answers directly!

How do I secure my IP when working with a co-packer?

Firstly, when collaborating with our clients, Cibus Nexum is used to arranging mutual NDAs to protect their IP.

Secondly, our clients value our independent position to start engaging with external resources and potential contract manufacturers anonymously, limiting access to sensitive details.

Last but not least, we help our clients design the best-fit supply and production chains that allow for IP securitization, preventing co-packers from replicating their products.

Our impartial approach ensures your proprietary formulas and processes stay confidential while enabling safe outsourcing.

Need expert IP protection? We’ve got you covered.

Are you an agent?

Cibus Nexum is not an agent or middleman. We are an independent consultancy managing E2E projects for our client, which may also include finding and approaching manufacturers. We can do that directly or through the GrowinCo platform.

In both cases, we will ultimately deliver a shortlist of validated and screened potential partners, and these companies will be connected directly to our client after NDA and clarification meetings.

What kind of support does Cibus Nexum provide in terms of innovation in the food industry?

Our team includes experts in food industry innovation. We offer insights into the latest trends, help develop innovative product concepts, and provide access to cutting-edge technology and methods.

How does Cibus Nexum handle intellectual property and confidentiality concerns?

We adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and ensure that intellectual property rights are respected and protected throughout our collaboration.

Can Cibus Nexum help in reducing time-to-market for new products?

Absolutely! Our managed services are designed to streamline the process from supplier matching to implementation, significantly reducing the time-to-market for your new products.


How does Cibus Nexum ensure a good balance between quality and cost?

We prioritize both quality and cost-effectiveness. Our extensive experience and network allow us to identify and collaborate with suppliers who meet high-quality standards while also offering competitive pricing.

What is the cost of Cibus Nexum's services?

Our services are competitively priced, considering the comprehensive solutions we provide. We focus on delivering value that exceeds the cost, including time savings, access to a wide network of suppliers, and tailored solutions for your specific needs.

More frequently asked questions

Meet Cibus Nexum

In 90 seconds

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7 Common Pitfalls in Food Contract Manufacturing

An Essential Guide for Innovative Food Brands

This whitepaper is totally different


  • No direct consumer marketing strategies for food products
  • No nutritional science and product innovation
  • No retail and distribution channel strategies
  • No consumer behavior and market research
  • No sustainability and environmental management in food production
  • No food policy and regulation insights
  • No technological advances in food production
  • No funding strategies for emerging food businesses
  • No international expansion and globalization
  • No crisis management and emergency preparedness

Revolutionize your food production

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Food Contract Manufacturing

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Cibus Nexum Blog

Your Insights Matter: Take Our Food Innovation Survey!

Your In­sights Mat­ter: Take Our Food In­no­va­tion Sur­vey!


Are you navigating the challenges of food innovation? You’re not alone. The journey from idea to commercialization is filled with opportunities—but also obstacles. More than 80% of food(tech) startups fail within five years. How can you be among the 20% that succeed?At Cibus Nexum, we’ve worked closely with food startups and scale-ups, helping them refine their roadmaps, optimize production, and overcome scaling hurdles. Now, we’re turning to you, the innovators shaping the future of food, to gain deeper insights into the industry’s biggest challenges.Why This Survey MattersYour insights will help build better support systems, funding opportunities, and networking platforms for food innovators like you.By participating, you:Contribute to a collective understanding of the real challenges food startups face.Help shape better industry resources and support networks.Get the chance to win a free consultation with our experts (75+ years of food industry experience!).What Is the Survey About?Our survey focuses on the hurdles that food tech startups encounter throughout their journey, from ideation to scaling and commercialization. By examining the challenges that innovators face, we aim to identify patterns and trends that can inform future support. Whether it’s regulatory compliance, supply chain management, or consumer engagement, we want to hear about your experiences and insights.Who Should Participate?If you’re involved in food product development, from concept to commercialization, we need your voice! We invite:Food tech innovators Startups & scale-ups developing new food productsFood & beverage brands looking to expandHow to Participate (Takes <10 Min!)Click here to access the survey → https://forms.office.com/e/ATbAaajph8It takes less than 10 minutes, but the impact could be long-lasting! Plus, as a token of appreciation, you’ll be entered into a prize draw for a free 30-minute consultation with our food production experts.Your Voice = A Stronger Food Innovation EcosystemThe food industry is evolving fast, and your experiences can help shape a more collaborative, resilient ecosystem. By sharing your challenges and insights, you’re not only helping yourself but also future food innovators who can learn from your journey.Take 10 minutes today to help drive meaningful change in food innovation. Fill the survey out now!Know someone in food innovation? Please share this survey with them!

01 February 2025
Webinar Series: Agile Innovation & Upscaling: Unlocking Success for Startups

We­bi­nar Se­ries: Agile In­no­va­tion & Up­scal­ing: Un­lock­ing Suc­cess for Star­tups

As a food startup founder, you have a lot to think about. Not least, using limited funds efficiently and finding a way to get your product onto shelves. This free 2-part webinar series on Agile Innovation and Upscaling has got your back to streamline your success. Experts Dr. Raphaëlle O’Connor, Director and Founder of inewtrition, and Arjen van der Wijk, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Cibus Nexum, have a combined 50+ years’ experience in food innovation and know what it takes to go from concept to putting a product on the market.During this series, Raphaëlle and Arjen will share their collective knowledge to equip you with what you need to know to get started on setting up your supply chain, working with co-manufacturers, and getting your food innovation on shelves.By joining this webinar, you’ll be able to accelerate your journey to the market while keeping costs low. Are you ready? Part 1: Thursday 14 NovemberIn the first webinar, we dove into the following topics:    •    What is agile upscaling     •    Finding the purpose – what’s your story?    •    Who is your audience – identifying your ideal clients    •    What are the challenges when upscaling?    •    Roadmap to launching: product to market and route to market    •    Deciding whether to make (produce yourself) or buy (outsource)?     •    Protecting your IP and/or recipeDownload the slidesPart 2: Thursday 28 NovemberDuring part 2 of our webinar series, recorded on Thursday 28 November 2024, we explained how you can leverage external expertise by collaborating with specialized consultants, such as Cibus Nexum and inewtrition, who can provide invaluable support throughout the product development lifecycle. These experts bring extensive industry knowledge, cutting-edge methodologies, and vast networks that can help mitigate various operational risks.  In the webinar, we covered risk mitigation strategies in detail, including: 1. Comprehensive Risk Register: Collaborating with seasoned professionals can assist in planning and conducting thorough risk assessments within the external supply network. This helps identify potential pitfalls in areas such as food safety, product quality, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance. A proactive approach allows companies to anticipate and address challenges before they escalate.2. Regulatory Compliance: The food and beverage industry is subject to stringent regulations. Working with consultants can help navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring that new products meet all necessary standards and minimizing the risk of costly non-compliance issues. 3. Quality Control and Product Consistency: Industry experts can implement robust quality control measures and help maintain product consistency across different production facilities, thereby minimizing the risk of product recalls and damage to reputation. 4. Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization: Cibus Nexum can assist in developing resilient supply chain strategies, reducing the risk of disruptions, and ensuring a steady flow of high-quality ingredients and materials. 5. Enhancing and Accelerating Innovation Processes: By adopting a structured approach to product development and leveraging proven methodologies like the FoodFlow Method offered by Cibus Nexum, companies can adopt a more efficient strategy, reducing uncertainties and minimizing the risk of project delays or failures.6. Real-Option Analysis: Utilizing advanced analytics platforms like In4sight® from inewtrition can provide leaders with actionable insights, enabling more informed decision-making and reducing the likelihood of costly delays or product failures.By viewing the webinar recording, leaders and decision-makers can gain valuable insights into how external experts can support their product development and innovation efforts. This knowledge can help companies: Streamline their development processes Identify and mitigate potential risks early in the product lifecycle Ensure regulatory compliance and product safety Optimize resource allocation and reduce unnecessary expenses Increase the probability of successful product launches We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, 28 November!Download the slidesMeet the expert speakersDr. Raphaëlle O’Connorinewtrition Founder and Director25-year F&B industry veteran working for household names such as Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, and Pfizer.  Leveraging a diverse network of partnerships and collaborators, Raphaëlle is now a global lead in customised & precision nutrition.raphaelle@inewtrition.comArjen van der WijkManaging Partner and Co-Founder of Cibus NexumYour Swiss Army Knife in innovative food production management, working with Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Kraft Heinz, Cargill, and Friesland Campina, among others. Passionate about connecting people and businesses, Arjen brings to the table a profound expertise in outsourced food production.arjen.vanderwijk@cibusnexum.comAbout inewtritionWe help companies improve their portfolios or develop new product ideas to meet consumer demands for healthier, functional, and sustainable foods. Our consulting services support businesses with scientific knowledge, food-tech expertise, and connections with a global network of industry-experienced specialists.About Cibus NexumWe’re reshaping the food production landscape. It’s all about connecting brand owners, retailers and producers through our FoodFlow Method to enable and champion food innovation. We are an innovative team of industry experts, deploying our 75 years+ experience to deliver our clients the best solutions. 

01 November 2024
EU Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control: A Guide for UK Food Brands

EU Reg­u­la­to­ry Com­pli­ance and Qual­i­ty Con­trol: A Guide for UK Food Brands

Expanding a UK food brand into the European Union (EU) presents exciting opportunities, but it also brings regulatory, labelling, and quality control challenges. The EU's food safety standards are among the strictest in the world, and brands need to ensure that their products comply with these regulations to succeed in the market. In this blog, we’ll explore the main challenges that UK food brands face in navigating regulatory compliance, labelling requirements, and maintaining product quality across borders—and how Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method can offer effective solutions to overcome these obstacles. The Challenges of Expanding into the EU 1. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting EU Food Safety Standards The EU has a stringent regulatory framework governing food safety. UK food brands must adhere to laws such as the General Food Law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), which sets out the general principles of food safety, hygiene, and traceability across the food supply chain.  Compliance with frameworks like Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is also essential to prevent and manage potential food safety hazards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, delays, or rejection from the EU market. You can learn more about the EU’s General Food Law on the European Food Safety Authority website. If your food product is considered a novel food, it will need to undergo a thorough safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Novel foods in the EU are those that were not widely consumed in the EU before May 15, 1997. These foods include new sources of nutrients, ingredients derived from plants or insects, or innovative production processes (such as nanotechnology). For a UK food brand planning to introduce a novel food into the EU market, the company must submit a detailed application, including scientific evidence proving the food's safety for consumption. Approval from the EFSA is necessary before placing the product on the EU market. Compliance with the EU's Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) is crucial to avoid legal and financial penalties. For more information, you can visit EFSA's Novel Foods page. 2. Labelling and Language Requirements  Labelling food products in the EU is a complex task, governed by EU Regulation 1169/2011, which outlines specific requirements for nutritional information, allergens, expiration dates, and other essential details, such as QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration). Labels must be provided in the official language(s) of each EU country where the product is sold.  These regulations are quite complex, and it is sometimes difficult to identify the correct interpretation. Failure to comply with labelling regulations can lead to fines, product recalls, or market access issues. Non-compliance with EU regulations has been proven to be a disastrous element in being successful when entering the EU food market. 3. Quality Control: Ensuring Consistent Product Quality Across Borders Outsourcing production to different manufacturers within the EU can pose risks to product consistency.  Variability in quality can damage your brand’s reputation and lead to customer dissatisfaction. Without stringent quality control systems in place, it’s impossible to maintain consistent standards across different production facilities.  How to Meet EU Food Safety Standards Food Safety Standards are notoriously stringent in the European Union, which can be daunting for a food brand looking to expand to the EU.  Cibus Nexum can help you ensure compliance with these complex EU food safety standards through our network of EU-based manufacturers.  By outsourcing production to these trusted partners, your brand can meet all regulatory requirements from the outset, avoiding the pitfalls of non-compliance. Our FoodFlow Method guarantees that every step of the production process—whether ingredient sourcing or final packaging—meets EU safety regulations. Compliance with EU regulations as well as quality assurance is one of the key topics throughout every step of the FoodFlow Method. This allows your brand to seamlessly operate within the EU’s regulatory framework and effectively derisk every regulatory and quality-related issue. Getting the Details Right on Food Packaging in the EU As a food brand entering the EU market, labelling can be overwhelming. Cibus Nexum can guide you through the labelling and certification process, ensuring your products comply with local language requirements and securing necessary certifications where applicable. By partnering with us, UK food brands can easily adapt their packaging to meet the specific labelling and marketing regulations of each EU member state.  Our expertise and network also ensure that your products are certified correctly (e.g. organic, gluten-free, vegan), giving you a competitive edge. For more information on EU food labeling regulations, visit EU Regulation 1169/2011. Cibus Nexum also anticipates regulations that will be implemented in the coming years, such as the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), which will probably be effective in 2026.  It is in our DNA to make sure we have expertise at hand, to ensure you will be compliant with these regulations as well.  Ensure Consistent Quality When Outsourcing Food Manufacturing Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method ensures that all manufacturing partners adhere to strict quality control standards.  Our process includes regular audits, quality checks, and real-time monitoring to ensure that products meet the same high standards, no matter where they are produced.  This not only safeguards your brand’s reputation but also guarantees that every product reaching the EU market meets customer expectations. Case Study: A Seamless Expansion into the EU by a UK Plant-based Dairy brand One of our clients, a UK-based plant-based dairy brand, was struggling to navigate the complex landscape of EU food safety regulations and labelling requirements.  They faced delays due to regulatory hurdles and were uncertain about how to ensure consistent product quality across multiple EU markets. By partnering with Cibus Nexum, they were able to outsource production to EU-based manufacturers who were familiar with local regulations and quality standards. We ensured their product labels were compliant with both French and German requirements, and we implemented robust quality control measures to maintain product consistency.  As a result, the company successfully expanded into the EU market, increasing its brand presence without compromising on quality. Conclusion Expanding your UK food brand into the EU comes with many complex challenges, but these can be navigated with the right partner and by engaging with the expert approach that Cibus Nexum offers. Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method simplifies the process, ensuring regulatory compliance, proper labelling, and consistent product quality. By partnering with Cibus Nexum, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of the EU’s food industry regulations. Ready to expand your brand into the EU with confidence? Contact us today to schedule an introductory call and learn how our FoodFlow Method can help you navigate regulatory compliance and ensure seamless market entry. 

19 September 2024
Streamlining Logistics for Food Brands Entering the EU

Stream­lin­ing Lo­gis­tics for Food Brands En­ter­ing the EU

Navigating the logistics landscape post-Brexit can be a daunting task for UK food brands seeking to enter the EU.The new regulatory framework, customs checks, and transportation challenges have significantly complicated cross-border trade. However, for food brands aiming to succeed, it is crucial to have not just the right transportation strategy, but an integrated supply chain management approach that covers everything from co-manufacturing to product launch.At Cibus Nexum, we understand that logistics is not just about moving products from point A to point B. It is about ensuring that every step of the supply chain—from production to final delivery—functions perfectly, particularly when working with outsourced co-manufacturers.That is where our FoodFlow Method steps in, optimizing every aspect of the supply chain to ensure on-time deliveries, quality control, and regulatory compliance. The Post-Brexit Logistics Landscape: Key Challenges 1. Customs Delays and Documentation The introduction of customs checks between the UK and the EU has caused significant delays in transportation, particularly for perishable goods.Ensuring that all documentation is in place and compliant with EU standards is now essential for avoiding these delays. 2. Cross-Border Transportation The movement of food products across borders comes with its own set of logistical hurdles, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive items like fresh produce or frozen foods.Ensuring that products keep their quality throughout the journey is especially important for maintaining customer satisfaction and brand reputation. 3. Supply Chain Coordination with Co-Manufacturers Logistics is not just about the physical transportation of goods.For brands working with partners in the EU, it is also about ensuring smooth communication and coordination across the entire supply chain. Aligning production schedules with transportation windows ensures that products are delivered on time and in optimal condition. 4. Partner Selection and Management: Aligning with Your Brand Goals Selecting partners in the EU who can uphold the same quality standards as your UK operation is vital for long-term success. Without effective management, there is a risk of misalignment, inconsistent product quality, or even supply chain disruptions.  Proper management is essential to ensure that these partners support your brand’s goals. How to Integrate Logistics and Transportation into the Supply Chain At Cibus Nexum, we believe that logistics should be treated as an integral part of the broader supply chain strategy, not as something separate. Our FoodFlow Method is holistic, ensuring that logistics and transportation are seamlessly integrated with production and partner management. 1. Designing a Logistics-Friendly Production Strategy In the Design phase of the FoodFlow Method, we work with your team to map out every step of the production and delivery process. This includes factoring in the logistics of transporting goods from co-manufacturers in the EU to your distribution centres. By addressing logistics early in the planning process, we ensure that transportation requirements align with production timelines and regulatory needs. 2. Finding Partners with Strong Logistics Capabilities During the Find phase, we help you identify the right co-manufacturers and ensure that these partners are equipped to handle the complexities of cross-border logistics. This includes selecting partners who have experience working with UK brands and who are familiar with the specific transportation challenges that come with Brexit-related regulations. 3. Onboarding Partners with Integrated Logistics Solutions In the Onboard phase, we go beyond basic partner selection. We ensure that your co-manufacturers have the necessary logistics infrastructure in place, such as temperature-controlled shipping and a deep understanding of the customs process.This means your products can move smoothly through the supply chain with minimal disruption. 4. Launching with Coordinated Supply Chain Management During the Launch phase, we focus on ensuring smooth collaboration between all stakeholders in the supply chain, from production to transportation. This close coordination helps identify and mitigate any potential issues before they escalate, ensuring that products reach their destination on time and in optimal condition. Case Study: A UK-Based Frozen Foods Brand One of our clients, a UK-based frozen foods brand, faced significant transportation delays when attempting to expand into the EU. Customs checks were causing perishable goods to arrive late, impacting product quality, and increasing costs. By leveraging the FoodFlow Method, we helped them streamline their production processes and align transportation schedules with EU-based co-manufacturers.  The result was a 25% reduction in transportation delays and a marked improvement in customer satisfaction across EU markets. Conclusion Post-Brexit, the complexities of logistics and transportation are only one part of the challenge for UK food brands. To succeed in the EU, brands need a fully integrated supply chain strategy that includes co-manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance. At Cibus Nexum, our FoodFlow Method ensures that every aspect of the supply chain is aligned, from production to final delivery, giving brands the confidence they need to enter the EU market smoothly and efficiently. If your brand is navigating post-Brexit logistics and requires a streamlined approach to managing your supply chain, contact Cibus Nexum today to learn how we can help you integrate logistics into your broader production strategy. 

Safeguarding Your Food Intellectual Property in the EU

Safe­guard­ing Your Food In­tel­lec­tu­al Prop­er­ty in the EU

Outsourcing production to the European Union (EU) can significantly boost the efficiency and scalability of your UK food brand.However, it also exposes you to intellectual property (IP) theft or misuse risks. When expanding into new markets, especially those with varying IP regulations, it’s essential to implement strong protection measures to safeguard your innovations, brand identity, and proprietary knowledge.This blog will discuss the challenges of protecting intellectual property when outsourcing production and how Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method ensures that your IP is protected at every stage of your EU expansion.Challenges to Consider1. Intellectual Property Theft When Outsourcing ProductionWhen outsourcing production, especially to external manufacturers, there is always a risk that your intellectual property—such as recipes, unique processes, or proprietary designs—could be misused or stolen.IP theft can result in unauthorized replication of your products, leading to lost revenue, reputational damage, and expensive legal disputes.2. Varying IP Laws Across EU Member StatesThe EU has a unified framework for intellectual property protection under the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), but individual member states may interpret and enforce IP laws differently. This inconsistency creates challenges when protecting your intellectual property across multiple EU countries.3. Weak Contracts Leading to IP MisuseIf contracts with your EU-based partners—such as manufacturers or distributors—are not robust, they may fail to protect your intellectual property adequately.Ambiguous clauses or lack of clarity on IP ownership can lead to misuse or even legal claims over shared ownership.How Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method Protects Your IPThe FoodFlow Method not only optimizes your production strategy but also includes measures to safeguard your intellectual property.Cibus Nexum ensures that your IP remains secure through legally sound contracts, partner vetting, and monitoring systems.1. Independent and Neutral ApproachCibus Nexum operates with complete independence, free from financial ties to manufacturers or suppliers. This ensures that all decisions are made solely in the client’s best interest, protecting sensitive intellectual property like recipes, processes, and designs from potential conflicts of interest or misuse.2. Vetting for Trustworthy PartnersWith our FoodFlow Method, we focus on identifying and managing relationships with trustworthy partners.Cibus Nexum performs in-depth due diligence to ensure that all potential partners have a solid reputation for respecting intellectual property rights. This vetting process reduces the risk of partnering with manufacturers or distributors who might misuse your proprietary knowledge.Cibus Nexum screens potential partners by reviewing their track records, industry reputation, and legal history concerning IP protection. This ensures that you work only with partners who value and protect intellectual property, creating a more secure production environment.3. Implementing Strong IP Protection ContractsWe, together with the help of our experts, can help you draft comprehensive contracts that include non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), non-compete clauses, and specific IP clauses that detail the usage and ownership of your intellectual property.These contracts ensure that all intellectual property, whether it’s a unique recipe, product design, or proprietary manufacturing process, remains the sole property of your brand.Case Study: Protecting a UK Brand’s Recipe During EU ExpansionA UK-based gourmet sauce producer, renowned for its unique recipes, sought to expand into the EU but faced concerns about protecting its intellectual property (IP). The primary risk involved safeguarding their proprietary recipes during outsourcing to an EU-based manufacturer, as IP theft could undermine their competitive edge.To address this, Cibus Nexum employed its FoodFlow Method to ensure IP protection at every stage of the process. Key strategies included:1. Comprehensive Contract Drafting- We created robust contracts with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and non-compete clauses to protect recipe confidentiality and prevent misuse by the manufacturer.2. Independent Partner Selection- Cibus Nexum’s neutral approach ensured the client was matched with a trustworthy manufacturer, vetted for their commitment to respecting intellectual property.By focusing on airtight contracts and careful partner selection, the client successfully expanded into the EU while maintaining full control over their proprietary recipes. This case underscores the importance of strong legal protections and unbiased oversight when outsourcing production in the food industry. ConclusionIntellectual property misuse is a risk when outsourcing production to the EU, but it can be mitigated with the right protections in place.Through Cibus Nexum’s FoodFlow Method, food brands can confidently expand into the EU while keeping their innovations and proprietary knowledge safe. From airtight contracts to trusted partnerships, Cibus Nexum ensures that your intellectual property is secure at every stage of the process.Contact Cibus Nexum today to learn how our FoodFlow Method can help you safeguard your intellectual property as you expand into the EU.

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