Last month we saw how your marketing strategy, timing and channel are integral to deciding which effervescent tablet formulation we develop for you. This month we explore the next step in that process the research and development (R&D) work.
Step 4: Formulation – Active Ingredients
In order to make your product stand out you may be interested in unique (perhaps even never before used) ingredients in your product. Opalbond have sourced proprietary amino acids, herbals and other active ingredients such as magnesium or iron in a chelated form, as well as superfood powders and vegetarian versions of ingredients where non-vegetarian is the norm.
Step 5: Formulation – Excipients, carriers, sweeteners and flavours
At this stage we also discuss the ins and outs of different sweeteners. Do you want cheap and cheerful with sorbitol, effective and generally accepted with sucralose or more natural and on trend stevia? Stevia results in a slower dissolution time, generally sucralose is the best compromise. We always develop using natural colours and flavours unless you have a particular reason why not to (i.e. cost). Flavours can be effective and popular such as the citrus, orange, grapefruit tropical or pineapple, or on trend and new such as rhubarb, ginger or elderflower. The choice can also be led by the ‘flavour’ of the actives in the product. If less salt is required, we can do this, if less ‘fizz’ is required, this is possible too and this will all be discussed with you.
Step 6: Development
Once the brief is clear R&D will send powder samples to be assessed for flavour and colour. Once you are 100% happy with the formulation, pressed tablets are supplied and signed off.
Step 7: Artwork
A full specification is supplied to you to ensure all the information which needs to be on your artwork is included (e.g. product ingredients/allergens etc). Artwork files and colour proofs are then sent and signed off (by you).
Then finally it’s a case of production based on your purchase order (typically 10-12 weeks from artwork sign off, sometimes a little longer).
And finally, its launch time!
The advantage of working with Opalbond is that we know the challenges of launching new VMS products and have extensive experience in this area, because we have helped our customers launch dozens of exciting new products since 2009. Having worked on 5 different Food supplement brands on the marketing side, I can personally say I’ve been there! This means that we understand the challenges for brand owners. Opalbond take as much pleasure in seeing your product on the market as you do. We hope to see you back soon placing your next order! Good luck!
Helena Hall