Find a Business Broker Who Knows Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing

Specialized brokers understand SQF certifications, FDA inspection history, equipment valuation, and co-packing contract risk — critical factors that generalists routinely miss.

Find Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Deals Without a Broker

Food manufacturing and co-packing businesses trade at 3x–5.5x EBITDA in the lower middle market. Successful transactions require brokers fluent in FSMA compliance, food safety audit records, customer concentration risk, and the nuances of transferring co-packing contracts and certifications to a new owner.

Types of Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Business Brokers

Food & CPG Industry-Specialist Broker

8–12% of transaction value; minimums typically $50,000–$75,000 for deals under $3M

Focuses exclusively on food manufacturing, co-packing, and CPG transactions. Understands SQF, BRC, HACCP certifications, FDA inspection records, and equipment valuation specific to food processing facilities.

Best for: Sellers with established co-packing contracts and buyers seeking strategic acquisitions in food production niches like organic, allergen-free, or private label.

Lower Middle Market M&A Advisor

8–10% of transaction value with retainer fees of $5,000–$15,000 upfront applied at close

Generalist M&A advisors handling $1M–$10M manufacturing transactions. Less food-specific expertise but strong deal structuring, SBA financing relationships, and buyer network access for broader manufacturer outreach.

Best for: Buyers and sellers prioritizing deal speed and SBA 7(a) financing expertise over deep food industry specialization.

Private Equity-Focused Food Platform Advisor

5–8% of transaction value; often engaged on a success-fee-only basis for platform add-ons

Works with PE-backed food platform companies executing roll-up strategies. Experienced in equity rollover structures and add-on acquisitions where the seller retains a 20–30% minority stake.

Best for: Owners of differentiated co-packers with specialty certifications seeking a partner-style exit with continued upside rather than a full cash-out sale.

How to Find a Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Broker

1Search IBBA member directories filtering for brokers with food manufacturing, CPG, or consumer products transaction experience and verifiable closed deal history.
2Contact regional food industry trade associations like the Grocery Manufacturers Association or your state's food processors association for referrals to M&A advisors with sector-specific experience.
3Request referrals from food safety consultants, SQF/BRC auditors, and food industry attorneys who routinely interact with brokers during co-packer due diligence and ownership transitions.
4Review closed transaction tombstones on broker websites to verify they have actually closed co-packing or food manufacturing deals — not just listed them — in the $1M–$5M revenue range.
5Post in CPG and food entrepreneur communities on LinkedIn or industry forums like FoodNavigator to identify brokers recommended by founders who have successfully exited food manufacturing businesses.

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Questions to Ask Any Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Broker

How many food manufacturing or co-packing businesses have you successfully closed in the last three years, and what was the average deal size?

Closed deal volume confirms real transactional experience. Brokers who only list food businesses without closing them lack the expertise to navigate FDA compliance issues or certification transfers.

How do you handle customer concentration risk when one co-packing client represents 30–40% of revenue during a sale process?

Customer concentration is the most common deal-killer in co-packing transactions. A qualified broker should have a clear strategy for managing disclosure timing and buyer concerns.

What is your process for evaluating and presenting food safety certifications, FDA inspection records, and third-party audit history to prospective buyers?

Buyers and lenders scrutinize SQF, BRC, and HACCP documentation heavily. A broker without a structured approach to presenting compliance records will lose credible buyers early in the process.

Do you have existing relationships with SBA lenders who have funded food manufacturing acquisitions, and which deal structures do you typically recommend?

SBA 7(a) loans are common in this sector but require lenders familiar with food equipment collateral and variable co-packing revenue. Broker lender relationships directly affect deal close rates.

Broker Red Flags to Avoid

Broker cannot name a single closed food manufacturing or co-packing transaction and pivots to general manufacturing experience when pressed for food-specific deal references.
Broker proposes valuing the business solely on a revenue multiple without addressing EBITDA margins, equipment condition, or customer contract transferability — all critical value drivers in co-packing.
Broker recommends disclosing the sale to major co-packing clients before a signed LOI and financing commitment, risking contract cancellations that could collapse the deal entirely.
Broker has no process for organizing FDA inspection records, food safety audit reports, or certification documentation into a buyer-ready data room before going to market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What EBITDA multiple should I expect for my food co-packing business?

Lower middle market co-packers with $1M–$5M revenue typically sell at 3x–5.5x EBITDA. Businesses with SQF Level 2+ certifications, diversified contracts, and documented SOPs command the higher end of that range.

Will my SQF or BRC food safety certification transfer automatically to a new owner?

No. Most food safety certifications require the new owner to undergo a formal re-certification or transition audit. Buyers should budget time and cost for this process; brokers should disclose it proactively during deal structuring.

How long does it typically take to sell a food manufacturing or co-packing business?

Expect 12–24 months from engagement to close. FDA compliance review, equipment inspections, and co-packing contract due diligence add time compared to service businesses. Sellers who prepare documentation early close faster.

Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to acquire a food co-packing business?

Yes. Food manufacturing acquisitions are SBA-eligible. Buyers typically contribute 10–20% equity, with SBA 7(a) covering the remainder. Lenders will scrutinize equipment collateral value and co-packing contract stability during underwriting.

More Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Guides

Buy a Food Manufacturing & Co-Packing Business →Valuation Guide →SBA Loan Guide →Due Diligence Checklist →Deal Structure Guide →Common Mistakes →Financing Options →

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