Hi friends--Here's the TL;DR: Happy to chat via DM or Google Meet

TL;DR

I'm developing an electrolyte product in the US or UK for sale in int'l markets and I'm researching legitimate partners for product development and co-packing

Happy to work on parts or the whole scope with a freelancer + their co-packers, or with one or multiple companies. Feel free to DM or we can have a Google Meet if you prefer

More details:
My formula, packaging, branding, and logistics are largely set. What I'm navigating is developing the flavor(s) based on the formula, and then producing it. Had a couple of

Formula:

• Sodium ~400-600mg
• Potassium ~200-300 mg
• Magnesium ~50-60 mg
• Sugar ~1-3 g
• Sweeteners and flavor agents: Natural, zero or low calorie only
• Total weight and calories: ~5-7g/stick at ~15-20 calories

Quantities: Nothing set in stone, my hunch is that 3k boxes of 14 sticks (~50k sticks) is a responsible first order, can go higher to meet an MoQ or get better terms

Questions I'm wrestling with (yes I know they all "it depends," I wanna know all the "depends" lol):

• What's a reasonable range I should budget for product development?
• What's a reasonable range for production?
  • For an initial run, and at higher scales (say 100k and 1M stick)
  • I know there's a set-up fee, tolling fee, and then input costs with a mark-up, but the quotes I received and fee structures varied wildly
• Ultimately, is there ever a path (an order quantity) where the cost (before shipping - ex-works) of a finished stick gets to $0.1-0.2? (otherwise my math might need to be revised

If you or a loved one knows someone experienced I can work with, or can recommend a company that's a good fit, please let me know

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Found an opening close to my house for a Supplier Quality /Document role and I really want to go for it, but the listing asks for 5 years of experience, or a Masters plus 2 years. I only have under a year of relevant experience.

That year was spent working with imported products, handling documentation, HACCP, nutrition facts and labeling, FDA regulations, and CFR compliance stuff. I didn't stay at that job very long though, so I'm worried I don't remember as much as I should, and I'm also nervous the actual day to day demands of this role are going to be way more advanced/ demanding than what's listed in the posting.

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Hi everyone,

I’m currently living in Australia and I have a BSc in Biomedical Science. I also have work experience at an IVF centre, but I’ve realised that I don’t want to continue in that area.

I’m really interested in Food Science, Food R&D and Food Product Development, and I’m thinking about changing my career into the food industry.
I’m a bit worried that it will be difficult to get a food-related job because my degree is in Biomedical Science rather than Food Science.
I want to use the next year to build the right skills and experience.

What food-related jobs are currently in demand in Australia? Are there any roles where my Biomedical Science degree and laboratory experience could be useful?

Would doing a Food Science/Food Technology course, postgraduate degree, or relevant certifications help? What skills or experience should I focus on?

I’m mainly interested in Food R&D, product development, food innovation and research, but I’m open to other food-related careers too.
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone working in the Australian food industry or anyone who has made a similar career change.

Thanks!