Launching a new product line is hard work. It’s also expensive, especially for startups that may not have the up-front investment for all the equipment, raw materials, labor, packaging, and warehouse space required to create, store, and ship goods that may or may not resonate with the targeted consumers.
Knowing this, some companies turn to white-label manufacturers to achieve their goals. White-label companies make products under contract for other businesses that then apply their own branding and sales channels to deliver the goods to consumers. The practice is fairly common in the industry, as it’s a quick and relatively pain-free way to enter the market. Dispensaries wanting to add a house line or product brands hoping to add a new item to their catalog may find white-labeling an easy and cost-efficient way to reach their goal.
However, white-labeling is not without challenges. Brands are at the mercy of their white-label partner and may not have much control over quality or timelines. The competition also tends to be fierce, meaning many brands may be marketing the same product, so companies must find creative ways to make their white-label merchandise stand out.
There’s a white-label manufacturer for almost every kind of product imaginable. Some offer customization services. From flower to devices, here are a few working with cannabis clients.
Dopex
Vaporizer hardware — Founded in 2022
As a large-scale vaporizer and heating-element producer, Dopex can take products from concept through development, manufacturing, and packaging. The company manufactures disposable pens, cartridges, and an innovative dab pen that uses artificial intelligence to manage temperature control. Ceramic heating elements, medical-grade materials, draw-activation preheating, and eye-catching form factors make the products intriguing to consumers. The company is based in Shenzhen, China, so allow plenty of time for international shipping.
WHT LBL
Flower, concentrates, edibles, finished goods — Founded in 2017
Based in Colorado, WHT LBL is a vertically integrated multistate operator with cultivation, processing, and manufacturing facilities across several states. Providing flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and other infused products, the company is a popular white-labeler thanks to its passion for the plant and extensive quality control. WHT LBL’s clients include Wana Brands, High on Love, and The Green Solution.
Se7enLeaf
Flower, concentrates, terpenes, finished goods — Founded in 2018
Focused on the California market, Se7enLeaf is a licensed producer, contract manufacturer, processor, and distributor. With more than twenty years of experience in supply-chain solutions within the technology, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors, the company offers white-label services, co-packing, extraction, bulk products, terpene blends, and custom formulations. Se7enLeaf also provides hardware and consulting, making the company a useful resource for those with minimal experience in the industry.
Hemp Farms of New York
Hemp flower, CBD finished goods — Founded in 2018
Hemp Farms of New York (HFNY) provides both white- and private-label CBD products using biomass from its thirty-six-acre outdoor farm and 110,000 square feet of greenhouse space. The company operates FDA-registered and GMP-compliant facilities and can craft tinctures, capsules, topicals, bath products, and even pet treats. Bottling, packaging, and labeling services also are available for entrepreneurs seeking a turnkey solution. HFNY is one of the larger contract manufacturers, processing 1.5 million pounds of biomass and 40,000 liters of distillate annually.
CannaDevices
Glassware, smoking accessories — Founded in 2018
Offering a plethora of one-hitters, spoons, bangers, dab tools, grinders, and carrying cases, CannaDevices’ catalog is a literal one-stop shop for accessories. In addition, the company has partnered with leading brands including Dip Devices, My Bud Vase, Chill Pipes, and Jerome Baker Designs to assist clients who want to offer personalized products that already carry significant name recognition. The company’s Promo Pipes—standard glass shapes with custom logos baked on—are a particularly popular offering.
Cilicon
Vaporizer hardware — Founded in 2021
Cilicon manufactures a dizzying array of disposables, pods, 510 cartridges, and batteries. The company’s robust research-and-development team has built cutting-edge technology to enhance the natural flavor of the oils within, ensure a smooth draw, and prevent leaks and clogs. In addition to hardware, Cilicon handles filling and packaging and provides marketing resources and promotional support. The company is located in Shenzhen, China, so allow ample time for shipping.
Superior Molecular
Beverages — Founded in 2017
By utilizing cutting-edge extraction technology to create innovative ingredients and partnering with Minnesota-based brewer Bent Paddle to provide white-label services, Superior Molecular offers a solid option for brands hoping to cash in on the emerging infused-beverage space. With a combined twenty-five years of experience in food, liquor, chemistry, beverage manufacturing, and plant biology, the Superior Molecular team offers a nuanced perspective on seltzers, sodas, and tonics. (Full Story)