FAQ
Planning your food sourcing project
What solutions does Cosmo Food EU offer?
Cosmo Food EU supports importers, distributors and food manufacturers with sourcing, private-label development, certification coordination, commercial negotiation and export management.
What types of products does Cosmo Food EU handle?
We work across dairy, cheese, frozen food, chocolate, oils, antipasti, ingredients, beverages and other retail and foodservice categories.
Do you offer both La Bottega Cheese and private label?
Yes. We offer La Bottega Cheese and coordinate private-label food projects across cheese and other categories. Product availability and project feasibility are confirmed for the selected manufacturer and SKU. If kosher requirements are part of the brief, review our kosher food sourcing and project route.
Is Cosmo Food EU a manufacturer or a sourcing partner?
Cosmo Food EU is a Milan-based food sourcing and project coordination partner. Production is carried out by the selected manufacturer. We coordinate the buyer brief, sourcing discussion, product and packaging workstream, documentation and commercial process according to the project. Read more about how Cosmo Food EU works.
What is the difference between private label, white label, contract manufacturing and co-packing?
Private label is a product sold under the buyer’s brand and may start from an existing format or a project-specific brief. White label usually refers to a more standard product offered to different buyers under their own brands. Contract manufacturing means a manufacturer produces to an agreed formula or specification. Co-packing focuses on packing a product or components under an agreed scope. The terms are used differently across suppliers, so confirm the exact product, production, packing, ownership and approval responsibilities in writing. See our private-label project route.
What does Cosmo Food EU coordinate, and what does the manufacturer confirm?
Cosmo Food EU coordinates the buyer brief and dialogue with the selected manufacturer, including product, samples, packaging, documentation and export considerations. The manufacturer confirms its production capability, specification, available formats, minimum quantities, lead times and documentation for the selected SKU and project. The relevant certifying authority determines certification matters where certification is requested.
Can you work with buyers outside Italy?
Yes. Our Milan office works with international B2B buyers sourcing food from Italy and Europe. Tell us each destination country and sales channel so that the selected manufacturer can assess the product, packaging and documentation brief. Feasibility is confirmed for the project.
Can we start from an existing product?
Yes, where a suitable route is available. An existing format can be assessed alongside your label, target market and commercial requirements.
How are minimum order quantities and lead times agreed?
They depend on the selected product, recipe, pack format, manufacturer and approvals. State the quantity per SKU and required delivery date in your brief. The manufacturer confirms feasibility, minimum production quantities and timing; changes to the recipe, artwork or pack may require a revised quotation.
Who confirms a product's certification?
The relevant certifying authority and the selected manufacturer handle certification matters. Identify the authority and standard accepted by your market at the outset. For product-specific kosher requirements, see our kosher project process.
Who manufactures the products?
Production is carried out by the manufacturer selected for the product or project. Cosmo Food EU coordinates sourcing and the technical and commercial discussion; manufacturing responsibilities and the contracting parties are agreed for each project.
How are contracts and payments handled?
Commercial structures vary by project. Where applicable, buyers contract and pay the manufacturer directly, while Cosmo Food EU coordinates the commercial and operational process.
What should I include in my first enquiry?
Share the product category, destination country, sales channel, indicative volume, preferred pack and target timing. Add any specifications, label requirements or certification needs already known. Our private-label development guide explains how to prepare a useful brief.
Can we arrange a meeting with your team?
Contact our Milan office to arrange a meeting. Our usual office hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00, local time. If you would like to meet at a food trade fair, ask us about confirmed attendance before making plans.