Why Brands Are Shifting to European Private Label Manufacturers

Private label products are booming — especially in beauty, wellness, and fashion. But as consumer expectations rise, so do the standards for quality, speed, and compliance.

That’s why many brands are turning to European manufacturers. You get faster production, trusted certifications, easier communication, and fewer legal or tariff-related issues inside the EU.

The real challenge? Finding the right factory.

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Define Your Product Clearly

Before you contact any manufacturer, be specific about what you’re building. Most supplier issues start with vague briefs.

Outline the following:

• Product type (e.g. shampoo, t-shirt, supplements)

• Materials or ingredients

• Target markets and legal requirements

• Certifications (GMP, GOTS, vegan, etc.)

• Estimated order quantities

• Packaging and labeling needs

The more specific you are, the more likely you’ll receive accurate proposals.

Step 2: Choose the Right Country

Each European country has different manufacturing strengths. For example:

• Portugal: fashion and textiles

• Germany: supplements and industrial products

• Poland: cosmetics and packaging

• Italy: luxury goods

• Spain: skincare and apparel

Choosing the right region can affect both cost and production time.

Step 3: Use a Modern Sourcing Platform

Don’t rely on Google searches, outdated directories, or trade fairs.

Use a platform like NovaSupplier to:

• Browse verified private label manufacturers

• Filter by industry, capabilities, MOQs, and certifications

• Request quotes with a single project brief

• Compare offers, lead times, and terms in one dashboard

This removes the friction from the traditional sourcing process and saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Step 4: Request Samples and Evaluate Responsiveness

Once you’ve shortlisted a few suppliers, request samples. But also pay close attention to how they handle the request.

Evaluate:

• Product quality and attention to detail

• Packaging accuracy

• Responsiveness and communication

• Turnaround time

The sample process tells you as much about the supplier’s reliability as the product itself.

Step 5: Start Small and Structure Payments

Avoid sending full payment upfront to new suppliers.

Instead:

• Use milestone-based contracts (e.g. deposit, sample approval, production, final payment)

• Keep all deliverables documented

• Use platforms that support structured payment flows

This reduces your risk and gives both sides clarity throughout production.

Final Thoughts

Europe is full of high-quality private label manufacturers — but finding the right one takes more than luck.

Follow these five steps:

1. Define your product clearly

2. Choose a region based on strengths

3. Use a sourcing platform instead of directories

4. Vet suppliers with samples and structured proposals

5. Protect your orders with clear contracts and payment terms

How NovaSupplier Helps

NovaSupplier makes it easy for brands to connect with private label manufacturers in Europe.

You can:

• Search by category, capability, and certification

• Post your brief and get structured proposals

• Track quotes, samples, contracts, and payments — all in one place

If you’re ready to find your next private label partner, NovaSupplier gives you the tools to do it with speed and confidence.