Soft candy customization process

I. Demand Communication and Scheme Confirmation (1–3 days)

Clarify core parameters: shape / size (existing molds or 3D mold-making), flavor / taste (fruit flavor, acidity and sweetness, softness and hardness), specifications (single particle weight, single bag quantity), functions (vitamins, probiotics, low sugar / no sugar).

Factory assessment: feasibility, minimum order quantity (MOQ), delivery time, quotation, confirmation of compliance (SC, nutrition label).

II. Mold Development + Formula Research (5–7 days)

Mold: Select existing molds (cost-effective and quick) or 3D modeling and printing customization (IP / special shape), need to assess demolding and detail completeness.

Formula:

Base: gelatin (good elasticity) / pectin (plant-based) / agar (crispy texture).

Flavor: natural flavoring + color, adjustable acidity, hardness, transparency.

Functions: add vitamins, probiotics, herbal ingredients (microcapsules to protect activity).

III. Sample Making and Confirmation (3–7 days, critical)

Prototype: basic taste, color, shape, rapid verification of feasibility.

Revision prototype: adjust sweetness, acidity, hardness, multiple iterations possible.

Final prototype: confirm formula + mold + packaging, seal sample for retention, sign contract (confidentiality, intellectual property, delivery time).

IV. Mass Production (7–15 days)

Raw material procurement and inspection: colloids, sugar, color, flavoring, etc., pesticide / microbial / heavy metal testing.

Syrup boiling: 140–150℃ vacuum boiling sugar, control concentration and moisture content, determine the softness and elasticity of the candy.

Pouring molding: automatic injection molding, cooling and shaping for 2–4 hours, temperature control to prevent bubbles / cracks.

Drying: constant temperature and humidity drying for 12–24 hours, anti-sticking, anti-mold.

Screening: eliminate defective, bubble, color difference products.

Quality control: microbial, water activity, texture, sensory inspection.

V. Packaging Design and Delivery (3–7 days)

Packaging: custom bags / boxes / bottles, design LOGO, labels (SC, ingredient list, nutrition label).

Post-processing: polishing, coating with sugar, individual packaging, external box printing.

Delivery: after qualified inspection, ship, provide inspection report + traceability.

Cycle and Cost Reference

Cycle: sample making 5–7 days + mass production 7–15 days + packaging 3–7 days, total approximately 15–30 days.

Cost: mold development fee (custom molds) + formula research fee (customized products) + production + packaging + freight; using existing molds can save mold development fee and shorten the cycle.

Custom Tips

Small batch (5k–10k candies): prioritize existing molds + mature formulas, fast and cost-effective.

Big brands / IP: 3D mold-making + exclusive formula, communicate copyright and confidentiality agreement in advance.

Healthy products: choose pectin / plant-based, low sugar / no sugar, add functional ingredients.