The Contract Packaging Association (CPA) and the Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions (F4SS) have formally merged in a strategic combination announced in July 2025.

This time‑sensitive contract packaging merger responds to rapid growth in private label products, evolving regulatory rules, and new consumer trends reshaping the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

Supporting CPG firms with combined expertise

The CPA, established over 30 years ago, has been a key organisation for co‑manufacturers and co‑packagers working with major brands.

F4SS, founded in 2007, focuses on food, beverage and personal‑care supply‑chain optimisation and provides benchmarking tools and audit programmes to support quality, efficiency and regulation compliance.

Under the merger, F4SS members will gain full CPA membership and access to a broader network and resources by September 2025.

Responding to private label growth and regulation

Industry data shows contract packaging globally was valued at US $84.8 billion in 2024, expected to hit US $140 billion by 2030.

Private‑label goods now make up around 25 per cent of CPG sales, driving demand for flexible co‑packing services and tighter compliance with food safety, sustainability and labelling laws.

This merger forms a “contract packaging alliance” designed to help manufacturers meet the needs of large brands, emerging labels and private‑label programmes through shared best practices and regulatory support.

Enhancing supply‑chain tools and standards

F4SS brings specialised tools for benchmarking operational performance, quality assurance and supplier audits, such as its “Audit One” standard used by major brands.

CPA adds its extensive industry network and regulatory guidance, spanning sustainability, food‑safety and innovation.

Together, the combined association aims to offer deeper market intelligence, improved vendor‑brand connections and streamlined regulatory navigation under one umbrella.

This merger arrives as the CPG industry deals with private label expansion, rising consumer expectations, and complex regulatory landscapes.

The unified body is expected to empower contract packagers, manufacturers and brand owners with access to enhanced benchmarking, broader connections, and unified guidance on supply‑chain best practices.