Can you match our current product specification?

by admin September 21, 2026 2 Comments

Yes. Maote Pet Food can assess an existing product specification, reference sample or current supplier product and determine whether a comparable product can be manufactured.

The objective is to match the agreed commercial and technical requirements as closely as reasonably possible. Exact duplication cannot always be guaranteed, particularly for natural products that vary in size, colour, shape and texture.

What Can Be Evaluated?

Depending on the product, Maote Pet Food can evaluate:

Raw material or animal protein

Ingredient composition

Product dimensions

Piece weight

Shape and cutting style

Colour and appearance

Texture and hardness

Moisture target

Odour

Product density

Breakage tolerance

Analytical constituents

Pack weight

Packaging format

Labelling requirements

Shelf-life expectations

The relevant requirements are recorded in an agreed product specification before commercial production.

What Information Should You Provide?

For an initial assessment, please provide as much of the following information as possible:

Current product specification

Ingredient declaration

Analytical constituent values

Product photographs

Physical reference samples

Target dimensions and tolerances

Target piece weight or count

Moisture requirement

Packaging details

Current pack weight

Destination market

Estimated order volume

Required certifications or documents

Any known quality concerns with the existing product

A physical sample is particularly useful when appearance, texture, cutting style or product density is important.

How Does the Matching Process Work?

1. Requirement Review

Maote Pet Food reviews the supplied documents, photographs and reference samples to identify the critical product characteristics.

2. Feasibility Assessment

The production team evaluates whether the required raw material, process, dimensions, moisture and packaging can be achieved consistently.

At this stage, Maote Pet Food may recommend practical tolerances or an alternative specification if an exact target is not technically realistic.

3. Trial Sample

A trial sample may be prepared for the buyer’s evaluation. New or technically demanding products may require more than one development trial.

4. Comparison and Feedback

The buyer compares the trial sample with the existing product and provides clear feedback on:

Size

Shape

Colour

Texture

Moisture

Odour

Breakage

Packaging

Photographs, measurements and written comments help reduce unnecessary redevelopment.

5. Specification Approval

After the sample is approved, the final requirements are recorded in a written specification. This becomes the reference for production and inspection.

6. Pilot or Commercial Production

Depending on the product and order size, a pilot order may be recommended before moving to regular commercial production.

Can Natural Products Be Matched Exactly?

Natural products such as rabbit ears, whole dried fish and fish skin naturally vary according to the original raw material.

They can be graded according to agreed size, weight and appearance ranges, but every piece cannot be completely identical.

Cut, formed and freeze-dried products generally allow tighter control. Maote Pet Food will explain the achievable production tolerance during the feasibility and sampling stages.

Can You Improve the Existing Specification?

Yes. The review does not have to be limited to reproducing the current product.

Possible improvements may include:

More practical size grading

Better control of moisture or texture

Reduced product breakage

Alternative cutting or shaping

More efficient bulk packing

Improved retail packaging

Adjusted pack weights

Clearer inspection criteria

Improved product consistency

Any proposed change must be approved before it becomes part of the commercial specification.

Will the Existing Supplier’s Confidential Information Be Protected?

Buyers should only provide specifications, samples and artwork that they are authorized to share.

Confidentiality requirements can be discussed before detailed technical information is exchanged. Maote Pet Food will not use another company’s trademarks, copyrighted packaging or proprietary claims without authorization.

Is a Matching Sample the Final Production Standard?

The approved sample is an important reference, but it should be supported by a written specification.

The final specification may include:

Ingredient requirements

Dimensions and tolerances

Piece weight range

Moisture target

Appearance criteria

Natural variation allowance

Packaging format

Labelling details

Inspection and acceptance criteria

This helps both parties evaluate future production batches consistently.

How Can You Start a Specification Review?

Please send Maote Pet Food:

Product name

Current specification

Product photographs

Reference sample availability

Target order volume

Packaging requirements

Destination country

Required launch date

The main issues you want to improve

Maote Pet Food will assess the information and advise whether the product can be matched, the expected tolerance, sample requirements, MOQ and development schedule.

Looking for an alternative manufacturing source?
Send Maote Pet Food your current specification or reference sample for a confidential feasibility assessment.