What is a product specification, and who asks for one?

A product specification, often just called a "spec", is a document that describes your product in full. It's how other businesses understand exactly what you make, without needing to taste it or see your recipe book.

Who asks for one

• Retail buyers. Before a supermarket or shop lists your product, their technical team will usually ask for a spec.
• Co-manufacturers. If someone else makes your product for you, the spec tells them what it should be.
• Distributors and wholesalers. They need the details for their own systems and their customers.
• Foodservice and catering customers. They need to know allergens, preparation and storage.

What goes in a spec

A typical spec covers:

• Product name, description and pack size
• Ingredients list and allergens
• Nutrition information
• Any claims you make
• Dietary suitability, like vegetarian or vegan
• Storage, shelf life and preparation
• Packaging details
• What the product should look, smell, feel and taste like (its sensory profile)

Canoli builds your product specification straight from your recipe, so the nutrition, ingredients and allergens always match. You choose which sections to share, so a buyer can see your nutrition and allergens without seeing your exact recipe or costs.

Looking to share a spec with your buyers? Try Canoli free for a month.