Global snack markets have evolved, and the demand for allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher, and peanut-free bars is at an all-time high. Many manufacturers and retailers want to enter this market but struggle to meet the strict dietary standards these products require. The investment is significant, and mastering both the process and the formulation of a great-tasting recipe is easier said than done.
But what if any company could market such specialty bars in-house without the burden of building its own manufacturing facility?
For the past 25 years, Yourbarfactory has met these exact requirements without compromise and continues to thrive. Based in Quebec, Canada, the company specializes in manufacturing high-quality allergen-free bars—nut-free, peanut-free, and gluten-free—for private labels, custom brands, and international markets.
CEO Martin Joyal sums it up simply: “We are not a brand ourselves, but we are the backbone behind every brand.”
From retail giants to ambitious start-ups and well-established businesses, Yourbarfactory partners with customers to deliver cost-effective, large-scale solutions. To meet diverse production needs, the company operates three distinct production lines: one for high-volume, large-scale orders; another for standard production runs; and a dedicated line for start-ups and smaller batches. This level of flexibility and scalability gives Yourbarfactory a clear competitive edge.
“We are giants in niche markets, yet smaller and more flexible players in larger ones,” adds Joyal, highlighting the company’s unique position in the industry.
One Customer, One Recipe
Yourbarfactory offers an extensive portfolio featuring a wide range of products and flavors. The product lineup begins with basic rice crispy bars that can be customized with more than 25 different toppings and an equal number of flavor options to create distinct identities. From there, the portfolio expands into granola bars with multiple flavor possibilities, including gluten-free, organic, vegan, and no-added-sugar options.
The range continues with protein bars, spanning standard dough-style bars, crispy varieties, fully enrobed options, and bars bottom-drizzled with real chocolate or protein compound chocolate. The portfolio also includes energy bars, fruit bars, kids’ and toddler bars, as well as savory bars that can replace nearly any traditional snack bar. Portion sizes range from 12-gram mini bars to 100-gram, protein-packed bars.
Regardless of size, type, or flavor, customer requirements are treated as unique and fulfilled with care.
Yourbarfactory’s manufacturing offering also includes a wide range of packaging options. Whether a client needs a four-pack box or a 150-unit bulk case, numerous configurations are available. The company can also produce variety packs with up to four different flavors and is among the few manufacturers capable of delivering this level of customization efficiently.
As Joyal explains, “Most bar manufacturers produce bars in bulk and then send them to a third party or handle packaging separately. We do it all in-house. Our turnkey solution also includes managing printed packaging and shipping finished orders, giving our clients complete peace of mind.”
A Stage-Gate Process
Beyond manufacturing, Yourbarfactory delivers a co-created experience. The company takes time to understand each client’s needs and follows a structured stage-gate process to bring products from concept to shelf. This process functions like a series of doors, each representing a critical step in development.
It begins with evaluating whether an idea is feasible and sustainable in its target market. The product must deliver added value and a strong unique selling proposition to ensure success. For example, is it feasible to produce a 20-gram protein bar with the requested specifications? How will the product stand out from competitors? These are just a few of the questions the team evaluates to ensure the brief is sound.
The next stage focuses on nutritional profile and price point, ensuring alignment with both consumer expectations and retail requirements. At this point, the company also assesses commercial viability to determine shelf success. Acting as advisors, Yourbarfactory guides clients toward the best options. Once these factors align, the project moves into R&D, where multiple test versions are developed and refined. Some products are finalized within two or three iterations, while others may require as many as 30 to perfect taste, texture, and quality.
Throughout the process, Yourbarfactory works closely with the customer. Once formulation and pricing are approved, the company moves into production, managing everything from ingredient sourcing and packaging procurement to regulatory review, packaging design, and logistics.
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Understanding the market, the product our clients need and the price point they want to hit is at the core of what we do. We don’t just respond to their requests, we co-create with them, always balancing both the consumer and retailer demands.
Quality control is validated at key stages. If issues arise, they are identified and corrected promptly. Only when every element meets the highest standards is the product fully launched to market.
Co-Creation in Action
Yourbarfactory partners with major retailers in the United States and globally through both bid processes and direct engagement. Some concepts, such as peanut-based products that may not initially align with allergen-free requirements, can often be adapted into compliant alternatives.
While a customer’s original idea may begin as a niche concept, Yourbarfactory has the expertise to refine it and align the product with retailer brand tiers, from mainstream offerings to premium lines. The objective is always to identify the optimal balance where retailers can offer compelling products at competitive prices while differentiating themselves from national brands.
“It’s not just about winning bids; it’s about building long-term relationships,” says Joyal. “Understanding the market, the product our customers need, and the price point they want to reach is at the core of what we do. We don’t just respond to requests—we co-create, always balancing consumer and retailer expectations.”
Global Reach with Co-Created Impact
With more than two decades of experience and an average annual growth rate of 30 percent, Yourbarfactory has established a strong global presence. While achieving 30 percent growth on $1 million in revenue is attainable, sustaining that rate at $50 million is far more challenging. Despite this, the company has consistently delivered that level of growth year after year.
To support expansion, Yourbarfactory recently launched a second, fully automated production line, nearly tripling its manufacturing capacity. Although all production occurs at its Montreal facility, 85 percent of sales come from North America—55 percent from the United States and 30 percent from Canada—with the remaining 15 percent generated in international markets.
The company also operates a European division with a sales office in the Netherlands, serving Europe and the Middle East. Expansion continues across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South America, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
This sustained growth is driven by a commitment to co-creation and flexibility. By working behind the scenes, Yourbarfactory enables brands and retailers to compete and succeed in an increasingly demanding global market.
As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” That sentiment captures the essence of Yourbarfactory: creating value and driving success through collaborative partnerships.
