Why South Africa’s Contract Manufacturing Industry is Booming

And why more brands are turning to experts like WRAPSA

South Africa’s contract manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant growth phase, which is driven by cost pressures, shifting consumer demand and the race to bring products to market faster than ever before. With categories such as pharmaceuticals and health supplements growing at double-digit rates, local and international businesses are increasingly partnering with contract manufacturing leaders like WRAPSA to scale smarter, leaner and more compliantly.

The rise of outsourced manufacturing

Across industries, companies are rethinking the traditional model of owning and operating their own production facilities. Globally, the contract manufacturing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9% through 2030. In South Africa, that growth is even more pronounced – particularly in health-related sectors. According to recent market reports:

• The South African pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is projected to reach over R70 billion by 2026.
• The nutraceutical and supplements sector is rapidly expanding, as health-conscious consumers seek wellness products tailored to local needs.

Why brands are choosing contract manufacturing

The benefits of partnering with a contract manufacturer go far beyond cutting costs. Today’s leading contract manufacturers offer:

• Reduced capital investment: No need to build or maintain expensive production infrastructure.
• Speed to market: Streamlined development cycles, regulatory support and tested processes.
• Built-in compliance: Expertise in GMP, WHO, FDA, ISO, SAHPRA and other critical standards.
• Scalability: Flexible batch sizes and rapid scale-up as demand grows.

This is especially valuable for new entrants and smaller brands who want to focus on marketing and distribution and not having to navigate complex regulatory and technical manufacturing environments.

WRAPSA: A leader in the industry

With over four decades of industry expertise, WRAPSA has established itself as one of South Africa’s most trusted names in contract manufacturing. Serving both local and international markets, WRAPSA operates a state-of-the-art GMP-accredited facility designed to meet the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. Their comprehensive, turnkey services allow clients to streamline their supply chains and bring products to market faster – with full confidence in regulatory compliance.

WRAPSA’s contract manufacturing capabilities include:

• Pharmaceuticals (Schedule 0–6)
• Toiletries
• Nutritional Supplements & Sports Nutrition
• Veterinary Products

As a full-service partner, WRAPSA handles everything from formulation and manufacturing to product packing, laboratory analysis, and R&D stability testing – consolidating critical development stages under one roof. This integrated approach ensures consistent product quality, accelerated timelines and cost-effective scalability.

A key part of WRAPSA’s value lies in its robust stability testing capabilities, which are essential for validating product shelf life and ensuring ongoing safety and efficacy across a wide range of formulations.

Types of stability testing offered at WRAPS:

• Long-term stability testing conducted under recommended storage conditions for the proposed shelf life.
• Intermediate testing conducted at moderate temperatures.
• Accelerated stability testing stored at elevated stress conditions for a shorter duration.
• Compliance with ICH Guidelines

Key parameters measured (Not limited to the below)

• Appearance (colour, clarity, pH, viscosity and other physical parameters as per test method)
• Assay of API
• Degradation products
• Water content
• Dissolution rate

Storage stability conditions offered at WRAPSA

Testing interval:

• 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months (based on study type)

Driving innovation in a changing market

As the demand for health-conscious, effective and ethically produced products continues to rise, the role of contract manufacturers has evolved. WRAPSA stays ahead by investing in advanced production technology, in-house testing capabilities and a seasoned team of regulatory professionals.

This not only shortens time to market, but ensures that products are made to global standards – right here in South Africa.

A smart move for smart brands

Whether you’re an emerging wellness brand, an established pharmaceutical player, or a global business looking to enter the African market, the benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturing partner like WRAPSA are clear:

• Lower upfront investment
• Faster market entry
• Trusted quality and compliance
• Scalable production and consistent support

As South Africa’s contract manufacturing sector continues to grow, WRAPSA is perfectly positioned to lead the way – with deep expertise, certified excellence and a commitment to your brand’s success.