When to Switch CMOs: 3 Signs Your Bioproducts Partner Isn't Keeping Up

Are you outgrowing your CMO? If so, you could end up failing deliveries, disappointing customers, experiencing supply chain disruption, and facing regulatory risk. For companies producing fermentation-based bioproducts at scale, your CMO is more than a vendor: they're a strategic partner. As your business grows, the risks and complexity increase, but what happens when your CMO can’t keep up? 

We break down three common warning signs that your CMO may be holding you back, along with some actionable steps for what to do next. 

Sign #1: Your current CMO can’t keep track of your growth 

If you’re ready to scale up production, but your current CMO lacks the tank capacity, technical expertise, or expansion timeline to match your growth, it may be time to reassess the partnership. What worked at <10,000 liters can quickly become a bottleneck at 100,000 liters. Does your current CMO have a proven track record of scaling processes of cubic meters? Have they consistently run production vessels at full manufacturing scale? As you plan your next phase, it’s critical to evaluate whether your CMO is enabling your growth or holding it back. 

Common capacity and responsiveness red flags include: 

• Delayed launches and missed contracts for your customers.  

• Regularly maxed-out capacity or capped batch sizes.

• Lack of responsiveness as you ramp up orders. 

If you’re spending more time scrambling for capacity or adjusting your plans to fit within your CMO’s constraints, it’s a sign that their infrastructure or processes may not be the best fit for scaling your business. 

Tip: Review your last few production cycles. Were there capacity challenges or unexpected delays? Did you have to scramble to meet volume targets? If these issues continue to become routine, it’s time to consider whether your current CMO can support your next phase of growth. 

Sign #2: Quality and Compliance Issues Are Increasing

Quality is non-negotiable at commercial scale. Even minor lapses can have major financial and reputational consequences. It’s important to evaluate how your CMO is managing quality and compliance as your output grows. 

Quality systems and transparency: 

• Have you noticed an increase in out-of-spec batches or failed audits? 

• Is documentation clear and accessible, or do you struggle to get answers? 

• Are corrective actions handled properly or do issues linger? 

A CMO with robust quality systems should be able to scale to your needs. If errors are increasing or regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, these are red flags that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Tip: Take a look at your recent quality metrics and audit reports. Are quality concerns a regular topic for you? If so, it may be time to seek a different CMO partner with a stronger compliance record. 

Sign #3: Geographic or Tariff Barriers Are Slowing Expansion

Growth often means entering into new markets or diversifying your supply chain. Your CMO’s geographic reach and regulatory expertise can either enable or hinder this expansion. Without geographic flexibility, your supply chain becomes vulnerable to disruptions and higher cost. 

Geographic reach and adaptability: 

• Can your CMO support production in multiple regions? 

• Have tariffs, logistics, or local regulations slowed your market entry? 

• Is your CMO proactive about adapting to new requirements, or are you leading the change?

• Can your CMO incorporate new carbon sources easily? 

• Can your CMO react to innovative technologies

• Is your CMO strategically located near your customers or raw materials?

Tip: Review your growth strategy for the next 1-2 years. Are you planning to enter into new markets or shift production to a domestic CMO? If your partner can’t support these moves, it may be time to consider other CMOs with broader capabilities. 

Don’t Let Your CMO Hold You Back

Switching CMOs isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, but spotting these warning signs allows you to make a proactive, strategic move before additional bottlenecks escalate and impact your timelines or margins.

Ready to see what's possible?

Take the Match survey to identify CMOs who can satisfy your scale, quality and geographic requirements so you can focus on your growth with confidence.