If you are a foodie or love to cook, chances are your ultimate dream is to set up your own food business. However, many aspiring entrepreneurs fail to realize that starting a food business is no walk in the park. There are numerous operational skills needed to get started. Like if you starting a food business with a minimum budget then it is highly suggested to take a shared commercial kitchen for rent so that you can prepare your food easily on less budget as these kitchens have all the required cooking equipment. To help make the processes less daunting, we have created a guide that consists of the most important aspects of launching your company.
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Create a business Plan
As with any other business, creating a business plan before launching a food company can have numerous benefits. It’s an excellent way to get your plans or thoughts on paper, which can be helpful in terms of referring back during the processes of launching and running your business. Also, a business plan can be advantageous when looking for funding for your venture. When creating a business plan, you’ll want to come up with a budget, research your competitors, find a hole in the market and pick a concept.
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Ensure Your Recipes Work
When creating a product for retail, you’ll want to ensure you offer the best. So, try your recipes on as many individuals as possible and get as much feedback as possible. Keep in mind that negative comments are great feedback as it helps make your product even better.
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Contact the Local Trading Standards Officer
This is imperative as they can help advise on what to include in your product labels as well as any legal requirements that need to be met. Some can even help with product testing and nutritional information making it important to have them on board from the get-go.
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Have all Your Food Hygiene and Environmental Health Certificates in Place
Your council or borough’s website should have all the contact information. They provide food business advice and affordable food hygiene certification programs. So, even if you plan to make everything in your home kitchen, you’ll be able to know what you should have in place in order to comply with food health and hygiene requirements. Ensure that your food is kept cool when out and about with a FridgeXpress refrigerated van.
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Find the Right Distributors
Most large chains and retailers work with distributors. As such, it is important to know the right ones for what you have to offer. Ask similar businesses which distributors they work with or even ask the retailers who they prefer to work with.
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Start Local
An excellent way to assess your market is by selling directly to people in your local area. Renting a stall is not too expensive and it is an excellent way to meet your customers and get to comprehend their needs. Hire a refrigerated van from FridgeXpress. Also, it is easier to penetrate the local market as local farm shops and delis like to support other local business. Once you have developed your brand and gained loyal customers, then you can try to enter other regions or even go national.
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Network
Also, you’ll want to attend networking events. You never know who you may meet and impress with your product. You can find business networking events via the local Chamber of Commerce or other networking groups. Speak about your business ideal and products to as many people, starting with your local region.
Do not forget about online marketing. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and similar platforms are excellent places to engage with both potential and existing customers. It’s also a great place to get people talking about your business and build brand awareness.
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Focus on Excellent Customer Service
The last thing you want in a food business is lacklustre customer service as it can easily turn people off. You’ll want to find ways to handle any complaints promptly and ensure clients are satisfied. Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them is what really matters. Most customers are understanding, especially when you make the effort to rectify complaints.
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Attend Industry Trade Shows
Trade shows are one of the best ways to meet people who are actually looking for new products. These shows provide an environment where you can demonstrate your products properly. Most of these events have special rates for startups and it is always worth asking for reduced prices or discounts.
