It’s fair to say that the food and beverage industry is a large one; the statistics on the size of the industry are rather encouraging, and there seems to be a constant demand for new and innovative products. As a result, if you’re looking for a home business idea, then food and drink is a sector you’re going to want to consider.
However you, like most people, are likely thinking that the industry is dominated by huge corporations – so could a small, independent, home-based business survive against such mighty competition?
The benefits of small food and drink businesses
Over recent years, the food and drink sector has seen a constant rise in demand from consumers who want something different, something that goes above and beyond the mass production that we see in supermarkets. There is a real – if you’ll pardon the pun – appetite for small, niche food and drink businesses that have a homely charm. So while your company might never be able to compete with the Danone and Krafts of this world, with the right product, you shouldn’t have a problem capturing the consumers who actively seek out and embrace smaller producers.
Food hygiene certification
Before we delve into the small business ideas you may want to explore in this industry, it’s important to note that you will need a food hygiene certificate if you wish to sell food or drink to the general public. You may also need your kitchen to be inspected and improved by your local authority, though requirements depend by region. These may sound like huge hurdles, but they’re easier to achieve than they initially seem, so give your council a call and see what you need to do to comply with regulations.
Food and drink businesses you can start from your own kitchen
Tea blending
There are hundreds of different types of tea, and even us Brits have embraced more unusual choices along with the standard Earl Grey. Tea blending is a fantastic small business idea; all you need is to purchase dry tea leaves, a willingness to experiment, your resealable plastic pouches to package your completed blends, a website to sell from, and you’re good to go.
Fudge
Fudge is a quintessentially British treat and remains eternally popular, with local, home produced fudge generally preferred to mass produced options. You will, obviously, need to learn how to make fudge, then when you’ve settled on a recipe that works for you, find the right packaging and then either sell online or at local markets close to you.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are another food staple that makes for an excellent home business idea, though they are best sold to local consumers near you rather than via the internet. As well as selling in local markets direct to consumers, you could also approach local businesses to see if they’re interested in your goods; cupcakes are a popular executive gift, and many local companies will be more than happy to support a fellow small business in their area.
In conclusion
If you have always wanted to enter the food and drink sector but haven’t been sure it’s possible on a small, home-based scale, we hope the points and ideas above have demonstrated that it is possible, and is well worth considering if you’re looking to enter a bustling, thriving market where locality and novelty tend to reign supreme.