How can I start a home-based fruit jam business & expand it to market in India?
Starting a jam and jelly business can provide local consumers with healthier or tastier options and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial means. If you are confident in your business acumen and if people tend to rave about your jams and jellies, running a successful small business might provide you with fulfillment and profit.
- Conduct market research to learn if there is demand in your area for a new jam and jelly provider. Consider what sets your products apart from other area offerings.
- Name your company. Ensure the name reflects your business, as your marketing and advertising will stem from the branding of your company.
- Register your business. Obtain your business license and tax identification number.
- Check zoning and food-production laws if operating from home. A home-based operation may save you monthly overhead expenses, but not all home kitchens will be approved for commercial production. If unable to operate from your home kitchen and a commercial kitchen is not within your budget, consider renting a restaurant kitchen when it is not in operation, such as overnight and/or early morning. Another option may be an approved community center kitchen.
- Check zoning and food-production laws if operating from home. A home-based operation may save you monthly overhead expenses, but not all home kitchens will be approved for commercial production. If unable to operate from your home kitchen and a commercial kitchen is not within your budget, consider renting a restaurant kitchen when it is not in operation, such as overnight and/or early morning. Another option may be an approved community center kitchen.
- Follow all health codes. The Department of Agriculture regulates most package foods. Basic regulations include Good Manufacturing Practices and Sanitation Standard Operation Procedures.
- Conduct market testing to learn which flavors are in demand. Perfect your recipes.
- Have your product lab tested to determine shelf life. These components are considered when determining shelf life: chemical, microbiological and sensory (organoleptic) characteristics.
- Post nutritional information on the product labels as required by the FDA; there are exceptions to this requirement dependent of factors such as the size of the operation. Also include your product name, manufacturer’s name and address, product weight and list of ingredients by weight.
- Price your products at a point that ensures profit. Consider cost of ingredients, supplies, overhead, labor, utilities, packaging, advertising, certifications and taxes.
- Advertise your jams and jellies. Attend events and schedule meetings so people can try your products. Maximize referrals and word-of-mouth advertising. Use social media such as Twitter to connect with, engage and inform your potential customers. Distribute information about your products.
- Market to local grocery stores, bakeries, gourmet shops and restaurants. Schedule meetings to meet with the decision makers. Also, sell to individuals at farmers’ markets, flea markets and holiday markets as well as online.
- Keep excellent records for planning and tracking income and expenses, as well for tax purposes.
Jam is one of the most important food products as it enhances the taste of the bread and other foods because of its taste and flavor. Jam is a healthy food product as it contains fruits, and they supplement the foods with vitamins and minerals. Hence, Jam making business has very good market potential in India.
Jam is consumed in households, restaurants, clubs, hostels, hotels, and other eateries, etc. regularly. These are most selling products in the markets and others like departmental stores, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc. hence there is a great demand for jam is growing every year.