Taking the plunge and choosing to work in the food industry when launching your startup can be trickier than going for it in other sectors. Work from home freelancing can be simple if a little nerve-wracking. However, moving from an industry like IT or finance or marketing into the food business has many more pitfalls. You will need a whole new book of contacts, you’ll need to find your footing within a new sector, and you will have much more legislation to adhere to. The food industry is vast and varied. Take a look at these food industry essentials that you cannot overlook.
Laws And Legislation
It doesn’t matter where you are based, there will be important health and safety rules that you will need to stick to. These will be strictly enforced and you may be forced to prove your law-abiding status at any given moment. If you work within the street food industry, you’ll need to show off your food hygiene rating, you’ll need to belong to a professional body, and you’ll have to maintain high ethical and hygiene standards. Your customers will want to see color-coded chopping boards, latex gloves, and food kept at the right temperature.
If you work within the food manufacturing industry, you may have a small factory producing your jams, your biscuits or your sauces. You will need to consider hygienic weighing solutions that meet HACCP standards. Vessels that weigh your food when packaging need to remain clean and not contaminate your product.
Your Menu
It doesn’t matter whether you produce an Italian sauce or whether you have a small eatery, you will need to ensure that your menu or product range is attractive to your potential buyer. You may have a tasty product, but your potential customer base needs to like it. This is where market research comes in. Get your product out there and have focus groups try your culinary creations. They may like some aspects of your grub, but they may find others off-putting. If over half of the people tasting your food think it is too salty, cut back a little. Always heed the feedback you are given from market research as this will help hone your food and make it more marketable.
Social Media
As with any new startup in any industry, it’s vital that you get your name out there. The best way to do this is by enhancing your startup’s online presence using social media platforms. Get yourself a Twitter feed, a Facebook page and an Instagram account at the very least. Start communicating with your customer base, post meaningful content and link back to your website. By doing this, you will get more followers and shares, and your brand will get more exposure. Use social media as a launchpad for discounts and incentives. If someone gets in touch, reply promptly. This is a public forum for all to see.
Getting started in the food industry is tough so follow this guide to maximise your chances of success.