Anyone on here in the food and beverage game?

[krunchkin]

I have, what I obviously consider, a great little business idea along similar (but very different) lines to the Innocent fruit drinks brand did. Not really sure how to proceed with it though. Where would one go to get advice on starting it up?

[21TonyK]

The fact it is a food based business is largely irrelevant, business is business. A lot will depend on how you envisage the product being sold to end consumer.

As ever, the FSA is the ones you have to keep happy.

http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/manufactu...

Other than that its about breaking into a very difficult market.

[rog007]

Are you starting just from an idea or are you already in business and this is a new stream? Are you sure your angle hasn't already been covered and are you sure there is a market?

The truth is, it will take more than a response on PHs to outline the pathway to success.

Good luck!

[T5R+]

Food and Beverage is extremely competitive on price point.

Ensure that you have factored these in to any FG (Finished Goods) costings at ex-works and then find out how much it costs to ship from your factory/warehouse/facility to end DC (Distribution Centre). Finally establish payment terms (100+ days is not uncommon dependent on retailer).

The processing (actually making it) is relatively easy whilst the Technical Specifications/Shelf-Life/Etc is (in my view) the challenge from a time and specialist skill perspective.

Final key info - many drinks companies use specialist 3rd party manufacturers to produce "the brand".

Best of luck.