5 ways on how to start food business from home in India

The times have changed. You do not need to rent or buy a place to start your own business now. In fact, you can do it from your home with the savings and funds you have. So, if you are looking for how to start food business from home in India, here is the step by step process to initiate one successfully.

Steps to start food business from home in India

You have got thousands of compliments from your friends, colleagues and relatives for the taste of your food. Now, let’s use these compliments as the motivation for every step you take in making an earning from your hobby.

Step 1 – Plan

Starting a home-based food business, like any other business, needs extensive planning and contemplation. Before you can begin selling, you’ll need to complete further reviews, obtain permits, and develop a marketing strategy. Here are some pointers to plan for how to start food business from home in India.

• Decide on a Niche: Choose the type of food you want to sell and how you want to sell it. In India, there are numerous food-related business opportunities, such as baked goods, meal delivery services and catering. Therefore, target a specialised niche market, such as catering weddings, delivering food to new mothers, or selling baked goods at local stores or coffee shops, among other things. Choose a niche that interests you the most and focus on it rather than giving your attention to all.
• Do a little research: Because this is a highly competitive field, research is essential before starting a home-based food business in India. You can test the dishes with people you know and your friends. Every piece of feedback you receive from these people can be beneficial. It will assist you in learning more about how to start food business from home in India.

Step 2 – Register Your Business

It is very important to register whatever your business is legally in India. Otherwise, you may not be able to apply for other licenses and permits.

Also, it will result in heavy fines and penalties. Ultimately, you may have to close down your business.

Therefore, register your business as  private limited company registration, sole proprietorship, one person company or partnership.

The decision depends on factors like ownership, scale and future expansion plan.

Step 3 – Get the Licenses and Permits

You’ll need to verify your local zoning regulations to see if you may run a food business from your home. Otherwise, you may need to consider renting a commercial kitchen. The next step is to ensure that your cooking facilities meet all state food sanitation criteria. For more information, contact your state’s government.

In general, this means ensuring that your professional kitchen is divided from your home kitchen and that you are not using your professional kitchen’s utensils for personal usage.

List of Licenses and Permits Required to start food business from home in India:

• Fire Safety NOC
• FSSAI license
• Health/Trade License
• GST Registration (if your annual turnover exceeds Rs.20 lacs) (10 lacs for north-east states)

Step 4 – Set up your Home Kitchen

You will require a minimum of 200 sq ft – 300 sq ft area for the kitchen.

Also, install a fire extinguisher as a safety measure and a clean water dispenser for cooking.

The type of food you’ll be creating will determine what you need, but it could include bowls, baking dishes, mixers, spoons, and other tools, as well as measurement items.

These, as well as the cooking ingredients, should be kept separate from your personal belongings. Purchase packaging supplies to wrap your food items if you plan to sell your products in stores.

Step 5 – Hiring (Optional)

If you think of how to start a small fast food business in India you may not require to hire a lot of people. However, you will need at least 2 helpers for cutting, chopping, packing, cleaning and assisting.

Documents Required to start a food business from home in India

• ID Proof of Applicant
• Address Proof of Applicant
• Proof of the business location’s address
• NOC from the owner, or in the event of a rental property
• NOC from the Fire/Safety/Society
• Bank Account Statements
• GST certificate (Optional)
• Aadhar cards
• Photos (Passport-size)
• The layout and site plan of the premises
• Report on Water Quality
• List of food categories

Market your Food Business from Home in India

Tap into your network of pals who have tried your food and mentors you’ve met at professional networking events.

Hand out free samples of your food at local fairs and cultural events.

Consider using social media networks like Facebook and Instagram, as well as an e-commerce platform like Shopify, to promote your brand.

Include a lot of images of your items, as well as recipes that involve your food. Finally, be ready to pitch stores and focus groups on the spot.

They want to see that you have a clear strategy and plan for how your food will fit on their shelves.

Things to prepare before starting food business from home in India

• If you’re going to start a mess at home, you’ll need to set the correct mood. In such circumstances, you’ll need to set up an entire area for your visitors, as well as space to clean up afterwards.
• Another important step to take before starting a business like this is to assess your kitchen to see if any renovations are required. If you want to feed a large number of guests, you may need to purchase larger utensils or replace your current equipment.
• You’ll also need to consider your packing options. Make sure you give it some thought because it will be the first thing customers notice when they buy your meal. To increase your trustworthiness, try to include your FSSAI licence and registration on the packaging.
• Next, assess your abilities and determine whether you will require assistance in the kitchen. If that’s the case, enlist the services of some coworkers to assist you with the food preparation.
• Such food businesses require a lot of marketing. Plan a social media strategy to help you spread the word about your company. To attract consumers from the surrounding area, promote yourself on social media, develop a blog, and maintain a good website.

To sum up you can start your home business anywhere in India or in any city of India for instance you can go for private limited company registration in Mumbai and make it a go.