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Entrepreneurs in food production face challenges unlike those in any other industry.
From meeting sky-high expectations to preparing for short-notice inspections, it’s much more than just managing the factory floor. There’s more organisation, paperwork and legislation to get around before you can build client relationships, so getting it right from the beginning is essential.
Whether you’re starting a new business this year or expanding into the mobile catering market, is always worth knowing how to trade legally and retain your competitive edge.
Thriving as a food producer: Our top tips
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Source high-quality ingredients
Even if your product is mass-produced, is still important to ensure unwavering quality. Whether it’s baked, blended or prepared with fresh produce delivered on the day, the quality of the ingredients you use will determine the result.
Wherever possible, try to manufacture using only sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Survey results indicate that, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, more than a quarter of all consumers are concerned about food being produced sustainably. Eco-conscious claims might accelerate your sales but only if they’re substantiated with evidence of good practice.
Prospective clients will reflect an increasing consumer interest in ethical production, so it’s crucial to have some planet-friendly credentials to your name.
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Know your food safety and hygiene obligations
Any business in the food industry must adhere to its responsibilities regarding food hygiene. On each contact surface and piece of machinery, you should make every effort to minimise cross-contamination and eliminate any trace of harmful bacteria. Quality-control checks should be undertaken as frequently as possible.
Knowing your ingredients, including their origins, is integral to a perpetual sense of confidence in your business. If any outbreaks of bacteria or serious crises originate from your factory, word may spread and the reputation of your company could quickly plummet. Even if the odds of that happening are slim, looking into specialist manufacturing insurance might be useful for peace of mind – allowing you to look after the response side of food-safety issues as well as prevention.
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Leverage technological advancements
Automation completes the modern production line.
In food manufacturing, machinery is relied upon to perform almost every task more accurately, efficiently and hygienically. Human stuff may still be required for tasks in factories producing artisan or luxury products but technology takes precedence.
With the right equipment, your business can reduce overall costs, streamline daily operations and maintain consistent product taste, quality and appearance. Automation can be applied to several stages of the food manufacturing process, from processing and harvesting to cleaning and packaging.
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Learn about the trends in nutrition
Sustainable initiatives are just one step towards creating a popular product line. To win over retail giants and other potentially lucrative clients, you also need to understand the foods and nutrients in high demand throughout different markets.
Consumers who prioritise health seek organic, traceable and often vegetarian options. You should also learn about niche requirements or preferences, including keto, coeliac and high-protein diets.
Try to adapt to these trends by diversifying your product offering in a way that caters to various lifestyle types and demographics.
Overview
Compliance, technology and sustainability trends will continue to dominate the food industry. As always, you should ensure that your company operates to the highest standards in all areas of trade.
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