J. asks from Arlington, TX on June 02, 2009
Starting a Baby Food Business
I was thinking about starting a business with my friend making baby food. I was thinking about organic foods. I have been making food for my son and I highly enjoy it. Is this something that can be done? Any advise? I wish I could have done this for my daughter but I was limited to time and was unable. I know others are in the same boat but if I made the food it would still be cheaper than the canned kind and would have more nutrients. Thanks in advance.
More Answers
J.D. answers from Dallas on June 02, 2009
A.P. answers from Dallas on June 12, 2009
I think it would be great to start your own business. Especially if it is something you are passionate about. If you have the time and drive. I say go for it.
good luck
C.P. answers from Dallas on June 02, 2009
Hello J.,
it's a great idea. also make sure you talk to a CPA too...
Good luck! ~C.~
S.W. answers from Amarillo on June 02, 2009
You have gotten some good advice. Your manufacturing site must be something other than your home kitchen to do this right (no pets allowed). Check with your local building/zone board to make sure you are in compliance when you apply for a license. You may have to send test samples of the products you wish to make to a lab to make sure there is nothing growing in them and the cost will be part of doing business. Yes, liability insurance is a big must. Know your market and go from there. Good luck to you. The other S.
T.F. answers from Dallas on June 02, 2009
Sounds like a great idea.
However, make sure you do ALL your homework. You will need a CPA as well as legal advice.
We are in the raw materials industry and we sell to manufacturers. One thing we MUST be on top of is knowing the exact use of our product by the manufacturer. IF for any reason our materials are to be used for food containers, (ex: French's mustard), etc. it is required by law that we sell a product that has been cleared by the FDA. That means, we may have to get materials from sources who have FDA approved products. I am not sure about your business but we must provide MSDS info which explains exactly what is in our products.
Best wishes with your venture!!
J.R. answers from Dallas on June 02, 2009
Well....I think there will be a lot more work and money involved that you think. If you plan on selling and marketing it at a store, it will need to be approved to be organic first. If not, I'm not sure many moms would buy their baby food from a company that isn't backed up by FDA, etc. Plus, many moms who are into organic usually make their own food to begin with, so that market may be over saturated with the organic food already there. Also consider the economy right now. Unless this food will be significantly less expensive, it might not be enough to cover your overhead right now since everyone is watching their budget.
My suggestion to get your foot in the door and get a feel for the market and trends is to try offering classes and/or write a book or start a website on making your own baby food. If you can get sponsors on your website, you can still make money and talking about what you love to do.
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