Hi moms, my sister is a fantastic cook and loves making homemade baby food. She homemade all of her baby's food when he was smaller and now makes most of my 7 month old daughter's food (I help, but I admit she does most of it). She is toying with the idea of starting a business making homemade organic baby food for others. She would try to sell locally and possibly even expand to shipping the baby food. My question to you is this: do you think there is a market for this? Would you buy homemade organic baby food from an individual (as opposed to a major corporation)? She would obviously do everything by the book and have all of the licenses that are necessary. Let me know your thoughts!
I would think that anybody who would normally use a jarred baby food would be interested in this product, provided the price point was similar. With my oldest I used the odd jar of baby food to introduce new fruits and veggies that my family won't eat. It just gives some variety sometimes. And I'll likely do the same with my newest addition once we get to that point.
It definitely has it's uses.
Absolutely not. Terrible, Terrible idea. :)
As the owner of an organic baby food company here in dfw (Collin county), I can tell you it is a pretty small market. I have advertised, and even participate at our local farmers market here in mckinney from time to time. You need to cook in a certified kitchen (unless you just make the food for friends). You also need to use organic produce/meat (for obvious reasons). You also need to freeze the food. Because of all that, it costs more than jarred food. We even have a local USDA organic farmer that we buy the majority of our produce from, and get our meat from another organic rancher locally, as well as most fruits through our local whole foods (who we negotiate a bulk rate). It still costs more than jarred on certain types. That's why we don't sell beef, we add carrots and peas when we use chicken, etc. But the profit margin is slim. So you have to sell for a decent amount more than jarred to make anything. We do it because we love it. You kinda have to. :)
There are companies that ship. Jack's harvest out of GA does and sells on amazon. Happy baby is in every whole foods nationwide for frozen food. That lessens our market even more.
It is a very niche market. If there are a lot of working moms in her area that see the tremendous benefit of feeding them fresh, wholesome baby food that isn't 1-3years old and heat preserved (yuck), then it's a good market. But she has to enjoy it because it will be hard to retire on it... Trust me. :)
E.
edenbabyfoods.com
I'll bet there would be a market for it...if the price is right. More and more people are wanting a more organic healthier option.
However, I tend to think that if moms want "homemade baby food" they will make it themselves. It is more cost effective, they know exactly what is in it and freshness is key.
I wouldn't be in the market for it simply because it was just easier to make it myself. Essentially the baby ate a simplified version of what the rest of the family was eating.
I may consider buying something like this if I was on vacation, I did not have the conviences of home, and we were eating many of our meals either out or on the run.
I think many people would. I wouldn't because I made homemade baby food to save money and to give my kids the freshest food possible. I would think you would have a great market locally though for people who want organic and fresh food but no time to do it themselves. She could also teach people to make it and get paid for that!
I totally agree with the teaching idea. I also made my own baby food, and while I got better with experimentation, it certainly wasn't gourmet! I would have loved to have a group of moms get together and learn some quick and easy tips, some great recipes, and ideas for progression of feeding! She could even provide a handout with the basics and the recipes done at the presentation. I think going into other people's kitchens, where they provide their own food, teaching them and having fun at the same time is a great idea. They would pay a one-time fee, which could be lessened by having more moms at the presentation, referral would be easier with the help of word of mouth, and the profit would most certainly come easier than trying to market her own line. If nothing else, it might be a better way to get started in the industry. Kind of a test-kitchen kind of thing. Good luck!
G.
Baby food was so easy to make and freeze that I would not buy it. I think I used two maybe three jars total with my little one. What I would be interested in is easy ready to go toddler meals and snacks that I can take on the go. There is not a lot of selection when it comes to no sugar, low salt, healthy, and organic snacks that are packaged for carrying in the diaper bag.
I make my own and it is so easy and inexpensive that I would not be willing to buy it for what she would have to charge to cover expenses. Probably not what you want to hear but I think she'd definately have to have some sort of special service or something to get people interested. Also, remember that you'd constantly need to be attracting new customers since they only eat it for a few months. Hope this helps.
Mamalu made an excellent point about teaching others. Some moms are just scared to start on their own but if she could show them how easy it is to make and store in a one time class I think that market would be broader. Then you don't have to go through all the health certifications, special kitchen, etc. You could even do it at their home or for playgroups. Almost pure profit that way and a WHOLE lot less work and minimal risk too.
