Seasoning and sauce maker supplying local shops

Delis, butchers, farm shops, cafes, restaurants and small food makers who want a local product or a custom blend.

Wholesale price per unit or per kilo on repeat orders, plus private-label or custom blends for food businesses.

• Consistent batch production and record keeping
• Costing and pricing for wholesale margins
• Pitching to retailers and managing orders

• Food business registration and a food safety supervisor or food safety program, requirements vary by state and council
• Labelling and allergen rules under the Food Standards Code, and keeping batch records for traceability
• Public liability and product liability insurance, which retailers may ask to see
• Payment terms from retailers and cash flow while you buy ingredients in bulk
• Making health or nutrition claims, which have strict rules

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on kitchen hire, bulk ingredients, packaging and labelling. These are estimates, so cost your batches carefully and plan cash flow for buying ingredients in bulk.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many shops and cafes you supply, order sizes and your wholesale margins. Allow at least about 15 hours a week. Check payment terms, as they affect cash flow.

Check food business registration and whether you need a food safety supervisor or food safety program, as requirements vary by state and council. Also check Food Standards Code labelling and allergen rules, batch records, insurance, and rules on health or nutrition claims.