Small-Batch jams, pickles and relishes in jars

Make preserves in a hired commercial kitchen and sell at markets, online and to local shops.

Workers filling and sealing food cans on a production line in a cannery.

Startup costA$2k to A$10k

Monthly revenueA$1k to A$5k

Time needed10+ h/week

First incomeMonths

A$2k-10k
Side hustle
Own premises
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Preserving fruit and vegetables in jars as jams, chutneys, pickles, relishes and sauces. You cook in small batches in a rented or shared commercial kitchen and sell under your own label.

Your first three steps

Pick 3 to 5 recipes and test small batches, including shelf life and how consistent they are
Contact your local council and ask about food business registration and which commercial or shared kitchens near you can be hired
Design labels and book a trial stall at a local market to test prices and flavours

Who pays

Market shoppers, online customers, gift buyers, and local delis, cafes and farm shops that stock local products.

How it makes money

You sell jars at a retail price at markets and online, and at a lower wholesale price to shops. Profit depends on ingredient cost, batch size and how much kitchen time you pay for.

Skills that help

Confident cooking in batches
Careful hygiene and record keeping
Selling face to face at markets
Basic costing and pricing

Watch out for

Food business registration with your local council, and whether you need a food safety supervisor (check your state's rules)
Food Standards Code requirements for labelling, allergens and ingredient lists
Low-acid foods and pickling need correct acidity control to be safe, so learn proper processes or get advice from a food technologist
Public liability and product liability insurance
Kitchen hire costs can eat into profit, so price jars with this in mind

🔒 Full research report for Australia

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a jam and pickle business in Australia?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your equipment, jars and labels, ingredients, insurance and how often you hire a commercial kitchen. Kitchen hire can eat into profit, so price your jars accordingly.

How much can you earn selling jams and preserves?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many markets you attend, your online sales, local shop stockists and your pricing. The idea assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

What rules should I check before selling preserves in Australia?

Check food business registration with your local council and whether you need a food safety supervisor in your state. Also check Food Standards Code rules on labelling and allergens, safe acidity control for pickles and low-acid foods, and public and product liability insurance.