Tea exporter with own packing unit

Overseas wholesalers, blenders, cafes and retailers who want ready-to-sell or private-label tea.

You earn the gap between bulk purchase cost and the higher price for packed, labelled tea, plus extra for private-label orders.

• Food handling and hygiene
• Sales and negotiation
• Stock and order management
• Export paperwork

• Food business registration with your local council, and food safety standards for labelling and handling
• Destination country food import rules, some require registration of the packing facility, check before you ship
• Lease terms and zoning for a food packing unit
• Stock sitting unsold ties up cash, start with small batches
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Workers compensation once you hire help

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the unit, packing equipment and first stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on order sizes and the buyers you win.

Check food business registration with your local council and food safety standards for labelling and handling. Also check destination country import rules, as some require registration of the packing facility, and confirm lease terms and zoning for a food packing unit.

Plan on at least around 25 hours a week, as an estimate. Unsold stock ties up cash, so it helps to start with small batches. Insurance for product and public liability is also worth checking early.