Small-batch wholesale baker for local cafes

Independent cafes, delis, small grocers and restaurants that want fresh local product without running their own bakery.

Price per loaf or per pastry on standing weekly orders, with a small number of reliable accounts giving steady income.

• Baking in bulk with consistent results
• Early starts and good time management
• Basic costing and invoicing
• Reliable delivery to a schedule

• Food business registration with your local council and any food safety supervisor or training requirements in your state
• Home kitchens often are not approved for wholesale, so check with your council before baking at home
• Allergen labelling and food labelling rules under the Food Standards Code
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Dependence on one or two big customers

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on equipment, kitchen access and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your products, number of customers and volumes. Relying on one or two big customers is a risk.

Home kitchens often are not approved for wholesale, so check with your local council before baking at home. Also check food business registration with your council and any food safety supervisor or training requirements in your state.

Check allergen and food labelling rules under the Food Standards Code, plus public liability and product liability insurance. Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week. Useful skills include consistent bulk baking, early starts, basic costing and invoicing, and reliable delivery.