Small-Batch jar preserves from home

Shoppers at farmers' markets and fairs, online customers, and local delis, farm shops and cafes.

Sell jars direct at a retail price, or supply local shops at a lower wholesale price in larger quantities. Seasonal gift sets can lift sales before Christmas.

• Confident cooking and recipe testing
• Careful with hygiene and record keeping
• Selling face to face and online

• Food business registration with your local council is required before you start trading, so check their timing (registration is normally free, but should be done in good time)
• Safe processing: low-acid foods and incorrect pickling or heat treatment carry food safety risks, so follow tested recipes and check pH guidance
• Labelling rules for ingredients, allergens, weights and best before dates, check with Trading Standards
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Check your lease, mortgage or home insurance allows food production at home

Startup costs are typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on your equipment, jars, labels, insurance and market stall costs. These are estimates, so price your own recipes and packaging before setting a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many jars you sell and where. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and the idea assumes at least around 8 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your local council before trading, and follow tested recipes with pH guidance for safe processing. Also check labelling rules with Trading Standards, insurance, and whether your lease, mortgage or home insurance allows food production at home.