Condiments wholesaler to cafés and shops

Independent cafés, takeaways, restaurants, delis, farm shops and small grocers.

You sell at a margin above your buying price, usually by the case, and earn repeat orders from regular customers.

• Selling and building relationships
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Organised stock and delivery planning

• Food business registration with your local council, usually needed before you start, so check how far ahead
• Where you store stock: check whether home storage is allowed by your landlord, lender or council, and keep it clean, cool and dry
• Product liability and public liability insurance, plus vehicle insurance that covers carrying goods for business
• Labelling, allergen and traceability rules apply to food you supply, so check with your supplier and Trading Standards
• Cash flow: customers may want credit terms while you pay suppliers up front

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your opening stock, storage and vehicle. Cash flow can be tight, as customers may want credit terms while you pay suppliers up front.

Food business registration with your local council is usually needed before you start, so check how far ahead to apply. Also check labelling, allergen and traceability rules with your supplier and Trading Standards, and whether home storage is allowed.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many local customers you win and your order sizes. The estimates assume at least around 12 hours a week. Check product liability and vehicle insurance for carrying goods.