Specialist food supplier to local cafés and delis

Independent cafés, delis, farm shops, restaurants and small grocers that want quality products in smaller quantities than the big wholesalers sell.

You sell at a mark-up on what you paid, with repeat weekly or fortnightly orders. Margins depend on your range, order size and how well you control waste.

• Negotiating with suppliers
• Organised stock and order handling
• Reliable delivery and customer service
• Basic food safety knowledge

• Register as a food business with your local council, usually at least 28 days before trading (check with them)
• Chilled or frozen goods need proper temperature-controlled storage and transport
• Check food labelling, allergen and traceability rules for what you supply
• Public liability and goods in transit insurance, plus cover for stock
• Late-paying customers can strain cash flow, so agree clear payment terms
• Check your insurance and lease allow storing food at your premises

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the range of stock you buy, your van and where you store goods. These are estimates, so price up your chosen products and storage before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many cafés, delis and restaurants you supply, your product range and order sizes. That is revenue rather than profit, and late payers can strain cash flow.

Check food business registration with your local council, usually at least 28 days before trading. Also check temperature-controlled storage and transport for chilled or frozen goods, and labelling, allergen and traceability rules for what you supply.