Fruit wholesale delivery rounds by van

Independent cafes, restaurants, greengrocers, delis, market traders and small caterers that want fresh fruit without travelling to market themselves.

You add a margin between your buying price and your selling price. Regular weekly orders and a tight delivery route help make each trip worthwhile.

• Judging fruit quality and ripeness
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Early starts and reliable driving
• Basic bookkeeping

• Register as a food business with your local council before you start trading
• Check the food hygiene and temperature control rules for storing and transporting fresh produce
• Goods in transit and public liability insurance, plus the right van insurance for business use
• Fruit spoils quickly, so unsold stock cuts into thin margins
• Late-paying customers can strain cash flow, so check payment terms

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, initial stock and any storage equipment. These are estimates, so check real supplier prices and van costs before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many customers you serve and your range. The estimate assumes at least around 20 hours a week. Fruit spoils quickly, so unsold stock can cut into margins.

Check that you need to register as a food business with your local council, and check the food hygiene and temperature control rules for storing and transporting fruit. Also check goods in transit, public liability and business-use van insurance.