Small-Batch sake brewery in a rented unit

Restaurants, bars, independent drinks shops, delis and drinkers who order bottles online or at food markets.

Wholesale sales per bottle or case to trade buyers, plus higher-margin direct sales online and at markets. Tastings, gift sets and seasonal releases can add extra income.

• Patience and care with a slow, precise brewing process
• Basic brewing or fermentation knowledge, learned through courses or time in another brewery
• Selling to trade buyers and telling your product's story

• Alcohol production usually needs approval from HMRC and you will owe alcohol duty, so check the current rules for your type of drink before brewing to sell
• If you sell to other businesses, check whether you need to register under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme
• Check the unit's planning use class, lease terms and fire safety with your landlord and council
• Food hygiene registration, labelling, allergen and ABV rules apply to bottled drinks, so check with your council's trading standards and environmental health teams
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and equipment
• Rice and koji fermentation can fail, so expect some wasted batches while you learn

Estimated startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on your brewing equipment, the unit you rent and how much you plan to produce.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £15,000, depending on volume and who you sell to. Fermentation can fail, so expect some wasted batches while you learn.

Check whether you need HMRC approval and will owe alcohol duty before brewing to sell, and whether the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme applies if you sell to businesses. Also check the unit's use class, lease, fire safety, labelling, allergen and ABV rules.