Specialist grocery wholesaler from a small unit

Independent grocers, ethnic food shops, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants and takeaways that want a specialist range in smaller quantities than large wholesalers offer.

You sell cases and multipacks at trade prices above your bulk buying cost. A specialist range can support slightly better margins than general grocery, but it relies on repeat orders and good stock rotation.

• Knowledge of your chosen product range and its customers
• Stock control and managing dates
• Negotiating with importers and suppliers
• Credit control and invoicing

• Register your food business with your local council and check hygiene requirements for your unit before you stock food
• Check import rules, labelling requirements and allergen information if you buy from importers or from abroad
• Short shelf lives and wastage can eat into thin margins, so start with a modest range
• Insurance for stock, public liability and product liability, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Unit lease terms and whether the permitted use covers food storage
• Check VAT registration rules and how they apply to your product lines

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit, your chosen range and how much stock you buy. Starting with a modest range can help limit wastage on short shelf-life items.

Check whether you need to register your food business with your local council, and what hygiene requirements apply to your unit. Also check import rules, labelling and allergen information if you buy from importers, and whether your lease permits food storage.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your range, your customers and your delivery area. Revenue is not profit, and short shelf lives and wastage can eat into thin margins.