Business Idea: Production and Sale of Freshly Squeezed Juices

From childhood, we've known that fruits and vegetables are very beneficial for health. However, it's very difficult to persuade oneself, let alone a child, to eat them in their raw form. It's much easier to consume them in the form of juice. But today, the store shelves are filled with concentrates, which have significantly lower vitamin content. Those who care about their health prefer freshly squeezed juices (fresh). They are much better absorbed by the body than raw vegetables and contain less sugar than store-bought juices. But not everyone has a juicer at home, so a business offering fresh juice production will surely find its customers.

Why is it so challenging to organize mass production of fresh juices?

All the beneficial properties of freshly squeezed juices are lost within 4 hours of preparation. Vitamin destruction cannot be stopped by any known methods, except with preservatives. And we all know how harmful they are to the human body. In addition, transporting fresh juices will cost you a lot. That's why the production and sale of freshly squeezed juices need to be done on-site.

Possible options for starting a private business in fresh juice production

If you want to engage in the production and sale of freshly squeezed juices, you have two options. You can install juicing machines in supermarkets near the fruit sections or open several juice outlets in places where many people gather—near shopping centers, fitness clubs, hotels, parks, and the main square of the city.

The first option is quite costly since one such machine will cost around $1700.

The second option is more feasible and is already successfully used by many entrepreneurs. Moreover, you won't have to spend money on transport and delivery, which is crucial for a new business to save as much as possible without compromising quality.

Essential components

To start, choose strategic locations for your outlets. It's crucial to have a high footfall near your points of sale (that's why it's recommended to open them in shopping centers). For one outlet, you will only need 2-4 square meters of space, but in high-traffic areas, the rent will be higher.

Ensure you obtain permission to trade in food products from the Health Department. Without this authorization, it will be challenging to open your business, and trading in juices without the proper documents can lead to serious consequences.

You will need a juicer, refrigerator, and cash register as part of the equipment. Also, don't forget about stands, tables, and chairs for your customers.

Acquire at least two juicers for each outlet, one for citrus fruits and the other for other fruits and vegetables. Eventually, you can equip the outlet with additional juicers to save time and serve more customers.

Regularly purchase disposable cups and bottles so that your customers can take the juice with them. If you use reusable utensils, keep in mind they need to be washed properly, so ensure access to a restroom in each outlet.

The fruits and vegetables for the juices must be fresh and high-quality, so it's essential to find a reliable supplier. The cost of raw materials should also be factored in.

Financial investments

To open one fresh juice outlet, you will need around $6500-$10000. However, its profitability will be relatively low, so it's advisable to open at least three outlets from the start. This way, you can test all the risks of a new business and expand over time. Also, keep in mind that selling beverages is typically seasonal. This doesn't mean you have to close your outlets in the winter; just be prepared for lower profits compared to the summer. The good news is that demand will rise again with the new season.

Research Findings

According to research, juice outlets where juices are manually squeezed using non-automatic juicers instill less confidence in potential customers compared to others. The reason is that many clients find the manual juicing process less hygienic. Based on these considerations, they are unlikely to order juice from such places.

How else to attract customers?

The key element in fresh juice production is the juicer. Therefore, it's essential not to skimp on quality equipment. A good juicer will cost you between $2500 and $8500, but it's worth it because it speaks to the level of service and the quality of your product.

Another crucial aspect of your business's success will be a wide range of products. The more different juices you can offer, the more people with various taste preferences will become your customers. However, there are nuances to consider. For instance, fruits and vegetables need to be used promptly as they spoil quickly. Buying too much variety of raw materials risks wasting money. Therefore, it's best to experiment and determine which juices sell the best and focus on producing those in the future.

Due to the increasing interest in a healthy lifestyle, the fresh juice market is constantly growing. The profitability of this business can reach 170%. Moreover, you can comfortably afford to mark up juices by 100%.

Based on experience, it's quite realistic to sell up to 20 liters of juice per month, meaning you can earn up to $2000 in that time. Deduct your expenses for rent and employee wages to calculate your net profit.

The key to any business's success is its continuous development. It shouldn't remain stagnant; it should grow, not only in width but also in depth. Maintain interest in your products through special offers. Over time, simple fresh juice trading can evolve into a healthy food restaurant.