Advice & Info re: Small Scale Protein Smoothie Business

[ls0709]

Hi guys,

I got talking with a friend a couple of nights ago about the current trend of protein shakes and smoothies in the super markets. Both of us have tried loads and we both recently tried UpBeat which we didn't really like but love the idea.

We then got talking about making our own protein smoothies on a very small scale, bottling them and selling them at markets/events/city centre and potentially in gyms.

I already work with a packaging supplier so can get bottles at a good price no problem but from what I've read I can't work out whether we'd need glass or plastic would be OK?

Also does anyone have any advice or handy info on small scale bottling of products and preserving them. I've gone through UpBeat and similar ingredients today and can source most of the stuff no issues.

In terms of the brand, we're both from marketing and branding backgrounds and were instantly able to come up with a brand idea that we liked, though moving forward if we start at a small scale we can obviously test this at market, along with flavours etc. as we look to build from there.

Any advice or questions welcome.

Thanks

 

[AlanGuidry]

We then got talking about making our own protein smoothies on a very small scale, bottling them

It's a saturated market!! What's your USP?

 

[garyk]

I think start small and build a following. Are you planning on doing lower carb protein drinks? Upbeat has 20g of protein and 11g of carbs, not great and alot are like that. Not pre-made but there zero carb protein shake powders on the market.

 

[ls0709]

The idea would be to keep them as low carb and low fat as possible whilst aiming for around 20-25g protein per bottle. That's what I'd purchase anyway.

Also flavours, working hard to get great flavours and using natural flavourings where needed.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

You would need to talk to your local council and also i guess check health and safety regulations regarding food, Large insurance costs i guess, how would you work out shelf life, enough margin for you and the shop keeper, Preparation facilities

Quite a lot to learn plus are your tastes what the customer wants, it's easy to know what you like but selling is about the customer wants to buy

 

[ls0709]

Have been looking into local markets today and currently researching if we can get space to promote in the high street and how much that all costs.

We would both take the H&S certs and I believe we just need public liability to £5m to cover us.

Shelf life will be tested and margins will be figured out over the next day or so as we work out exactly how much of each ingredient we need.

Ideal thing about planning it on small scale is we can make adjustments to each product along the way. If we take 20 units of X flavour to market for example and ask for feedback we can keep dialling it down to reach majority preference.

 

[MOIC]

A huge amount of researching, testing & marketing ahead apart from sourcing the ingredients you need for a "small scale level" in order to be competitive.

Ingredients, packaging, bottling etc all become cost effective with large quantities.

My suggestion is to pop over to the states and see what's on offer. The west coast often starts a "craze" in the health food industry.

Best of luck with your project.

Ron
Your UK Man In China

 

[ls0709]

Whilst on the topic - do you guys think it's possible within these markets for people to still start small and make something happen these days or has money over taken the industry and meant only big players with big pockets will succeed?

 

[MOIC]

Do the process correctly, it can be a success, but needs patience, perseverance, professionalism and a budget to allow you to progress without putting you under financial pressure.

In any business, starting small and progressing is generally the best way to expand.

At each stage you will learn from possible mistakes whilst increasing your purchase requirements as well as management process.

 

[Opinion87]

Whilst on the topic - do you guys think it's possible within these markets for people to still start small and make something happen these days or has money over taken the industry and meant only big players with big pockets will succeed?

Innocent may be a good example.

"In 1999, after spending six months working on smoothie recipes and £500 on fruit, the trio sold their drinks from a stall at a music festival in London. People were asked to put their empty bottles in a 'yes' or 'no' bin depending on whether they thought the three should quit their jobs to make smoothies. At the end of the festival the 'yes' bin was full, with only three cups in the 'no' bin, so they went to their work the next day and resigned. After quitting their jobs, the three struggled to find investment, but eventually had a lucky break when Maurice Pinto, a wealthy American businessman, decided to invest £250,000. In total, it took fifteen months from the initial idea to taking the product to market."

 

[AlanGuidry]

do you guys think it's possible within these markets for people to still start small and make something happen these days or has money over taken the industry and meant only big players with big pockets will succeed?

There are the odd example like Innocent Smoothies but more specifically the 'protein drinks' market is very saturated already with both EU and US operators, so unless you're offering something that none of the big players have done then its difficult to make serious inroads... the big companies spend huge amounts on R&D, product testing, ingredient sourcing not to mention legal costs in complying with health and safety, EU food labelling regs and much more!

You really need to consider what your USP is and how this will help you compete successfully against the large brands.

 

[Tech4Homes]

I'm not sure this is a "small scale" business if I'm honest.

Just take a look at sites like theproteinworks.com and myprotein.com

This is a relatively small value, repeat ordering loyalty business. You don't want people to just buy protein, you want them to buy vitamins and other random stuff to create their "stacks" plus the high mark up upsales like shakers, pill boxes and so on and so on.

Why would someone buy protein shakes from you if they can't get all their other requirements in one order?

You really need to be offering everything from day one. You'll need an amazing brand and website, loyalty points system, support and advice etc etc... that's before you start advertising.......

 

[Deleted member 244558]

I agree, it's a saturated market - I use protein shakes and have tried many.

Make me a protein tablet so I don't have to get washing my mixer and you have a sale ... !