A food business is one of the most profitable types of business in Malaysia. That is why there are so many people who sell homemade food nowadays.
Be it as a side income or a sole income, the homemade food business has become a ‘trend’. Despite the uncertain conditions of the economy, selling homemade food is a promising business.
So if you’re on the fence about starting a homemade food business, note down these tips…we’ve even made sure it follows KKM rules!
Guide to Sell Homemade Food in Malaysia
What food will you sell?
First things first, think about what you want to sell. Should you sell food for profit or the food you cook best?
Personally, I think if you’re confident about a certain recipe, you should try selling within your circle and ask for feedback. Then, you can adjust to what you see fit before trying a bigger market.
One other tip is to start small. Don’t try and sell different products at the same time. Perfect one product at a time before you venture into other recipes.
Plan ahead!
Even though you’re selling from the comfort of your home, you shouldn’t be too comfortable.
When you start a homemade food business from home, you need careful planning. Here are some of the things you need to know:
- Cost of raw materials
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Staff and workspace
- Overhead expenses
- Business registration
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many business seminars for startups you can join in Malaysia so you’re on the right track.
Maintain a good workspace
Cooking food for customers is not the same as cooking for your own household. It sure isn’t as easy!
The Ministry of Health Malaysia has a strict ruling on home-based food businesses. It is recommended that you have a totally different area separated from your own kitchen space.
Since not many people can do that, KKM has made a checklist to help food operators at home so your workspace is kept clean and in the best condition.
This includes
- Storage of frozen produce
- Raw materials storage
- Utensils and appliances
- Clean apparel
- Packaging materials and station
Manage your budget wisely
Moving on to the most sensitive issue with a business…money. When starting a business, you will need a certain amount of capital.
Typically, people use up their savings or apply for a loan from a licensed financial institution.
However, it is easy to get carried away so make sure you set your budget wisely. You can hold off any unnecessary expenses at a later stage when you start seeing profits.
Talk to homemade food experts
For anything that you’re inexperienced with, it is best to consult or seek expert advice so you’re on the right track.
It can be advice from an experienced friend, your uncle who has been in the industry for decades, a reliable food business class, or even a F&B marketing agency if you have the budget.
If you think that you’re capable of doing it alone…think again. A successful business relies on good networking because you may discover new knowledge and valuable tips.
Market your homemade food business
Don’t just wait in the dark for customers to come knocking on your door. ‘Go out’ into the online world and promote your business!
From the start, ask friends and family to help promote your business by posting their honest and positive feedback.
Then, start visualizing your brand by posting your products on social media and creating a consistent brand image.
Learn how one startup foodpreneur in Malaysia sold 10, 000 units in under 1 hour!
Build a Successful Homemade Food Business in 2022
Hopefully, these sell homemade food tips will help you to start a food business from home to help you increase income while honing your existing cooking talents!
If you already have a home-based food business, head over to (NEW) List of Certifications for Home-Based Food Business in Malaysia.
Need more food business tips? We’re the food marketing agency in Malaysia that works for you to elevate your business level to the max!
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Please opt for a one-to-one consultation with us or a relevant professional for your specific concerns regarding food business solutions in Malaysia before making any decisions.
