5 answers
Shelly
Student
Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
1
Question
Asked
913 views
How do start your own business in the beverage industry ?
I am currently a high school student but I overthink a lot about my future and this is what I want to pursue.
5 answers
Spencer Young
Consulting Partner
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Spencer’s Answer
Hi Shelly,
The beverage business will look different in different countries, particularly if they are alcoholic. Alcohol has a number of government regulations around it, so let's assume you are talking non-alcoholic.
Your first big decision is: when you say beverage business, do you mean as a retail business (e.g. a bar, coffeeshop, tea house, etc) or as a consumer product business (e.g. soft drinks, juice, etc).
Since you are in high school, the best way is to intern with a company you like and that works in the space you want to get into. I would try to find a smaller company so you get an exposure to more areas of the business and see them fighting problems that you would likely fight when you start out on your own. If you intern at Thums Up then it will be interesting, but you'll learn more about how Coca-Cola manages a large, established manufacturing and distribution footprint. You want to learn about small company problems right now, not big company problems.
Best of luck!
The beverage business will look different in different countries, particularly if they are alcoholic. Alcohol has a number of government regulations around it, so let's assume you are talking non-alcoholic.
Your first big decision is: when you say beverage business, do you mean as a retail business (e.g. a bar, coffeeshop, tea house, etc) or as a consumer product business (e.g. soft drinks, juice, etc).
Since you are in high school, the best way is to intern with a company you like and that works in the space you want to get into. I would try to find a smaller company so you get an exposure to more areas of the business and see them fighting problems that you would likely fight when you start out on your own. If you intern at Thums Up then it will be interesting, but you'll learn more about how Coca-Cola manages a large, established manufacturing and distribution footprint. You want to learn about small company problems right now, not big company problems.
Best of luck!
Julia Belcher
IT Services Marketing
4
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Shelly,
The beverage sector is a broad field with numerous possibilities tailored to your interests. It's advisable to acquire some experience and understanding before launching your own venture, given the industry's intense competition.
Consider studying Chemistry:
Chemistry plays a vital role in producing beverages like beer, spirits, kombucha, and tea. It influences the taste, aroma, and quality of the end product. Grasping the chemical processes in brewing, distilling, and tea-making can enhance your proficiency and enjoyment in this sector.
Think about a career in the hospitality/service industry:
If you enjoy crafting unforgettable experiences, a position in hospitality could be a perfect fit. There are educational courses and certifications in Hospitality aimed at equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various roles, such as hotel and restaurant management, event coordination, and tourism.
If traditional education doesn't appeal to you, starting from a basic position and learning through practical experience is another viable route.
I hope you find this advice beneficial, and I wish you every success!
The beverage sector is a broad field with numerous possibilities tailored to your interests. It's advisable to acquire some experience and understanding before launching your own venture, given the industry's intense competition.
Consider studying Chemistry:
Chemistry plays a vital role in producing beverages like beer, spirits, kombucha, and tea. It influences the taste, aroma, and quality of the end product. Grasping the chemical processes in brewing, distilling, and tea-making can enhance your proficiency and enjoyment in this sector.
Think about a career in the hospitality/service industry:
If you enjoy crafting unforgettable experiences, a position in hospitality could be a perfect fit. There are educational courses and certifications in Hospitality aimed at equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various roles, such as hotel and restaurant management, event coordination, and tourism.
If traditional education doesn't appeal to you, starting from a basic position and learning through practical experience is another viable route.
I hope you find this advice beneficial, and I wish you every success!
Stephanie Smith
Accountant
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Starting your own business in the beverage industry can be an exciting venture. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Research and identify your niche: Determine the type of beverage business you want to start. Consider factors such as whether you want to produce and sell your own beverages, become a distributor, or open a café or juice bar.
2. Develop a business plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. This will help you stay organized and attract potential investors or lenders.
3. Conduct market research: Understand your target market, competition, and industry trends. Identify consumer preferences, demand, and potential gaps in the market that your beverage business can fill.
4. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Research and secure the required permits and licenses to operate legally in your region. This may include health and safety permits, food handling certifications, and business registrations.
5. Source suppliers and ingredients: Identify reliable suppliers for the ingredients, packaging, and equipment needed for your beverage production. Consider factors such as cost, quality, and sustainability.
6. Develop your product: Experiment with different recipes and flavors to create unique and appealing beverages. Test your products with potential customers and gather feedback to refine your offerings.
7. Establish a brand and marketing strategy: Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your values, target market, and unique selling points. Create a marketing strategy that includes online and offline channels to promote your business and attract customers.
8. Set up your operations: Depending on your business model, you may need to secure a commercial kitchen or production facility, lease a space for your café or juice bar, or set up a distribution network.
9. Manage finances: Determine your startup costs, including equipment, ingredients, marketing, and staffing. Explore funding options such as personal savings, loans, or seeking investors. Establish a financial management system to track expenses, revenue, and profitability.
10. Launch and grow your business: Execute your marketing plan, start selling your products, and provide excellent customer service. Continuously monitor and adapt your business strategies based on market feedback and industry trends.
Remember, starting a business requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It may also be helpful to seek advice from mentors or join relevant industry associations to gain insights and support along the way.
1. Research and identify your niche: Determine the type of beverage business you want to start. Consider factors such as whether you want to produce and sell your own beverages, become a distributor, or open a café or juice bar.
2. Develop a business plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. This will help you stay organized and attract potential investors or lenders.
3. Conduct market research: Understand your target market, competition, and industry trends. Identify consumer preferences, demand, and potential gaps in the market that your beverage business can fill.
4. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Research and secure the required permits and licenses to operate legally in your region. This may include health and safety permits, food handling certifications, and business registrations.
5. Source suppliers and ingredients: Identify reliable suppliers for the ingredients, packaging, and equipment needed for your beverage production. Consider factors such as cost, quality, and sustainability.
6. Develop your product: Experiment with different recipes and flavors to create unique and appealing beverages. Test your products with potential customers and gather feedback to refine your offerings.
7. Establish a brand and marketing strategy: Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your values, target market, and unique selling points. Create a marketing strategy that includes online and offline channels to promote your business and attract customers.
8. Set up your operations: Depending on your business model, you may need to secure a commercial kitchen or production facility, lease a space for your café or juice bar, or set up a distribution network.
9. Manage finances: Determine your startup costs, including equipment, ingredients, marketing, and staffing. Explore funding options such as personal savings, loans, or seeking investors. Establish a financial management system to track expenses, revenue, and profitability.
10. Launch and grow your business: Execute your marketing plan, start selling your products, and provide excellent customer service. Continuously monitor and adapt your business strategies based on market feedback and industry trends.
Remember, starting a business requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It may also be helpful to seek advice from mentors or join relevant industry associations to gain insights and support along the way.
Ryan Clark
Business Value
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Embarking on a new business journey in the drink industry can be thrilling, but it demands meticulous planning and execution. Here's a friendly guide to help you kick-start your venture:
Scout the Market: Start with intensive market research to spot potential opportunities and unmet needs in the drink industry. Get to know your prospective customers, their tastes, and buying habits. Check out your rivals and study their products, pricing, and promotional tactics.
Invent a Distinctive Product: Craft a unique and inventive drink that caters to the wants and needs of your target market. Whether it's a novel taste, a health drink, or a specialized product, make sure it distinguishes itself from the crowd and offers something enticing to customers.
Map Out a Business Plan: Construct a detailed business plan that sketches your business goals, target market, product range, marketing approach, financial forecasts, and operational blueprint. A well-considered business plan will act as a guide for your venture and assist in securing funding if necessary.
Understand Legal and Regulatory Rules: Get acquainted with the legal and regulatory norms for launching a drink business in your locality. This might involve securing permits, licenses, and complying with food safety rules. Make sure your product meets labeling and packaging standards too.
Forge Supplier and Distribution Bonds: Build connections with suppliers to source ingredients and materials required for your drink production. Investigate distribution avenues and consider partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, or distributors to bring your product to stores and connect with your target market.
Production and Manufacturing Choices: Decide if you'll be manufacturing your drink internally or delegating production to a co-packer or contract manufacturer. Establish a production method that guarantees quality, uniformity, and expandability as your business develops.
Create a Brand and Market It: Develop a powerful brand persona and marketing plan to effectively place your drink in the market. This involves crafting a captivating brand narrative, designing appealing packaging and labels, and employing marketing strategies to boost awareness and spur sales.
Plan Your Launch and Distribution: Strategize a launch for your drink, including promotional activities, tastings, and events to create excitement and draw in customers. Collaborate closely with your distribution partners to ensure your product is accessible in prime retail spots and effectively reaches your target audience.
Scout the Market: Start with intensive market research to spot potential opportunities and unmet needs in the drink industry. Get to know your prospective customers, their tastes, and buying habits. Check out your rivals and study their products, pricing, and promotional tactics.
Invent a Distinctive Product: Craft a unique and inventive drink that caters to the wants and needs of your target market. Whether it's a novel taste, a health drink, or a specialized product, make sure it distinguishes itself from the crowd and offers something enticing to customers.
Map Out a Business Plan: Construct a detailed business plan that sketches your business goals, target market, product range, marketing approach, financial forecasts, and operational blueprint. A well-considered business plan will act as a guide for your venture and assist in securing funding if necessary.
Understand Legal and Regulatory Rules: Get acquainted with the legal and regulatory norms for launching a drink business in your locality. This might involve securing permits, licenses, and complying with food safety rules. Make sure your product meets labeling and packaging standards too.
Forge Supplier and Distribution Bonds: Build connections with suppliers to source ingredients and materials required for your drink production. Investigate distribution avenues and consider partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, or distributors to bring your product to stores and connect with your target market.
Production and Manufacturing Choices: Decide if you'll be manufacturing your drink internally or delegating production to a co-packer or contract manufacturer. Establish a production method that guarantees quality, uniformity, and expandability as your business develops.
Create a Brand and Market It: Develop a powerful brand persona and marketing plan to effectively place your drink in the market. This involves crafting a captivating brand narrative, designing appealing packaging and labels, and employing marketing strategies to boost awareness and spur sales.
Plan Your Launch and Distribution: Strategize a launch for your drink, including promotional activities, tastings, and events to create excitement and draw in customers. Collaborate closely with your distribution partners to ensure your product is accessible in prime retail spots and effectively reaches your target audience.
Taylor Fronk
Sales Support
13
Answers
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hello!
I do not have a beverage business, but there are plenty of people that do! I would start reaching out and knocking on the doors of local breweries, distributors, etc. It's not about what you know, it's about who you know!
Creating a network and finding people that have experience in your industry will help more than you can know!
I do not have a beverage business, but there are plenty of people that do! I would start reaching out and knocking on the doors of local breweries, distributors, etc. It's not about what you know, it's about who you know!
Creating a network and finding people that have experience in your industry will help more than you can know!
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