Catering business in South Africa
Food is an important factor of our daily lives, unlike other factors of life, it cannot be done without, as it is a basic need. It brings friends, family, employees and companies together. Also, food sharing has been known to be a major way of socializing, celebrating and building relationships.
How much does it cost to start a catering business in South Africa?
Generally, the start-up capital for a catering business can range between R10 000 and R80 000 in South Africa, depending on your business size and customers. You can also rent catering equipment and hire temporary staff to operate your catering business.
Is catering business profitable in South Africa?
Yes, in South Africa, catering business in South Africa is very profitable. The food sector has been growing as a result of the growth of the tourism sector and an increase in income.
Do you need a license to sell food in South Africa?
If you are wondering if you need a license to sell food in South Africa, the answer is, yes. Especially, if you sell or supply meals or perishable foods either take away or to eat on the premises, a license is mandatory. Also, if you’re a hawker selling food and meals, which you take from place to place or sell from a vehicle, you will need a permit.
Can I sell food from home South Africa?
To legally sell any foodstuff in South Africa, except unprocessed agricultural products, you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptability from the local authority, which would typically be your municipality. This certificate must be in place before you start selling.
What are the requirement to start a catering business in South Africa?
Choose a Specialty: As to food, there are a variety of food, you have to have a specific food delicacy or delicacies you are good at. And most importantly, do some research on the market demand of your chosen delicacy.
Finance and Purchase your equipment: After you have chosen your specialty and the size of events or customer’s order, in order to get started, you will need some equipment. However, catering equipment could be expensive at first, so you might need to start small, then as your business gets more sales and orders, you could increase your equipment collection to meet your customer’s orders.
Get Your Suppliers: For your catering delicacy, you will need certain ingredients to make your recipe perfect consistently. Therefore, you need to find a supplier that meets your need.
Employ your catering staff: Now, you will need the service of catering workers to assist you in your activities, as you could learn different recipes from each worker, thereby increasing your business productivity. However, if you cannot afford to employ worker and could only start small, then you will have to run as a one person caterer, which is never a bad way to start.
Build a brand and market it: No matter how good a business plan, without good marketing and promotion, it will not hit great heights. Have a target customer base and focus on way to provide complete satisfaction.
