The food and beverage industry accounts for 20% of the UK’s total manufacturing and is the biggest sector in the country.
It’s not surprising then that competition is fierce for a successful food and beverage company, but it can be done!
Here are five steps to ensuring your success on the high street.
- Establish a brand
This is essential for the maintaining the longevity of your business. Work out what makes your food and drink different from everywhere else and capitalise on it.
If you have a signature dish or drink, exceptional service or proximity to a historical monument, for example, make sure you use it to your advantage! Stamp out your logo onto boxes, glasses, napkins, anything that a customer can take away with them.
Create a slogan that can be memorised and repeated. Word-of-mouth recommendations are the best and most effective form of advertising.
- Advertise!
Being social media savvy is a must in the current market, as digital marketing is now at the forefront of business.
Build your social media profiles and run giveaways to gain likes and shares in your start-up week. You can also advertise in the traditional sense with newspaper adverts, window displays and flyers.
There are plenty of sites such as SocialCo with excellent tips on creating a thriving social media channel to maximise your exposure to potential customers.
- Have the Right Appliances
Having the right equipment will ensure that you get the best product, and therefore the best feedback from your customers.
However, good hygiene and maintenance is also essential for a successful business. For example, over half of all waste pipe blockages are caused by cooking oil and solidified fat, so it’s essential to dispose of your waste fat and grease as mindfully as possible.
You can invest in appliances such as Oil, Fat and Grease Skimmers from companies like Smart Storm that will remove solids from machinery and wastewater.
- Clean, Clean, Clean!
One of the most reviewed subjects online is a business’ cleanliness. You could be serving the most glorious food, but unless you have a reputation for a spotless environment, you will find maintaining customer numbers difficult.
Don’t forget that websites such as TripAdvisor are the first stepping stone for many potential customers. If you have a higher rating and many positive reviews, you are much more likely to achieve a higher number of first-time customers.
TripAdvisor themselves offer an insight into their Popularity Ranking and how to improve yours.
- Perfect Your Product
It sounds obvious, but it’s what everyone is there to see! Spend time developing your products, perfecting your menu and taking initial feedback from customers.
As an incentive, you may want to offer vouchers or discount codes in exchange for honest reviews. All of this will help you to create products that people will come back for again and again.
What are your tips for creating a successful food and beverage business? Answer in the comments below!
