The jerky business is a lucrative and rewarding opportunity that can be started with relatively low start-up capital. However, to be successful, it requires a lot of time and effort and a great deal of dedication to the business. It is also important to understand the ins and outs of this type of business. This article will provide an overview of how to start a beef jerky business, from the basics to the more complex aspects of this venture.
The first step to starting a beef jerky business is determining the legality of your product. You will need to know whether or not your homemade jerky meets local food safety guidelines. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to purchase or lease a commercial kitchen for production purposes. In addition, you will need to determine if your home kitchen is large enough for production and storage of your jerky.
Another consideration is the marketing of your jerky. You will want to consider utilizing social media and other internet marketing methods for this purpose. You will also need to develop a strategy for locating potential customers. Using local events, such as food festivals and county fairs, is an excellent way to promote your jerky business and attract new customers.
In order to operate a full-scale jerky production business, you will need to have a variety of key staff members. These will include a Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources Manager, Merchandise Managers, Operators/Butchers and Sales and Marketing Officers/Distributors. You will also need to have an accounting clerk and a clean-up crew.