Seasoning is the process of adding salt, herbs, or spices to food to enhance the flavor. Seasonings include herbs and spices, which are themselves frequently referred to as "seasonings". However, Larousse Gastronomique states that "to season and to flavor are not the same thing", insisting that seasoning includes a large or small amount of salt being added to a preparation. Salt may be used to draw out water, or to magnify a natural flavor of a food making it richer or more delicate, depending on the dish. This type of procedure is akin to curing. For instance, sea salt (a coarser-grained salt) is rubbed into chicken, lamb, and beef to tenderize the meat and improve flavor. Other seasonings like black pepper and basil transfer some of their flavor to the food. A well designed dish may combine seasonings that complement each other. In addition to the choice of herbs and seasoning, the timing of when flavors are added will affect the food that is being cooked. In some cultures, meat may be seasoned by pouring sauce over the dish at the table. A variety of seasoning techniques exist in various cultures.
Spices and dried herbs wrapped up in neat packages make cooking more convenient. Some people are a little confused on which herbs go with what foods or how to use a certain group of seasonings. For example, cumin and cilantro are mainstays of Mexican and Southwest dishes but many cooks unfamiliar with those cuisines don't know that. Your seasoning business helps them select the right spices and helps your bank account grow.
Things You'll Need
- Licenses
- Wholesale Sources
- Marketing Strategies
- Business bank account
Seasoning Business Instruction:
Step 1
Research what licensing is required in your area. Mixing dried spices for seasoning packets may, or may not, require that your facilities be inspected and approved by the county or state health department. Get a business license and register the business name with the secretary of state's office. If you plan to sell the seasonings to the general public, rather than selling wholesale, you will need a reseller's license. The collected sales tax is remitted to the state. Some cities require that you get a separate business license from them as well.
Step 2
Convert your seasoning mix recipes to larger quantities. It's important you measure each ingredient. Customers will expect every package to be exactly the same. Determine the ideal size of a batch of seasonings. Some spices are heavier than others and will sink toward the bottom of the mixture while the lighter ones will float towards the top. A 5 gallon container may be too large to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed, while a 2 gallon bowl is ideal.
Step 3
Set up a work area where you will put together your seasonings, package and label the products. Determine if there is enough storage area for the bulk seasonings and to store the ready to sell packages.
Step 4
Set up vendor sources and suppliers. Base your decision on the quality of the product, delivery time, price and shipping costs. Also consider what the minimum purchase is. If you're on a tight budget you may want to do business with a vendor that has higher prices but only requires that you purchase $30 of products as opposed to a vendor with lower prices but with a minimum order of $100.
Step 5
Contact potential marketplaces such as arts and crafts shows, cookware shops and upscale grocers. Seasonings are lightweight, don't perish and don't require much packaging. Selling directly to the customer through a website is a viable option.
Step 6
Create marketing materials such as fliers, brochures and business cards. Consider putting together a recipe booklet with suggestions on how to use your spice packets. Consider giving demonstrations to clubs, associations and women's groups.
Tips & Warning:
- Start with blends that are used in popular cuisines, such as Italian and Southwest. These have ready markets.
- Try each of your blends in several of your own dishes to make sure the ingredients are in the right proportions.
- Do your homework before you start your spice business. Know what your product will be, who your customers are, and how you will market.
- Design labels that are attractive and memorable and include on the label how the customer can order more. The labels should be consistent across your product line so customers recognize that the products are yours.
- If you're required to get special licenses, don't think you can slide under the radar because you're a small business. The penalties and fines can erase whatever profit you may have gained.
- If you use a lot of hot pepper spices in your foods, cut down on the amount of hot spices in the recipe fro your packaged spice blend or make it clear
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