The meat industry is one of the biggest sectors of the global food industry. Meat products have some of the highest prices per pound compared to other food products. Therefore, there are multiple opportunities in this niche market and many might be wondering how to start a meat business. Nowadays, a growing number of customers search for sustainable meat products and even vegan meat alternatives. This creates additional possibilities for butcher shops and other meat businesses to increase the variety of goods they sell. If you’re researching how to sell meat products, the following paragraphs will answer some of your questions on the topic.
Key takeaway: There are various regulations and permits that need to be obtained before selling meat. People who wish to know how to sell meat products need to check the specific regulatory requirements in their local area.
How to Open a Butcher Shop and Sell Meat Products
The most common business that sells meat is a butcher shop. These retail stores usually serve local communities and offer a variety of cuts. Some butcher shops also purchase bulk deli meats from wholesale meat distributors and offer cold cuts and delis. People who are researching how to sell meat products should follow the following steps if they wish to open a butcher shop.
- Plan and research. Create a thorough business plan and conduct proper market research. Make sure to analyze the best possible spots for your future butcher shop, the demand, and the regulations regarding how to sell meat products. The business plan should also include a marketing strategy, competition analysis, financing options, and future revenue and profit projections.
- Obtain the needed permits. They vary depending on the state and the area. However, every business should get a business license. Health department permits and meat handler’s licenses are required in some regions. Compliance with additional health and safety rules like USDA regulations for meat handling and processing is also necessary.
- Choose the product line and find suppliers. Decide what products the butcher shop will sell. An optimal strategy might be to offer the most common cuts of chicken and beef but also to stock high-end products like Wagyu beef or trendy items like cultured meat. During the process of choosing distributors, ask them for advice regarding the latest meat trend or the products with the highest profit markup.
- Marketing and sales. Proper advertising is important for every starting business. Make sure you do local advertising, special promotions, and events. These marketing techniques will boost revenue and increase brand awareness. In terms of sales, don’t focus only on the B2C aspect of the business. Consider scaling and offering bulk products to other companies. B2B sales can skyrocket a butcher shop’s revenue.
- Adapt and ensure quality over time. The role of meat in restaurants and households has changed and businesses in the sector need to adapt. Follow the latest trends in the global meat market and find ways to benefit from them. Whether you have a well-established butcher shop or you’re just researching how to sell meat products, remember that the quality of products is imperative in this industry.
How to Sell Meat Products Online
Starting an online butcher shop can be a profitable business idea that requires less capital investment and has bigger potential compared to a brick-and-mortar store. Although most people purchase meat from grocery stores or butcher shops, online sales of meat have been steadily growing. But how to sell meat products online you might ask? You still need to follow some of the steps in the list above. A business that sells meat online should adhere to food safety regulations and certifications. A proper business plan and market research are also required before starting such trade. Let’s examine the main differences between a physical and online butcher shop.
Focus on Online Presence
Naturally, eCommerce will be the main focus of such a company. That’s why the advertising efforts will be related to digital marketing channels like social media, SEO, or Google ads. These channels allow better targeting opportunities and sales forecasting.
Less Capital
Opening a physical store requires finding the right location, paying rent, and investing in the renovation of the place. Starting an online butcher shop has lower initial costs. Nevertheless, you still need refrigeration equipment and proper storage solutions for meat.
Automation Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of online businesses versus physical stores is that a variety of processes can be automated. This makes them easily scalable to other product categories such as dairy or seafood.
Reliable Delivery Is Paramount
An online butcher shop should partner with logistics companies that offer delivery services for grocery products like meat. They know all the important aspects of perishable food delivery like how to ship frozen meat and what are the regulations regarding meat shipping.
Start Small and Scale
A physical butcher shop should offer all popular types of meat. However, an online store can start with a single type and constantly add new product categories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Selling Meat Products
Throughout the years, BlueCart has assisted multiple customers. From meat distribution companies to broadline suppliers, our software helps businesses in the wholesale sector in a variety of ways. We also assist business owners with useful tips and information on our website. Whether you wish to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of cultured meat or the state of the restaurant industry, our blog is the right place. Below we have answered a few questions on the topic of how to sell meat products.
How to Sell Meat Products from Your Farm?
The regulations regarding selling meat from your farm vary in different states. That’s why it’s important to do proper research on how to sell meat products before starting your business. The easiest way is to sell the whole animal. However, this will result in a lower profit markup. Another option is to sell individual cuts. In most regions, you’ll need to have a meat processing license and follow health regulations regarding meat inventory and storage. Alternatively, you can partner with a meat processing company.
How to Start a Meat Subscription Business?
Subscription boxes are a great opportunity for people who wonder how to sell meat products. Here are the steps to start a meat subscription box.
- Research the preferences of your customers and the current options on the market;
- Proper branding is very important. Take high-quality pictures of your meat products and the farm;
- Find your first customers within the local community. They will help increase awareness of your meat subscription services;
- Start selling online. At first, you can easily create social media pages and in the future invest in an eCommerce website;
- Partner with other farms that offer produce, dairy products, pickled products, and other eco-friendly goods.
What Are the Popular Types of Meat to Sell?
In the US, poultry is the most popular type of meat. The reason for the popularity of chicken meat is their fairly low price compared to beef. They are also a healthy product that is rich in protein and can be used as a versatile ingredient. If you’re researching how to sell meat products, you might want to know what are the other popular types of meat. Beef is the second most popular type. There are a variety of cuts on the beef market and they differ in price and popularity. Pork and fish are the third and fourth most popular types of meat in America.