Jerky snacks are a favorite choice for millions of health-conscious consumers, offering both flavor and nutrition. If you want to start your own business, you can use a beef jerky business plan template to take advantage of this trend. You should note, though: It takes more than a great recipe or product to succeed. You can make small amounts of beef jerky for your family and friends, but you can’t sell it to everyone.
The meat market is highly regulated by the FDA, USDA and other government bodies. You can make beef jerky at home but not sell it, but you can set up a factory, work with a factory, or rent a commercial kitchen in a restaurant.
Making delicious homemade beef jerky is a beloved hobby for many people. As your friends and family rave about your recipe, you may start to wonder – can I actually turn this into a business and sell my homemade jerky?
The answer is yes, you can absolutely sell your homemade beef jerky legally! However, there are important regulations and guidelines you must follow to ensure the safety of your customers
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about legally selling homemade beef jerky, including:
- Requirements like permits, licenses, and inspections
- Production and packaging regulations
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Helpful tips from jerky entrepreneurs
Let’s get started on the steps to safely and legally launch your homemade beef jerky business!
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements
To sell any food product legally, you must comply with regulations from government agencies like the USDA, FDA, and state/local health departments. Here are some key requirements for selling homemade beef jerky:
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Permits & licenses – Most areas require a business license and food handler’s permit. Some also need a sales tax permit.
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Kitchen inspections – If producing jerky at home, you’ll likely need a health inspection of your kitchen. Renting a commercial kitchen is often easier.
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Labeling laws – Packaging must contain nutrition facts, ingredients, allergen info, weight, and your business details.
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Testing requirements – Most states require testing for pathogens and food safety. Samples of each batch may need testing.
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Packaging laws – Refrigerated jerky must follow stringent airtight packaging rules. Shelf-stable jerky has fewer standards.
Be sure to research all state, local, and federal regulations thoroughly before selling. Getting legal guidance can also help ensure you meet all requirements.
Step 2: Get Proper Production Facilities
Another big legal consideration is producing beef jerky in an approved commercial facility. While you can’t sell jerky made in a home kitchen, there are a few options for setup:
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Commercial kitchen – Look for shared kitchen spaces you can rent hourly or monthly. These are fully equipped and inspected.
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Co-packing – Partner with an existing meat processing facility to have them produce your jerky.
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Build your facility – Invest in building your own USDA-compliant meat production facility. Requires major capital.
For starting out, a commercial kitchen is often the most feasible option. Be sure any facility you use has passed health inspections and can acquire necessary licensing.
Step 3: Source High Quality Ingredients
To make delicious beef jerky that will have customers coming back for more, it all starts with procuring top-notch ingredients.
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Beef selection – Choose reputable beef suppliers and quality cuts like eye of round or brisket. Grass-fed or organic is a bonus!
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Spices and seasonings – Buy spices in bulk once you perfect your flavor recipes. Store properly to retain freshness.
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Curing salts – These control bacteria growth. Use curing salts made for meat processing, not table salt.
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Other ingredients – Get maple syrup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and any other flavor ingredients.
Keep detailed records of all ingredient sourcing. High quality ingredients will lead to a safer and tastier final product.
Step 4: Master Safe Production
Making beef jerky safely on a commercial scale takes practice. Follow good manufacturing practices during production:
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Sanitize all equipment and surfaces thoroughly.
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Use dedicated knives, cutting boards, etc. only for meat.
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Keep raw beef separated from ready-to-eat jerky during processing.
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Adhere to proper temperature controls during drying and storage.
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Package jerky properly for desired shelf life.
Attend a meat processing course if possible and work initially in small batches. Process validation from food safety experts can also help reduce contamination risks.
Step 5: Market and Sell Your Jerky
Once you’ve perfected your jerky recipe in a commercial kitchen, it’s time to get the word out! Some promotional ideas include:
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Start a website or social media pages showcasing your products.
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Offer free samples at local fairs, farmers markets, or stores.
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Partner with grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness centers, and other retailers to carry your jerky.
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Create fun packaging designs and labels that catch consumers’ eyes.
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Run social media ads targeted to jerky lovers in your area.
There are endless possibilities for marketing homemade jerky! Get creative and leverage food influencers or jerky-focused events.
Helpful Tips from Beef Jerky Entrepreneurs
Starting a homemade beef jerky business takes hard work and perseverance. To give you a boost, here are some words of wisdom from successful jerky entrepreneurs:
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“Focus on quality first, then sales will follow. Never compromise on great ingredients.”
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“It takes testing and tweaking to perfect your recipe. Don’t get discouraged if your first batches don’t meet your standards.”
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“Build connections with stores and customers. Offer samples and discounts to hook them on your jerky.”
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“Set yourself apart with creative flavors and packaging. Give customers something unique and memorable.”
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“Be patient and start small. Scale up production as demand grows. Pace yourself!”
Is Your Homemade Jerky Business Ready for Takeoff?
As you can see, legally selling homemade beef jerky requires some careful planning and preparation – but the results are well worth it!
Follow all the steps outlined here, from understanding regulations to perfecting your recipe, and you’ll be well on your way to jerky success. Always make safety and quality your top priorities.
With passion for creating great-tasting jerky, smart business sense, and dedication to your customers, you can build a thriving homemade beef jerky business. Just take it one step at a time.
Before you know it, people will be raving about your authentic homemade jerky and begging to buy it. So get out there and start crafting some mouthwatering, legally-compliant beef jerky to launch your new enterprise!
Research the Legal Requirements
The global jerky snacks market reached $3. 9 billion in 2019, according to Grand View Research. Beef jerky accounted for more than half of its total revenue. Consumers love this snack because of its convenience and rich flavor. Plus, its loaded with protein, vitamin B12, iron and other essential nutrients.
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This industry is regulated by the U. S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). The FDA, on the other hand, regulates animal drugs and feed ingredients. Additionally, 28 states have their own meat inspection programs, reports the National Conference of State Legislatures.
As a small business, you must determine which of these regulations apply to you. Like, if you own a farm and raise cattle, you need to follow the rules set by the FDA, USDA, FSIS, and state agencies. If you buy meat from a local or national store, that store is responsible for following FDA rules. All meat sold in stores, even beef jerky, has to go through an inspection to make sure it has the right labels and is safe to eat.
Decide on a Business Model
If you want to make beef jerky snacks, you can either get an existing factory to do it or build a facility that is approved by the USDA. Also, see if you can find a beef jerky business for sale or a local commissary kitchen. Another option is to purchase a franchise, such as Jeffs Famous Beef Jerky.
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Note that you cannot sell beef jerky made at home. People who say they sell “homemade” jerky usually run their own restaurants or work with nearby bars and restaurants. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, it is against the law to sell homemade meat or poultry products, whether they are sold in stores or to other businesses. All states have similar rules in this regard. The last thing you want is to get fined for breaking food safety regulations.
Find or build a place where you can make beef jerky snacks, and then plan how you’re going to sell them. A brick-and-mortar store is not your only option. You could also sell your goods at farmers markets, work with grocery stores and restaurants, or start a subscription service you could list your goods online. In order to keep costs low and reach more people, you can also open an online store.
Make $1000 Monthly Selling Homemade Beef Jerky!
FAQ
Is selling beef jerky profitable?
Is homemade beef jerky considered processed meat?
Can I sell beef jerky from home in Texas?
Can you sell beef jerky on Etsy?
Can you sell beef jerky legally?
Selling beef jerky legally requires careful planning, compliance with regulations, and a commitment to quality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a thriving and profitable beef jerky business while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your customers.
Can you sell beef jerky to hungry customers?
Don’t worry, you are not alone! Unfortunately, there are countless hurdles to overcome and regulations that need to be followed to legally and safely start selling your beef jerky to hungry customers. Don’t be discouraged though!
What should I know before selling beef jerky?
Before you start selling beef jerky, it’s crucial to understand the following legal considerations: Food Safety Regulations: Meat products, including beef jerky, must meet strict safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses. Ensure your jerky complies with regulations set by your local health department and the USDA.
Can I start a beef jerky business?
Unfortunately, there are countless hurdles to overcome and regulations that need to be followed to legally and safely start selling your beef jerky to hungry customers. Don’t be discouraged though! You have come to the right place and will soon see that starting a beef jerky business is extremely doable with a little help and guidance!