How to Start an Ice Cream Business in Kenya
An ice cream business is one of the most profitable businesses you can start in Kenya during hot seasons. It is also a great business idea to start in hot areas such as Mombasa, Lamu, Ukunda, Malindi, and many other coastal towns. Generally, people love taking ice cream when it is hot. Now that you have an idea of starting an ice cream business in Kenya, let me help you with what you need to get started.
Learn How Ice Cream Business Works
One of the greatest mistakes I see people making is venturing into a business that they don’t know how it works. One of the ways you can learn how an ice cream business works is by working in an ice cream shop, talking to those who are already in the business, and talking to customers.
Some of the things you need to know about ice cream business is where to order ice cream ingredients at fair prices, how to make and market ice cream, and how to add flavor to ice cream. You can start by working as an ice cream attendant for a short while before you can start your own ice cream business to enhance your skills and also get more information about the business.
Learn How to Make Ice Cream
You can do a short course in baking and pastry arts to learn how to make ice cream. There are many colleges for banking and pastry arts such as Kenya Utalii College and Boma International Hospitality College.
You will also learn how to make milk and milk products such as milkshakes, smoothies and yogurt. These skills can also help you expand your ice cream business and start selling other products such as yogurt, milkshakes, and cakes.
Write an Ice Cream Business Plan
Before you can start your ice cream business, it is good that you put your idea down into writing. A good business plan should list all the requirements of the business, suitable business location, startup capital and income projections of the business. Make sure you have the following in your business plan:
- Operational costs
- Marketing strategy
- Target customers
- Ice cream business income projections
- Suitable ice cream business location
- Cost of starting an ice cream business in Kenya
To help you write a good and more accurate ice cream business plan, it would be best that you do market research. First, find ways to make your ice cream better than that of your competitors. You can ask customers what improvements they would like to see in ice creams that are currently in the market. Then find ways you can prepare ice cream that is tailored to your client’s needs.
Find a Good Business Location
You also need to find a good business location for your ice cream business. First, identify areas where ice cream is in high demand. Ice cream is usually in high demand in hot areas and during hot seasons. It is unlikely that the demand for ice cream will be high during cold seasons. These are all factors to consider.
Some of the best areas where you can start your ice cream business in Kenya include Mombasa, Lamu, Ukunda, Malindi, Kitui, Garissa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Nairobi, Marsabit, Turkana and many hot areas.
Secure Business Licenses and Permits
Before you can start an ice cream business in Kenya, it is best that you ensure that you comply with all business laws such as acquiring business licenses and permits. Some of the business licenses you need include a single business permit, food and health permit, city council business permit, and KEBS certification if you will be processing ice cream products.
You may not need all these business permits and licenses. It depends on what your business will be dealing with, the size of your business, and location. Visit your local county council offices and they will tell you what licenses you need depending on the nature of your business.
Start and Market Your Ice Cream Business
Once everything is set, you can launch your business and start marketing it. Some of the ways you can promote your ice cream business is by word of mouth and social media. Also, visit areas where there are events such as graduation ceremonies, trade fairs and exhibitions, school events such as sports, or events frequented by many people to sell your ice cream.
Also read: How to start fresh juice business in Kenya.
Cost of Starting an Ice Cream Business in Kenya
The cost of starting an ice cream business in Kenya depends on factors such as the size of your business, location, and whether you are processing ice cream or not. If you are starting an ice cream vending business in Kenya, it will cost you between Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 100,000 depending on the factors I have just mentioned.
Some of the factors that can help you determine how much it will cost you to start an ice cream business include the cost of renting business premises, the cost of ingredients, business licenses and permit fees, ice cream making machine and freezers.
Ice Cream Business Equipment and Ingredients
If you will be processing ice cream, then you need some equipment involved in the making of ice cream. Some of this equipment includes freezers and ice cream making machines. Ice cream ingredients include pure vanilla extract, cold sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and toppings.
Also read: How to start a bakery business in Kenya.
Is Ice Cream Business Profitable in Kenya?
Yes. The ice cream business is one of the most profitable businesses in Kenya, especially during hot seasons. Ice cream vendors make about Ksh 1,500 per day while commercial ice cream processing businesses make over Ksh 5,000 in a day.
The ice cream business is best suited for hot areas and during hot seasons. To make your ice cream business profitable, prepare ice cream based on your customer’s tastes and preferences.
Summary of Starting Ice Cream Business in Kenya
If you are located in a hot area, then starting an ice cream business is a noble idea. To get started, do a market research, learn how the business works, write a business plan, find a good business location, and secure business licenses and permits. Then secure the necessary business equipment and launch your business. Prepare ice cream based on your customers’ tastes and preferences and then start marketing your business.
