How to Start Fruit Stall and Fruit Salad Business in Kenya

Most people in Kenya have turned to healthy living. Nutritionists recommend eating fruits daily to strengthen the immune system. With the rise of lifestyle diseases, many people would like to have access to organic produce. Fruits are a source of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and dietary fiber. Fresh fruits are especially a great option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Starting fruit stall and fruit salad business is a noble idea since the demand for fruits is high. Also, the business does not require huge startup capital. In this article, I will show you how to start a fruit stall and fruit salad business in Kenya.

Research the market

You need to research your potential fruit market. You need to identify the type of fruits that are in demand and where to get them. You also need to consider the competition, challenges facing the business, and potential areas you can set up your fruit business.

Write a Fruit Stall Business Plan

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. You need to plan your business well before launching one. This will help you map out the specifics of your fruit business and discover the unknowns. The following are some of the things you need to capture in your business plan.

How much is the startup and operational cost?
Who is your target market?
Your business location?
Types of fruits you want to sell

Read also: How to write a business plan.

Identify a Fruits Business Location

The best location for a fruit business is in areas with high foot traffic. You can choose to operate your fruit business in a mobile kiosk, a cart, or a stall. Display your fruits well on clean counters to attract customers. You can also set up your fruit business near eateries to get more sales. The fruit vending business is also ideal near residential areas and institutions like hospitals and colleges.

Identify Adequate Fruits Supply

You need to have a steady supply of different fruits variety. You need to know where to source your fruits. You can get fruits from farmers, wholesalers, or fruit plantations. Wholesale purchase of fruits is cheaper compared to retail purchases.

Requirements for Starting a Fruit Salad Business in Kenya

Instead of selling fruits alone, you can sell fruit salad to generate an extra income. To start a fruit salad business, you need to peel and cut fruits into small pieces and put them into small plastic containers. You need to know what fruits to mix together to bring out the best flavour.

To start a fruit salad business in Kenya, you need the following:

Cutlery. If your customers will be eating the fruits while in your store, then you need cutlery items like spoons, knives, bowls, sieves, forks, cups and plastic containers.

Display counter and shelves. You need a display counter where you can be placing your fruits. Ensure that the display counter is neat and well organized.

Plastic chairs or stools. These are necessary if you intend your customers to be eating fruits from your fruit stall. Plastic chairs are less expensive compared to wooden ones.

Fruits. You also need fruits. The type of fruits to stock in your business depends on the demand. Some of the fruits you can stock in your fruit business stall include:

Bananas
Oranges
Pawpaws
Watermelon
Avocadoes
Mangos
Passion fruits
Thorn melon
Apples
Pineapples
Grapes
Strawberry
Pears
Pomegranate
Sweet melon
Tree tomato

Cost of Starting a Fruit Salad Business in Kenya

The cost of starting a fruit and fruit salad business depends on a number of factors like the size of your business, the type of fruits you want to sell and business location. The rule of thumb is, to start small and then grow your business over time.

You can start a small fruit salad business with Ksh 20,000.

Business registration – Ksh 1,000
Business licenses – Ksh 10,000
Cutlery – Ksh 5,000
Display counters and chairs – Ksh 5,000

Secure the Necessary Business Licenses

The following are the necessary business licenses and permits required:

Food Handler’s Medical Certificate. A medical examination is required for all fruit handlers. They should be thoroughly examined to ensure they are free from diseases. The cost is approximately Kshs 600 bi-annually and is obtained from county offices.
Food Hygiene License. To get this license, you need the health officials to visit your business premises for inspection. This is the most necessary type of license for starting a fruit business in Kenya. For small businesses, licenses cost between Ksh 500 and Ksh 2,000.
Single Business Permit. You should get a single business permit from the relevant county government in order to legalize your business. The cost range for this license is between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 10,000 per year.

Market your Fruit Salad Business in Kenya

You need to market your fruit business effectively to attract customers. You can market your business through social media, posters, or through your friends. The best way to attract and retain customers is by offering excellent customer service.

Is a Fruit Salad Business Profitable in Kenya?

Yes. The fruit salad business is a profitable venture in Kenya due to the high demand for fruits. The number of people eating fruits is increasing exponentially. On a good day, you can make a profit of between Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 1,500. You can incorporate other businesses like the fruit juice business to generate more income. You only need a blender as an additional.

Summary of How to a Fruit Stall and Fruit Salad Business in Kenya

In order to start a profitable fruit business in Kenya, you need to maintain high levels of cleanliness in your stall. Have fresh produce and ensure that your display counters are neat and well arranged. It is also important that you understand the product and the health benefits it has to the body. This way, you can advise customers on the best fruits to buy.