Food Processing Business Ideas

Are you looking to start a food processing business?  here are 50 of the best food processing business ideas you can start for free in 2021.

People have passed through a time when they can no longer consume what they have grown. This is in part due to the efficient use of technology in agriculture. Food surpluses resulting from these reliable farming practices must be conserved and this is what led to food processing.

Food is usually processed for good preservation, as well as to obtain other useful foods. The food industry mainly comprises; chop and soften, liquefy, emulsify, prepare food (eg, baking, frying, frying or broiling); pickling, pasteurization and many other types of preservation; and canning or other food packaging.

With the growth of this industry, now is a great time to invest. If you’re looking to start a food processing business, here are 50 ideas to help you choose the right one for you.

50 Best Food Processing Business Ideas for 2021

1. Treatment of fungi

Mushrooms are one of the healthiest foods in the world today. It is a fast growing type of basidiomycete fungus that produces fleshy bodies. They are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, so they are very high in energy.

There are around 100 species of edible mushrooms in the world, but only a few are native to each country. Fresh mushrooms have a very limited shelf life because they can decompose in a few hours, so they should be eaten almost immediately after harvest; but processing and canning increases their shelf life up to several months.

Osmotic dehydration is one of the important methods of treating mushrooms, which includes drying the mushrooms. This is a very lucrative food processing business, but keep in mind that you have to grow the mushrooms yourself to maximize your profits.

2. Onion treatment

Onions are another food or spice that can be processed. Onions are an important vegetable grown in different parts of the world and are part of the daily diet in almost every household throughout the year. Onions are perishable foodstuffs by nature and cannot be stored for long periods after harvest under normal conditions, and therefore are usually processed in various forms to increase shelf life.

Onions are usually dehydrated and prepared in onion powder that will be used in soups and sauces. If you live in an area that allows efficient onion cultivation, you can start an onion processing business.

3. Dehydration and preservation of fruits and vegetables

Most of the fruits and vegetables produced in the world are eaten fresh, but with increasing urbanization and constant efforts to ensure a steady supply of acceptable and desired foods, the world is producing more food than it can eat.

One of the oldest methods of preserving food is drying, which reduces water activity enough to prevent or inhibit bacterial growth. Drying also reduces weight, making food more portable. It should also be noted that canned foods always retain their nutritional content.

Some foods, like green peas, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, etc., are well priced during the lean and off-season. Dehydrating fruits and vegetables is a good deal for those who live in the dry. farming community.

4. Processing and packaging of fruit juices

Turning fruit into juice and pulp is one way to store fruit, which usually has a very short shelf life. Fruit juices are generally packaged in aseptic containers, which increases their shelf life. Fruit juices are used in homes, canteens, hotels, restaurants as well as weddings, birthdays and all kinds of celebrations. It should be noted that juices are not the only thing that can be obtained from fruit. Different types of fruit can be dried or crushed, such as mashed bananas, which is used to make baby food.

5. Garlic processing

Garlic is today one of the most effective spices from a medical point of view. Due to its medicinal properties, people consume a lot of it. It is also used in the seasoning of many foods and in Ayurvedic medicines. Garlic can be made into various beneficial forms such as garlic powder, dehydrated garlic, garlic drink, etc. You can start a small garlic processing business and focus on exporting your products.

6. Production of jams and jellies

Jelly is a clear and bright concoction made with fruit, sugar and sometimes pectin. Jam is made by taking the pulp or pulp of chopped fruits or vegetables and boiling it with sugar and water. When the mixture reaches 104 ° C (220 ° F), the acid and pectin in the fruit react with the sugar and the jam is allowed to cool and set. … Jelly and jam are used as bread and fillings for some cakes and cookies. The jam business doesn’t require a lot of capital to start, and you can start from scratch.

7. Processing and packaging of seafood

Seafood processing refers to the processes carried out with seafood between the time it is harvested or harvested and the time the final product is delivered to the consumer. Seafood can consist of fish, crab, shrimp, oysters, lobster, and whatever else you have. Due to the short shelf life of these aquatic animals, they are usually treated almost immediately. To enable them to reach their end consumers, seafood is generally frozen, salted, dried or smoked, canned, etc.

8. Tomato processing

Tomatoes are a fruit that is popular around the world. They are low in calories and are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. With their rich flavor and mild acidity, tomatoes have entered thousands of recipes. As tomatoes do not stay fresh for very long, they are usually processed after harvest to avoid significant losses. Tomato paste or tomato paste is a staple of processed tomatoes and even the most popular ones for households. Tomatoes can also be canned, made into juice, mashed potatoes, pasta, ketchup, sauces, etc.

9. Sauce production

Sauces are a by-product of the food industry. Sauce is a liquid, creamy, or semi-solid food by-product that is served or used to prepare other foods. Sauces add flavor, moisture, and visual appeal to a dish. These days, sauces are made, packaged and sold in grocery stores.

Since people can get ready-made sauces in stores, their demand has increased. If you are an expert in the food industry, you can make and package tomatoes, peppers, oysters, soybeans, and other sauces for sale. These sauces can be made at home without having to invest in other real estate. The main emphasis should be on quality and taste.

10. Cashew nut processing

Cashew processing activities include cooking, slicing, drying cashew kernels, peeling, sizing and packaging. Cashew processing can be started on a small scale and can also be exported. This business does not take long to start as you only need to invest in raw materials, labor and packaging.

11. Vinegar production

Vinegar is a liquid composed of about 5-20% water, containing acetic acid and other trace elements, which may include flavors. Acetic acid is produced by fermenting ethanol with acetic acid bacteria. Today, vinegar is mainly used as a culinary ingredient and for pickling. It is also used to cleanse, wash hair, preserve food, detoxify, and improve skin function. But keep in mind that you need to have a thorough technical knowledge before you start vinegar production.

12. Vinification (cellar)

Winemaking or vinification is the production of wine, starting with the selection of fruits, their fermentation in alcohol and the bottling of the finished liquid. Winemaking has a very long history and is still relevant today. If you live in an area with an abundance of vineyards, you can start a micro-cellar and make wines for sale in the local community. Once you have the resources, you can launch them on a large scale.

13. Honey processing

Bees collect the nectar, which they turn into honey, and store it as a food source. Processing honey involves liquefying and filtering raw honey. The four main by-products of the honey-making process are beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis.

Beeswax is produced in the bee’s body when the nectar turns into honey. The manufacturing process is simple and can be started on a small scale and at home. With the growing awareness of the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey, it is possible to make good long term profits with this activity.

14. Meat processing

Meat processing technology includes the steps and procedures used in the manufacture of processed meat products. Meat processing methods include salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, etc. In America, the meat processing industry is heavily regulated to prevent contamination, so a person who wishes to go this route must obtain numerous licenses and permits and ensure they have a hygienic working environment. Meats can be processed and sold as bacon, ham, hot dogs, sausages, salami, corned beef, beef jerky, canned meats, and meat sauces.

15. Start a brewery

A brewery or brewery is a business that produces and sells beer. Beer is a by-product of grains such as hops, wheat, corn, etc. Therefore, brewing is the processing of grains and grains and alcoholic beverages. A brewery is a food industry business idea that an entrepreneur can start if he has the financial capacity, but if he or she does not have start-up capital, he or she can open a microbrewery that produces craft beer. This activity can be done on a small scale with little capital and therefore can correspond to different ranges of capital, but please note that different licenses and permits are required to run this business.

16. Treatment of pickles

Pickles are cucumbers preserved in a solution of vinegar, salt and other flavorings. They are usually fermented with natural bacteria before storing the vinegar. Pickles are a very popular food and snack, consuming over 5 million pounds (2.27 million kg) per day. You can start processing and storing the pickles for sale. This activity can be conveniently carried out on a small scale with few restrictions, and also on a large scale for export.

17. Spice processing

A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance that is primarily used to flavor, color, or preserve food. The processing and marketing of spices is one of the most profitable food processing businesses that can be started on a small to medium scale.

Some of the most popular spices are meat spices, curry powder, cat spices, cumin, turmeric, etc. With changing lifestyles, eating habits and increasing disposable income, the use of powdered spices has increased, making this business profitable.

18. Baker’s yeast production

Yeast has been used for cooking and baking for several thousand years, but it was not until 1850 that a special production of yeast was started specifically for baking bread. Baker’s yeast is the general name for a strain of yeast commonly used as a leavening agent in baking.

The yeast converts the fermentable sugars present in the dough into carbon dioxide and ethanol. The main raw materials used in the production of baker’s yeast are pure yeast and molasses. The production of baker’s yeast can be carried out on a very large industrial scale, as well as on a small scale, depending on the financial propensity of the entrepreneur.

20. Coconut oil production

Coconut oil is useful for more than just cooking, as it can be used to treat a variety of ailments and even for massage and other industrial uses. Due to the widespread use of coconut oil, there is a great demand in the market today. Coconut oil is a by-product of the coconut fruit and is obtained by processing.

To start processing coconut fruits for their oil, you need to locate your business in an area where there are a lot of coconut fruit trees. Having your business in this location will save you the cost of transporting your products from a remote location.

20. Wheat flour processing

Flour is a powdery substance made by crushing raw seeds or roots and used to prepare various foods. With an annual harvest of around 740 million tonnes, wheat is today one of the most important cereals in the world.

These statistics show that the processing of wheat flour is still a very profitable business. An optimized milling process is required to produce high quality end products. The manufacturing process is quite simple and this business can be started on a small scale with simple equipment.

21. Production of protein bars

With healthy eating, people are now giving up their usual sweets for something more nutritious. This phenomenon has led to the appearance of protein or health. These healthy snacks are made with fruits, nuts and other healthy additives and are high in protein and carbohydrate / fat. Protein is essential for building muscle, losing fat, and recovering after training. You can take advantage of a healthy diet to start processing protein bars for sale or export.

22. Ginger oil production

Extracted from the root of ginger, ginger oil has been credited with a variety of health and healing properties. The health benefits of ginger root can be linked to its digestive, carminative, expectorant, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, and aphrodisiac properties.

Other benefits include the ability to treat stomach problems, nausea, heart attacks, and indigestion. This makes ginger oil a very essential oil that would surely have a good market on its own. Ginger root production can be done on a small scale with minimal capital.

23. Treatment of ginger root

Widely known for adding spice and flavor to many popular dishes, ginger root has many benefits and uses that extend far beyond the culinary realm. It is good for detoxifying, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation. Ginger root can be made into many different products such as ginger ale, ginger oil, ginger coffee, ginger, spices, powder, juice, etc. arrival.

24. Peanut butter production

Peanut butter, also known as peanut butter, is a mild tasting vegetable oil expressed from the peanut kernels. The oil contains high amounts of energy and fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and essential fatty acids. The oil content of the grains varies from 45% to 55%. Peanut butter is versatile in its use, from preparation to industrial use, so there is a ready market.

25. Peanut processing

Peanuts are a high value crop that can be sold with little processing, but they are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of products. The oil can be used for baking, it can be used as a shortening or as a base for confectionery, and it can also be used to make peanut butter. Peanuts are grown year round, so they are readily available. If you have access to large quantities of peanuts, you can start a peanut processing business.

26. Potato processing

Potatoes can be made into chips, waffles, potato granules, potato wine, alcohol, vodka, sticks, French fries, frozen potato products, potato starch, powdered potato , flakes, granules and liquid glucose. The root can also be used to feed cattle, pigs and chickens. This activity can be a bit capital intensive as you have to purchase industrial equipment and get the necessary government approvals.

27. Rice bran oil production

Rice bran oil is an oil extracted from the hard outer brown layer of rice after the husk (rice husk) has been removed. It is known for its high smoke point of 232 ° C (450 ° F) and mild flavor, which makes it suitable for high temperature cooking methods such as deep frying and deep frying.

The health benefits of rice bran oil include its ability to help lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, prevent cancer, improve skin health, promote weight loss, alleviate the symptoms of menopause, protect heart health, increase cognitive strength and reduce allergic reactions.

Do you grow large quantities of rice? You can get into the production of rice bran oil. The production of rice bran oil is capital intensive, so it must be export oriented in order to obtain a much better profitability.

28. Sunflower oil production

Sunflower oil is another healthy oil that is mainly used for cooking due to its medicinal properties. The production of sunflower oil is only possible with a large amount of sunflower seeds, otherwise you would have spent a lot of money on transportation.

Refined sunflower oil goes through a long refining process, which includes the following stages: mechanical refining, hydration, neutralization, bleaching, freezing, deodorization, etc. Since it’s not quite available as peanut oil, sunflower oil tends to be more cost effective in the market …

29. Grind rice

Rice is the seed of the Oryza Sativa herb. As a cereal, it is the most widely consumed staple food by much of the world’s population, especially in Asia. Post-harvest rice must be ground before it is available for consumption.

It is a fact that most of the people who grow rice do not grind it and therefore look for places to change their rice. Goal. The main purpose of the rice milling system is to remove husks and bran and obtain an edible white rice grain which is sufficiently ground and free from impurities. If you have enough knowledge and capital, you can open a rice mill to help farmers.

30. Soy processing

Soybean or soybean is a type of legume widely cultivated for its edible bean, which has many uses. Just like soybean rice, it must be processed first. Soybeans can be processed into various products such as; soy nuts, soy milk, tofu, textured soy protein, soybean oil and other non-food products, etc.

Soy has many benefits including its ability to improve metabolism, promote healthy weight gain, protect heart health, protect against cancer and reduce the effects of menopause, improve digestion, promote bone health, protect against birth defects, improve blood circulation, etc.

31. malt production of alcoholic beverages and malt beverages

A malt drink is a lightly carbonated malt drink brewed with barley, hops and water, very similar to beer; The corn caramel color can also be added to it. Although malt liquor is a lager or strong ale, sugar, corn, or other additives are added to the malted barley to increase the total fermentable sugars in the mixture. This results in an increase in the final alcohol concentration without creating a heavier or sweeter taste, so that they are not very bitter. It takes a bit of brewing to get these drinks, you may need to open a microbrewery.

32. Distillation and mixing of alcoholic beverages

Alcohol is an alcoholic drink obtained by distilling liquid drinks made from cereals, fruits or vegetables that have already undergone alcoholic fermentation. This distilled liquor can be in the form of gin, vodka, rum and brandy. This is another food processing business idea. Liqueurs have very good retail value and can definitely get you good profits.

33. Open a bakery

Bread is a dough staple made from flour, yeast, sugar, salt and water, usually by baking. Bread flour is moistened, kneaded and sometimes fermented and baked to form a loaf. Bread is emerging as one of the most important foods in the human diet due to its availability and high nutritional value. You can also produce other pastries in your bakery and make more profit in the markets if you target breakfast staples like bread, bagels, croissants, donuts, etc.

34. Sorbitol production

Sorbitol is a low-calorie sweetener chemically derived from glucose. It is used as an alternative to sugar in a number of foods, including low-calorie and sugar-free foods, as well as pharmaceutical and oral care products such as toothpaste and chewing gum.

Sorbitol has less of an impact on blood sugar levels than regular sugar, making it more palatable. Although many fruits naturally contain sorbitol, it can also be produced in a lab where it is derived from glucose. You can also start producing this artificial sweetener for industrial use.

35. Baby food processing

Baby foods are soft, easy-to-eat foods other than breast milk or baby foods that are specifically intended for babies four to six months and two years old. The baby food industry is one of the toughest businesses.

This is due to the fact that large companies with significant funding are engaged in the production of baby food. There are many premium brands in the market so the competition is fierce. Again, the production of baby food requires the best systems to meet the highest hygiene requirements. If you think you can handle all of this, you should start recycling baby food.

36. Open a cookie factory

Biscuit is a term used to refer to a variety of predominantly flour-based baked goods that are primarily eaten as snacks. The main ingredients for making cookies are flour, sugar and fat. Starting a cookie factory might not be capital intensive, but it depends on how you want to start. A lot of people love cookies, so there won’t be a shortage of the market for your product, especially if you produce locally and your produce is always fresh.

37. Open a chocolate factory

Chocolate is a generally sweet, usually brown, food derived from Theobroma cocoa beans, which are roasted and ground into a powder. Chocolate can be made into a liquid, paste or block, or used as a flavoring component in other products. Chocolate itself can be used in the production of various types of desserts and in cooking. You can create a factory where you can produce all types of cocoa.

38. Condensed milk production

Condensed milk is cow’s milk from which the water has been removed. It is most often found in the form of sweetened condensed milk. Condensed milk is made by reducing the amount of water in the milk by about 60 percent, then adding enough sugar to make a thickened paste. If you live on a farm, you can start producing locally produced condensed milk to attract locals. You can bottle or make your own products and distribute them to grocery stores.

39. Production of energy drinks

An energy drink is a type of drink that contains stimulants, usually caffeine and sugar, which are believed to provide mental and physical stimulation. Not all energy drinks are carbonated; and including sugar, they also contain other sweeteners, plant extracts, taurine, and amino acids. Making energy drinks is another business idea for the food industry that has a decent market for itself.

40. Salt processing

Table salt, or table salt, is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride, a chemical compound that belongs to a larger class of salts. Iodine is commonly added to table salt to fortify it and prevent iodine deficiency in humans.

The first method of producing salt was the evaporation of seawater by exposure to solar heat, but other effective methods have emerged today. Since its discovery several hundred years ago, salt has become an important commodity for domestic, industrial and even religious use. If you live near the sea or near a salt mine, you can start processing salt.

41. Pulp processing

42. Palm oil processing

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp of the fruit of the oil palm, mainly the African oil palm. Oil palms are native to West Africa, but can thrive anywhere there is a lot of heat and rain. Palm oil can be used for various purposes such as cooking, cosmetics, cleaning products and can be used as fuel. Palm oil is a huge source of profit if you have sufficient access to seeds.

43. Products of Tutti Frutti

Tutti frutti is a colorful confectionery containing a variety of sliced ​​and usually candied fruits, or an artificial or natural flavor that mimics the combined flavor of many different fruits. Tutti frutti is mainly used in ice cream with a combination of other flavors. You can produce Tutti frutti and sell it to the food industry.

44. Candy making

Sweets, also called candy sweets or lollipops, are hard confectionery. There are so many popular candy flavors like orange, pineapple, mango, mint, strawberry, etc. Pastry production is one of the most popular business ideas in the food industry.

45. Production of soy sauce

Soy sauce is a liquid seasoning of Chinese origin made from fermented soybean paste, fried cereal, brine and Aspergillus oryzae, etc. You can start producing soy sauce for sale and you can start it on a small scale.

46. Ice cream making

Ice cream is a sweet frozen food that is commonly eaten as a snack or dessert. It is usually made from dairy products such as milk and cream, and is often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavors. Ice Cream is the perfect small food processing business that you can start anytime you want from home. Pick your tastes, your location and your business.

47. Open a food packaging factory

Food packaging conditions food so that it can be delivered to the market for consumers. Food packaging provides security, protection against unauthorized access and special physical, chemical or biological food needs. It may contain a nutrition label and other information about the products offered for sale. Food should be cleaned, cut or divided into acceptable proportions, labeled and packaged before packaging. You can start a food packaging factory, but keep in mind that this is a capital intensive business.

48. Slaughterhouse

A slaughterhouse or slaughterhouse is a business where animals are slaughtered for human consumption. The slaughterhouses supply the meat, which then becomes the responsibility of the packaging department. The slaughterhouse may also have a meat packing service if the work is not contracted out to other companies. The slaughterhouse is part of the food industry, but there are a number of rules that must be followed to open a slaughterhouse.

49. Start the production of sugar.

Sugar is the generic name for soluble, sweet tasting carbohydrates, many of which are used in foods. Sugar is mainly obtained from processed sugar cane and is used in various manufacturing processes, especially in food production. Another business idea for the food industry is the production of sugar.

50. Open a cannery

Canning is a method of preserving food in which the contents of the food are processed and sealed in an airtight container. A cannery is a business that preserves food. Canning offers a shelf life typically of one to five years, although it can be much longer under certain circumstances. If you have access to a large number of agricultural products, you can open a cannery where you can buy these products for sale under your own label.