Gummy bears are among the most beloved candy products worldwide. They have a chewy texture, fruity flavors, and fun shapes. The global gummy candy market has grown steadily in recent years. This growth is driven by consumers’ desire for new flavors and healthier ingredients.
High demand and good profits make this market a great opportunity to enter. You can sell via an e-commerce store, partner with local shops, or supply health stores. Each method lets you reach a wide range of customers. But before starting your business, you need to know key steps.
Conduct Market Research
Understanding the market is essential for your gummy candy business. You should research to find out customers’ main needs.
Classic fruit-flavored gummies are popular, but functional ones are also in demand. These functional gummies contain vitamins, minerals, or supplements like CBD. This meets the needs of health-focused buyers.
Many manufacturers innovate with flavors to attract more customers. Examples include unique flavors like pepper, sour coatings, and layered textures. These innovations help them stand out in the competitive market. Some even mix fruit and herbal flavors for a new taste.
You need to identify your target audience clearly. Knowing your target customers helps you design products they’ll like.
Develop Your Business Plan
First, you need to define your business model based on your budget. If your budget is tight, a small-scale business is a better choice. You can produce in your kitchen with manual equipment.
You should make a detailed list of all your costs. Include material costs, equipment costs, and other related fees. Calculate the total amount of money you’ll need. Compare this total to your budget to adjust plans.
A small-scale business cuts initial investment. But it limits production capacity and efficiency.
Choose Your Gummy Candy Formula and Prepare the Ingredients
Once you know your target customers’ preferences, pick a suitable formula. The formula determines your gummies’ texture, taste, and appearance. For gummy vitamins, first choose the right vitamins and their amounts. This matches what your customers need.
Next, you need a gelling agent for the chewy texture. For regular customers, gelatin is widely used. For vegetarians, pectin is the ideal choice.
Add flavors using natural fruit juices or extracts. Popular flavors are strawberry, orange, and lemon.
When choosing colors, you have natural or artificial options. Natural coloring is healthier but costs more. Some use sweeteners like sugar or honey to enhance taste.
Get the Right Gummy Making Equipment
For home-based businesses or small batches, manual machines are ideal. They are easy to operate and take up little space.
For large production, fully automatic models work better. These machines cost more but offer high efficiency. They automate mixing, pouring, molding, cooling, and packaging.
Some fully automatic models have multiple production lines. This lets you make different flavors at once. When selecting a machine, consider your ingredients. Vegan gummies need machines that work with pectin, not just gelatin.
License and Permits Needed for Food Production
Before selling your gummies, you must follow food safety laws. You also need to obtain necessary permits. These vary by country and region.
In the U.S., you may need FDA registration for interstate sales. Many regions require a food handler’s permit too.
If you use a commercial kitchen, regular health inspections are needed. Inspectors check if you meet sanitation standards. Passing these inspections keeps your business legal.
Brand and Packaging
After production, eye-catching packaging helps your products stand out. First, design a simple and recognizable logo.
Next, choose a suitable packaging type like pouches or jars. Think about customer convenience and brand fit. Print your logo and interesting patterns on the packaging. This grabs attention in stores.
Don’t forget to print compulsory info on labels. Include product name, ingredients, and expiration date.
The End
This is a simple step-by-step process for newbies starting a gummy bear business. You can use it as a reference and adjust for your situation. Every business is unique, so small changes are okay.