Start Catering Business In India

What is a Catering Business Plan?

Catering industry in India is consistently growing at an annual rate of 15-20% each other and the best part is that it is immune to recessions, monopolies, and completely relies on customer service, food quality, and correct price.

Preparing quality food in a large volume requires immense knowledge, expertise, experience, staff management, precision and the knack for preparing delicious food that not many have. Established caterers aim at franchising their trademark, but for a new business, a thorough business plan should be formulated.

Why do we need a catering business plan?

  1. The Ultimate Goal and the Appropriate strategies to run a successful catering business is a vital part of the plan
  2. Market research, planning and development of the product, adjusting supplies, product research and marketing strategies form a part of the plan.
  3. Product demands to meet, exclusive inventory and equipment to keep the catering business running and appropriate marketing channels to sell your product in the right market is also important.
  4. Staffing and Remuneration techniques to keep the business going
  5. Financial Requirement and a work-around if there is a deficit forms a substantial part of the business plan
  6. Understanding the prerequisites and formalities to give a head start to the onset of a great catering business plan:
    1. Inventory purchase
    2. The rightinvestment in technology
    3. Labour and employment
    4. Purchase of place/transport
    5. Marketing techniquesExpansion in the commercial sector.

Understanding the Catering Business

The objective and ultimate goal should be clear in understanding the need of running a catering business plan. Proper knowledge about food, recipes, nutrition, gourmets, and the correct price is substantially a priority.

You can opt for various types of catering:

  1. Door to Door catering:
  2. Mobile catering
  3. Hotel/Restaurant catering
  4. Functions/occasional catering
  5. Private catering

Pre-Requisites of initiating a Catering Business

While initiating a catering business, certain information needs to be figured out:

  1. Purpose of opening a Catering Business

To find a niche or the correct domain in which the individual is an expert in, with the best of knowledge about the product is the most important factor. The individual must decide the main reason why he wants to start a catering business – if it is to provide gourmet food, nutritious food, street food with the correct rates. Once the goal is clear, it will be become easier to conduct a thorough research on the appropriate segment of the Catering Business.

  1. Budget

Being a saturated segment of the market, catering business can involve a lot of cost and a few of them could be hidden as well. So, a proper work around the amount that needs to be spent, must be noted. Sometimes there is a need to consult a financial consultant for the same.

  1. Research of the Market

Market research, surveying customers, following trends and tastes, finalising the location and settingthe menu are major areas to work on while looking at the market. Advertising and selling form a crucial part of this exercise.

  1. Target Market

The customer base is huge so depending on the product that you are selling, your target market will be completely based on:

  1. Menu – what food options are you providing
  2. Pricing – competitive rates are definitely more alluring. Anything more or less than the current rate can be a blow to your business.
  3. Understanding the current Competition:
  4. Advertising and Marketing
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Documentation required before opening a Catering Business:

  1. Identity proof of applicant like a driver’s license, PAN card, voter ID card etc.
  2. Residential Address proof of applicant like a ration card, electricity bill, driver’s license, Aadhar card etc.
  3. Copy and Proof of PAN card of Business.
  4. Business bank statements including salary statement is working in the service industry of last 6 months.
  5. Passport size pictures
  6. Partnership deed if required
  7. Proof of registration of the catering business.
  8. Legal business documents.

Read More:

Business Plan – How to Write a New Business Plan & Elements, Types

Restaurant Business Plan

Bakery Business Plan

Hotel Business Plan

Catering Business Plan FAQs:

1. Does my catering business require a GST registration?

Yes, if the projected annual turnover is more than Rs.20L.

2. Can a Catering business also be involved in another business-like event management?

Yes, you can, if you have complied with permits and licenses specific to a sound event management company as well.

3. For a start-up catering business, what should the entrepreneur bear in mind?

To start a new venture in catering the applicant, before investing a huge amount of capital in the business should consider the following things: • Thorough Research of the market, analysing the demand and supply and the complete knowledge about the product that he would be dealing in. • Identify the potential customers who he would be catering to • Choose his niche and forte • Brush up business skills and procure pre-requisites • Make a strong business plan, control coordinate and finally implement.

4. What are the major markets for the new caterers to capture?

Starting with small projects, there are basically four main categories a new catering businessman can explore to diversify his name and business: • Corporate Clients • Social Events • Personal collaborations and Small events like personal gatherings • Cultural Organisations

5. How should one plan a solid catering business structure?

One needs to chalk down the following to make a signature business plan in catering: • They need to have their own vision and mission statement • Concentration on fulfilling short term goals first • Details analysis and bifurcation of start-up costs • Tax structure and ownership details • Kind of services he plans to offer • Market analysis should be kept handy • Target audience and customers • Analysis of Top Competitors

6. Am I eligible for a catering business loan if I have a low credit rating?

A catering business loan disbursal in case of low credit rating may get through but with a higher interest rate. It is advised to improve your credit score before applying for a loan.

7. Are the interest rates of loans taken for Catering Business low or high?

The interest rates are low not high as processing of the loan is done online, thus saving on manual costs.

8. How can I start a catering business?

To start a catering business in India, consider securing a business loan specifically designed for catering ventures. Research financial institutions that offer catering business loans. These loans can provide the necessary capital to cover expenses such as equipment, staff, and marketing. Make sure to develop a solid business plan and financial projections to increase your chances of securing a loan for your catering business.

9. What is the initial investment for the catering business?

The initial investment for a catering business can vary, but if you're looking for financial assistance, consider exploring business loans for catering. In India, specific loans for catering businesses are available to provide the necessary funds to start or expand your venture. These loans can help cover costs like equipment, staffing, and marketing, ensuring a solid foundation for your catering business.
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