Starting a food or beverage processing business Last updated on June 12, 2025 Starting a food processing business in British Columbia provides many opportunities and also presents unique challenges. First steps involve business planning, determining market opportunities and networking to find the knowledge, expertise and resources required. Define the business model As you imagine the types of products you would like to create, consider the type of business structure that best suits your situation. This step is crucial, not only to the start-up stage of your endeavour, but to the mid and long term success as well.Your business structure will greatly influence the financial, operational and growth options in the future. Confirm zoning Municipal governments have land use zoning and other bylaws that affect businesses. Contact your local municipal office for advice on which local government regulations may apply. Obtain permission to work with and sell food All food processors in B.C. are required to develop, maintain and follow a written food safety plan and sanitation plan that must be submitted to, and be approved by, your local health authority. They will assist you in locating an environmental health officer to review your plans and guide you through any additional food safety requirements for distributing or selling your processed food products to the public: Learn more about sanitation plans Learn more about food safety in processing facilities Find a local health authorities in British Columbia: Fraser Health Interior Health Island Health Northern Health Vancouver Coastal Health Locate a processing facility Think about where your product will be made. Options to consider include: Find shared-use kitchens in the BC Food Hub Network Rent commercial kitchen space from a restaurant or other food manufacturer A co-packer is a business that will manufacture a product for you. These relationships vary greatly in scope and can be difficult for new entrepreneurs. Always seek advice from an industry professional before entering into an agreement. If you are unsure how to proceed with securing the services of a co-packer, consider asking a business in your network who already uses one. Co-packing resources Conduct market research Research is always the foundation of a good business plan. Examining statistical data can help you explore the viability of your business. Statistics are available on B.C. agriculture, seafood and agrifood sectors, B.C. food exports and export market analysis. Explore agriculture, seafood and agrifood statistics and market analysis Take time to look at similar products in the market place and record as many details about the product as possible. Imagine yourself as the consumer. Observe who is buying these items. This will help create a profile of your primary target market and aid in creating the plan to market to these groups. Identifying the triggers for a purchase will contribute to product design, brand and marketing media. Learn more about marketing food products Test the market British Columbia has a network of over 150 farmers markets that also serve as micro business accelerator and work well at determining demand for your product: Report on the economic and social benefits of farmers' markets in B.C. (PDF) Become a B.C. farmer's market vendor Build a team The early stages of business growth involve many different tasks and responsibilities. It is important to develop a team of knowledgeable and experienced people right away. Mentors, colleagues and industry leaders are an invaluable part of your network. There are many associations, institutes and cooperatives that exist for different food categories, processes or industries. These organizations will provide a basic level of assistance to non-members, although by becoming a member provides access to peer groups, tradeshows, list-serves and networking. Free advice is not always sufficient, so be ready to hire a professional if needed. The BC Food Hub Network is a great resource to find shared-use food and beverage processing facilities that provide access to commercial processing space, equipment, expertise and resources to support business development and growth. Programs for Food Processors Programs designed to help with marketing, commercialization, innovation and core business skills are available to food processors. Each program supports a different challenge of a business’s growth. Find programs for food processors Food and Beverage Industry Associations Additional information, resources and networking is available from industry associations: BC Food and Beverage Small Scale Food Processors Association BCMeats Baking Association of Canada Craft Distiller's Guild of BC Canadian Meat Cutters Association Small Scale Meat Producers Association Canadian National Millers Association Canadian Beverage Association Wine Growers British Columbia BC Craft Brewers Guild BC Farm Crafted Cider Association Starting and Managing a Food Business Business opportunities in the food sector range from growing, processing, preparing and serving food. Find information about starting a farm Find information about starting a restaurant business Learn about managing an agrifood business Learn about managing a business Contact information Do you have a question? Please contact us. Toll Free 1-888 221-7141 Email. AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca