Questions on how to do sell a food product you created legally. (for sale)

[kalford3]

Hello....I am needing some help. I have created a salsa recipe that I have been making for over a year. My friends and family are encouraging me to put it on the shelf. To start selling it. I don't have the first clue as to how to accomplish this. I have a couple local super markets that are family owned I could approach about a trial run. What do I do legally? Do I get a trademark, copyright or patent on this recipe? I was going to use the canning jars and have a nice label created to give it presentation. I would of course love for this to go into all stores for people to enjoy. I know I must start small. I am willing to work. I just need some direction for my area as to where I am to start. I am just a mom that stays home and takes care of my kids. I have been wanting something to do in my time at home and to help supplement my husband who works hard. Considering the amount of people who go nuts over this recipe and tell me they would buy it I would be stupid not to listen to wisdom and try. So, if you have any information I would be grateful to hear it.

[LynnePatrice]

May I suggest you do a google search "Selling Food From Home"

The regulations vary from state to state. You should fine a lot of usefull information here to get you started.

Good luck! I Love Salsa!!!

[GoreeGal]

You know I have that question too. I have a chili recipe I created (I even won a contest) that everyone loves and is encouraging me to market as frozen chili. I guess I need a patent and a good patent attorney or risk everyone copying my product. Just wonder if you get info would you pass along to me. It is fire engine hot, but tasty and full of my secret ingrediants.

I have heard create it secure the patent and then go to markets and try to get them to put on their shelf. A boutique market would work better I heard that on a TV show where inventors bring their product.

[goonybird]

My husband and I looked into it a couple years ago. You can do it - if you just want to sell to local groceries, stores, etc, you can probably do it. A lot of local stores will sell your locally-made product for you. The catch is, if you want to expand, you need the barcode specifically designated for your product/company. It's expensive. That is how computerized registers ring it up. Locals can do it on the "generic" grocery key, but I doubt a big chain will do that for you.
Plus, you are supposed to have a separate commercial kitchen. I know a lot of people get around that, but if you get caught, you will probably get shut down.
Also, there is the liability issue of having insurance specifically for this venture. Regular homeowners would not cover a commercial venture.

It is a really good way to get started, but if you want to expand, you do have to consider these issues....

[hdwell]

Originally Posted by kalford3

Hello....I am needing some help. I have created a salsa recipe that I have been making for over a year. My friends and family are encouraging me to put it on the shelf. To start selling it. I don't have the first clue as to how to accomplish this. I have a couple local super markets that are family owned I could approach about a trial run. What do I do legally? Do I get a trademark, copyright or patent on this recipe? I was going to use the canning jars and have a nice label created to give it presentation. I would of course love for this to go into all stores for people to enjoy. I know I must start small. I am willing to work. I just need some direction for my area as to where I am to start. I am just a mom that stays home and takes care of my kids. I have been wanting something to do in my time at home and to help supplement my husband who works hard. Considering the amount of people who go nuts over this recipe and tell me they would buy it I would be stupid not to listen to wisdom and try. So, if you have any information I would be grateful to hear it.

Hope it goes well for you. I'm looking forward to trying your salsa!

1

[Rosinante]

Originally Posted by goonybird

My husband and I looked into it a couple years ago. You can do it - if you just want to sell to local groceries, stores, etc, you can probably do it. A lot of local stores will sell your locally-made product for you. The catch is, if you want to expand, you need the barcode specifically designated for your product/company. It's expensive. That is how computerized registers ring it up. Locals can do it on the "generic" grocery key, but I doubt a big chain will do that for you.
Plus, you are supposed to have a separate commercial kitchen. I know a lot of people get around that, but if you get caught, you will probably get shut down.
Also, there is the liability issue of having insurance specifically for this venture. Regular homeowners would not cover a commercial venture.

It is a really good way to get started, but if you want to expand, you do have to consider these issues....

This is all very good advice. The Louisiana law is that you may produce a food product at home for sale commercially provided that sales do not exceed $5000 per year. So, considering the cost of the ingredients in your product — be it chili or potato salad or whatever — your potential income from an in-home venture is not that great. My wife and I had come up with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Cookies a few years ago, but after a trial run for one year, we gave up on the idea. We then set about to market the cookie recipe to a few of the national firms, but they wanted to steal the recipe from us.

I also tried to sell my mom's potato salad to a couple of mom & pop restaurants in the B. R. area, but none were willing to even sample the delicious product I had to offer them.

[Jrdh]

I understand there are portable professional kitchens that can be rented. I believe they meet health code standards but you would need to check in your state. You might think about 'buying' kitchen time from a local restaurant when they are not in use. I heard someone talk about doing this on an entrepeneurer show also. I have a baked bean recipe I'm trying to sell as well. Good luck!