So You Want to Start a Sandwich Business?

Many people see the sandwich business as a good one to get into – afterall everyone eats sandwiches and we all know how to make them. But it’s not generally as straightforward or easy as it may seem.

Whether you are planning to open a sandwich bar or to manufacture sandwiches for sale through other outlets, there is an ever increasing load of legislation that needs to be met and, as the market is maturing, competition is getting ever greater in the High Street.

To open a sandwich bar you need to know what you are doing as the British Sandwich Association estimates that as many as 3 in 5 that open fail because they either misread the market, choose the wrong location or simply get their business sums wrong from the outset. Unless you have experience in managing a similar business, the Association strongly advises that you get some an expert from the industry to look at your business plans before you invest and take a risk.

Those wanting to get into manufacturing should also take great care. Although one can start on a small scale for relatively low outlay, if you plan to build a serious business the investment in technology and know-how is huge. This investment is necessary if your business is to meet the basic requirements of food safety and the stringent requirements of the bigger retailers and caterers. Again, we would advise that it is essential to employ an expert in this sector to look at your business plans before you go too far.

By contacting the British Sandwich Association you can get basic advice over the telephone and the Association can also put you in touch with reputable people who can advise you in detail about the viability of your business plan.

The Association also publishes Codes of Practice for sandwich manufacturing, for sandwich bars and for sandwich retailing.

In addition the Association can provide training on-line in relation to food handling and if you decide to go ahead there is even a simple tendering system for procuring equipment and ingredients on its trade web site www.sandwich.org.uk.

And don’t forget to order a subscription to International Sandwich & Snack News which will give you lots of information about the industry and what’s going on. For more information call Lee on 01291 636333.