How to Start a Fruit Parlor Business 

Budget: Kshs. 1,000 to Kshs. 40,000

Unlike a decade ago, most Kenyans are turning to healthy living. Nutritionists recommend eating a fruit (or several) daily to strengthen your immune system. Also, doctors are recommending patients to develop a habit of eating fruits, whether it’s an apple, orange, banana, passion, tangerine, pineapples, etc., as this will improve their nutrition status. As they say, a fruit a day keeps the doctor away. The need to have a fruit during meal times presents a very good opportunity to entrepreneurial Kenyans. Why wait? Read the following well researched and informative information to get key tips of operating a fruit parlor.

Location of a Fruit Parlor Business

The target market is mainly pedestrians and is some cases, motorists. The best location for this type of business is a busy street or a road with a high human traffic. You may choose to operate the business from a mobile kiosk, a cart or get a small stall along the road where customers will stop and buy the well displayed fruits or have a cup of fruit blended juice. You may also choose to establish a stall near residential areas, supermarkets or near restaurants. Purchases are usually high during the evening when people are heading home from work and therefore, you can survey the busy areas that are appropriate for setting up this type of business.

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Items required before launching the business.

• Fruits
  Being a fruit vending business, the first item on the list is fruits. Fruits are readily available in wholesale prices in leading markets. In Nakuru, the wholesale market stocks a variety of fruits and operates on a daily basis. Alternatively, if you have fruit farmers near your location, buy from them since they will be cheaper and fresh. To begin with, budget for a variety of fruits that are in high demand in the area you are planning to start the business. Visit several fruit vendors and see which fruits they stock most often. Bananas, mangoes oranges, thorn-melon, watermelon, pineapple, apples and pawpaw are the most popular depending on the season.
• Knives, cups, bowls, sieves, forks and other cutlery
  These items are easily available in supermarkets and in the open markets. Water and a small tank should also be available for washing hands, washing fruits as well as the dishes. For the plastic cups, buy the transparent and disposable cups for selling fruit juices. As for the salads, get melamine bowls or plates for serving the fruit salads. When buying the utensils, go the durable and averagely priced items that will guarantee you good service.
• Juice Blender
  A good juice blender ranges from Kshs.1, 500 to Kshs.8, 000 depending on the features and models. Blenders are readily available in supermarkets and online retailers. For a start, buy two blenders just in case one disappoints. As the business expands, you can buy a blender for each fruit you will use to make juice.
• Plastic chairs and stools.
  A fruit parlor will need several plastic chairs and stools for customers to sit on. When the customers increase, you can hire a carpenter to customize comfortable forms and shades when there is adequate space. Plastic chairs cost approximately Kshs.600 while plastic stools range from Kshs.250 to Kshs.350.
• Display counter and shelves
  Depending on the location and space availability, a display counter may be required. You may get a metal display from the local Juakali artisans or hire a carpenter to build one for you. You will need to negotiate a price with them. However, price may range from Kshs. 3,000 to Kshs. 50,000 depending on your preferences.

Licenses

• Single Business Permit
  A single business permit from the respective county government is needed to legalize business operations. The license may cost from Kshs. 3,000 to Kshs.10, 000 depending on the location. Visit your local county or sub-county figures to get the actual license fee.
• Food Hygiene License
  The fruit parlor business premises may undergo inspection by public health officials before the license can be approved. For Small businesses, the license may range from Kshs. 300 to Kshs.1000 per annual.
• Food Handler’s Medical Certificate
  A medical examination is required for all food handlers at the business premises to ensure they are free from diseases. The cost is approximately Kshs.600 bi-annually and is obtained from county offices.

The final word:

The fruit vending business is rapidly growing and many entrepreneurs are investing in this business. To remain competitive and relevant, do a thorough research on the source of supply, location and marketing strategies for the business. If the business is busy during the evening than in the morning hours, you can do office deliveries during the day and open in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can hire an assistant to help you in doing deliveries and in general sales. At the business premises, maintain high levels of cleanliness to attract and maintain customers. From our desk, we wish you all the best as you embark on starting a fruit vending business.