FROZEN FOODS BUSINESS IN GHANA

Frozen foods business is very lucrative and is on high demand especially in the cities. The demand for these foods is high due to the work-life balance of most Ghanaians. One advantage of this business is that it grows quickly within a short period. For entrepreneurs who want to venture into this business it’s necessary to take the following steps in order to maximize profits;

BUSINESS PLAN
Just like any other business you need to have a plan. This should include thorough research on the business, knowledge on competition and product line. There are lots of items which are sold frozen, but the common ones are poultry products and sea foods. For a start up its important to identify the frozen foods which would be patronized often, the most common ones are chicken, beef, sausage, fish, gizzard and pork.

CAPITAL
Frozen foods business just like most commerce business requires capital however this depends on the size of business you want to have. It’s advisable to start small since these products are perishable and sales would increase gradually. For a small size business two refrigerators is needed for a start aside the stock whiles the wholesale type requires a cold room.

LOCATION
Location is important in the kind of business as it aids sales. The market is an ideal place for citing this business since shoppers of grocery may likely purchase frozen foods. However, it can be located at busy junctions within the neighborhood. You can also operate from home by creating awareness in your neighborhood.

SALES
For sales to increase its prudent to offer delivery services were goods can be ordered and supplied to customers and retailers depending on the size you are operating. You can also stock ice chest (for small business) or mini refrigerated cold room van truck (for large business) to supply on campuses and estates especially on weekends.

STORAGE
Storage facility is key when it comes to frozen foods. As a small business owner, I advise you use refrigerators, it’s advisable to purchase new freezers. For a large frozen business, the cold room is perfect, cold room as described by Frozec is a warehouse in which a specific temperature is artificially generated.

STAFF
Frozen foods business is liable to pilfering by staff due to the nature of products as such it would be prudent to have a CCTV camera in stored to reduce theft. Effective record keeping also helps in crosschecking sales and monitoring.

MARKETING

As a start up you can send proposals to schools especially the Montessori’s who operate canteens where you can supply weekly. Restaurants and food vendors are also main customers for this kind of trade.

POWER SUPPLY
Energy is a necessity when it comes to frozen foods as such its advisable to have stable energy. In this kind of business generator is required due to power fluctuation especially in the market places. You can also purchase solar refrigerator which allows the fridge to function after power cuts. Periodic maintenance of the cold room or refrigerators is needed for effective business operations.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Proper waste management is important in the frozen foods business due to the stink. This aspect of the business protects the health of people in the community it operates in. The smell can also be controlled by frequent cleaning and washing of the blood and substance that comes from the products.

CONCLUSION
Frozen foods business is a good business since these products are consume daily. This business can operate based on the capital available to purchase stock, cold storage and other basic apparatus like knife, wooden board, table, apron etc. However, you must consider the above measures since frozen foods are perishable. Please note that goods in cold room or freezer must be sold according to when they were purchased. Sea foods must be separated from poultry products because of the sting from the fish. For a small frozen foods owner who is not in a market you can also add crates of eggs and other food items like vegetables
and spices to boost sales.