"RAbundance Nutrition" Business Plan

info

Current plan:

• Do more research on +/- of various drying methods
• Decide if initially a 'pilot' option of machinery (smaller scale) should be used
• Finalize drying method and select a model
• Decide on grinding process and model. Possibly a stone mill? (2 stone circle slabs, oldskool) Maybe this can be used for marketing.
• Understand packaging options. Where is the balance between environmentally friendly and cost
• Decide what package sizes there will be.
• Sketch package design
• Understand how to calculate local and global demand
• Narrow down possible locations where to process the source
• Decide if berries can be fermented before freeze-drying. This would super-charge this product, making it probiotic.
• ???
• ???
• ???
• Random thought: Maybe doing a pilot run will be more beneficial? Rent equipment, buy smaller amounts of source and test print packages
• Random thought: Maybe all kinds of secondary products can be done with powders... mixing with honey, for example.
• Random thought: Maybe this production can be done in the same place where cafe can be? Then maybe cafe should be done first?

Summary

The business idea is to create a company that collects seasonal wild forest berries (initially blueberries), processes them through freeze-drying and grinding, and sells the resulting powdered products. The target market is health-conscious consumers in Europe, with a focus on the German market. The sales channels will be an e-commerce website and Amazon Germany. The business will also emphasize environmentally-friendly packaging and practices.

Objectives

1. Establish partnerships with local berry collectors.
2. Develop an efficient and high-quality freeze-drying and grinding process.
3. Design and launch an e-commerce website.
4. List products on Amazon Germany.
5. Develop a social media marketing campaign.
6. Ensure compliance with food safety and quality regulations.

Values

• Maximum health oriented
  • Wild and/or Organic source material only
  • Processing in ways that keeps all nutrition as much as possible
  • Lab tested nutrition contents
• As much as sensibly possible environmentally friendly
  • Biodegradable or easily recycled packaging, dessicants and labels
  • Best attempts to use as little utility (electricity, water) as possible
• Hipster Online presence

Flow Diagram

Alternative source material

• Many more forest berries
  • Wild Lingonberry (брусника)
  • Wild Raspberry
  • Wild Strawberry (земляника)
• В ПРИНЦИПЕ - after diligent research and production process setup - any food category can be processed.

Market Research and Demand

The market for wild forest berries in Latvia is significant (no proof yet), with many elderly people collecting and selling them at local markets. However, there is a growing demand for high-quality, convenient, and healthy food products, which our sublimated berry powders can meet. (We have conducted market research and found that there is a demand for such products, especially among health-conscious consumers. - NOT YET)

• Who consumes powdered berries? (age, social group)
  • Yet to investigate
• Where to sell?
  • Amazon (15% selling fee, 15% more if amazon stores and fulfills the orders)
  • Own website
  • Local stores?
  • Food festivals?
  • B2B Shops

Competition

Latvia

Title	Weight	Price	Rank	Ratings	Stars	Comment
Absoluts Ed	60 g	€5.80	N/A	N/A	N/A	not freeze-dried

Amazon.DE

info

Used a python amazon scraper script, updated it, also added ChatGPT invocation to translate titles from german and extract weight

Title	Weight	Price	Rank	Ratings	Stars
LOOV Bio Wild Blueberry Powder	100g	€17.9	GOOD	1347	4.6/5
LOOV Wild Blueberry Powder	171g	€31.9	GOOD	1004	4.7/5
Wild Blueberry Powder	90g	€17.9	GOOD	922	4.5/5
myfruits Wild Blueberry Powder	200g	€19.9	GOOD	371	4.4/5
Bio Wild Blueberry Powder	250g	€25.9	GOOD	210	4.4/5
Wild Blueberry Powder	250g	€25.9	GOOD	210	4.4/5
Organic Wild Blueberry Powder	150g	€17.9	GOOD	97	4.3/5
Wild Blueberries Organic Powder	200g	€17.9	GOOD	92	4.2/5
Blueberry Powder	50g	€10.47	GOOD	22	4.7/5
Fitness Health Blueberry Powder	100g	€21.76	N/A	NA	NA
Kopp Vital Wild Blueberry Capsules	54g	€79.99	N/A	NA	NA

Technology

Freeze drying

Freezing stage -> primary drying stage -> secondary drying stage

All freeze-drying terminology

Term	Synonyms	Description
Freeze-drying	Lyophilization, Cryodesiccation	A dehydration process that involves freezing a substance and then removing the ice by sublimation in a vacuum.
Sublimation		The process where a solid (ice) changes directly into a vapor without going through a liquid phase.
Primary drying	Sublimation phase	The first stage of the freeze-drying process where the majority of the ice is removed through sublimation.
Secondary drying	Desorption phase	The second stage of the freeze-drying process where residual water is removed from the product to achieve the desired moisture content.
Freezing		The process of cooling the substance to below its freezing point, forming ice crystals.
Annealing		A controlled heating step during the freezing process that helps create larger ice crystals, which can speed up the sublimation process.
Eutectic temperature		The temperature at which a mixture of substances (e.g., solutes and water) freezes as a whole.
Collapse temperature	Tc	The temperature at which the structure of the freeze-dried product begins to break down or lose its shape.
Glass transition temperature	Tg	The temperature at which an amorphous solid (such as a freeze-dried product) transitions from a glassy, brittle state to a rubbery, viscous state.
Vacuum		A low-pressure environment created in the freeze-drying chamber to facilitate sublimation.
Condenser	Cold trap	A part of the freeze-drying system that collects the vaporized ice, preventing it from contaminating the vacuum pump.
Pirani gauge		A device used to measure vacuum pressure during the freeze-drying process.
Manifold freeze-drying		A type of freeze-drying where samples are placed on a manifold connected to the vacuum system, typically used for small-scale or laboratory applications.
Tray freeze-drying	Shelf freeze-drying	A type of freeze-drying where samples are placed on shelves in a chamber, allowing for more precise temperature control and larger-scale production.
Bulk freeze-drying		A method where the product is freeze-dried in bulk form (e.g., in trays), as opposed to individually packaged items.
Stoppering		The process of sealing a vial or container containing the freeze-dried product to maintain its stability and quality.

Options

Freeze Dryer	Batch size	Price	Energy Consumption	Batch time	Notes
Wave	60kg	35,600EUR	3kW/h
Zirbus	45/75/100KG	Requested! awaiting response.	? kW/h
FrostX 30	30kg	37,440EUR	? kW/h		During blueberry season only ~1,500kg will be possible to process. This would leave at -18,000EUR net profit during Year 1, unless other sources are also processed out of season.
Harvest Right XL	15kg (x4 = 60kg)	4,400EUR (x4 = 17,600EUR)	? kW/h		Buying multiple can be cheaper than others. But possibly no delivery to Europe. Sent email

• http://www.criofarma.it - sent email asking for brochure
• https://leosmak.com - asked about 25kg and 100kg machine size prices
• Freezedryfood.de - Asked about 20kg price
  • https://sublimat.lv/power.html - Asked about the prices for smaller (up to 20kg) models

Some more options as per GPT4 (removing from here as i check them)

Machine Model	Manufacturer	Capacity (kg)	Price Range (EUR)	Energy Consumption (kW)	Time of Operation	Energy Cost per 1000 kg (EUR)
VirTis BenchTop Pro	SP Scientific	2.5	8,000-14,000	1.5	24-48 hours	162-243
Freeze Dryer Epsilon	MechaTech Systems Ltd	20	35,000-55,000	6	24-48 hours	648-972

Research on drying methods

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244603417_Drying_of_Fruits_and_Vegetables_Retention_of_NutritionalFunctional_Quality
• Effect of Selected Drying Methods and Emerging Drying Intensification Technologies on the Quality of Dried Fruit: A Review
  • However, in comparison to other drying technologies, freeze-drying has a high energy consumption and prolonged processing time. However, this can be reduced by using PEF treatment. For instance, Lammerskitten et al. reported that PEF pretreatment of apple slices intensifies freeze-drying kinetics and thus reduces processing time by 57% in comparison to untreated samples.
  • Research on Pros and Cons of PEF processing
  • Blueberry fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Increasing the juice yield (+ 28%) compared to the untreated sample. The juice obtained had a significantly higher total phenolic content (+ 43%), total anthocyanin content (+ 60%) and antioxidant activity (+ 31%)
• Dude makes a freeze drier. lots of science - can get interesting insights on how freeze-drying actually works

Comparison of drying methods as per GPT4

Drying Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Price Range (USD)	Time of Operation
Freeze Drying	Preserves nutritional value, color, and taste	Expensive equipment, energy-intensive	50,000-100,000	24-48 hours
Spray Drying	Fast process, scalable	High temperatures may affect nutrients, energy-intensive	40,000-80,000	20-30 minutes
Vacuum Drying	Retains some nutritional value, lower temperatures	Slower process, expensive equipment	20,000-50,000	12-24 hours
Air Drying	Low-cost, low energy consumption	Longer drying time, potential loss of nutrients	5,000-10,000	1-5 days
Dehydration (Oven)	Accessible, relatively low-cost	High temperatures may affect nutrients, energy-intensive	500-2,000	6-12 hours
Solar Drying	Low-cost, environmentally friendly	Slow, dependent on weather conditions	1,000-3,000	2-10 days (weather dependent)

Grinding

Companies:

• OXO
• Talsa
• Fama
• Risco
• Tre Spade

Comparison of grinding methods as per GPT4

Milling Method	Advantages	Disadvantages	Price Range (EUR)	Time of Operation	Heat Generation
Stone Mill	Traditional, low heat generation, preserves nutrients	Slow, manual labor, less consistent particle size	500-2,000	Slow (hours)	Low
Hammer Mill	Fast, versatile, adjustable particle size	High heat generation, noisy, potential nutrient loss	1,000-5,000	Fast (minutes)	High
Ball Mill	Uniform particle size, low heat generation	Slow, high energy consumption, large equipment	5,000-25,000	Slow (hours)	Low
Pin Mill	Fast, uniform particle size, low heat generation	Expensive equipment, potential clogging	5,000-20,000
Fast (minutes)	Low
Jet Mill	No heat generation, ultrafine particle size	Expensive equipment, high energy consumption	25,000-100,000	Fast (minutes)	None
Roller Mill	Scalable, low heat generation, consistent particle size	Expensive equipment, high energy consumption
10,000-50,000	Medium (30-60 minutes)	Low
Mortar and Pestle	Traditional, low-cost, no heat generation	Slow, manual labor, less consistent particle size	20-200	Slow (hours)	None
Cryogenic Mill	Preserves nutrients, no heat generation, ultrafine size	Expensive equipment, requires liquid nitrogen	15,000-80,000	Fast (minutes)	None

Selection of equipment: Choose a suitable mill for grinding your freeze-dried berries. Some options to consider include: a. Hammer Mill: These mills use hammers rotating at high speeds to pulverize the material. They are suitable for grinding a wide range of materials, including berries, and can produce a fine powder. However, they can generate heat, which might affect the quality of your freeze-dried berries. b. Pin Mill: Pin mills utilize two counter-rotating disks with pins to grind materials into fine particles. They provide better temperature control and are more gentle on the product, making them a good option for grinding freeze-dried berries. c. Jet Mill: Jet mills use compressed air or gas to create a high-velocity jet that grinds particles through impact and attrition. These mills produce ultrafine powders without generating heat, making them an excellent option for temperature-sensitive products like freeze-dried berries. Cleaning and preparation: Before grinding, clean the equipment thoroughly to remove any residue from previous batches. Check the freeze-dried berries for any impurities or foreign objects, and remove them as needed. Feeding: Load the freeze-dried berries into the mill's feed hopper, ensuring that they are fed at a consistent rate to prevent overloading or underloading. This helps maintain consistent grinding and avoids excessive heat generation. Grinding: Adjust the mill settings to achieve the desired particle size for your powdered product. It's important to maintain a consistent particle size for a high-quality end product. You may need to run tests and make adjustments to find the optimal settings for your specific mill and berries. Monitoring: Regularly inspect the grinding process to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and that the berries are being ground into a fine powder. Check for any signs of overheating, clogging, or uneven grinding. Product collection: Collect the powdered product in a suitable container, taking care to minimize exposure to air and moisture, as this can affect the quality of the powder. Cleaning: After each batch, clean the mill and surrounding equipment to remove any residue or build-up. Pay special attention to areas where the freeze-dried berry powder might stick, such as the sides of the grinder, and use appropriate cleaning tools to remove residue gently. Quality control: Perform quality control checks on the final product to ensure consistency in particle size, color, and taste. Make any necessary adjustments to the grinding process to maintain high-quality standards. Choosing the right mill for your needs will depend on factors such as your budget, production capacity, and desired particle size. Jet mills are the most advanced option and provide excellent temperature control, but they can be more expensive than hammer or pin mills. Research different manufacturers and models to find the best fit for your specific requirements.

Packaging

• stroebel.de
  • Mono-line recyclable

Machinery:

• VikingMasek

Comparison of packaging methods as per GPT4

Packaging Type	Packaging Machine	Advantages	Disadvantages	Machine Price Range (EUR)	Time of Operation	Environmental Friendliness	Price per Package (EUR)
Plastic Bags	Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS)	Low-cost, widely available, customizable	Not biodegradable, potential leaching of chemicals	3,500-15,000	Fast (30-60 sec/bag)	Low	0.01-0.03 (1,000) / 0.01-0.02 (2,000)
Paper Bags	Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS)	Biodegradable, lower environmental impact, customizable	Less durable, less protective	3,500-15,000	Fast (30-60 sec/bag)	High	0.02-0.04 (1,000) / 0.01-0.03 (2,000)
Stand-up Pouches	Stand-up Pouch Filling Machine	Convenient, resealable, customizable	Not easily biodegradable, plastic content	7,000-35,000	Medium (1-2 min/bag)	Medium	0.03-0.07 (1,000) / 0.02-0.06 (2,000)
Compostable Pouches	Stand-up Pouch Filling Machine	Biodegradable, lower environmental impact, customizable	Less durable, higher cost	7,000-35,000	Medium (1-2 min/bag)	High	0.05-0.09 (1,000) / 0.04-0.08 (2,000)
Glass Jars	Rotary Filling and Capping Machine	Reusable, no leaching of chemicals, premium appearance	Heavy, fragile, higher cost	15,000-70,000	Slow (2-5 min/jar)	Medium	0.25-0.40 (1,000) / 0.20-0.35 (2,000)
Metal Tins	Rotary Filling and Capping Machine	Reusable, durable, premium appearance	Higher cost, potential for corrosion	15,000-70,000	Slow (2-5 min/tin)	Medium	0.20-0.35 (1,000) / 0.15-0.30 (2,000)

Choosing packaging materials: Opt for environmentally friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options. Some popular choices include: a. Kraft paper pouches: Made from natural, unbleached kraft paper, these pouches are biodegradable and recyclable. They often come with a PLA (polylactic acid) lining, which provides a moisture barrier to protect the powdered berries. b. PLA pouches: These pouches are made entirely from plant-based PLA material, which is compostable and derived from renewable resources like cornstarch. c. Recyclable plastic pouches: Some plastic pouches are made from recyclable materials, such as PET or LDPE. While not biodegradable, they can be recycled and are lightweight, making them a more sustainable option than conventional plastics. Label design and printing: Design your product labels with clear information about the product, its benefits, and your brand. Emphasize the environmentally friendly packaging and sustainable practices. Print the labels using eco-friendly inks, such as soy-based or water-based inks, and adhere them to the packaging material. Alternatively, you can choose direct package printing or digital printing methods to reduce label waste. Filling and sealing: Once the packaging materials and labels are ready, follow these steps to fill and seal the packages: a. Set up a filling station: Configure an automated filling machine or use a manual process, depending on your production scale and budget. Automated filling machines typically use volumetric or weight-based filling systems to dispense precise amounts of powder into the packages. b. Load the powdered berries: Transfer the powdered berries from their collection container to the filling machine's hopper, ensuring that the powder remains free from contaminants and moisture. c. Fill the packages: Adjust the filling machine settings to dispense the desired amount of powder (100g or 250g) into each package. The machine will fill the packages, either by weight or volume, with the precise amount of powdered berries. d. Seal the packages: After the packages are filled, they need to be sealed to protect the product from air, moisture, and contamination. Automated packaging machines often include a sealing mechanism, such as heat sealing or impulse sealing, which closes the package after filling. Make sure the sealing process creates an airtight, secure closure. Quality control and inspection: Perform quality control checks on the filled and sealed packages, looking for any defects, such as improper sealing or incorrect filling weights. Address any issues and make adjustments to the filling and sealing processes as needed. Packing and storage: Pack the sealed pouches into secondary packaging, such as recyclable cardboard boxes, for storage and shipping. Store the packaged products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Machinery:

Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Machines: VFFS machines are commonly used for filling and sealing pouches. They form the pouch, fill it with the product, and then seal it, all in a vertical orientation. These machines are suitable for a variety of packaging materials, including kraft paper pouches with PLA lining. Some VFFS machine manufacturers include: Bosch Packaging Technology (www.boschpackaging.com) Matrix Packaging Machinery (www.matrixpm.com) Viking Masek Global Packaging Technologies (www.vikingmasek.com) Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) Machines: HFFS machines operate in a horizontal orientation and are also suitable for filling and sealing pouches made from various materials. They form the pouch, fill it with the product, and then seal it in a continuous process. Some HFFS machine manufacturers include: Ilapak (www.ilapak.com) Mespack (www.mespack.com) ROVEMA (www.rovema.com) Pre-made Pouch Filling and Sealing Machines: These machines are designed for use with pre-made pouches, including kraft paper pouches with PLA lining. They can fill and seal pouches of various sizes and configurations, making them a versatile option. Some manufacturers of pre-made pouch filling and sealing machines include: All-Fill Inc. (www.all-fill.com) Viking Masek Global Packaging Technologies (www.vikingmasek.com) WeighPack Systems Inc. (www.weighpack.com) To find the best machine for your specific needs, research the different manufacturers, and compare their offerings based on factors like production capacity, versatility, ease of use, and cost. Request quotes and, if possible, arrange for a demonstration to ensure that the machine meets your requirements and can handle kraft paper pouches with PLA lining effectively.

Design

Design description

1. Background: Use a subtle, light-colored seed of life pattern as the background, covering the entire A5 label area.
2. Forest Imagery: Add an abstract or stylized illustration of a forest at the top or bottom of the label, using shades of green for a vibrant appearance.
3. Blueberry Powder Smudge: Incorporate a smudge or splash of blueberry powder on one side of the label, using a deep blue-purple color to represent the powder.
4. Company Name: Place the company name "RAbundance Nutrition" at the top or center of the label, using a modern and stylish font. Possibly interweave the name with an orange circle, representing sun (RA).
5. Product Title: Add the product title, "Wild Organic Blueberry Powder," below the company name, using a slightly smaller font size.
6. Weight: Indicate the weight of the product (e.g., "100g") below or beside the product title, using a smaller font size.
7. Benefits: List the benefits of the product (e.g., "Rich in Antioxidants," "High in Vitamin C," "Supports Immune System") in bullet points or short phrases, placed below the weight or beside the blueberry powder smudge.
8. Drying Method: Mention the drying method used (e.g., "Freeze-Dried") near the benefits section or near the blueberry powder smudge.
9. Catchy Slogan: Add a catchy slogan or tagline (e.g., "Nature's Bounty, Unleashed") at the bottom of the label or near the forest illustration, using a complementary font style.

AI prompt to attempt logo generation: Design a supplement pouch label.

Background: Use a subtle, light-colored 'flower of life' pattern as the background. Forest Imagery: Add an abstract or stylized illustration of a forest at the top or bottom of the label, using shades of green for a vibrant appearance. Blueberry Smudge: Incorporate a smudge or splash of blueberry or blueberry powder, using a deep blue-purple color to represent it. Add Orange stylized sun.

How to make this design stand out

1. Use calming colors: Choose a color palette that evokes feelings of calm and relaxation, while still being vibrant. This can make consumers feel more connected to the product and its natural origins.
2. Add certification logos: If your product is certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, or has other notable certifications, include the corresponding logos on the label. This can help build trust and credibility with consumers.
3. Include a short, compelling story: Share a brief story about the origin of the berries, the company's mission, or your commitment to sustainability. This can create an emotional connection and demonstrate your brand's authenticity and transparency.
4. Highlight key benefits: Emphasize the most desirable benefits of the product, such as the health benefits, taste, and quality. Use bold or highlighted text to draw attention to these features.
5. Use high-quality images: Incorporate high-quality, realistic images of blueberries and blueberry powder to showcase the product's appearance and entice consumers.
6. Add testimonials or reviews: If possible, include a few short customer testimonials or positive reviews on the label. This can help build social proof and trust in the product.
7. Emphasize sustainability and eco-friendliness: Highlight any environmentally friendly practices used in the production or packaging of the product. This can appeal to eco-conscious consumers and demonstrate your brand's commitment to sustainability.
8. Use clear and easy-to-read fonts: Ensure all text on the label is legible and easy to read. Consumers appreciate clear communication and straightforward information about the product.
9. Add a QR code: Include a QR code that directs consumers to your website or a landing page with more information about the product, company, and its values. This can help build trust by providing easy access to additional information.

Cool stable-diffusion prompts for logos

• Soft pastel image of bright sky blue and purple blueberry, teonanacatl glyph, glagolitic glyph, leviathan cross, symmetrical die cut sticker, hieroglyph, runic etching, latvian runes, imperial symbol, inspired by Kōno Michisei, haida, infinity glyph, stylized forest berries

Equipment Purchase, Monthly and Operational Costs

We will rent a space for our production and packaging operations. We will also purchase the necessary equipment for freeze-drying, grinding, and packaging our sublimated berries. All cost breakdown is below for - startup, monthly and operational (monthly-during-berry-season).

info

All values are coming from json files

• Large scale
• Pilot scale

Startup spend

Large scale

Item	Total
Tables	€300
Freeze-drier	€20,600
Grinder	€2,000
Packager	€2,000
Food Permit	€500
Scales	€100
Fridge	€0
E-Shop	€500
Total	€26,000

Pilot scale

Item	Total
Tables	€200
Freeze-drier	€5,000
Grinder	€1,000
Packager	€2,000
Food Permit	€500
Scales	€100
Fridge	€0
E-Shop	€500
Total	€9,300

Monthly spend

Large scale

Item	Total
Space rent	€800
E-Shop hosting	€20
Equipment maintenance	€100
Total	€920
Total Annual	€11,040

Pilot scale

Item	Total
Space rent	€200
E-Shop hosting	€20
Equipment maintenance	€30
Total	€250
Total Annual	€3,000

In-season spend (+-2 months)

Operating expanses

Large scale

Item	Price	Quantity	Total
Lab testing	500 €/analysis	4	€2,000
Packaging	0.1 €/pouch	3,213	€321
Dessicants	0.05 €/pack	3,213	€161
Water	0.5 €/liter	100	€50
Electricity	0.14 €/kW	3,278.3	€459
Protective Gear	10 €/pack	10	€100
Food containers	20 €/container	10	€200
Logistics	100 €/delivery	10	€1,000
Staff	100 €/part-time day	40	€4,000
Marketing	200 €/campaign	5	€1,000
Total Annual			€9,291

Pilot scale

Item	Price	Quantity	Total
Lab testing	200 €/analysis	1	€200
Packaging	0.1 €/pouch	485	€49
Dessicants	0.05 €/pack	485	€24
Water	0.5 €/liter	100	€50
Electricity	0.14 €/kW	5,885	€824
Protective Gear	10 €/pack	10	€100
Food containers	20 €/container	10	€200
Logistics	20 €/delivery	5	€100
Staff	50 €/part-time day	10	€500
Marketing	100 €/campaign	5	€500
Total Annual			€2,547

Source purchase

Large scale

Item	Price	Quantity	Total
Blueberry	2 €/kg	2,700	€5,400
Total Annual			€5,400

Pilot scale

Item	Price	Quantity	Total
Blueberry	2 €/kg	300	€600
Raspberry	3 €/kg	50	€150
Total Annual			€750

Sourcing conditions and processing time

Wild berry seasons' beginning, end and yield vary by many factors. Primarily it is weather conditions.

Year type	Start of season	End of season	Approximate number of days
Warm	Mid-July to early August	Early October	60 to 80 days
Cold	Early August	Mid-September	40 to 50 days

info

Lets use upper cold season value for our season length expectations: 50days

---

This is the number of days where we can purchase source and immediately process

Large scale

Process	Total source	Batch size kg	Batch time hr	Hours to complete	Days to complete	Kw per hr	Total kw	Price
Drying	2700	60	24	1080	45.0	3	3240.0	€454
Grinding	348.3	5	0.3	20.898	0.9	1	20.9	€3
Packaging	348.3	20	1	17.415	0.7	1	17.4	€2

Pilot scale

Process	Total source	Batch size kg	Batch time hr	Hours to complete	Days to complete	Kw per hr	Total kw	Price
Drying	350	10	24	840	35.0	7	5880.0	€823
Grinding	45.15	5	0.3	2.7089999999999996	0.1	1	2.7	€0
Packaging	45.15	20	1	2.2575	0.1	1	2.3	€0

warning

This is the biggest issue at the moment. Calculating realistic source amount possible and freeze-drier capacity, to be able to process everything during season without buying overly expensive and large drier, and at least break even during the first year.

Revenue calculation

Source to package calculation

• From raw source, dry source is: 12.9%
  
• From dry source, for testing, marketing and wastage is: 2.5%
  

Large scale

Package sizes and their percentage from the workable remaining dry source:

Size	Percentage	Selling price	Price per kg	Profit per gram
100g	80%	€22	€220	1,319%
250g	10%	€49	€196	1,164.2%
500g	10%	€89	€178	1,048.1%

Source	Raw kg	Dry kg	Testing kg	G100	G100 total	G250	G250 total	G500	G500 total	Total
Blueberry	2,700	348.3	8.708	📦2,716.74	€59,768	📦135.837	€6,656	📦67.919	€6,045	€72,469
Total Annual										€72,469

Pilot scale

Package sizes and their percentage from the workable remaining dry source:

Size	Percentage	Selling price	Price per kg	Profit per gram
100g	100%	€23.5	€235	1,415.75%

Source	Raw kg	Dry kg	Testing kg	G100	G100 total	Total
Blueberry	300	38.7	0.968	📦377.325	€8,867	€8,867
Raspberry	50	6.45	0.161	📦62.888	€1,478	€1,478
Total Annual						€10,345

Annual revenue

• Amazon fees (referral + variable closing. NOT including fulfillment): 15%
  

Large scale

Year	Revenue	Cost of source	Gross profit	Operating expenses	Annual expenses	Startup expenses	Net profit
1	€61,599 (after Amazon fee of €10,870)	€5,400	€56,199	€9,291	€11,040	€26,000	€9,868
2	€92,398 (after Amazon fee of €16,306)	€8,100	€84,298	€13,937	€16,560	€0	€53,801 (+50%)
3	€123,197 (after Amazon fee of €21,741)	€10,800	€112,397	€18,582	€22,080	€0	€71,735 (+50%)

Pilot scale

Year	Revenue	Cost of source	Gross profit	Operating expenses	Annual expenses	Startup expenses	Net profit
1	€8,793 (after Amazon fee of €1,552)	€750	€8,043	€2,547	€3,000	€9,300	€-6,804
2	€13,190 (after Amazon fee of €2,328)	€1,125	€12,065	€3,821	€4,500	€0	€3,744 (+50%)
3	€17,587 (after Amazon fee of €3,104)	€1,500	€16,087	€5,094	€6,000	€0	€4,993 (+50%)

All foreseeable and unforeseeable costs as per GPT4

Type of Cost	Description	Foreseeable	Unforeseeable
Equipment Purchase	Freeze-drying, milling, and packaging machines	Yes	No
Equipment Maintenance	Regular maintenance and repairs of machines	Yes	Yes
Raw Material Costs	Purchase of berries from suppliers	Yes	No
Labor Costs	Salaries for employees involved in berry collection and processing	Yes	No
Utilities	Electricity, water, gas, etc.	Yes	No
Rent or Mortgage	Costs for the facility where the operations take place	Yes	No
Licensing and Permits	Obtaining necessary licenses and permits for the business	Yes	No
Insurance	Insurance coverage for the business, equipment, and employees	Yes	No
Marketing and Advertising	Expenses related to promoting the product	Yes	No
E-commerce and Amazon Fees	Fees associated with selling on e-commerce platforms	Yes	No
Lab Testing and Certification	Costs for lab testing and certification of the product	Yes	No
Transportation and Logistics	Costs for transporting berries and shipping the final product	Yes	Yes
Unexpected Downtime	Losses due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. equipment failure)	No	Yes
Currency Fluctuations	Changes in exchange rates affecting costs	No	Yes
Natural Disasters	Losses due to natural disasters (e.g. floods, fires)	No	Yes

Legal

Food Certification

Certificate and permit options

B2B Wholesale

BRC or ISO9001

BRC (British Retail Consortium) food certification is a globally recognized standard for food safety and quality management. It is a certification that demonstrates that a company has implemented a food safety management system that meets the requirements of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety. To get BRC food certification, a company needs to undergo an audit by an accredited certification body. The audit assesses the company's food safety management system, including its policies, procedures, and practices. The audit also evaluates the company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as its ability to manage food safety risks. The cost of BRC food certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the company's operations. It typically involves an initial certification fee, as well as ongoing fees for surveillance audits and recertification. The cost can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros. To sell B2B food products in Europe, it is not always necessary to have BRC food certification. However, many retailers and food service companies require their suppliers to have BRC certification as a condition of doing business. Therefore, having BRC certification can be a competitive advantage in the European food market.

Local sale

• How to get PVD
• PVD cenradis

Worldwide e-comm

• What, if any, certs are required to sell on Amazon?
• A good manufacturing practice (GMP) certificate. The seller must demonstrate compliance with current good manufacturing practices according to standards 21 CFR 111 and 21 CFR 117.
• A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) OR evidence of participation in a third-party quality certification program.

Documents for application

Food Safety Plan (ENG)

1. Berry Collection: Source berries only from reputable local suppliers and berry collectors who have a good track record of adhering to food safety standards. Ensure that the berries are free from contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals, by conducting regular testing. Ensure that the collection containers are clean and free from any contamination.

2. Processing: Conduct processing in a dedicated facility that is designed and constructed to prevent contamination and minimize risk of food safety hazards. Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of processing, including receiving, storage, preparation, and packaging. Conduct regular environmental monitoring, including air and surface testing, to ensure that there is no contamination in the processing area. Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves and hairnets, to prevent contamination of the product. Implement a cleaning and sanitation program for all equipment and surfaces that come into contact with the berries and the finished product. Conduct regular equipment maintenance and calibration to ensure accurate readings and prevent equipment failure. Use only approved food-grade processing aids and additives, and ensure that they are used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Implement traceability systems to track and identify raw materials used in production. Monitor and control the processing environment to ensure that it is maintained within acceptable temperature and humidity ranges.

3. Packaging and Storage: Use only food-grade packaging materials that are free from contaminants and have low environmental impact. Implement a cleaning and sanitation program for all packaging and storage areas. Ensure that finished products are stored in a dry, cool, and clean environment to prevent contamination and spoilage. Implement a rotation system to ensure that older products are used first to prevent spoilage. Conduct regular environmental monitoring to ensure that there is no contamination in the storage and packaging areas.

4. Employee Training: Train all employees on food safety practices, including personal hygiene, proper handling of equipment, and cleaning and sanitation procedures. Provide ongoing training to ensure that employees are up-to-date with new food safety regulations and industry best practices.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and comply with all food safety regulations, including those set by the European Union and the local government. Obtain all necessary permits and licenses required to operate the business. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and address any deficiencies.

Food Safety Plan (LV)

1. Ogu vākšana: Ogas iegūst tikai no uzticamiem vietējiem piegādātājiem un ogu vācējiem, kuriem ir labs pieredzes pierādījums, ievērojot pārtikas drošības standartus. Nodrošināt, lai ogas būtu brīvas no kontaminantiem, piemēram, pesticīdiem, herbicīdiem un smagajiem metāliem, regulāri veicot testēšanu. Nodrošināt, lai vākšanas konteineri būtu tīri un bez jebkādas kontaminācijas.

2. Pārstrāde: Veikt pārstrādi tikai speciāli paredzētā telpā, kas ir izstrādāta un būvēta, lai novērstu kontamināciju un minimizētu pārtikas drošības riskus. Izstrādāt, ieviest un uzturēt Standardizētos darbību procedūras (SOP) visām pārstrādes jomām, ieskaitot saņemšanu, uzglabāšanu, sagatavošanu un iepakojumu. Regulāri veikt vides uzraudzību, ieskaitot gaisa un virsmu testēšanu, lai nodrošinātu, ka pārstrādes zonā nav kontaminācijas. Izmantot personiskās aizsardzības līdzekļus, piemēram, cimdi un matu cepures, lai novērstu produktu kontamināciju. Ieviest tīrīšanas un sanitārijas programmu visiem aprīkojuma un virsmu, kas saskaras ar ogām un gatavo produktu, lai novērstu kontamināciju. Regulāri veikt aprīkojuma uzturēšanu un kalibrāciju, lai nodrošinātu precīzas lasījumus un novērstu aprīkojuma bojājumus. Izmantot tikai apstiprinātus pārtikas kvalitātes papildinājumus un piedevas, un nodrošināt to pareizu lietošanu atbilstoši ražotāja instrukcijām. Ieviest izsekojamības sistēmas, lai izsekotu un identificētu produktos izmantotos izejvielas. Monitorēt un kontrolēt pārstrādes vidi, lai nodrošinātu, ka temperatūra un mitrums tiek uzturēti atbilstoši.

3. Iepakojums un uzglabāšana: Izmantot tikai pārtikas kvalitātes iepakojuma materiālus, kas ir brīvi no kontaminantiem un ir videi draudzīgi. Ieviest tīrīšanas un sanitārijas programmu visām iepakojuma un uzglabāšanas vietām. Nodrošināt, lai gatavie produkti tiktu uzglabāti sausā, vēsā un tīrā vidē, lai novērstu kontamināciju un sabojāšanos. Ieviest rotācijas sistēmu, lai nodrošinātu, ka vecāki produkti tiek izmantoti pirmie, lai novērstu sabojāšanos. Regulāri veikt vides uzraudzību, lai nodrošinātu, ka uzglabāšanas un iepakojuma vietās nav kontaminācijas.

4. Darbinieku apmācība: Apmācīt visus darbiniekus par pārtikas drošības praksēm, ieskaitot personīgās higiēnas prasības, pareizu aprīkojuma apstrādi un tīrīšanu un sanitārijas procedūras. Nodrošināt turpmāku apmācību, lai darbinieki būtu informēti par jaunākajiem pārtikas drošības noteikumiem un nozares labākajām praksēm.

5. Atbilstība noteikumiem: Monitorēt un ievērot visus pārtikas drošības noteikumus, ieskaitot Eiropas Savienības un vietējo valdību noteiktos. Iegūt visus nepieciešamos atļaujas un licencēšanas dokumentus, kas nepieciešami, lai darbotos uzņēmējdarbību. Regulāri veikt auditus, lai nodrošinātu atbilstību pārtikas drošības noteikumiem un novērstu jebkādas neatbilstības.

Lab Testing for nutrients and full nutritional value composition

• Where:
  • Europe labs:
    • Eurofins
    • SGS
    • Intertek - Great profiles
• Worldwide labs:
  • CMA - China
• Lab accreditation standards to look for:
  • ISO/IEC 17025
• Prices?

Package Labeling

Instructions

The following information must be included on the labeling and packaging of food products:

• Product name: This should clearly describe the nature of the product, and be easy to read and understand.

• Ingredient list: This should include a list of all ingredients in the product, in descending order by weight. Allergens should be highlighted in bold or underlined to make them easy to identify.

• Net quantity: This should clearly state the weight, volume, or number of units of the product.

• Best before or use-by date: This should indicate the date by which the product should be consumed for best quality or safety.

• Storage instructions: This should provide instructions on how the product should be stored to maintain its quality and safety.

• Name and address of the manufacturer or importer: This should include the name, address, and contact details of the business responsible for producing or importing the product.

• Country of origin: This should indicate the country where the product was produced or manufactured.

• Additionally, the labeling and packaging of food products in Latvia must be in the Latvian language. If you plan to sell your products outside of Latvia, you may need to include additional labeling and packaging information in the language(s) of the country or region where you will be selling your products.

• Where to print?
• How to calculate and stamp 'best before' on packages?
• How to calculate and store batch numbers?

Business Registration

• SIA or craft food self employed?

SIA Requirements

To form a company (SIA) in Latvia, the following documents are required:

1. Application for registration of a limited liability company
2. Articles of association. This outlines the company's name, address, purpose, share capital, and management structure. It must be signed by all founding members.
3. List of shareholders
4. Proof of payment of share capital
5. Identification documents of shareholders
6. Registration fee receipt

The fees for registering a company in Latvia are as follows:

1. Registration fee: €265
2. State fee for registration of a company: €50
3. Notary fee for certification of documents: €50-€100

Annual papers that have to be submitted for a company in Latvia are:

1. Annual report
2. Annual financial statements
3. Corporate income tax return

The fees for submitting annual papers vary depending on the company's annual turnover. The fees range from €85 to €500.

• What documents?
• What fees?

Risk assessment

• Source material could be contaminated. Other than trusting the source dealer, methods like pre-treating before freeze-drying could be used.
  • Both ultrasound and PEF eliminate bacteria AND speedup drying, but there negative impact is yet to be determined
  • Source can be thoroughly washed with vinegary water
  • Source should be "perebran" to eliminate all spoiled
• End result could not be in high demand
  • Can improve marketing options
  • Visit festivals
  • Visit weekend farmers markets
  • Try different targeting groups and/or social platforms
  • Can decrease price

All risks and mitigations as per GPT4

Risk	Description	Mitigation Strategies
Equipment Failure	Breakdown or malfunction of machines	Regular maintenance, invest in high-quality equipment
Supplier Reliability	Difficulty in sourcing quality berries from suppliers	Establish long-term relationships, diversify suppliers
Product Quality	Inconsistent or poor product quality	Implement strict quality control processes, lab testing
Market Competition	Competition from other berry powder producers	Unique selling points, effective marketing strategies
Regulatory Compliance	Ensuring compliance with food safety and other regulations	Stay informed on regulations, obtain necessary certifications
Seasonal Variability	Variability in berry availability due to seasonal factors	Diversify berry types, plan inventory accordingly
Natural Disasters	Impact of natural disasters on business operations	Adequate insurance coverage, emergency response plan
Employee Turnover	Loss of key employees or high turnover rate	Competitive compensation, fostering a positive work environment
Currency Fluctuations	Unfavorable changes in exchange rates	Monitor exchange rates, use financial instruments to hedge risks
E-commerce Platform Changes	Changes in e-commerce platforms' policies or fees	Stay informed, diversify sales channels

Marketing Strategy

1. Develop a social media marketing campaign targeting health-conscious consumers in Europe, with a focus on the German market. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share product information, recipes, and health benefits.
2. Collaborate with influencers and bloggers in the health and wellness niche to promote the products.
3. Offer free samples, discounts, and promotions to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases.

Demographic

• Age: 18 - 40
• Gender: Male, Female
• Interests: fitness and wellness, longevity, life extension, yoga, exercise, beauty, health, smoothie
• Geographic: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Finland
• Approx audience:
  • Instagram: 26.9M - 31.6M

Standards and Operating Procedures (SOP)

Collaborators and leads

Title	Got contact?
Food technician	✅
VC	✅
Drying process mento
Food commerce mentor
E-Comm developer
Social media + marketing
Bloggers
Source material leads
???
???

Where to find mentors, as per GPT4

1. Industry associations and organizations: Reach out to organizations related to the food industry, agriculture, or organic products in your region. These organizations often have experienced professionals who may be willing to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.
2. Networking events: Attend industry-specific conferences, trade shows, and networking events. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet experienced professionals, potential mentors, and other entrepreneurs in your industry.
3. Online communities: Join online forums, discussion boards, or social media groups related to your industry. You can connect with professionals and seek mentorship from experienced individuals who share your interests.
4. Entrepreneurship programs: Many universities, colleges, and organizations offer entrepreneurship programs, incubators, or accelerators that connect aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors. Look for programs in your area or within your industry.
5. Local business organizations: Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce or similar business organizations, as they often have mentorship programs or can connect you with potential mentors.
6. Professional connections: Ask for referrals from your professional network, such as colleagues, friends, or family members. They may know someone with experience in your industry who would be willing to mentor you.
7. LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for professionals in your industry and send personalized connection requests. Explain your goals and ask if they would be interested in mentoring you or if they can recommend someone who might be. Remember that mentorship is a two-way relationship. Be respectful of your mentor's time, come prepared with thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in learning from their experience. As you develop a relationship with your mentor, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities in your business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we believe that our business has significant potential to succeed in the Latvian and Worldwide markets.

We have conducted thorough market research and developed a solid business plan and financial model. We are confident that with our hard work and dedication, we can establish a successful brand and provide high-quality, convenient, and healthy food products to our clients. (NOT YET)

Notes

• Forest Berry Nutritional Composition
• Tips to succeed in a berry business
• Про лесные ягоды - Календарь + инфо
• Amazon fee calculator
• Latvia Energy kW/EUR calculator