We spent time researching hundreds of food entrepreneurs and came up with a consistent series of Issues that the Food Entrepreneur should be aware of. A number of these issues create challenges and hurdles.

• An increasing number of entrepreneurs are seeking to start product based businesses.
• Consumer food products can be prototyped in the entrepreneur’s kitchen.
• Women are responsible for the majority of retail channel shopping trips.
• Product development does not fully address the Retail Value Chain.
• Products are developed without fully addressing shelf-ready attributes required by the retail trade.(packaging, labeling, supply chain, size, format, price)
• Most information on Entrepreneurship does not address unique challenges of the retail consumer products sector; specifically products that support retail merchandising strategy.
• Retail distribution channels are complex, not readily identifiable and difficult to break into.
• Retail food products must satisfy the distinct needs of the consumer as well as the customer (the retailer).
• Entrepreneurs are not aware of effective methods of new product presentation to retail buyers.
• New products have little to no track record and carry a high degree of risk for retailers.
• Consumers are searching for products to save money or to make their life better.
• 76% of consumers are making their purchase decisions prior to entering the retail store.

Now that you see the challenges of Food Entrepreneurship, here is What You Need to Know.