How to Start a Food Business in Nepal
Starting a food business in Nepal usually takes eight steps: choose a product and check the market, prepare a feasibility study, register the company and the industry, set up the site and machinery, get a food licence from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) where your product needs one, meet the product and labelling standards, run trial batches, and launch. Innova FoodTech Business Consultancy (IFTBC) helps food startups through every step.
Steps to Start a Food Business in Nepal
- Choose the product and check the market. Who will buy it, at what price, and who already sells it.
- Prepare a feasibility study. Capacity, machinery, project cost, working capital and break-even. Banks usually ask for a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Register the company. Register with the Office of Company Registrar and get a PAN or VAT number from the Inland Revenue Department.
- Register the industry. Register with the industry office that matches your size and investment.
- Set up the site and machinery. A hygienic layout, water, drainage, utilities and the right machines. Larger plants may also need an environmental study.
- Get the food licence. Apply to DFTQC for a food licence. We help you prepare the documents and check the current procedure.
- Meet standards and labelling rules. Test the product against the Mandatory Quality Standards, 2082 and label it as the food rules require.
- Trial batches and launch. Run trial production, train staff in hygiene, then start selling.
Rules, offices and fees change. At the start of each project we confirm the current requirements for your product and size.
Who This Is For
Who This Guide Is For
- People planning their first food product or food factory
- Home producers ready to move to a registered unit
- Cooperatives starting processing
- Investors entering the Nepal food market
How Innova FoodTech Helps Food Startups
Questions
Common Questions
How do I start a food business in Nepal?
Check the market, prepare a feasibility study, register the company and the industry, set up a hygienic site, get a food licence from DFTQC, meet the product and labelling standards, then run trials and launch.
Do I need a licence to sell food in Nepal?
Food businesses that make or pack food generally need a licence from the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081. The exact rules depend on your product and size, so we confirm them at the start of each project.
Which food business is good to start in Nepal?
It depends on your budget, raw materials and market. Common choices include spices, snacks, bakery, pickles, packaged water, dairy and flour milling. A feasibility study shows which one suits you.
Can a consultant help me start a food factory?
Yes. IFTBC helps with the market check, feasibility study and DPR, factory layout, machinery, licensing and trial production.
Planning a Food Project?
Tell us what you want to make, and we will suggest where to begin.