Dry fruit is a favourite snack for everybody from children to grownups. Regard of season or occasion, there is a special place for them in every household. It is a social custom to serve our guests with delicious dry fruits. In earlier times, the same tradition was there.

Growing awareness of health-conscious food

No so long ago, people used to buy or gift them only during festivals such as Diwali or Deepavali, etc. But now the trend has changed. With rising incomes, people have more money to buy consumption products.

Moreover, people are also becoming health-conscious reflected in growing sales of the fruit.

To enjoy better health, dry fruits have become a staple food in very home. As more and more people are becoming aware of their benefits, their sales are growing. Now households have started stocking them particularly to provide children with full nutrients.

In the following sections, we will discuss important factors to start dry fruit business:

Increase in Demand of Dry Fruits

There is no denying the fact that demand for dry fruits is increasing every year. There was a time when people bought them only seasonally. And, you could only find them from special wholesalers or retailers. Now they are available even in retail shops.

Popularity of dairy products, confectionary and dry fruits are increasing. Of course, many entrepreneurs are entering into dry fruit business. Moreover, the market has evolved with the introduction with online marketing.

There is a very specific technique for preparing drying fruits. And, you have to use certain methods for keeping water content low in fruits. There are many fruits which we can store even without storing. These dry fruits include cashews, walnuts, almonds, raisins and dried figs.

Advantages of Dry Fruits

They are numerous health benefits of consuming dried fruits which are rich in fiber and antioxidants. However, you must consult a nutritionist before consuming it. However, you must remember dry fruit consumption must always remain in moderation.

It is a proven fact that our bodies derive excellent nutrition from their consumption. And they have antioxidant properties which reduce the risk of various diseases. Some of the popular dry fruits are given below:

• Acai
• Bluebells
• Cranberries
• Figs
• Peaches
• Prunes
• Raisins

Health Benefits of Nuts

We have various types of nuts which are used in wide variety of recipes. We use them as snacks and sweets. There is no denying the fact that use of nuts offers us many health benefits. Doctors recommend consuming nuts daily.

Health Benefits of Almonds

These are one the most popular amongst dry fruits.  These nuts contain protein, healthy fats, vitamin E and magnesium. They are beneficial for controlling blood sugar, cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Cashews

These are popular because of their taste and health benefits. They are considered excellent for improving brain and bone health besides increasing immunity.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

It is a health dry fruit which is popular not only because of its taste but its numerous heath benefits. They are superb for getting essential nutrients like copper, magnesium and fats. They are good for a healthy gut. It is also useful in reducing the risk of cancer, weight gain and diabetes.

Health Benefits of Dates

Dates are very tasty nuts. People love consuming them because of their taste and health benefits. They provide fiber and improve brain health.

How to Start a Dry Fruit Business

There is no denying that a dry fruit business has huge potential. I would recommend hiring the services of a business consultancy for getting sound advice. One of my associates hired such a consultancy for starting oxygen gas plant retail business.

While studying the Indian market, you will discover that dry fruit business India has got immense potential. There is an extensive network of channels for distribution of wholesalers for distribution of dry fruits.

Important Factors for Starting Dry Fruit Business

For starting dry fruit business it is mandatory for you to get various licenses and governmental approvals. FDA overseas and regulates the sector. However, you will have to comply with local and national rules and regulations.

It is important that you get to know all the rules. For starting dry fruit business you must get the following licenses:

• GST registration
• MSME registration
• Trade license
• FSSAI   certificate
• IEC registration

Prepare a Detailed Business Plan

After complying with legal requirements, it is imperative that you make a business. It is imperative that you perform comprehensive research for catering to the requirements of customers. You should prepare a solid business plan covering all potential sources of increasing your business.

The plan must focus on identifying target customers and devise viable marketing strategies for implementation. Cultivating distribution channels is also very important for ensuring wider reach of your product.

While scouting for potential target consumers, you must cultivate the following:

• Sweet shops
• Milkshake outlets
• Restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Baking industry
• Online grocery stores
• Local grocery stores
• Catering services

Quality Control

For running a successful business, maintaining quality of dry fruits is very important. It would not be an exaggeration to say that quality of the food more valuable than the product itself. Perform the following checks to ensure there is no problem with quality:

• Discoloration
• Rotten smell
• Stiffened
• Expiry date
• Taste

Maintenance of Quality

is crucial when you store dry fruits. Usually, it is during the storage that the fruits become discolored and start emitting foul smell. Packaging of the fruits needs expert handling. However, you must keep storage space hygienic and clean.

During distribution stage, packaging of the fruit is important. It should be of high quality so that it does not break during its transportation. Needless to say, it is not difficult to achieve.

Getting high quality packaging demands good investment. High quality packaging will hold even when there is some accident.

Moreover, no contaminants will enter the packaging. And, it is also beneficial to display your brand tastefully. Nitrogen gas is used in food packaging and beverage.