Start your Food Truck Business in India

The food truck market is thriving as the new generation of ambitious chefs and foodies is setting up their mobile food business all across India. The main reason for this is that the costs of starting and operating a food truck business is significantly lower than those of opening and operating a restaurant or bistro. Furthermore, if one location is not profitable, it is more secure to shift the location with ease while shifting the company’s entire operations. The size of the food truck is critical because it needs to have the most storage capacity possible in order to make each day a hassle-free profitable business. Hence it is evident that the choice of the vehicle in which the food business is to be started needs to be of good quality and cost effective. Although there are so many local vendors who are ready to offer carts for sale on resale which could be an economical option but renewed will impact the brand image.

There are so many automotive vehicle companies who are also manufacturing food trucks and offering their commercial fleet for converting them into food trucks and one such option is Tata Ace vans. These vans can be easily converted into food trucks with very little investments especially for businesses selling fast food, beverages and ice-creams. These vans are very sturdy with metal bodies and are available in vibrant colours. Based on the company’s requirements the manufacturer will easily convert these vehicles into mobile food cafeterias and can even customize it by installing all the cooking equipment. They can be outfitted with specialised interiors, metal plates or steel sheets, a cooking range, LED-lit Shutters, etc. Almost every significant kitchen appliance, including an induction plate, toasters, microwave, grillers, refrigerator, and deep freezer, can be fitted in addition to a cash box. Additionally, the manufacturer even does the branding as per the business’s requirements. These vans can be customised as per the requirements of the chefs and the business owners. The rates vary based on the design and equipment installed in the van. Apart from Tata Ace, Tata Super Ace and Tata Zip are also some options which the manufacturer is offering and can be converted into food trucks and mobile cafeterias.

So, if you want to start your food truck business in India Tata Ace is an economical option to start with. After selection of the vehicle there are various other factors which need to be considered while starting a mobile food business in India.

Although India is a growing nation and food business is picking up in the country and food trucks legal in India but there are few rules, regulations and permits that every food business owner in the country will have to follow. For starting a food truck business in India one business owner has to apply for the licences for operating in the area along and off course the driving license is required to drive these vehicles from one location to other. Second is the food trading license which one has to get from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This is a regulatory body that works under the Government of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and controls food business in India. The primary duties of the FSSAI include the creation of "Science-based Food Standards" for food-related articles and goods as well as the regulation of their production, storage, distribution, sale, and import to guarantee the accessibility of healthy, safe food for human consumption. Having a licence can benefit the food industry legally, increase reputation, ensure food safety, increase consumer awareness, and help with business growth. Additionally, it aids in the regulation of import food manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sales. There are three types of licenses which food business companies can apply: first one is the basic registration second is state license and third is central license. Based on the size and nature, food business operators can apply for the license. More details are available on their website and one can even contact the legal firms for getting these license certificates. Next important document is to get the sales tax and service tax registration done, that is Goods and Service Tax (GST). GST registration is mandatory for food businesses operators in India and this rule is implemented in 2018 July onwards.

Depending on the nature and size of the food business operators there are some other licenses that are mandatory to start the food business in India. If the food business operators are selling liquor, then it is mandatory to obtain liquor selling license. No Objection certificates are also required from fire departments under fire safety rules and regulations of the country. Additionally, Pollution license is to be obtained from the state pollution control board as due to the smoke emissions from cooking and washing of food waste, the food sector is seen as a polluting one.

Azimuth Business On Wheels are the manufacturers of mobile food trucks and trailers and supplying these trucks across India to different industries who are involved in catering business and food business. The company designs and customize their products based on business requirements.