The Business of Micro Greens: How to Turn Passion Into Profit
Microgreens? Heard a lot about it? Watched a lot of youtube and Instagram shorts on it? You get to watch and hear about it quite often because it's trending and people who love plants are trying to turn their passion and hobby into something successful and profitable. If you are a person who is looking out for more information and tips to understand microgreens and to learn some tips on setting up this as a business then you are at the right place because, in this
blog we are going to talk about microgreens, what are they and how they gained popularity recently and also some tips that can help you get a clearer picture on how to go about with the business if you are pretty serious about setting your own up.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens as you know are tiny plants that are harvested just a few weeks after germination. Typically we don’t let a microgreen grow big, it’s collected when the first true leaves have emerged. They are harvested very early, usually within 7-14 days, and are known for their high nutritional value and intense flavor.
How Did They Come to Trend?
Going back in time, microgreens have been around for a long time, but they are recently becoming more popular due to their versatility and health benefits. It was vastly used by chefs in multiple cuisines to enhance the colour, texture, and flavour of their dishes, but they have also become popular among health-conscious consumers looking for nutrient-dense foods.
In the early 2000s, researchers began to study the nutritional content of microgreens and found that they contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This led to an increase in demand for microgreens and the number of growers producing them. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the popularity of microgreens, as more people are looking to grow their food at home. Not just growing food but also a hobby to keep themselves occupied refreshingly and positively. Microgreens are easy to grow in
small spaces and can provide a fresh source of nutritious food year-round.
Overall, the rise in popularity of microgreens can be attributed to a combination of factors, including their nutritional value, versatility, and ease of growing, as well as the growing interest in local and sustainable food systems.
Tips For Success:
Sell to Local Restaurants and Stores: You can approach local restaurants and stores to sell your microgreens. Chefs often use microgreens in their dishes, and some stores specialize in organic or locally sourced produce.
Sell Online: You can set up an online store or sell on platforms like Etsy or Amazon. This can expand your reach to customers beyond your local area.
Offer Subscription Services: You can offer subscription services to customers who want regular deliveries of your microgreens. This is a great way to build a loyal customer base.
Attend Farmers Markets: Selling your microgreens at a farmers market can be a great way to connect with customers and get your product out there. You can also network with other farmers and vendors.
Teach Classes: You can teach classes on how to grow microgreens and sell starter kits to attendees. This can be a great way to educate others and build a following for your business.
Host Events: You can host events like tastings or workshops to showcase your microgreens and build brand awareness.
Collaborate with Local Businesses: You can collaborate with other local businesses, such as cafes or florists, to cross-promote your products and services.
Remember that starting a business takes time and effort. You must research your market, develop a business plan, and find the right suppliers and distributors. But with dedication and perseverance, you can turn your passion for growing microgreens into a thriving business.
What Can Possibly Go Wrong:
When we are planning to set up a business, we should always make sure to be prepared for the possible challenges that can come along the way. Some problems that one might face while stepping into the business are as follows:
● Poor quality control: Microgreens are highly perishable and require careful handling to maintain their freshness and quality. If you fail to properly monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light it can result in poor growth, low yields, and decreased quality.
● Contamination: Microgreens should be grown in a highly controlled environment to reduce the risk of contamination. However, there are chances that contamination can occur during any stage of the production process, from seed selection to packaging. This can lead to food safety issues and potential health hazards for consumers. Hence one has to be very careful while growing microgreens.
● Inconsistent supply: Microgreens have a short shelf life, which means that they need to be harvested and delivered to customers quickly. Inconsistent supply can result in lost customers and decreased revenue.
● Inadequate marketing: Microgreens are a niche product that may require specialised marketing to reach potential customers. Failure to effectively market microgreens can result in low sales and decreased profitability.
● Lack of knowledge and experience: Microgreens farming requires specific
knowledge and skills to be successful. Lack of experience and knowledge can lead to poor growing practices, resulting in low yields and decreased profitability.
These are the major pieces of information that one should know while thinking of starting a business with microgreens. It is important to research and know both the perks and drawbacks of business and also to have a effective strategy to overcome it.
