How to Start a Juice Business in 2024

Sometimes it just takes a little push to make your business idea a reality—and once you know how to start a juice business, you’ll soon be sharing healthy and delicious drinks to your local community. 

Many business owners find this business appealing due to the juice bar profit margin, which can be higher compared to other food businesses. Plus, you have the freedom to be creative with recipes and branding, making it an exciting venture.

So what’s the first thing you need to know about starting a juice business? Let’s dive in.

What is a juice business? 

A juice business specializes in selling fruit and vegetable juices to their customers. They tend to focus on offering fresh, healthy beverages made from a variety of fruits and vegetables, and they may also offer smoothies, detox drinks, or wellness shots. 

There are a few kinds of models for a juicing business. Consider which of these you would like to open:

• Juice bars: These are physical storefronts or kiosks where customers can order freshly made juices, smoothies, and other health-oriented drinks. Juice bars often focus on offering a variety of flavors, sometimes with customizable options, and may use ingredients like kale, spinach, ginger, turmeric, and other superfoods.
• Bottled juice production: Some juice businesses focus on producing and selling pre-packaged, bottled, or canned juices. These products can be sold in supermarkets, health food stores, and online. Bottled juice businesses can focus on organic, cold-pressed, or raw juices, and they may include a range of flavors, including exotic fruits or functional juices with added vitamins and nutrients.
• Mobile juice trucks or carts: This is a more mobile form of a juice business, where the business operates out of a food truck or cart, often in busy public areas, at events, or near gyms and parks. Mobile juice services can be a flexible and cost-effective way to reach customers.
• Delivery-only or subscription models: Some juice businesses offer delivery and subscription services, where customers receive fresh juice deliveries regularly—either as cold-pressed juices, smoothies, or detox packs. These businesses typically rely on repeat customers and may offer customizable subscription plans based on health goals, taste preferences, or dietary needs. You can start a business like this from home, with relatively little overhead. 

Regardless of the model, most juice businesses emphasize the health benefits of their juices and use fresh ingredients. If you're wondering how to start a juicing business, it's essential to consider factors like sourcing high-quality produce, pricing, equipment, branding, and how to reach your customer base.

Benefits of starting a juice business in 2025.

Starting a juice business offers numerous advantages that can make it an attractive venture for aspiring business owners. Here are a few reasons you might consider opening a juice bar. 

• Growing demand for healthy, convenient beverages. Consumers are more health-conscious than ever. Since the pandemic, 73% of consumers plan to eat and drink more healthily. They seek out nutritious options that fit into their busy lifestyles. Fresh juices, packed with vitamins and nutrients, meet this demand perfectly.
• Higher profit margins than other food businesses. Juice businesses often enjoy higher profit margins compared to other food ventures. The cost of raw ingredients like fruits and vegetables is relatively low, while the selling price of fresh juice can be quite high. This allows for a substantial markup, contributing to better profitability.
• Freedom to be creative with recipes and branding. One of the most exciting aspects of starting a juice business is the creative freedom it offers. You can experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations to create unique flavors. Additionally, you can develop a brand that reflects your vision and values, setting you apart from competitors. 
• Ability to start small and scale up. Compared to other ideas, figuring out how to start a juice company doesn't require a massive initial investment. You can begin with a small setup, such as a juice cart or a small storefront, and gradually expand as your business grows. This flexibility makes it accessible for new business owners.
• Potential to franchise or expand locations. Once you know how to start a juice company, there's significant potential for expansion. You can open additional locations or even franchise your brand. This scalability allows you to grow your business and increase your market presence over time.

How do I start a fruit juice business? A 8 step guide.

Starting a juice business might seem daunting, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you’ll soon know how to open a juice bar.

1. Develop your juice business concept.

Start by defining your juice business concept. Decide what type of juice products you want to offer. Will you focus on cold-pressed juices, smoothies, or a combination of both? Think about your target market. Are you catering to health-conscious consumers, busy professionals, or fitness enthusiasts? 

Your concept should reflect the preferences and needs of your target audience. Consider the unique selling points that will set your juice business apart from competitors. This could be anything from using locally sourced ingredients to offering customizable juice blends.

2. Write a juice business plan.

A well-thought-out business plan is your roadmap to success. Outline your business goals, target market, and marketing strategies. Include a detailed financial plan with projected expenses and revenue. 

Your business plan should cover startup costs, ongoing expenses, and pricing strategies. Detail your marketing and sales strategies, including how you plan to attract and retain customers. A comprehensive business plan not only helps you stay organized but also makes it easier to secure funding from investors or lenders. You can also  explore small business loans to fund your venture.

3. Obtain licenses and permits.

Before you can open your juice business, you need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Requirements vary by location, so check with local authorities to determine what you need. Common licenses and permits include a business license, food service license, health permit, and building permit for any construction or renovations. 

You may also need a certificate of occupancy to confirm that your location meets all local building codes and regulations. Make sure to complete all required paperwork and pay any associated fees to avoid delays in opening your business.

4. Find a location and build out your juice bar.

Like with starting any retail business, choosing the right location is key to your juice business's success. Look for a spot with high foot traffic, such as near gyms, office buildings, or busy shopping areas. Consider whether there are similar businesses nearby already—competition might make it harder to build a customer base. 

Once you've secured a location, design and build out your juice bar. Create a welcoming and functional space that reflects your brand. Consider the layout of your equipment and customer areas to ensure efficient operations. Invest in quality fixtures and furnishings that enhance the customer experience. Don't forget to comply with all health and safety regulations during the build-out process. 

5. Purchase juice bar equipment and supplies.

Equip your juice bar with the necessary tools and supplies. Invest in a commercial cold press juicer, blenders, and food processors. You'll also need refrigerators and coolers to store fresh ingredients. Other essential equipment includes an ice machine, sinks, and dishwashing equipment. 

Depending on your menu, you might need countertop appliances like toasters or panini presses. Stock up on supplies such as cups, lids, straws, and napkins. Ensure you have a reliable source for fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain consistent quality.

6. Prepare your menu.

What sets each juice business apart from another is the menu and options that customers can purchase. Make sure your menu reflects your branding, and that you’ve built out the necessary supplier relationships to fulfil your orders. Do the math to make sure that your menu will turn a profit in relation to the ingredients and labor needed. 

Consider implementing seasonal menus or other features so that customers will be interested in the novelty of new options. And make sure you provide a wide range of items that address customers’ dietary choices, as well as clear notes about allergens and food sensitivities like nuts or gluten. 

7. Hire and train your team.

Your team plays a crucial role in the success of your juice business. Hire employees who are passionate about health and customer service. Look for individuals with experience in the food and beverage industry and be sure to ask about their skills in the interview. 

Once you've assembled your team, provide thorough training on your products, equipment, and customer service standards. Train your staff on proper food handling and safety procedures to ensure compliance with health regulations. Regularly evaluate and provide feedback to your team to maintain high performance and customer satisfaction.

8. Create a marketing and opening strategy.

It’s almost time for the big reveal! Make sure to develop a marketing strategy so that your community knows you’re here and open for business. Consider both physical and digital marketing, as well as partnering with any local influencers. 

Once your business is on the map, host a grand opening event to attract customers. Plan this in advance and promote it well so that your opening kicks off with a bang. Consider using strategies like opening week promotional coupons or discounts. Then, remember to offer features like loyalty programs and collaborate with other local businesses so that you build a loyal customer base. 

{{banner-cta}}

What license do you need to sell juice at a juice business?

Navigating the legal requirements of starting a juice business can be complex, but it's crucial for operating compliantly, avoiding fines, and ensuring customer health and trust.

• Business license: A business license allows you to legally operate your juice bar within your city or county. This license is usually the first step and involves registering your business name and paying a fee. Check with your local government office to understand the application process and any specific requirements.
• Food service license: A food service license is necessary for any business that prepares and sells food or beverages. This license ensures your juice bar meets local health department standards. The application process often includes an inspection of your facility to verify that it adheres to sanitation and food safety regulations. Contact your local health department for details on obtaining this license.
• Health permit: A health permit confirms that your business complies with health and safety standards, including proper food handling, storage, and preparation practices. Health inspectors will visit your juice bar to ensure everything is up to code. Regular inspections may also occur to maintain your permit.
• Building permit for construction: If you plan to build or renovate your juice bar location, you will need a building permit. This ensures that your construction project complies with local building codes and zoning laws. Submit your building plans to the local building department for approval before starting any construction work. This step helps prevent any legal issues down the line.
• Certificate of occupancy: A certificate of occupancy verifies that your juice bar location is safe and suitable for business operations. This certificate is issued after the final inspection of your building or renovation project. It confirms that the construction meets all building codes and regulations. You cannot open your juice bar to the public without this certificate.
• Local laws: The FDA as well as individual regions have specific laws around raw juice. For example, the FDA requires juice to be processed by heat pasteurization or HPP if it is to be sold wholesale to third parties for reselling, but you can sell raw juice directly via retail or delivery. Check local laws to ensure you’re not missing anything. 

Jumpstart your juice business with Homebase.

Now that you know how to start a juice business, it might feel like you’re facing both endless potential and countless challenges to take your business idea from dream to reality. That’s why Homebase exists to help make the life of every small business owner easier. 

Our all-in-one app is designed for small hourly teams just like the one you’ll hire to support your juice business. With it, you can handle everything from scheduling to time clocks to payroll, and HR and compliance support to help with navigating juice bar insurance, licenses, and other important administrative tasks. That way, you can focus your time on sharing your product with happy customers and leave the details to us. 

Let's make work easier. Get started today with Homebase's team management tools designed specifically for small businesses like yours. Sign up at Homebase.