To launch your own coffee brand in Connecticut, lock in compliance, production, and distribution decisions first. Form your entity and register your trade name with the CT Secretary of the State, then obtain a CT Sales and Use Tax Permit from DRS ($100, biennial) to collect tax on taxable items (prepared beverages; whole beans typically exempt). Choose your path: Cottage Food (DCP) or commercial/wholesale. Cottage Food: apply with DCP, complete an approved food safety course, pass home-kitchen review (and water test if on a well), and sell roasted/ground coffee without dairy/oil add-ins directly to CT consumers (farmers’ markets, pickup, in‑state delivery)—no wholesale or interstate shipping; include the required cottage disclosure on labels. Commercial/wholesale: lease a permitted commercial kitchen, secure a DCP Food Manufacturer License, obtain local health/building approvals, meet fire code, and address DEEP air permitting or exemptions for your roaster; if you ship or wholesale across state lines, register your facility with FDA and implement cGMPs (qualified facility status may apply). Label every bag with statement of identity, net weight (oz/g), business name/address, ingredients, roast date/lot, and allergens; organic claims require USDA NOP certification. Typical roastery specs: 5–15 kg gas roaster, 3/4" gas, make‑up air, chaff collection, afterburner if needed. Add product liability/recall insurance, UPCs, and wholesale price lists.
