To launch your own coffee brand in Massachusetts fast and legally, choose one of two tracks: contract roast with a licensed co-packer, or build a licensed roasting/packaging operation. For speed and lower capex, use a Massachusetts roaster that holds an MA DPH Food Protection Program Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer license and FDA facility registration; you supply beans/brand, they produce, lot-code, and drop-ship. If roasting yourself, secure: local Board of Health plan review and permit, MA DPH wholesale manufacturer license (if selling beyond your own retail), FDA Food Facility Registration, GMP/Sanitation SOPs, allergen/recall and supplier verification files (FSVP if importing green coffee), and product liability insurance. Coordinate with the local fire department for gas/venting, dust collection, and with MassDEP on any air permitting for roaster emissions/afterburners; get Weights & Measures approval if using scales. Labels must meet FDA: statement of identity (Roasted Coffee), net weight in US/metric, business name/address, lot code; nutrition facts are typically exempt for single-ingredient coffee; flavorings must be declared. Massachusetts residential kitchens aren’t acceptable for wholesale; use a shared commercial kitchen or sublease inside a licensed roaster. Obtain GS1 UPCs, develop QC cupping specs, and set wholesale pricing/margins; packaged beans are sales-tax exempt, but prepared coffee is taxed.
