To start your coffee brand in the United Kingdom, secure compliance and supply before design: register your food business with the local council 28 days pre-trading; implement HACCP, one‑step up/down traceability, and batch‑code every roast. Use an approved roastery or UK private‑label partner; specify SCA ≥80, moisture 10–12%, aw <0.60, valve bags, nitrogen flush, and 9–12‑month whole‑bean shelf life (3–6 months ground). Labels must meet UK Food Information Regulations: legal name (roasted coffee), net quantity in grams, best‑before, storage, lot code, business name and UK address (or importer), origin if claimed; nutrition table is not required for plain coffee. Secure GS1 barcodes and retail case labels. Set RRP and trade pricing early (keystone ~50% for wholesale), define MOQs, and require pre‑shipment cupping approvals per lot. Finance: roasted or green coffee retail packs are generally zero‑rated for VAT; hot drinks/catering are standard‑rated—configure tax codes accordingly. If importing, obtain an EORI and check commodity code 0901 duties (green often 0%); book freight with oxygen‑barrier liners and fumigation declarations where required. Plan EPR packaging data/reporting, potential Plastic Packaging Tax (>10 t/yr), product liability insurance, and D2C ICO registration. Control storage 15–25°C, <60% RH; publish brew guides and QR‑linked provenance to win retail listings.
