How to Start a Freeze Dried Food Business in India

Introduction

The freeze-dried food market in India is booming, with 25% annual growth driven by:
✔ Rising demand for healthy, long-lasting snacks
✔ Expansion of adventure food, military rations, and space food sectors
✔ Government support for food processing startups

This guide covers:
✅ Market potential & profitable products
✅ Legal requirements & licenses
✅ Freeze dryer selection & setup costs
✅ Step-by-step business plan
✅ Why Lab Solution India is the best equipment partner

Why Freeze-Dried Food Business?

1. Huge Profit Margins (300-3000%)

Product	Raw Material Cost (₹/kg)	Freeze-Dried Price (₹/kg)
Strawberries	200	8,000-12,000
Mushrooms	150	6,000-9,000
Ready-to-Eat Meals	50/serving	300-600/serving

2. Growing Demand From:

Defense & ISRO (lightweight rations)
Hikers/campers (portable meals)
Health-conscious consumers (no-preservative snacks)

3. Government Subsidies Available

PMKSY (up to 25% subsidy on food processing equipment)
State-level MSME schemes

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Top 5 Profitable Categories

Adventure Foods (hiking, military)
- Example: Ready-to-eat dal chawal (sells for ₹400-600/pack)
Premium Snacks
- Freeze-dried fruits (mango, strawberry chips)
Baby & Health Foods
- Organic veggie powders, probiotic yogurts
Ingredients for Restaurants
- Instant curry pastes, mushroom powders
Space/Survival Foods
- 25-year shelf life products

Step 2: Legal Requirements & Licenses

Essential Registrations

FSSAI License (Basic: ₹3,000/year | Central: ₹7,500/year)
GST Registration
MSME/Udyog Aadhar (for subsidies)
Factory License (if production > 10kg/day)

Packaging & Labeling Rules

✔ Mention “Freeze-Dried”
✔ Shelf life (usually 2-25 years)
✔ Storage instructions (“Store in cool, dry place”)

Step 3: Freeze Dryer Selection & Setup

Equipment Cost Breakdown

Machine Type	Capacity	Price Range (₹)	Best For
Freeze Dryer Commercial (Lab Solution India)	5kg/batch	2-7 lakhs	Startups
Pilot Scale	10-20kg/batch	15-25 lakhs	Growing businesses
Industrial	50kg+/batch	40 lakhs+	Large manufacturers

We, Lab Solution India started our business in the year 2008 and since then we have become a reckoned Manufacturer, and Exporter of Laboratory & Scientific Equipments. The product-line offered by us is always commended for its easy installation, longer service life, minimal maintenance cost, user friendly interface, high efficiency and excellent performance