A single wedding catering contract generates ₹50,000–₹5,00,000 revenue. Corporate lunch contracts provide recurring daily income. With FSSAI license and basic kitchen equipment, you can run a ₹10 lakh/year catering business from home.
Starting this business requires careful planning, the right initial investment and a clear understanding of your local market. India offers significant government support, growing consumer demand and low competition in most tier-2 and tier-3 cities for this business category.
| Component | Estimated Cost / Revenue |
|---|---|
| Initial Setup | ₹80,000 |
| Monthly Operating Cost | 40-50% of revenue |
| Monthly Revenue Potential | ₹75,000 |
| Break-even Timeline | 4 Months |
Once you establish a stable client base and consistent monthly revenue, scaling this business becomes significantly easier. Focus on systematizing operations, training staff and building referral networks. Most successful entrepreneurs in this space reach 2–3x initial revenue within 18 months by adding complementary services and expanding their geographic reach.
A: Basic FSSAI registration (₹100/year) for under ₹12 lakh turnover. State license for higher. Apply at foscos.fssai.gov.in — process takes 7–30 days.
A: Corporate meals: ₹80–₹150/plate. Wedding: ₹300–₹800/plate. Minimum 50-plate orders to cover fuel and labour costs profitably.
A: Visit IT parks and office complexes nearby. Offer a free trial lunch for 20 people. One positive experience converts to a monthly contract worth ₹30,000–₹80,000.