Juicing, apart from the health benefits to the consumer, is a very profitable business for the operators. According to a recent study, the juice and smoothie business (in USA) is claimed to have increased by 240% over the past 10 years.
Although Australia hasn't experienced similar increase, sale profits from fresh juice and smoothies have increased by an average of 85% over the same period. With average profits margins in excess of 600%, depending on product and season, offering freshly squeezed juice can open the doors to an entirely new consumer group and be a very profitable business.
Choosing the right juicer for your business is as important as finding a good provider who can supply you with first grade fruit and vegetables for juicing. Here are the main points you need to consider when buying a commercial juicer:
What will you juice? This is the first question you need to ask and it will determine the type of juicer you need.
- Oranges only → Citrus Juicer
- All fruits + vegetables → Centrifugal Juicer
- Wheat Grass → Wheat Grass Juicer
What quantity? This will help you choose the juicer with the correct output for your operation. It's always better to choose a juicer with slightly more output than your needs. This will ensure your juicer can cope with peak trading times.
- Citrus Juicer → Manual → Lever → Automatic
- Centrifugal Juicer
- Wheat Grass Juicer → Manual → Electric
What are the features and benefits? Consider and compare the features of each juicer and ask what benefits these features provide for your operational needs.
How easy is the cleaning? Most commercial juicers are fairly easy to clean and require no tools for disassembly. This is particularly important if you operate a busy outlet with many staff.
How reputable is the brand? The manufacturer must have expertise in manufacturing high quality juicers. Consider quality over price and avoid buying copied juicers made in China. Longer warranties are an indication of better quality and peace of mind.
What is the ROI? Depending on the juicer and the juice quantity, the payback or the return on investment can be as quick as 3 - 12 months.
If not sure, ask for expert unbiased advice. Check the shop or the dealership you are purchasing from to see if they represent only one brand or many different brands of juicers. If different brands are represented chances are they don't have vested interest in a specific brand and will provide you with unbiased advice.