Labeling and Branding regulations - Consumer products

Zai

Dear Boards members,

Second time poster after a very long time. I am in the process of establishing my very own breakfast tea brand called 'Montea' for the Irish market. I am currently doing the Artwork for my packaging.

There is a vast amount of info available on line, relating to the required info for packaging of consumer edible products such as tea.

As i am importing my product from Sri Lanka, outside of Europe, I was hoping to find an affordable consulting service, who could advice on what needs to be put onto the packaging to ensure the product is fit for retail.

Lastly, despite the fact that my tea blend is sourced from Sri Lanka, would there be funds available to assist with the startup/roll out in Ireland. My first order will be 1 container, i am looking to outsource the storage and distribution until i can afford to invest in our own facilities.

I would be grateful for any contacts/assistance that an be provided.

Zahid

duploelabs

Pm sent

antoinolachtnai

Personally, I would get a market research company specialising in food and beverages and take it from there. They should be able to consult on the labelling regulations and will also be able to add a lot of other value in relation to the packaging and the 'market fit'.

I take it you are going to blend the tea in SL? I can't see there being any support available if that is the case. Again, an experienced market research company will have worked with plenty other food startups and will be able to tell you about this.

It does sound like you are going to be underpowered compared to other players in the brand-driven, dog-eat-dog world of Irish tea. I don't think anybody has ever been successful in tea here without having a strong presence (I am thinking of blending, tasting and marketing) in Ireland. A big brand (beginning with 'L') had a go at this at one stage and the market pretty much gave them their marching orders. Other well known UK brands have not had a lot of success either as far as I can tell.

I believe (though it's not my field) that the taste here is best catered for by darker teas of African origin rather than the lighter teas that traditionally come from India and Sri Lanka and which are preferred in Great Britain. But I am sure you have your own advice on this issue.

Zai

Hi antoinolachtnai, thank you for your kind message and thoughts. You seem to have a good knowledge on the tea industry in Ireland. Thank you for informing me about the other competitors, i was informed about this year, but was not given specific names, just that it will require significant investment in marketing to compete.

Could I make a request, would you be interested in discussing this further with me, perhaps I could share my email address with you in PM or you could share your's.

Zahid

antoinolachtnai

Sure, pm me if I can be of help.