✅ 1. Choose Your Business Model
Decide what kind of tomato business you want to start:
| Model | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Wholesale trading | Buy in bulk from mandis and sell to retailers, processors |
| Export | Ship tomatoes to neighboring countries (Bangladesh, UAE, etc.) |
| Processing (juice, puree) | Set up a unit for value-added tomato products |
| Distribution | Supply to supermarkets or food chains |
🛒 2. Source from a Trusted Mandi Like Kolar
- Kolar APMC is India’s second-largest tomato mandi.
- Only registered traders can buy directly from auctions.
- You’ll need a local partner like Kolar Red Gold to legally source tomatoes.
Tip: Start by building a relationship with a registered sourcing agent instead of trying to buy directly.
💸 3. Plan Your Budget & Capital
Initial investment depends on your business model:
| Business Type | Minimum Capital Needed |
|---|---|
| Wholesale Trading | ₹2–5 lakhs for transport & purchase |
| Export | ₹5–10 lakhs including compliance |
| Processing Unit | ₹20+ lakhs (for equipment, licenses) |
📜 4. Register Your Business
To operate legally, register as:
- Proprietorship / Partnership / Pvt Ltd
- Get a GST Number
- For export: Get an IEC (Import Export Code) from DGFT
🏷️ 5. Understand Quality & Varieties
Work with your supplier to choose:
- Hybrid Tomatoes – Export, retail
- Roma Tomatoes – Processing
- Desi Tomatoes – Local markets
- Green Tomatoes – Pickling, long storage
📦 6. Packaging & Transport
- Use crate packaging for local supply
- For export, arrange temperature-controlled containers
- Plan logistics in advance (road/rail/port)
📈 7. Sell & Distribute
- Approach food processors, export buyers, supermarkets, and wholesale retailers
- Use B2B portals, WhatsApp, and local mandi networks
- Attend food trade expos and connect with export agents
⚠️ 8. Things to Avoid
- Buying without full payment (mandi rules require full advance)
- Relying on unregistered traders (illegal)
- Exporting without documentation (can get seized at customs)
🤝 Start With Kolar Red Gold
We help you:
- Source tomatoes legally and transparently
- Select the right varieties for your use
- Provide daily mandi prices and updates
- Assist with export packaging and transport
📞 Ready to Start?
Contact Kolar Red Gold today to launch your tomato business the right way.
✅ Trusted mandi access
✅ ₹5/box commission
✅ End-to-end support
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