How to Start a Jam, Tomato Sauce or Chilli Sauce Business in Kenya
- Cook, hot-fill, seal, label
- Sterilise jars first
- Induction seal = no leaks
- KEBS to sell in shops
On this page
How Jam and Sauce Are Made
- Prepare fruit or tomatoes: wash, sort, remove bad pieces, chop or pulp.
- Cook: jam with sugar (and pectin or lemon for setting) until it sets; sauces with vinegar, salt, sugar and spices.
- Check consistency: a cold-plate test for jam; a consistent thickness for sauce.
- Hot-fill into clean, sterilised jars or bottles while hot.
- Cap and seal immediately; invert jars briefly or use induction seals for a tamper-evident, leak-proof seal.
- Cool, label and code each batch.
Filling, Sealing and Labelling Equipment
Manual Liquid & Paste Filling MachineKSh 95,000
Automatic Induction Sealing MachinesKSh 260,000
Induction Seal LinersKSh 1,500
Manual Labelling MachineKSh 50,000
Manual Coding MachinesKSh 25,000
Semi Automatic Bottle Washing Machine and Glass Bottle Brushing MachineKSh 110,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Manual Liquid & Paste Filling Machine | KSh 95,000 |
| Automatic Induction Sealing Machines | KSh 260,000 |
| Induction Seal Liners | KSh 1,500 |
| Manual Labelling Machine | KSh 50,000 |
| Manual Coding Machines | KSh 25,000 |
| Semi Automatic Bottle Washing Machine and Glass Bottle Brushing Machine | KSh 110,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 13 October 2026).
The manual liquid and paste filler handles fluid or viscous products such as juice, honey and sauces (see the product page). An induction sealer bonds a foil liner to the bottle neck, which stops leaks and shows tampering. More: liquid filling machine guide, induction vs heat sealing and bottle labelling guide.
Jars and Bottles
- Glass jars suit jam and premium sauces; wash and sterilise them before filling.
- Plastic squeeze bottles suit tomato and chilli sauce for kiosks and fast food.
- Reused glass bottles must be brushed and sterilised; a bottle washer speeds this up.
Licences and Labels
- County business permit and public health licence; staff medical certificates (food licences guide).
- KEBS certification to sell through supermarkets and shops.
- Label: product name, ingredients in order, net weight or volume, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, storage instructions and your contacts.
Costing and Selling
Cost each jar: fruit or tomatoes (after losses), sugar or vinegar, spices, jar or bottle, cap and liner, label, fuel, labour and transport. Sell to hotels and fast-food outlets in bulk bottles, and to shops and supermarkets in retail jars. Use the cost per bottle calculator.
Related business ideas: honey packaging and peanut butter.
Frequently asked questions
How do you start a jam business in Kenya?
Set up a clean licensed kitchen, buy fruit, sugar, jars and a filler, and get KEBS certification to sell in shops.
How long does homemade jam last?
Properly hot-filled and sealed jam lasts months unopened; refrigerate after opening.
What machine fills sauce bottles?
A piston liquid and paste filler; manual models suit small producers.
What is induction sealing?
A foil liner bonded to the bottle neck by induction heat, giving a leak-proof, tamper-evident seal.
Do I need KEBS to sell tomato sauce?
To sell through shops and supermarkets, yes.