It was near impossible to find suitable office space without government support, Chung told FoodManufacture.co.uk in this exclusive podcast.
Miso Tasty, which manufactures instant miso soup, was originally run from Chung’s bedroom after launching 12 months ago.
Too expensive
Central London office space, which could easily be reached by public transport, was too expensive to rent, she said.
“We ended up sharing [office space] with lots of other businesses, which is not ideal with a food start-up because there’s lots of stock everywhere and samples that you have to store.
“So, one main barrier to the business’s success was that it took us a long time to afford and grow into our own office space,” she claimed.
Another issue stopping Miso Tasty from doing its best in its first year was a lack of funding to take part in international food and drink exhibitions, Chung added.
‘A real impact on the business’
“For a small food start-up, trade shows are important to meet key buyers and customers and they are really expensive, unfortunately. They have a real impact on a business.”
Find out what more a new UK government could do to help food and drink start-ups by listening to this podcast.
Meanwhile, subscribe to Food Manufacture to read an in-depth interview with Chung in the June issue.