So I've been in talks for weeks now with various smaller European suppliers for cultures (and Abiasa in Canada), as well as the bigger players like CHR Hansen and Cargill. And also in terms of molds, trying to negotiate something with South American and European suppliers like MGS, Busqui, Plastico Arroyas, and Jandaplast. It is all taking a long, long time. But I'm trying to put together the next generation of culture and mold options here in the US and sell them in a store. Size and capacities would vary from bite size molds to regular microperf/industrial 6-15 Kg. Culture selections would be more in line with CHR Hansen's core line as well as specialty adjuncts and flavor/mold/aroma options.
I like Dave at Dairy Connection, and think Steve at thecheesemaker.com and Ricki at New England have done great work in promoting our craft and making supplies available, but either I'm getting lower quotes somehow due to the stronger dollar, or their profit margins or overhead are high. Or maybe the suppliers are making a difference. I don't know what the deal is... but I should be able to hire someone to fill orders and still price at 20-50% less than them. I don't want to compete directly on price per product because I respect those stores, so my product and supplier list will have as little overlap as possible.
I wanted to do only a few group orders, but I think this will be an ongoing need and it's less work in the end to just set up a shop. Trying to finish soon, but there's sooo much work this summer with the cheese guild, ACS, my regular business, goats, etc. But it's coming, I'm working on it.
