Setting up your cannery: the complete guide to the equipment you need

Setting up an artisanal cannery is an exciting project, but it requires rigorous preparation, particularly in terms of equipment. Having set up my own cannery before creating STERILIUM, I know the pitfalls to avoid and the priority investments.

The autoclave is obviously the centrepiece of your facility. It is what guarantees the sanitary safety of your products. But be careful not to neglect the rest of the equipment: stainless steel worktop, cooking pots, precision scales, capping or seaming machine, and a cooling system.

The layout of your premises must comply with current hygiene standards: forward flow, separation of clean and dirty areas, washable surfaces, suitable ventilation. Also plan sufficient storage space for your raw materials and finished products.

The total budget for equipping an artisanal cannery varies considerably depending on the scale of the project. Expect between 30,000 and 100,000 euros for a functional workshop. The autoclave generally represents 20 to 40% of this budget — hence the importance of choosing it well.

My advice: do not over-invest at the start. Begin with equipment suited to your initial volume and plan to scale up. A good autoclave will stay with you for decades — that is the one item not to skimp on. For the rest, you can upgrade gradually.