Looking for advice from people in food manufacturing

I'm currently in tech and I'm exploring the idea of starting something food processing manufacturing. I'm doing some early market research and would really like to hear from people who are already in the industry.

If you were starting out in food manufacturing today:

• What would you focus on first?
• What are the biggest challenges in the early stage?
• What mistakes should a newcomer avoid?
• What do you wish you knew before getting started?
• What are the most important things to understand about the industry?

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who have experience starting small and growing a food/FMCG business.