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How to Start a Foodstuff Business in Nigeria: Cost & Requirements in 2024

  • October 1, 2023

Looking to start a foodstuff business in Nigeria? Of course, it is a very lucrative business that anyone can venture into and make a living.

This business is one of the oldest businesses in Nigeria, in fact, it is the business that made Aliko Dangote a millionaire in his early business years.

The foodstuff business is a good source of daily income as we all need food in our daily lives. Therefore, it is certain that money will be made day in day out as a foodstuff seller in Nigeria.

Overall, the foodstuff business is a great one to look into in Nigeria. However, you need prior knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the business before you can even start.

That is why I have come up with this post to make it easy and show you how to start foodstuff business in Nigeria, food stuff business ideas, how to succeed in the business, and the dos and don’ts of the business.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

About Foodstuff Business

Also known as the raw food business in Nigeria, the foodstuff business is a type of business where you sell products used to make food such as rice, semo, garri, beans, etc.

This business is very profitable as it generates consistent daily income from day one regardless of your location and environment. And this is because of the high demand in the daily usage of foodstuff and raw food materials in the country.

There is a large market for raw business in Nigeria as the foodstuff industry/market is one of the largest and most profitable in Nigeria. Whether with small or large start-up capital, you can start this business as long as you’re passionate about it.

Check Out: 35 Business You Can Start with 50,000 Naira in Nigeria and Become a Millionaire

List of The Best Foodstuff Business Ideas in Nigeria

Before starting a foodstuff business in Nigeria, it is ideal that you know the type of business you’re venturing into and what type of things you’re about to start selling.

Below are some of the best foodstuff business ideas in Nigeria:

  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Garri
  • Semo
  • Wheat
  • Noddles
  • Yam flour (Elubo)
  • Pando yam
  • Raw yam
  • Potato
  • Cocoa yam
  • Eggs
  • Red and vegetable oil
  • Canned pepper

That is the list of foodstuff to sell in Nigeria. Now, let’s see how much you need to start foodstuffs business.

How Much Do You Need to Start a Foodstuff Business in Nigeria

Generally, the number one and most important thing needed in starting a business is good capital. This is because, the bigger your capital, the bigger your profits.

For the foodstuff business in Nigeria, you can start with relatively low capital and succeed. Also, if you have a bigger start-up fund, you’ll be very much welcome into the raw food business industry.

But what is the range? I mean what is the estimated start-up cost for a foodstuff business in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, you Can start a foodstuff business with as little as 100,000 Naira, and as much as 1 million Naira and above.

That simply means if you can raise from 100K and up to 500K and above, you can start a foodstuff business in Nigeria. Just keep in mind that your start-up cost will determine your profit margin.

Read Also: 35 Lucrative Businesses You Can Start with 100K in Nigeria

How Profitable is Foodstuff Business

Before starting a business, it is ideal that you know how profitable it is and if the profit margin of the business is good for you or not.

As I have been saying from the start of this article, the foodstuff business is very profitable in Nigeria. However, your business strategy plays a greater role in the profitability of this business.

From your business location to the types of stuff you sell, there are lots of things that determine how profitable your food stuff business will be in Nigeria.

However, if you’re asking; is foodstuff business profitable in Nigeria or what is foodstuff business profit margin in Nigeria, I’ve got an answer for you.

If you’re just starting out, you should be looking at a profit margin of 20% to 70%. And as your business grows, you should expect a little spike in your profit.

Related: How to Start Engine Oil Business in Nigeria

How to Start a Foodstuff Business in Nigeria

Foodstuff business in Nigeria

Here we are! Like I said earlier, starting a raw food business is very easy in Nigeria, as there is a daily increase in the use and need for food items, which is equivalent to daily revenue for the sellers.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to start a foodstuff business in Nigeria:

1. Start with Market Research

The first step you need to take in starting a food stuff business in Nigeria is to carry out market research. This will help you have the basic and a little in-depth knowledge of how the business works.

In the raw food industry/market, your market research may start with the best selling type of foodstuff in your area, the price range, and the season or time of the year to except more sales, as well as factors that affect the business, its merit and demerits, plus the dos and don’ts of raw food business, especially in your area.

Even though we cover more of the market research processes in this post, there are still lots more to do by yourself on your own, since I don’t know where you live and how the business really works there.

So, you can approach some small foodstuff and provision stores, build a little business rapport, and make some findings.

Read Also: How to Make 500 For FREE Daily on the PalmPay app

2. Go with the Best Approach

Your business approach may mean a lot of things in Nigeria, regardless of its meaning to you, it all heavily depends on money (i.e your start up capital).

Depending on your capital, it would be good if you know your best approach and how to go about it. You cannot compare a business that started with 5 million naira with one that started with 100,000 Naira, I believe you know.

So, if you’re starting on a relatively low budget, you would want to limit yourself to a certain type of market. For example, you would want to stick with fewer foodstuff types, (Rice, Garri, Beans, Semo, Noodles, and eggs) are the best to start with, then you can scale as you make more sales, and have demands for other types of raw food items.

However, with a bigger start up capital, there is no limit to the type of foodstuff you can start selling, as your money can cover the cost. Although it is ideal to focus only on the fast moving ones

3. Get a Good Location

Foodstuff business

Just like other businesses, the location of where you sell your raw food items is a key factor in the success of your business.

As a foodstuff seller, the perfect place for your business if you want quick and easy sales is a market square. You can also find a space in students’ areas, and even in your street. You can’t situate your business on a highway roadside and expect many sales

Keep in mind that the most important factor to take note of while looking for a good location for your business is security. Make sure you take your time to look for a place with low criminal records, and also a place where there are no touts/hoodlums.

4. Find Good Suppliers

After spotting a good location for your business, the next thing is to find a good foodstuff supplier whom you can buy items from in bulk and at the cheapest wholesale price to make the most profits.

There are tons of raw food suppliers across every state in Nigeria therefore, getting one shouldn’t take much time. Just reach out to multiple of there, take your time to compare their prices and services, and then pick a maximum of two of the best ones to start with.

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5. Set up Business Place (Shop)

Foodstuff shop

Once you get the best suppliers, the next thing on your list should be setting up your shop by making it look attractive and describing the types of products that you sell.

You’ll need a couple of tables placed outside of your shop to showcase what you sell in order to get people’s attention. More so, make sure you make space for items categorically so that it will be easier for you and customers to quickly spot products.

Also, add a little branding to your shop to make it stand out. E.g adding a name +foodstuff shop.

6. Start Selling Foodstuff

Now that your shop is well set up, what is left now is to fill it with stock and start selling. At this point, you’ll need to inform people around you about your business. This may be your friends, family, and even neighbours, and you can start driving sales little by little until you become more popular.

Keep in mind that you need to be friendly with customers while in a foodstuffs business and always try to offer the best prices possible, especially while you’re just starting out.

How to Succeed in Foodstuff Business in Nigeria

Succeeding in the foodstuff market is a little bit harder than starting the business. This is because there are lots of competitions especially if your shop is located in a market square or a well populated area such as a school, or motor park.

However, with a good business strategy, you could beat your competitors. Below are some of the ways to quickly succeed as a foodstuff seller in Nigeria.

  • Go with the best possible location in your area. This involves looking for a place where there is a reward to no competitors, but well populated.
  • Make your products stand out by offering the best services and best possible prices. Offering a discount is an ideal strategy here.
  • Collaborate with other like-minded foodstuff sellers in order to find out more about their business strategies including pricing, and marketing tactics.
  • Create brand/business awareness by branding your shop and making it popular by its name. e.g Mama Chisom foodstuff shop, Papa Ade raw food store, or Alhaji Musa food items shop.
  • Lastly, make sure you’re working with the best suppliers that offer discounts on bulk items, and possibly give out goods on credits.
  • Reinvest your profit into the business. If you make a 30% profit in the first month, instead of squandering it on unnecessary expenses, why not use it to expand your business?

Raw Food Business in Nigeria – FAQs

Is foodstuff business profitable in Nigeria?

Yes, foodstuff business is profitable in Nigeria. With a profit margin ranging from 20% to 70%, you could make a living from it.

How do I set up a foodstuff shop?

To set up your foodstuff shop, all you need to do is make space for categories of different types of foodstuff items. For example, all rice related items, such as local, and feign rice should be in one place.

How much can I use to start foodstuff business?

You can start a foodstuff business with as little as N100,000 and above.

How do you succeed in foodstuff business?

You can succeed in the foodstuff business by using the best strategy including, getting the best location, selling at the best prices, reinvesting your profit into the business, and so on.

Conclusion

With the daily increase in demand for food stuff and raw food items in Nigeria, starting a business where you sell different types of food items is undoubtedly a good business you can do anywhere in Nigeria.

With this post, I believe you’ve known a lot about the foodstuff business in Nigeria, the list of foodstuff to sell, and how to start a foodstuff business in Nigeria, as well as the strategies to make your business a success.