How to Start Exporting Shea Butter from Nigeria to International Markets

Are you a fan of shea butter and other natural skincare products? Have you ever thought of opening your own beauty-related business? If yes, you may have a profitable chance to export shea butter from Nigeria to other markets!

Shea butter is a common component in the cosmetics business as a result of its nourishing and moisturizing characteristics. Nigeria is one of the world’s top producers of shea butter, and exporting it might end up being a productive opportunity. Nonetheless, it very well may be overwhelming to know where to start, just like when starting any new business

We’ll walk you through the procedure of exporting shea butter from Nigeria to foreign markets in this blog article. We’ll go through everything, including how to locate trustworthy suppliers, comprehend export laws, and create a market for your goods. You’ll have the resources and information you need to start your shea butter export company and enter the burgeoning natural skincare market by the conclusion of this article.

Shea butter benefits for skin and hair

Shea butter has several advantages for both hair and skin because of its high fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral content.

For Skin: Shea butter is very hydrating and supporting for skin. The skin’s natural oils and moisture levels are safeguarded by the high grouping of fatty acids and vitamin E in this item. This makes it an incredible choice for people who have delicate or dry skin, as well concerning the individuals who experience the ill effects of diseases like eczema or psoriasis.

Shea butter also contains anti-inflammatory qualities that aid to lessen skin inflammation and redness. In addition, it has antioxidants that aid in scavenging free radicals, which may hasten skin aging and damage.

For Hair: Shea butter may assist to hydrate and strengthen hair strands. While its anti-inflammatory effects may relieve a dry or itchy scalp, its hydrating characteristics aid to prevent breakage and broken ends. Shea butter is also believed to stimulate the formation of collagen, which is necessary for healthy hair, and so boost hair growth.

Shea butter may help you maintain healthy, vibrant hair and skin as part of your routine.

Traditional shea butter processing methods in Nigeria

Throughout Nigeria, conventional processing techniques have been handed down through the years. Shea butter has been utilized for millennia throughout West Africa. 

Here are a few Nigerian traditional techniques for preparing shea butter:

Harvesting: Shea nuts are removed from the shea tree by hand or by shaking the branches with long rods. The nuts are then collected and let to dry for a few days in the sun or over a fire.

Roasting: The nuts are roasted over an open flame or in a big saucepan after they have been dried. By removing the outer shell, this procedure makes it easier to extract the oil.

Crushing and grinding: Using a mortar and pestle or a milling machine, the nuts are crushed and ground into a paste after being roasted. To extract the oil from the shea butter particles, the paste is next combined with water.

Boiling: To further separate the oil from the particles, the shea butter paste is subsequently cooked in a big kettle. Oil floats to the surface and is skimmed off.

Cooling and solidifying: The oil is allowed to cool and harden, transforming it into a creamy, off-white butter.

Filtration: The residual particles and contaminants are then filtered out of the butter to produce a smooth, pure shea butter.

Though labor- and time-intensive, traditional shea butter manufacturing techniques provide a high-quality product that is often favoured by customers. These conventional techniques are still widely used in Nigerian women’s cooperatives to make shea butter, supporting their incomes and preserving a rich cultural legacy.

some of Nigeria’s leading exporters of shea butter

Leading producers and exporters of high-quality shea butter to the international market include a number of companies in Nigeria. To make sure that their shea butter complies with global standards and laws, these exporters use stringent quality control procedures. 

The leading exporters of shea butter from Nigeria include  

• Fludor Benin Nigeria Limited.
• Golden Oil Industries Limited.
• Neogric

Where to buy shea butter in Nigeria

Shea butter is available in Nigeria in a variety of offline and online stores. Here are a few possibilities:

Local Markets: Shea butter is widely available in Nigerian local markets, particularly those in the north, where shea trees are grown. Kano Market, Wuse Market, and Mile 12 Market in Lagos are a few examples of well-known marketplaces.

Online markets: Shea butter is sold on a variety of online markets in Nigeria, including Jumia, Konga, and Payporte.

Specialty Shops: Shea butter is often sold at specialty shops that specialize in selling natural and organic goods. HealthPlus, Medplus, and CasaBella are a few examples.

Direct from Manufacturers: As was already noted, Nigeria is home to a sizable number of shea butter producers. Shea butter is often available for purchase directly from these producers or via their websites.

It’s crucial to make sure you get Shea butter of the highest quality from a reliable supplier. For the best results in skincare and haircare, go for organic and unrefined Shea butter.

Shea butter buyers in UK

In the UK, shea butter is a popular part of skincare items, and this all-natural great has a sizable market of buyers. Shea butter is well known with clients in the UK on account of its sustaining and saturating characteristics, which are great for all skin types but especially dry and sensitive skin.

• M And D Enterprise 
• Tbm Enterprise Limited 
• The Shea Butter Company 
• Nexye Beauty Cosmetics
• Afritribe 
• Silktouch 
• Sweetie Stop 
• Native Botanist 

Best shea butter for export in Nigeria

There are a few things to think about if you want to export shea butter from Nigeria. You must first decide which is the best Shea butter in the nation. The second thing you must do is comprehend the export guidelines and rules that apply to your target market.

So, these are the best shea butter in Nigeria.

Organic Shea Butter: In Nigeria, organic shea butter is the finest shea butter to export. Shea nuts used to make this kind of shea butter were farmed without the use of pesticides or any other hazardous agents. Organic shea butter is perfect for use in skincare and cosmetic products since it is pure, natural, and abundant in vital fatty acids.

Unrefined Shea Butter: Another top-notch kind of shea butter for export in Nigeria is unrefined shea butter. Unrefined shea butter is manufactured without the use of chemicals or preservatives, in contrast to refined shea butter. This indicates that it keeps all of its organic qualities, such as its unique nutty smell and yellowish hue.

Grade A Shea Butter: The highest quality shea butter that is readily accessible in Nigeria is grade A. It is prepared from the highest-grade shea nuts and has more vitamins and minerals than other varieties. Shea butter of grade A is well-liked by customers who are concerned about their health and is ideal for use in upscale skincare and cosmetic products.

Shea Butter Extract: Another common kind of shea butter exported from Nigeria is shea butter extract. This kind of shea butter is produced by utilizing a solvent to extract the active components from shea butter. Since shea butter extract is quickly absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy aftertaste, it is perfect for use in skincare and cosmetic products.

Fair Trade Shea Butter: Shea butter from fair trade sources is a wonderful alternative for Nigerian exports. This particular kind of shea butter is made in a fair trade environment, which implies that the employees who make it are paid fairly and have a safe place to work. Shea butter obtained via fair trade is moral and sustainable, and it is well-liked by customers who wish to support fair trade principles.

The ideal shea butter for export in Nigeria will ultimately rely on the demands and tastes of the customer, but keeping these things in mind will help guarantee a high-quality product.

How to start a shea butter business in Nigeria step by step guide.

Those seeking to get into the natural beauty sector may find success exporting shea butter from Nigeria. Shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients worldwide, and Nigeria is one of the countries that produces the most of it.

Here is everything you need to know if you want to establish a shea butter export company in Nigeria.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research.

It is crucial to do market research before beginning any company endeavor in order to discover possibilities and problems. This entails identifying prospective clients and rivals, comprehending market trends, and figuring out the rules and legislation governing the export of shea butter from Nigeria to other countries’ marketplaces. You may use the information from this study to develop a strong business strategy to direct your export activities.

Step 2: Establish a Business Entity

You must create a legal company, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Partnership, in order to export shea butter from Nigeria. This legal body will provide you the defense you need in court and enable you to carry out company operations like securing export permits and creating bank accounts.

Step 3: Obtain Export Licenses

You must get an export license from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in order to export shea butter from Nigeria. (NEPC). You must get this license in order to export shea butter lawfully, as required by law. To comply with international laws, you must also secure additional permissions, such as phytosanitary certificates and health certificates.

Step 4: Source for Shea Butter

After receiving the required permits, you must purchase premium shea butter from reputable Nigerian vendors. To negotiate rates and get contracts, get in touch with Nigerian producers, manufacturers, and exporters of shea butter. It is crucial to get shea butter that complies with international standards and is fair trade and organic.

For the record, Here are some companies that produce Shea butter:

• Meena Agro Oil Ltd. Abuja, Nigeria.
• Intesup International Ltd. Lagos, Nigeria
• Ricky Onugha Foods.
• Balance Investment Ltd.
• Chazemorgan Nigeria Ltd
• Uplove Global Ventures.
• Rosagie Global Investment Ltd.
• Solanik Nigeria Ltd.

These are only a handful of the Shea butter manufacturers in Nigeria. It is always advised to do your own investigation and due diligence before making any purchases.

Step 5: Process and Package Shea Butter

Your ability to compete on the global market depends heavily on the quality of your shea butter. The shea butter you export has to be of the highest quality and prepared and packed in accordance with international standards. 

Shea butter processing in nigeria includes

• proper cleaning.
• dehusking.
• roasting.
• grinding.
• packaging.

Additionally, the shea butter must be packaged properly to guarantee its freshness and avoid contamination while being transported.

Here are some shea butter packaging ideas you can use.

• Jars 
• Tubs 
• Tubes 
• Tins 
• Biodegradable options 
• Customized packaging 

Shea butter’s marketability and consumer attractiveness may be greatly impacted by the packaging you pick. When selecting the appropriate packaging for your company, take into account the product’s size, quantity, and intended usage.

Step 6: Establish Distribution Channels

Establishing trustworthy distribution channels is necessary in order to export shea butter from Nigeria. Finding prospective buyers, distributors, and retailers in your target market is necessary for this. To reach a larger audience, you may also make use of internet marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

Step 7: Market and Promote Your Products

Any company endeavor must succeed via marketing and promotion. You must develop a marketing plan that focuses on prospective clients in your target market. This involves using social media channels to promote your business and goods, going to trade events, and using digital marketing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people who are prepared to invest the time and energy to learn about the sector and build trusting connections with suppliers, buyers, and shipping partners may find that exporting shea butter from Nigeria to other markets offers a profitable business opportunity. 

There will be difficulties, as with any new endeavor, but with careful preparation and a dedication to quality, Nigerian shea butter producers may effectively compete in the international market. Entrepreneurs may build a long-lasting and successful company that benefits both themselves and the communities where shea butter is produced by following the procedures indicated in this article and keeping up with market trends and rules.