FACTS ABOUT FOODSTUFF EXPORT BUSINESS

[Henlus]

The foodstuff export business isn’t as complex as many think - all you need is the right knowledge, reliable sources, and proper guidance. Whether you're a beginner or looking to scale, understanding the high-demand products, shipping logistics, and customer acquisition is key to success. 

Two Main Types of Foodstuff Exportation:

1. Mini Exportation (Small-Scale Export)
A. Small quantities (10kg, 20kg, 50kg, or 100kg bags) 

B. Shipped by air through couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, NIPOST, or private shipping companies 

C. You don't need to bother about export licenses and documentations - shipping companies handle them. 

D. Perfect for beginners - start with what your budget allows and scale up 

2. Macro Exportation (Large-Scale Export)

A. Bulk shipments (20ft or 40ft containers) 

B. Sea freight for tonnes of agro-commodities 

C. Requires:
  - A registered company
  - Export license from NEPC (Nigeria Export Promotion Council)
  - NAFDAC & SON certification (for processed foods) 

D. Ideal for established exporters with strong financial backing 

Why Start Foodstuff Export?

A. High global demand for African foodstuffs 

B. Lucrative profits - earn in dollars, pounds, or euros 

C. Scalable business - start small and expand as you grow

[Henlus]

Payment Solution:
Escrow.com is safest for large deals because funds are held until delivery is confirmed. PayPal works well but may have high fees; wire transfers are fine for repeat customers you trust.

Shipping insurance
Not needed for small shipments under $200 value, maybe not — unless the goods are fragile. For higher-value items, definitely get insurance to cover loss or damage."

Shipping fresh vegetables abroad without them spoiling:
"It’s tricky. You’ll need insulated boxes with gel packs or dry ice, and fast air courier. Some countries may also require phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce."

[Henlus]

Cheapest way to send bulky but lightweight items:
Use volumetric weight calculation to your advantage — compress items tightly. Also compare courier air freight rates with cargo consolidators who use excess baggage services.


How to calculate profit margins in food export:
Add product cost + packaging + transport to courier/port + customs fees + miscellaneous costs. Then subtract this from your selling price abroad. Aim for at least 25–40% margin."

Pricing Currency
Always price in the buyer’s currency — USD for US buyers, GBP for UK, EUR for EU. That way, they understand the value instantly and it looks more professional.

How to prevent insect damage in grains
Sun-dry thoroughly before packing, use airtight containers, and add food-safe oxygen absorbers. Some exporters also freeze grains for 48 hours before packing to kill pests.

[Henlus]

Beware of banned food items
Certain countries ban bushmeat, fresh meat, and unprocessed milk. The US and EU have strict rules on seeds and plants without permits.

How to convince buyers abroad to pay before shipping:
Offer small trial orders first. Use a professional invoice, payment platforms, and clear terms. Building trust through consistent delivery is key.

from January 2024, the UK increased checks on certain animal-origin foods (like dried fish and meat). Exporters must now provide health certificates for some categories.

Storage Tip
Store foodstuff in moisture-proof containers. For longer storage, you can also use silica gel packs for dry goods, and cold rooms for perishable vegetables.

Best Shipping Timing
For couriers, Monday–Wednesday is best so parcels don’t sit idle over the weekend at a warehouse. This helps with freshness and faster delivery.

[GreenVet]

Loaded. Nice share

[Henlus]

Before you pick a product, check what African stores abroad are running out of or selling at high prices. You can:

1. Browse eBay, Amazon, and Etsy for African food products and note prices.

2. Join Facebook marketplace groups for Africans abroad.

3. Contact African/Caribbean grocery stores directly to ask about shortages.
...

For macro exportation, how long does it usually take for goods shipped by sea to arrive in Europe or the US?

Sea freight from Nigeria to Europe takes about 3–5 weeks, while to the US can take 4–6 weeks, depending on the shipping line, route, and whether the container is full or consolidated. Customs clearance on both ends can add extra days.
...

Most common mistakes beginners make in foodstuff export:
Overpromising delivery time, poor packaging, and not checking import restrictions of the destination country. Some also price too low and end up losing profit.

[Henlus]

Export grants in Nigeria:
NEPC sometimes offers export expansion grants. Also, some state governments run agro-export support programs. Check their official websites.
...

Some high demand foodstuffs: 
Dried fish
Crayfish
Garri
Palm oil
Egusi (melon seed)
Ogbono
Plantain chips
Yam flour (Elubo)
Stockfish
Dried pepper mix etc etc.
....

Plan your shipping around festive seasons for higher demand.
December -January: Christmas/New Year demand peaks.

July - August: Summer family reunions abroad.

Easter: Increased orders for cultural events.

[Henlus]

Vacuum sealing helps extend shelf life for dry goods.  Other packaging methods you can use include:
1. Mylar bags (with oxygen absorbers) for powdered goods like pepper or flour
2. Sealed plastic jars for items like crayfish or groundnuts
3. Corrugated cartons with liners for bulk dry produce
4. Insulated boxes with gel packs for temperature-sensitive items

[Quack]

Very helpful. But how can I find buyers abroad from nigeria?

[SheFarm]

For processed foods like packaged chin chin or plantain chips, does SON certification alone work?

[FarmKing]

Foodstuff export is lucrative, but please make sure you understand the customs regulations of the destination country. Some items that are fine in Nigeria may be restricted or require extra paperwork abroad.

Thanks for sharing

[Trimex]

Vacuum sealing helps extend shelf life for dry goods.  Other packaging methods you can use include:
1. Mylar bags (with oxygen absorbers) for powdered goods like pepper or flour
2. Sealed plastic jars for items like crayfish or groundnuts
3. Corrugated cartons with liners for bulk dry produce
4. Insulated boxes with gel packs for temperature-sensitive items

Do private shipping companies handle customs clearance abroad?

[Ekene]

Vacuum sealing helps extend shelf life for dry goods.  Other packaging methods you can use include:
1. Mylar bags (with oxygen absorbers) for powdered goods like pepper or flour
2. Sealed plastic jars for items like crayfish or groundnuts
3. Corrugated cartons with liners for bulk dry produce
4. Insulated boxes with gel packs for temperature-sensitive items

Between DHL, FedEx, UPS, and NIPOST, which is the best for mini exportation?

[Henlus]

Between DHL, FedEx, UPS, and NIPOST, which is the best for mini exportation?

DHL  Fastest delivery (3–7 days), very reliable, but more expensive.
FedEx  Similar to DHL, sometimes slightly cheaper for bulk shipments.
UPS Good for the US and Europe, but can be slower to some destinations.
NIPOST EMS Cheapest, but delivery time can be 2–4 weeks and tracking isn’t as robust.

[Henlus]

Do private shipping companies handle customs clearance abroad?

Some do, some don’t. Big names like DHL, FedEx, and UPS handle door-to-door clearance, but smaller freight forwarders may only clear goods at the Nigerian port and leave clearance abroad to the buyer or an agent.

[Henlus]

For processed foods like packaged chin chin or plantain chips, does SON certification alone work?

No. SON certification checks quality and standards, but NAFDAC registration is required for any food item meant for human consumption. Some countries may also require additional health certificates

[Henlus]

Very helpful. But how can I find buyers abroad from nigeria?

Many ways. You can

1. Join WhatsApp and Facebook groups of African communities in the target country.

2. Network with event caterers abroad.

3. Use LinkedIn to connect with African store owners.

Offer sample packs to get your first few repeat customers.

[SheFarm]

No. SON certification checks quality and standards, but NAFDAC registration is required for any food item meant for human consumption. Some countries may also require additional health certificates

Pls what about NEPC export license? Does it covers multiple types of foodstuff, or do you have to apply separately for each product?

[Henlus]

Pls what about NEPC export license? Does it covers multiple types of foodstuff, or do you have to apply separately for each product?

Sorry for the delay. One NEPC license can cover multiple product categories, including different foodstuffs. For processed foods, you’ll still need product-specific certifications like NAFDAC and sometimes SONCAP.