Business Plan for Shea Nuts to Butter Processing: 12,500 tons per year

Nigeria is the largest producer of Shea in the world but has less brand recognition than other West African producers in export markets. Shea trees are found in 21 states in Nigeria but only four states Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo and Niger have export grade shea in abundant quantity. In 2014 Nigeria produced about xxxxxxx tonnes of Shea Based on anecdotal observation and international prices Nigeria could have exported over USD$ xxxxxxx million in 2014.

There is a growing interest in Shea butter from Nigeria for use as ingredients in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and confectionary industries, yet the commodity is in limited supply as much of it is processed by local women through crude and labour intensive means. This provides a viable and booming export markets for investors in the Shea industry in Nigeria. Investment in the processing of the butter in large volume will not only be profitable, but will also create a feel factor for government support as it is also an avenue for employment for its teeming youths.

This project feasibility report is to process 50 tons of Shea nuts into export grade Shea butter and cake daily which would give an optimal production rate of 12,500 tonnes annually using the cold pressed method.