Your food products can reach customers outside Nigeria, but knowing how to prepare, package, document, and ship them properly is the key to a successful export.
If you are wondering how to export foodstuffs from Nigeria, you are not alone. Nigeria has a wide variety of food products and agricultural commodities that can be sold in international markets. Many Nigerians abroad also look for familiar food products from home, creating opportunities for businesses that want to serve customers outside the country.
However, exporting foodstuffs is different from simply sending a package abroad. Food products may be subject to specific rules concerning safety, packaging, labelling, documentation, and import requirements in the destination country.
This guide explains the basic steps involved in exporting foodstuffs from Nigeria.
What Foodstuffs Can You Export from Nigeria?
Nigeria produces and processes many food products that can potentially be exported, depending on the destination country’s requirements.
Examples include:
- Garri
- Dried pepper
- Dried vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Ginger
- Hibiscus flower
- Sesame seeds
- Cashew nuts
- Palm oil
- Nigerian snacks
- Processed food products
- Other properly packaged Nigerian food products
Before choosing a product, it is important to research your target market and confirm that the product meets the requirements of the country you want to export to.
Step 1: Choose the Food Product You Want to Export
The first step is deciding exactly what you want to export.
Consider products that have demand in your target market and that you can source consistently. If you are targeting Nigerians and other African consumers abroad, familiar Nigerian food products may offer an opportunity.
You should also consider whether the product is fresh, dried, processed, or packaged because the requirements can differ.
For example, dried and properly packaged products may have different transportation and regulatory requirements from fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, or other perishable foods.
Step 2: Research Your Target Market
Before spending money on stock and shipping, find out whether there is demand for your product in the country you want to export to.
Research:
- Your potential customers
- Existing competitors
- Selling prices
- Packaging preferences
- Import requirements
- Shipping costs
- Applicable taxes and duties
- Required certificates or permits
Do not assume that a product that sells well in Nigeria will automatically have the same market internationally.
Step 3: Make Sure Your Food Product Meets Export Requirements
Food exports require proper preparation.
Depending on the product and destination, you may need to comply with food safety, quality, labelling, packaging, and inspection requirements.
This is one of the most important parts of learning how to export foodstuffs from Nigeria.
Before shipping, check the requirements of both Nigeria and your destination country. Some food products may have additional restrictions or documentation requirements.
Step 4: Package Your Foodstuffs Properly
Good packaging protects your products during transportation and can also make your goods more attractive to customers.
Your packaging should be suitable for the type of food you are exporting and strong enough to withstand handling during transportation.
For packaged food products, labels may need to provide information such as the product name, ingredients, quantity, manufacturer information, dates, storage instructions, and other information required by the destination market.
Do not simply put food in a carton and ship it without checking the applicable packaging and labelling requirements.
Step 5: Prepare Your Export Documents
Documentation is an important part of international trade.
The documents required can depend on your product, destination, shipment size, and the type of export.
Depending on the shipment, documentation may include commercial invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, certificates, and other relevant export or import documents.
If you are new to exporting, working with an experienced logistics or freight forwarding company can help you understand the shipping process and organize the logistics side of your shipment.
Step 6: Choose the Right Shipping Method
Once your food products are ready, you need to decide how they will be transported.
Air Freight
Air freight can be suitable for smaller or time-sensitive shipments. It is generally faster than sea transportation but may cost more, particularly for larger quantities.
Sea Shipping
Sea shipping can be a practical option for larger or heavier commercial shipments. It is commonly used by businesses moving substantial quantities of goods internationally.
The best option depends on your product, quantity, destination, budget, and required delivery timeframe.
Step 7: Work With a Reliable Logistics Company
International food shipping involves several stages, and trying to handle everything yourself can become complicated.
A logistics company can help coordinate transportation, cargo handling, shipping arrangements, customs procedures, warehousing, and delivery.
STGB Logistics and Warehousing provides international logistics solutions for businesses and individuals shipping goods from Nigeria to destinations around the world.
Our services include:
- International cargo shipping
- Air freight
- Sea shipping
- Customs clearance support
- Warehousing
- Distribution
- Import and export logistics
If you are planning to export foodstuffs from Nigeria, our team can help you arrange the logistics side of your shipment.
How Much Does It Cost to Export Foodstuffs from Nigeria?
There is no single price for exporting foodstuffs because shipping costs depend on several factors.
These may include:
- Type of food product
- Weight and volume
- Destination
- Shipping method
- Packaging
- Customs and clearance requirements
- Delivery location
- Quantity of goods
For example, shipping a few cartons by air will have different costs from transporting a large commercial shipment by sea.
The best way to determine your actual shipping cost is to provide your cargo details and destination so a suitable shipping option can be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exporting Foodstuffs
If you are new to exporting, avoid these common mistakes.
Shipping Without Checking Import Rules
Never assume that a food product can be shipped into another country simply because it is legal to sell in Nigeria.
Always check the destination country’s current requirements.
Poor Packaging
Food can be damaged, contaminated, or spoiled if it is not packaged correctly.
Use packaging appropriate for the product and transportation method.
Incorrect Documentation
Missing or incorrect documents can create problems during shipping and customs procedures.
Make sure your information is accurate before your shipment leaves Nigeria.
Ignoring the Cost of Logistics
Before selling internationally, calculate your total cost, including the product, packaging, transportation, customs-related costs, and delivery.
This helps you determine whether your export business will actually be profitable.
Start Exporting Foodstuffs from Nigeria
Learning how to export foodstuffs from Nigeria is the first step, but successful exporting requires proper planning.
Choose the right product, research your target market, prepare your food properly, use suitable packaging, understand the applicable requirements, prepare your documents, and choose a reliable shipping method.
If you are ready to take your Nigerian food products to international customers, STGB Logistics and Warehousing can help you with the logistics and shipping process.
Ready to Export Your Foodstuffs?
Don’t let shipping challenges stop you from taking your products beyond Nigeria.
Contact STGB Logistics and Warehousing today to discuss your cargo and get a shipping quote.
📞 +234 913 403 4148
📧 sales@stgb.co.com
STGB Logistics and Warehousing – Helping You Move Your Products Beyond Borders.