How to Start and Succeed in Fruits Business in Nigeria
Starting a fruits business seems underrated but it’s one of the profitable business ideas in Nigeria. Have you ever thought about starting any related fruits business? This article will expose you to everything you need to succeed in running a fruits business in Nigeria
Fruits are consumed by almost every Nigerian for different reasons. Some take it every day to augment their meals while some take it periodically to breakfast and for other reasons. In short, there is a large market for the fruit business in Nigeria.
Fruits also have many health benefits including giving vitamins and minerals, weight loss benefits, relieving constipation, and so on. Examples of fruits sold in Nigeria include Orange, Pineapple, Apple, Banana, Avocado, etc.
The fruit business doesn’t require a huge capital or any special skills to start. Also, it is highly demanded, especially in cities where it isn’t in abundance. Starting a fruit business will require a minimum capital of N15000 or more depending on your capability and location.
There are also many business opportunities for fruits business asides from the selling of fruits in a shop or on the roadside. You can choose to face the exportation of fruits outside the country or even start a fresh juice business. Selling in large quantities to large pharmaceutical companies, supermarkets and wholesalers is also there. All this will depend on your financial capability.
There are so many money-making opportunities in the fruit business. Check out the list of steps for you to get started.
Steps to Start Fruits Business in Nigeria
1. Market Survey
Almost every business requires a market survey. Not just for doing sake, but to understand what is obtainable in the business. The fruits business also requires a market survey.
You can do this survey by asking people who are already in the business questions. Getting to know where they source for fruits, the amount needed and essential materials to get started. Y
ou can also explore different business ideas relating to the fruits business. For example, you can visit Mile 12 in Lagos where fruits are sold in large quantities to observe and ask questions. You may also want to note the type of fruits rampant in different seasons.
Some of the fruits you can start with include;
- Oranges
- Pawpaw
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Plantain
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Mango
- Apple
- Guava
- Strawberry
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Garden egg, etc.
2. Capital
Most fruits businesses do not require special knowledge, skills, or training. And it only requires a little capital with your efforts and time. As said earlier, you can start with as low as N15000 depending on the type of fruit business you planned to run.
For a small-scale fruits business like selling at the roadside or shop, you may need up to N15,000 or more. While supplying supermarkets, pharmaceutical companies and exporting may require more than that. Your market survey should be able to inform you of the amount needed. Then you start thinking about how to raise the capital.
3. Equipment Needed
For a small-scale fruits business, you may not need a lot of equipment. Some of the equipment we think you may need to include;
- Sharp Knife
- Blender
- Table and Chairs
- Packaging nylon and others
- Plastic plates (Takeaways)
- Ice cooling box
- Rack
- Tray
- Toothpick, etc.
4. Location
Of course, location is important to any business including the fruits business. As you have noticed, many fruits business are located near junctions, Central Park, busy roads, supermarkets, recreation centers, and schools.
This isn’t just a mere coincidence. It’s because that’s where most of their target audience is. So if you decided to start selling fruits, you should ensure your shop or standings are located near those sites.
5. Source For Fruits and Start Your Fruits Business
You can decide to buy directly from the northern states if you intend to supply retailers or wholesalers. Even though this is cheap, it is not advisable for a small-scale trader. Buy directly from wholesalers or large markets in your state. As it will save time and prevent the perishing of fruits.
After buying, the next thing is to start selling to your customers. Packaging and creativity are also needed here to attract different buyers.
With all these steps, your fruits business is ready to start making money for you. Check out some business tips to ensure your fruits business succeeded.
Tips to Ensure Success of your Fruits Business
1. Get fruits in small quantities when starting except you have a means of preserving them from getting spoilt.
2. Get the needed or sellable amount of fruits for 3 to 5 days at a time to avoid wastage.
3. Observe the fruit your customers like most and stock them in the required amount.
4. Avoid packing spoilt fruit with a fresh one to prevent spoilage.
5. Check your fruit from time to time and sell the ripe ones quickly before the unripe ones
6. Ensure your environment is always neat and keep flies away
7. Package your fruits in an attractive and transparent nylon
8. Keep fruits away from sunlight as it can destroy them. Ensure shades for them if you are selling in open ground.
9. Preserved in the fridge if available
10. Process riped fruits into juice to sell to avoid loss.
With all this knowledge, you are capable of starting and managing a profitable fruit business. We wish you success in starting one.
