Tomato Paste Production Business In Nigeria- Complete guide

 

Actually Tomato is a common vegetable or fruit which is consumed in all parts of the world. Tomato is a staple food in every household in Nigeria. The bright red fruit is known for its richness in lycopene, fiber, and other vital vitamins and minerals, as well as for its diseases fighting phyto-chemicals content.

Tomato as a fruit or vegetable can be consumed in its raw state and it can also be ground along with pepper for cooking. Tomato can also be processed into other forms like tin tomato paste, sauce, puree.

On this article we are going to focus on the processing aspect of its consumption. We are also going to look at how to start tomato paste production business in Nigeria.

To actually start tomato paste production business in Nigeria it requires a huge start-up capital for you to be successful. The business is however a very profitable business, hence, be rest assured to get huge returns.

 

 

HOW TO VENTURE INTO TOMATO PASTE BUSINESS

The following are the important steps you need to take when you are ready to start the business:

 

 

1.    Carryout a thorough research: This involve gathering facts on figures and viability of the business. Obviously, you are trying to avoid making notable mistakes or squandering of funds. If properly carried out, the result from a good feasibility study would help you understand all the costs you will probably need in setting up your tomato paste production business, how best to cut costs and maximize your profits, your expected return on investment and a whole lot more. Doing a thorough research beforehand bring to your knowledge the pros and cons of the business which will guide you in decision making.

 

 

2.    Go Legal: Start-up involves registration and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from necessary bodies. This is majorly because it is a consumable product. It is best if you make inquiries from already established tomato paste production businesses in the country concerning the license and permits you will need for your business. Remember that the business is highly regulated by NAFDAC.

 

 

3.    Look for a suitable location: A good location will contribute to the success of your business. When choosing a land, you need to consider some important factors such as closeness to source of raw material (majorly fresh tomato farms), closeness to markets, availability of work force, etc.

 

 

4.    Get the necessary equipments: The next step is to get the needed equipments for your tomato paste production business. Also ensure you get competent engineers to do the installation of the machines. Below is a list of the necessary equipments you will need for the tomato paste production business; Generator, Screw Pump, Fruit Washer, Fine Pulper, Steam Jacketed Kettles, RSSP, Fruit Mill, RSSP Cooler, Storage Tank, Water Piping, SS Tank, Water Chiller, Tomato Paste Form Fill and Seal Machine, Boiler, Steam Piping, Steam Pressure Reducing Station, Product Piping and Valves, Cooling Tower Pump and Piping, Delivery Truck, etc.  

 

All these equipments will cost you about twenty million naira (#20,000,000) to get them brand new.

 

 

5.      Source for Raw Materials: It is advisable to situate your tomato paste production business close to one or two tomato farms. This is to cut back on the cost of transportation.

 

Although you will need other raw materials such as preservatives, the major raw material you will need for your business are fresh tomatoes. You must make sure you get very fresh tomatoes so as to ensure great product quality and taste.

 

 

6.     Employ Experienced & Qualified Staff: Tomato paste production is a sensitive business as it pertains to food and health, hence, you must ensure strict quality control throughout the whole process. Putting this into consideration, you need to hire only experienced and capable hands to handle the production and packaging section. You will need a combo of skilled and unskilled workers ranging from engineers, accountants, computer operators, sales and marketing executives to semi skilled and unskilled workers. However, you will not have to worry much about paying them since the business generates great profits when handled properly, and so you will not have to break the bank just to your workers.

 

 

7.    Ensure Attractive Packaging: Packaging is very important when it comes to selling your products in Nigeria. You may have a great product, with great taste, but it is actually the packaging that will make the first and lasting impression on customers. In fact, it is the packaging that makes the difference between one tin tomato brand and the other. You need to clarify your mode of packaging i.e. Do you want to use tins, sachets, bottles or all.

 

 

 

8.     Identify your Market: You need to identify the market including both your target market and your competitors. Fine! Almost every Nigerian household makes use of tin tomato, but it is vital you are very specific about your target market. Your target market should include the following: Households and individuals, Food processors, Market Women, Hotels and Restaurants, Supermarket and grocery stores, etc. 

You need to be aware of the competitions in the market and find a way to have a UNIQUE SELLING POINT (UPS) which will help you stand out in the industry.

 

TAKE HOME

Tomato Paste Production business is a lucrative one, provided you start on a solid ground with intensive capital. Ensure proper supervision and monitoring of the production and packaging staff to promote highest level of hygiene.

 

With the steps we've outlined in this post, we believe you will find it easier to kickstart, provided you have the needed capital.