We bring to you a quick but resourceful guide on how to start a plantain chips business and production in Nigeria.
These days, it is not uncommon to hear “what did you bring for us?” when a visitor came visiting, especially if he had to travel.
If not bread, then it will be plantain chips that are commonly acceptable, accessible, and shared after arriving from a journey, because it is cheap, packed in small sizes, it is easy to share among friends, families, and relatives.
No doubt, plantain chips production is gaining popularity in the streets making it one of the most lucrative business ideas in Nigeria I will recommend you to start.
As the name suggests, Plantain Chips are crunchy Nigerian snacks, desserts, or appetizers made with either ripe or unripe plantains.
Also known as sweet banana chips, it is one snack that is loved by almost everyone if not all especially in Nigeria, and healthy for all ages.
Plantain chips production is the frying of perfectly sliced ripe or unripe plantain in hot oil until it’s dry, crispy, and crunchy.
Plantain chips production is one of the easiest businesses you can start in Nigeria if you want to generate quick cash as the startup capital requirement is low.
This is a business you can do if you are unemployed and even if you are employed, you can do this business part-time and have additional income.
You can employ people to run the business for you. You can hardly lose money if you invest in the plantain chips production business, as there is an extremely large market in Nigeria.
Starting a plantain chips business will not be a bad idea, it is a good source of income.
Why Start Plantain Chips Production Business In Nigeria?
- Plantain chips are a great source of quick food.
- Plantain is a nutritious food that is rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- You can start the business from your home. You don’t need to rent a house to make plantain chips. Everything you need is located in your kitchen.
- It contains potassium which is essential for maintaining cells and body fluids that control heart rate and blood pressure.
- A source of employment.
- You do not need much knowledge
- The plantain chips business requires very little startup capital. You might check out the top loan apps in Nigeria for quick loans to start small.
- It is easily digestible and promotes bowel regularity.
- Plantain chips production involves the use of very little equipment.
- You can easily find customers. Plantain chips are a popular snack in Nigeria. You can start your plantain chips business by selling chips to your neighbors. If they like your chips, you can even begin to sell online.
- It can help to control body weight and it contains high antioxidant that helps to build the immune system.
- You don’t need to be the manufacturer to sell your own branded plantain chips. You can always be the ‘middle man’. You need to find people who want to make plantain chips. Your task will help them sell the snacks.
- Unlimited source of ingredients and raw materials. You can buy ingredients for plantain chips in your local market. Plantains are not likely to be a fade away for the next several centuries.
The primary business opportunity in the plantain chips business is its retail value for food as a quick snack that can be consumed in any location; making it a hot-selling commodity.
The setting up of the plantain chips factory is really simple depending on the size and output envisaged.
The process involved in the production is so simple that it is easy to produce and start a business on it with little amount. The profit margin is equally good in comparison with many other small-scale businesses.
The only precaution to watch out for is the season when plantain in Nigeria will be scarce which is around April and July and the price is very high inflating the cost of production.
To overcome that problem, you can have your own plantain plantation where you will have your plantain every year-round.
To learn the secret to that, check the article I have written on starting plantain farming in Nigeria. Another option is to diversify into related products with almost the same production line e.g. potato chips, coco-yam chips, Chin-Chin, etc.
Plantain Chips Production Process
First, it goes without saying that the business is one of the top daily income businesses in Nigeria.
The production of plantain chips follows a definite process line irrespective of how it’s been done.
The production line basically follows this Fryer pattern:
- Wash and peel the plantain.
- Slice the Plantain into a bowl of water. It is advisable to use a vegetable slicer to it will be equal; the water helps prevent the plantain slices from changing color. Slicing must not be too thick so as to get crispy or too thin to avoid breakage.
- Add Salt to taste and Stir
- Transfer the plantain slices to a sieve to drain the water.
- Add the grinded pepper, ginger, and garlic (optional)
- Frying temperature must not be too high to avoid burning. The temperature range must be maintained.
- Allow to cool off and package
Depending on the initial startup capital and how big you want to establish, the above process can be achieved manually, using a few and selected machines or fully automated machines.
There are special tools that can help you automatize plantain chips production.
Related: Pig farming in Nigeria – the ultimate guide
How to Start A Successful Plantain Chips Production Business
Preliminary Preparation
In this stage, make thorough research into the business. Get to know where you can get your plantain at cheaper prices.
If you decide to start small, it will be important to make contact with the farmers yourself.
If the location of the farmers is too far away, then make plans to get it from the main markets.
Include in your plan the Product Capital cost, Production cost, Packaging and Branding, Marketing, and Distribution strategies. Do not hesitate to ask for help from professionals.
Secure a Good Location
If your business is starting big and you plan to install a fully automated machine, then securing a location that you can use for your factory is important.
Get a place close to the farm where the plantain can be gotten from. Be sure the environment is hygienic enough for the processing and production of plantain chips.
Get necessary utensils and equipment
While you can start the business at the comfort of your home in your kitchen, it is ideal to separate some cooking utensils used at home from the ones to be used for your business.
The tools needed for this type of setup are knife, slicer, bowl, sieve, frying pan, source of fire for frying, stainless steel table, packaging nylon, sealing machine.
However, if you want to start on a large scale then you need to purchase and install the automated machine.
Raw material and ingredients
As mentioned earlier, it will be advantageous to own a plantain farm or buy from the farmers directly as that is the main raw material.
The following are the needed and optional ingredients:
- Vegetable Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Grinded Ginger (Optional)
- Onions (optional)
- Grinded Garlic (Optional)
- Grinded Pepper (Optional)
The optional ingredients above are only present to give the plantain chips a unique taste or flavor, so you can sell them in separate types of nylons.
Related: How to start a successful rabbit farming business in Nigeria
Branding and Packaging
Business Name is the name you want to give your business, it is the name you want to be known, make it unique and appealing.
This will give your plantain chips business a face in the market and since your chips taste special and unique, believe me, the news of your product will be spread easily.
You don`t want your product to be ignored while among other similar products.
Ensure plantain chips are enclosed in airtight transparent packaging nylon bags of different sizes.
Remember to put your unique product label that contains your product name, company name, contacts, and any other vital information you wish in each bag.
Sales and marketing
When you enter the market, you will have a lot of competitors. Therefore, you will need a precise marketing strategy.
There are a few marketing strategies that can be implemented. For example, offer free samples and discounts. One of the ways to convince people that you have the best product is to give them a taste.
Remember, you sell ideas and not products. This strategy has been tested across different businesses and it has proved to be effective.
True it will take some time to get substantial profit. However, once people recognize your product among others, you would have gotten a loyal customer base.
They will not mind paying now for the product they enjoyed so much. Another strategy is to cut into different styles and shapes.
If you want to be noticeable in the market, make some differences in products. Plantain chips usually have an oval form. Why don’t you make your square or rectangle? Be creative about selling the product!
Make smaller sizes. Children love to eat plantain chips. You can make smaller sizes to invite young customers to buy your product.
Sell your smile and friendliness. Train your sales representatives to always wear that outlook too. Nobody buys from a gloomy businessperson no matter how tasty the products are.
Distribute to various strategic spots like schools, Super Markets, grocery stores, Petty Trade areas, Local Markets, traders selling in traffic, motor parks, and garages.
You can also start selling on the internet. Get to know what your customers want, the spices & seasoning they prefer, and align your production to their choice.
Make both plantain chips with both ripe and unripe plantain to give a variety to your customers. Explore all marketing strategies within your reach and budget.
Related: How to start a successful hair salon business in Nigeria
Conclusion on Plantain Chips Production Business
The plantain chips business in Nigeria can be a Lucrative and profitable venture, due to its vast market demands and on your own ability to build a wide supply chain network.
If you’re looking for a business to venture into, the plantain chips business in Nigeria is another option to explore
Nigerians love to eat plantain chips. It`s one of the yummiest snacks in the world! Plantain chips can provide you a fortune if you invest enough effort and dedicate some time to your business. Your revenues are dependent on your consistency.
With as low as N50,000, you can start this business from home and you can generate an income of at least N5,000 per day when you are able to produce, distribute and sell at least 500 packets of plantain chips of different sizes on daily basis.
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Thanks so much. Just what I am looking for.
You’re welcome
What is the role of NAFDAC in this business and how can one get NAFDAC registration if it is necessary?
Thank you.
Great Article, this is just what I needed. I already started but wanted gain more knowledge, I’m glad I researched. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment
I would like to do it infact it’s something am about to start God help me
Wow! I would like doing the business
Nice Article
I love it
Thanks