Nigerian foodstuffs are becoming increasingly popular in the USA, thanks to the large Nigerian community and the growing interest in African cuisine.
Exporting these products can be a great way to earn money while promoting Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage.
However, the process requires proper planning and following the rules.
Here are an easy guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Find Out What People Want
The first step is to research what foodstuffs are in demand.
Nigerians in the USA often look for products like:
- Yam and cassava (garri, fufu, or yam flour).
- Palm oil, egusi, ogbono, and crayfish.
- Dried fish, stockfish, and snails.
- Spices and seasonings like suya spice or ata rodo (dry pepper).
You can talk to African store owners, restaurants, or members of the Nigerian community in the USA to find out what sells best.
Step 2: Learn The Rules For Exporting Food
The USA has strict rules about bringing in food to ensure it’s safe to eat. You need to follow these guidelines to successfully export your foodstuffs.
- FDA Registration: You must register your business with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Proper Labels: Your food must have clear labels in English showing ingredients, expiry dates, and allergens.
- Food Safety: Make sure your products are clean, pest-free, and properly packaged.
- Restricted Items: Some items, like certain types of smoked fish or unprocessed meat, may not be allowed.
Step 3: Get The Right Documents
To avoid issues at customs, you need to have the proper paperwork, including:
- Export Licence: Get this from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
- Certificate of Origin: This shows your products are made in Nigeria.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Needed for plant-based items like garri or yam, to confirm they are pest-free.
- NAFDAC Approval: Make sure your products meet Nigerian quality standards before exporting.
Step 4: Prepare And Package Your Food Properly
How you prepare and package your food for export matters a lot.
- Processing: Dry, grind, or process items like crayfish, yam, or pepper to prevent them from spoiling during shipping.
- Packaging: Use strong, food-safe packaging that keeps the products fresh. The labels should have clear instructions in English.
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Good packaging not only protects the food but also makes it attractive to buyers.
Step 5: Choose The Right Shipping Method
Shipping can be done by air or sea:
- Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Good for small, urgent shipments.
- Sea Freight: Cheaper but takes longer. Ideal for sending large quantities. It takes 3 weeks – 2 months.
As a newbies, work with a shipping company experienced in food exports.
They can help you with customs paperwork and ensure your goods arrive safely.
Step 6: Clear Your Goods At US Customs
To get your food into the USA, you need to register with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Hiring a customs broker can make this process easier.
The broker will help with:
- Handling all customs documents.
- Ensuring your goods meet US regulations.
- Helping with inspections, if needed.
Step 7: Sell Your Products
Once your foodstuffs are in the USA, it’s time to sell! Here’s how:
- African Stores: Contact grocery stores that cater to African communities in cities like Houston, New York, and Atlanta. You can use Google get to their names and contacts.
- Online Sales: Sell your products on platforms like Instagram, Facebook or create your own website.
- Restaurants: Partner with Nigerian and African restaurants that need authentic ingredients.
Step 8: Maintain Quality And Build Trust
To grow your business, focus on quality and reliability. Make sure your food is always fresh, well-packaged, and delivered on time. Happy customers will recommend your products to others, helping your business grow.
Start small, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from experts or other exporters.
