Guys, I’ve got gist for you! Do you know you can actually start a tomato powder business and make cool cash? Okay, grab your popcorn, relax on your chair, and let me gist you.
So, I was in Jos last week—ohhh, I didn’t feel like coming back! Fresh tomatoes were everywhere, so red, so juicy, and very affordable. You know Jos tomatoes have that unique taste, right? Anyway, as I was pricing some baskets, I noticed a woman beside me. She looked like she knew exactly what she was doing, not the type to just buy a few baskets for home use.
Curious, I struck up a conversation. She told me she came all the way from Lagos to buy 25 baskets of fresh tomatoes. Now, I was expecting her to say she owned a big shop or supplied restaurants, but her response shocked me. She smiled and said, “I don’t have a shop. I actually buy fresh tomatoes, wash them, dehydrate them, package them, and sell. Some, I blend into powder after drying, package it, and sell too.”
At that moment, my brain did a quick calculation—this woman had cracked the code! She told me she stores her tomato powder and sells it when fresh tomatoes become scarce and expensive. Imagine that! While others are complaining about tomato prices, she’s making money. Even better, her business is properly registered with CAC, and she has NAFDAC approval, meaning she can sell in supermarkets and even export.
Guys, this is actually a goldmine! The way we rely on imported tomato paste when we have an abundance of fresh tomatoes in Nigeria doesn’t make sense. Why should farmers lose money when there’s a simple way to preserve tomatoes and make them last all year?
Now, let’s dive deeper into this business. If you’re serious about starting a tomato powder business in Nigeria, here’s what you need to know.
First, sourcing fresh tomatoes is key. The best places to buy in bulk at cheap rates are Jos, Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria. Once you have your tomatoes, the next step is drying. If you’re starting small, sun-drying on clean, raised surfaces works, but for better hygiene and faster results, solar dryers are the best option.
After drying, the tomatoes need to be blended into a fine powder. A good quality blender or grinding machine will do the job. Then comes packaging—airtight, vacuum-sealed sachets are best to keep moisture out and extend the shelf life.
Now, let’s talk about what makes this business legit—registration. To sell your tomato powder in supermarkets and online platforms like Jumia or Konga, you need:
1. CAC Registration – You must register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to operate legally.
2. NAFDAC Approval – Since it’s a food product, you must register with NAFDAC to certify that your tomato powder meets quality and safety standards. This process includes lab testing and site inspection.
3. Branding & Marketing – A good brand name, attractive packaging, and social media presence can set you apart. Sell online, approach supermarkets, and market to restaurants and caterers who buy in bulk.
The beauty of this business is that demand never stops. Restaurants, food vendors, and busy households need an easy, preservable alternative to fresh tomatoes. And when the price of fresh tomatoes skyrockets? That’s when tomato powder sellers smile to the bank.
So, my people, what do you think? Are you ready to turn tomatoes into money? Because, trust me, this gist is not just sweet—it’s profitable!
featured image Photo by Aa Dil
