How To Start Akara Business In Nigeria
Akara is a popular Nigerian snack that is made from ground black-eyed peas that have been mixed with spices and deep-fried. It is a favorite breakfast food in Nigeria and is also enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.
How To Start Akara Business in Nigeria
Starting an akara business in Nigeria can be a lucrative venture, especially if you have a passion for cooking and entrepreneurship. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to start an akara business in Nigeria.
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
Before starting an akara business, it is essential to carry out market research to understand your target market and competition. You need to find out if there is a demand for akara in the area you intend to operate in and identify your potential customers. Some of the key things to consider during your research include the price of your competitors’ products, their packaging, and branding.
Step 2: Develop a Business Plan
A business plan is essential in starting any business. It will help you identify the resources you need to start and run your business, including the amount of capital you require, the equipment you need, and the staff you need to hire. You should also develop a marketing plan, which outlines how you intend to promote your business and attract customers.
Step 3: Choose a Suitable Location
The location of your business is critical to your success. You need to select a location that is easily accessible to your target market and has high foot traffic. It would be best to choose a location that is close to residential areas or offices where people can easily stop by and buy akara.
Step 4: Get the Necessary Equipment
To start an akara business, you need a few pieces of equipment, including a blender, deep fryer, bowls, spoons, measuring cups, and a weighing scale. You also need to get food-grade packaging materials and labels.
Step 5: Source for Raw Materials
You will need to source for high-quality black-eyed peas, spices, and oil for your akara business. It would be best to buy your ingredients in bulk from a reliable supplier to reduce your cost of production.
Step 6: Hire Staff
If you plan to operate a large akara business, you may need to hire staff to assist you. You need to hire staff with excellent cooking skills, customer service skills, and a passion for the business.
Step 7: Start Production
Once you have all the necessary equipment, raw materials, and staff, you can start producing your akara. You need to ensure that your akara is of high quality and consistent in taste, texture, and size.
Step 8: Package and Brand Your Products
Packaging and branding are essential in creating a strong brand identity and attracting customers. You need to create an attractive and recognizable packaging design and label your products with your business name, logo, and contact information.
Step 9: Market and Sell Your Products
Marketing is crucial in attracting customers to your akara business. You can use social media, flyers, word-of-mouth, and promotions to create awareness and promote your business. You can also sell your products through food delivery platforms like Jumia Food, Uber Eats, and Bolt Food.
Examples of Successful Akara Businesses in Nigeria
1. Mama Akara: Mama Akara is a popular akara vendor located in Lagos. The business has been in operation for over ten years and has built a loyal customer base due to its consistent quality and excellent customer service.
2. Akara Academy: Akara Academy is an online school that teaches people how to make akara and other Nigerian snacks. The business has been successful in training thousands of people in Nigeria and beyond.
What Are The Ingredients For Akara?
The ingredients for Akara are:
- Black-eyed peas (also known as cowpeas) – 2 cups
- Water – enough to blend the black-eyed peas
- Scotch bonnet pepper (or any hot pepper of your choice) – 1 or 2 (depending on your preference)
- Onion – 1 medium-sized
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Vegetable oil – enough for deep-frying
Note: Some people also add spices like crayfish, garlic, ginger, or even herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor of the akara. These are optional ingredients, and you can add them based on your preference.
How Much Can I Make Selling Akara
The amount of money you can make selling akara in Nigeria depends on several factors, including the size of your business, the number of customers you have, your pricing strategy, and your overhead costs. On average, a small-scale akara business can make between N20,000 to N50,000 ($50 to $125) per week, while a large-scale business can make up to N500,000 ($1,250) per month.
Your profit margins will depend on the cost of your raw materials, the cost of running your business (rent, staff salaries, utilities), and your pricing strategy. If you are able to keep your overhead costs low and price your products competitively, you can make a good profit selling akara. Additionally, you can increase your profit margins by diversifying your product offerings, such as adding other snacks or beverages to your menu.