Derived from dried Coconut kernels, Coconut oil stands out as a very good source of nutrients to us humans and even animals most especially when it is cold pressed. It has been proven to be a more nutritive product compared to groundnut oil. Though the production of this oil is not majorly practiced in Nigeria maybe due to the expensive nature of the cost of production, the business is a profitable one even when managed in a small scale.
Coconut oil has been very much beneficial to mankind as it has been used for different purposes. It aids the human body's immune system by fighting against micro organisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites and so on.
In recent times, cosmetics companies have made adequate use of coconut oil in the production of moisturizing lotion, massage oil, soap and other related products.
Guide to starting a small scale coconut oil production business
Coconut oil business is very lucrative and the production process can be Carried out in the comfort of your home. To become a full time coconut oil manufacturer, you must follow this useful tips one after the other carefully.
Learn all that is required about the business
There are different things you might not know about the business. Even after knowing the source, you still don't know enough for you to dive into the business so quickly.
There are tips you should know about like the different types of coconut oil, the expiry date, materials needed for production of the oil, how it can be produced and treated, how to package and store the product etc.
You can learn most of these tips online but for better understanding and effectiveness, I prefer you consult an expert in the business.
Carry out a quality research on all there is about coconut oil production then you can proceed to the next step.
Choose a type of coconut oil
There are varieties of coconut oil you can choose to produce and they are virgin coconut oil, red bleached and deoxidized coconut oil, pure coconut oil and fractionalized coconut oil. Each oil has its own unique way of production. This is a major reason you need to study the production process carefully.
Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut kernel known as copra in the presence of high energy and contains fatty acids for the improvement of the body's immune system.
Red bleached and deoxidized coconut oil is a tasteless, odourless and impurity free coconut oil gotten from the extraction of oil from coconut using hexane as solvent.
Pure coconut oil is a yellowish or brownish coconut oil produced by exposing copra to impurities like mold. With a short shelf life of about less than a year, this oil is refined using cheap filtration system.
Fractionalized coconut oil as the name implies is the fraction of oil containing medium chain triglycerides after the oil is extracted and has undergone hydrolysis. After hydrolysis, Fractional distillation is then carried out to separate the oil into fractions according to their properties.
Each individual coconut oil has its own unique purpose so you are expected to know the purpose of your product.
Reach out to coconut suppliers
Get in touch with suppliers of coconuts. This is an essential part of the business. Without the coconuts then production is suspended. Reach out to reliable sellers that always have these coconuts in stock and not those that sell at specific intervals.
Ensure not to purchase spoilt ones. Sometimes it can be difficult to detect spoilt coconuts so be wise not to waste your money.
Legalize the business
Ensure to do a formal registration of the coconut oil production business. Do this to avoid being chased by corporate bodies.
Company registration also makes your business look legit and the products, of good standard in the site of your customers.
Have a plan
Use a coconut oil production business plan to guide you in the course of running your business successfully.
Read More: How To Write A Legit Business plan
Begin production
The production process of extracting coconut oil is basically of 3 stages; the pretreatment of coconut, extraction of oil and the refining of the extracted oil.
In detailed explanation, you begin the process by bringing out the kernel from the coconut. This is done by breaking the coconut after which you cut the kernels into pieces to be ready for blending.
While blending, add little water to ease the operation. The blended coconuts are then filtered and squeezed properly till the coconut looses almost or all of the moisture present inside it. Place the liquid and coconut flakes in separate bowls. Then store the liquid for a while.
After some time, maybe a day or two, the liquid separates into 3 layers. With the oil at the middle of the storage container, cream at the top and the water at the bottom.
The cream is used for other purposes and the water can also be discarded. The oil is further filtered until it becomes very clear and pure.
Marketing
This is the final stage where you get to devise various means to promote your business. You can start by customizing a well attractive package for the product. You can also try various advertising platforms and improve on the delivery service you render. Use both online and offline measures to promote your business.
You can supply the oil to food restaurants and companies, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, stores and to individuals.
Hope you found this article educative? You can leave a comment to share your thoughts and knowledge about the business.
