In 2024 according to Action aid, it has been estimated that over 50% of the Food produced in the country has been lost from harvest to consumption in Nigeria, all this is a result of many factors and a major playing factor is our humid climate and a lack of proper storage and post-harvest management knowledge. Fresh food and perishable are the drivers of our daily consumption in Nigeria and because over 50% of what the farmers produce goes to waste, there is a shortage of food available in the market for purchase and consumption thereby causing an increase in price for the consumers and a decrease in profit for the farmers and aggregators. This presents a real challenge and that is where cold storage comes in. For fresh food businesses in Nigeria, investing in cold storage isn’t just a way to preserve products; it’s a powerful tool for maximizing profit.
How Can Cold Storage Minimize Waste and Enhance Product Quality to Maximize Profit?
Reducing Post-Harvest Loss: One of the biggest obstacles for fresh food businesses is the high rate of waste caused by spoilage. Perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats have a limited lifespan, especially when exposed to Nigeria’s high temperatures which is the major cause of spoilage in fresh food, the high temperature gives bacteria a convenient home to grow. At Ecotutu our Solar-powered cold storage solutions are helping to tackle this issue head-on. By providing consistent, cool temperatures, our systems prevent the rapid degradation of food, extending the shelf life of perishable items.
By maintaining the right temperatures, cold storage helps retain the nutritional content, texture, and taste of fresh foods, giving customers a product that is fresher, safer, and more appealing. Higher quality products not only justify premium prices but also foster customer loyalty as customers are more likely to return to a vendor who consistently provides fresh, high-quality goods. So, enhancing product quality with reliable cold storage is a powerful way to strengthen customer trust and keep them coming back thereby maximizing profit.
Consistent Supply and Demand Fulfillment: When you can store food longer, you can better align your supply with demand. This means you’re not forced to sell perishable goods immediately, which can cause market saturation that will lead to price cuts in peak seasons. Instead, you can wait for optimal market conditions to
achieve the best prices for your goods, maximizing revenue and experiencing a significant growth in Profit. With cold storage farmers can even transport their goods from the farm over longer distances and reach new customer bases. For example, Farmers and aggregators who use our cooling vans are able to keep their products fresh even on lengthy transit routes, allowing them to expand their market reach, tapping into more distant or underserved markets, thereby increasing their sales potential and profitability.
Cold storage isn’t just a solution; it’s a strategic advantage. In a competitive market, businesses that can consistently provide fresh, high-quality products stand out. By investing in cold storage solutions, you not only improve your product offering but also differentiate your business as one that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and reliability. Aside from the financial benefits, reducing waste through effective cold storage has a positive impact on the environment. Spoiled produce often ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane a potent greenhouse gas. By using solar-powered cold storage to minimize food waste, your business contributes to a more sustainable supply chain. This environmental responsibility doesn’t just align with global efforts to reduce waste but also appeals to eco-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainable brands.
Success stories from some Local businesses that have implemented our cold storage solution into their business
A year after the deployment of a cold room for the preservation of both protein and vegetable in Sabongida Nasarawa State, as well as the local market acceptance of a better way to preserve their product, A survey was carried out to determine the impact the availability of a cold storage system has had on their business. It was gathered that local businesses have seen a significant increase in profit and sustainability since the introduction of cold storage into their business. According to Musa Adamu, a trader surveyed, cold storage is “saving thousands of Naira monthly by keeping produce fresh.” He used to lose large portions of his stock to heat and spoilage, but now, with access to a solar-powered cold room, those losses are significantly reduced.
“The vegetables stay crisp, and the fish stays firm,” explained Abdullahi Useni, a farmer who has seen a major boost in sales. Farmers and traders alike shared that customers have noticed and appreciate the improved quality, which has also allowed them to command higher prices and grow their customer base. For many farmers and traders, the transition to off-grid cold storage isn’t just about better preservation; it’s also about managing costs. Before access to solar-powered options, they relied heavily on diesel-powered storage, which ate into profits. “Now, we aren’t spending on fuel, and that money goes back into our pockets,” said Haruna Musa, a long-time vegetable farmer in the area. This cost savings has left the majority of respondents feeling “very satisfied” with their cold storage access, especially in terms of its economic impact.
The average increase in profit for all participants interviewed was approximately 23.47% after gaining access to cold storage solutions. This increase reflects the positive financial impact that reliable, off-grid cooling has had on their businesses, helping to reduce spoilage, enhance product quality, and increase profitability.
Our survey shows that cold storage has changed how Sabongida’s farmers and traders operate. With this critical infrastructure in place, they’ve gained a level of resilience against Nigeria’s challenging climate and can meet growing market demands. Solar-powered cold storage is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer that brings both economic and environmental sustainability to local communities.
