As the mango harvesting season approaches in Kenya, which runs from October to February, an influx of mangoes will soon flood the market. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this nutritious fruit will go to waste simply because it cannot reach the market in time. This cycle of waste has persisted year after year.

But can a small entrepreneur make a difference? Absolutely. In many developed countries, excess mangoes are transformed into mango powder, extending their shelf life and creating new market opportunities. Here’s how you can tap into this lucrative venture.

Why Mango Powder is a Promising Business Opportunity

Turning mangoes into powder is a form of value addition. Fresh mangoes are highly perishable, but by converting them into powder, you can preserve their value and extend their usability.

So, who buys mango powder? The answer is anyone who enjoys mangoes. Potential buyers include yogurt manufacturers, bakeries, juice makers, and health-conscious households. Globally, mango powder is especially popular in Asia and the USA , where it’s used to enhance meals and beverages.

Getting Started with Mango Powder Production

  1. Secure Mango Supply: Begin by establishing connections with local farmers to ensure a consistent supply of mangoes. During peak season, mangoes typically cost around Ksh.15 per kilo. Kenya’s semi-arid Eastern region is the largest producer, including areas like Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Embu (Ishiara), and Kitui.
  2. Acquire Equipment:
    • Biomass Solar Dryer: You can either build this yourself or purchase a ready-made unit.
    • Grinder: Essential for converting dried mango peels into powder. For smaller operations, a food processor (Ksh.5,000) will suffice. For larger-scale production, consider a manual grinder (Ksh.90,000) or an electric grinder (Ksh.400,000).
    • Optional Preservatives: Sodium benzoate can enhance shelf life and is available at local food color shops.
    • Packaging Supplies: Transparent packaging bags and a sealer can be found at stores specializing in polythene products.

Estimated Budget

These are estimates and might vary from your location

  • Mangoes (Initial Stock): Ksh.10,000
  • Solar Dryer: Ksh.10,000
  • Grinder (Food Processor): Ksh.5,000
  • Sodium Benzoate: Ksh.1,000
  • Packaging Equipment: Ksh.5,000
  • Miscellaneous: Ksh.5,000

Total Budget: Ksh.36,000

Profit Potential

The economics are straightforward. It takes about 120 mangoes to produce 1 kilogram of mango powder, which can sell for around Ksh.1,000. The cost of 120 mangoes is approximately Ksh.300, so the return on investment is significant. For instance, Ksh.10,000 worth of mangoes can yield about Ksh.30,000 in sales, and Ksh.100,000 worth of mangoes can generate Ksh.300,000 in returns.

Final Thoughts

Venturing into mango powder production not only offers a profitable opportunity but also contributes to reducing waste and supporting local farmers. With a modest initial investment, you can drive positive change and potentially establish a pioneering local industry in agri-business. Cheers to a fruitful endeavor with mango powder!