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Daily Consumables to Sell: 20 Profitable Ideas for Entrepreneurs

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| Updated:
January 14, 2025
Daily Consumables to Sell
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Daily consumables are essential products that people use and replace frequently, making them a lucrative business idea for entrepreneurs. These everyday items, ranging from food staples to personal care products, cater to the consistent needs of consumers. For entrepreneurs in Nigeria, the demand for daily consumable products presents an opportunity to build a sustainable and profitable business. In this article, we explore 20 profitable daily consumables to sell in Nigeria.

Whether you’re starting small or looking to expand, these ideas can guide you towards success in the competitive market of everyday consumable products.

See also: How To Start A Successful Supermarket Business In Nigeria

What Are Daily Consumables?

Daily consumables refer to products used or consumed regularly, often requiring frequent replacement. These include food items, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and more. The defining feature of consumables that sell fast is their essential nature , they cater to everyday needs and are relatively affordable.

In Nigeria, where population growth drives demand, investing in these items can be a lucrative opportunity.

Why You Should Sell Daily Consumables

  1. High Demand:
    • Daily consumables cater to basic needs, making them a consistent choice for consumers. Products like food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies are always in demand regardless of economic conditions.
  2. Steady Revenue Stream:
    • Since these items are used and replaced frequently, they ensure a steady flow of income. Repeat purchases from loyal customers can help establish a stable business.
  3. Low Entry Barrier:
    • Selling daily consumables often requires minimal startup capital, especially for products that can be sourced locally. Entrepreneurs can start small and scale as their customer base grows.
  4. Diverse Product Range:
    • The variety of consumables, from beverages to health products allows entrepreneurs to target multiple customer segments and adapt to market trends.
  5. Opportunities for Innovation:
    • Entrepreneurs can differentiate their offerings with unique packaging, eco-friendly options, or specialised products tailored to specific demographics, such as organic food or luxury toiletries.
  6. Resilience in Economic Downturns:
    • Unlike luxury goods, daily consumables are essential and continue to sell even during challenging economic times, ensuring business continuity.

Factors to Consider Before Selling Daily Consumables

  1. Market Research:
    • Identify products with high demand in your locality.
    • Study competitors to understand pricing, customer preferences, and supply chains.
    • Analyse trends in consumer behaviour and adjust your offerings accordingly.
  2. Location and Distribution:
    • Choose strategic locations like busy markets, schools, or residential areas to maximise visibility.
    • Invest in an efficient distribution network to ensure consistent supply to retailers or end customers.
    • Explore partnerships with local delivery services to cater to online orders.
  3. Storage and Packaging:
    • Invest in proper storage facilities, especially for perishable goods, to maintain product quality.
    • Ensure your packaging is durable, attractive, and eco-friendly to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
    • Consider branding opportunities through customised packaging to build brand recognition.
  4. Pricing and Profit Margins:
    • Set competitive prices while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
    • Monitor the market regularly to adjust pricing based on demand and supply fluctuations.
    • Offer bulk purchase discounts to attract retailers or loyal customers.
  5. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Ensure all products meet health and safety regulations, particularly food and personal care items.
    • Obtain necessary licences or permits, such as those required for selling fuel or alcoholic beverages.
    • Stay updated on tax requirements and other legal obligations to avoid penalties.

Top 20 Daily Consumables to Sell

1. Food Stuffs

Food stuffs like rice, beans, yam, garri, flour, and pasta are fundamental in Nigerian households. These items are part of every family’s daily meals, making them indispensable. The constant demand for these consumables ensures a steady flow of customers and repeat purchases, providing a reliable revenue stream for sellers

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How to Start:

  • Source from reputable wholesalers or local farmers to ensure affordability and freshness.
  • Test demand in your area by starting with a small inventory.
  • Set up a stall in local markets or supply small quantities to neighbourhood shops.
  • Explore online platforms like Jumia or WhatsApp for direct-to-consumer sales.

Marketing Strategy:

  • Promote availability on social media platforms, especially in local community groups.
  • Highlight bundle deals like a “monthly food basket” to attract families.
  • Use WhatsApp status updates to showcase fresh stock daily.
  • Partner with food delivery services to reach a wider audience

2. Cooking Oil and Spices

Palm oil, vegetable oil, and groundnut oil are essential ingredients in Nigerian cuisine. Popular spices like Maggi cubes, curry, thyme, and ginger enhance the flavour of meals and are consumed daily in households, restaurants, and catering businesses. Selling these items in bulk or retail can guarantee a consistent customer base.

How to Start:

  • Partner with established spice brands or local oil producers.
  • Buy in bulk to secure cost advantages.
  • Package spices in small, affordable portions for retail sales.
  • Identify gaps in the market, such as organic or health-focused spices

Marketing Strategy:

  • Offer free recipe guides featuring your spices.
  • Run promotions and limited time offers like “buy two, get one free” to encourage bulk purchases.
  • Display visually appealing packaging to attract customers in retail spaces.
  • Collaborate with local chefs or food influencers to showcase your products.

3. Beverages

Beverages such as tea, coffee, powdered milk, cocoa, and malt drinks are staples in homes and hospitality establishments. These items cater to breakfast needs and social gatherings, ensuring frequent demand. Branding and quality can set your products apart in this competitive market.

How to Start:

  • Source from popular beverage brands and wholesalers.
  • Stock a mix of affordable and premium options to cater to different audiences.
  • Offer bulk supplies for offices or cafes.
  • Diversify into niche options like herbal teas or locally made drinks..

Marketing Strategy:

  • Collaborate with cafes and kiosks to supply your products.
  • Use digital platforms such as Instagram to display appealing beverage combinations.
  • Host free sampling events and engage influencers to review your products.

4. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water

Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are popular at events and among families. Bottled water remains a necessity, especially in regions with unreliable access to clean water. By stocking these fast-moving consumables, sellers can capitalise on high turnover rates.

How to Start:

  • Partner with major drink distributors for wholesale access.
  • Establish a small shop or kiosk in a high-traffic area.
  • Invest in delivery bikes for supplying event orders.
  • Explore co-branding opportunities for customised water bottles.

Marketing Strategy:

  • Advertise event packages that include a mix of drinks and bottled water.
  • Collaborate with event planners for bulk sales.
  • Use banners and signage at your store to promote special offers.
  • Offer discounts for regular customers or large orders.

5. Snacks

Packaged snacks such as biscuits, plantain chips, chin-chin, and groundnuts cater to diverse consumer needs. They are convenient, affordable, and widely consumed by children and adults alike, making them ideal for retail stores, supermarkets, and street vendors.

How to Start:

  • Learn snack-making for a homemade touch or source from local producers.
  • Consider small-scale production of local snacks or retail branded options.

Marketing Strategy:

  • Offer custom-branded packaging to set your products apart.
  • Sell near schools, offices, or busy transit points to capture impulsive buyers.

6. Bread and Pastries

Bread is a staple breakfast item in Nigerian homes, while pastries like cakes and doughnuts appeal to a broad audience. Freshly baked goods are in high demand daily, and setting up a bakery or partnering with one can yield significant profits.

How to Start:

  • Partner with local bakeries or start your own.
  • Focus on producing fresh and high-quality bread.
  • Offer delivery services for families and offices.
  • Add varieties like whole grain bread or pastries.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Showcase fresh bakes on social media.
  • Offer free delivery for bulk orders.
  • Partner with schools and eateries for daily supply.
  • Use word-of-mouth marketing to build trust.

7. Vegetables and Fruits

Fresh produce such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, bananas, and oranges is essential for daily meals. Sourcing locally ensures quality and affordability, while consistent supply can build customer loyalty. Sellers can also explore adding value through pre-packaged produce.

How to Start:

  • Partner with local farmers or produce markets.
  • Add value by offering pre-packaged or cleaned vegetables.
  • Use cold storage to maintain freshness.
  • Target local markets or households with delivery services.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Promote freshness and source transparency online.
  • Offer subscription plans for weekly deliveries.
  • Provide discounts for bulk purchases.
  • Use social media to showcase stock availability.

8. Dairy Products

Yoghurt, butter, and powdered milk are vital for households and hospitality businesses. These consumables cater to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring steady demand in urban and rural areas alike.

How to Start:

  • Partner with established dairy brands.
  • Use cold storage to ensure quality.
  • Stock both packaged and locally produced dairy.
  • Sell directly to restaurants and hotels.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Highlight the nutritional value of your products.
  • Offer combo packs with complementary items like bread.
  • Use influencer marketing to build trust.
  • Run loyalty programs for frequent buyers.

9. Frozen Foods

Items like fish, chicken, turkey, and prawns are essential for preparing protein-rich meals. Although they require proper storage facilities, the high demand for frozen foods makes this a profitable niche for sellers with access to refrigeration equipment and steady light.

How to Start:

  • Invest in reliable freezers for storage.
  • Partner with trusted suppliers for consistency.
  • Start by selling within your community.
  • Expand to restaurants and caterers as demand grows.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Advertise freshness and quality through digital campaigns.
  • Provide delivery services for convenience.
  • Create special deals for festive seasons.
  • Offer discounts for bulk purchases.

10. Personal Care Products

Products like soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, body creams, and shaving kits are daily essentials for hygiene and grooming. These items are recession-proof and offer consistent demand from different people, making them a secure investment.

How to Start:

  • Stock high-demand items like soaps and toothpaste.
  • Cater to niche markets (e.g., organic products).
  • Open a retail shop or sell online.
  • Partner with wholesalers for better prices.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Use influencer reviews to boost credibility.
  • Create sample packs for new customers.
  • Run referral programs.
  • Highlight affordability in your ads.

11. Baby Products

The rising birth rate in Nigeria ensures a constant market for baby consumables such as diapers, wipes, lotions, feeding bottles, and formula milk. Parents prioritise quality and safety, so stocking trusted brands can boost sales.

How to Start:

  • Stock essential items like diapers and wipes.
  • Partner with hospitals or clinics for bulk supply.
  • Offer delivery services for busy parents.
  • Bundle popular items into starter packs.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Collaborate with parenting influencers.
  • Use Facebook and other digital marketing ads targeting parents.
  • Highlight safety and quality in promotions.
  • Offer discounts for bulk or subscription purchases.

12. Detergents and Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning products like powder detergents, liquid soaps, mops, and disinfectants are crucial for maintaining hygiene in homes, schools, and offices. Offering both affordable and premium options can help attract a broader customer base.

How to Start:

  • Source from manufacturers or wholesalers.
  • Offer private-label options if possible.
  • Sell in residential areas and schools.
  • Consider producing small-batch liquid soaps.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Promote effectiveness via digital campaigns.
  • Partner with janitorial services for bulk sales.
  • Offer promotions like “buy two, get one free.”
  • Provide free samples to gain customer trust.

13. Toiletries

Essential toiletries such as tissue paper, sanitary pads, cotton wool, and shampoos are used daily by individuals and families. Consistent stock of these items can make your store a one-stop shop for personal hygiene needs.

How to Start:

  • Source high-demand items like sanitary pads and shampoos.
  • Offer budget-friendly and premium options.
  • Set up small outlets near residential areas.
  • Explore e-commerce for a wider reach.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Offer bulk purchase discounts.
  • Highlight quality and affordability in ads.
  • Run online campaigns targeting specific demographics.
  • Partner with schools and offices for wholesale supplies.

14. Fuel (Kerosene and Cooking Gas)

Many Nigerian households depend on kerosene and cooking gas for meal preparation. Selling these fuels, especially in under-served areas, provides a necessary service while generating and increasing revenue.

How to Start:

  • Obtain necessary licenses to sell kerosene and gas.
  • Partner with reliable suppliers for steady supply.
  • Set up shop in a high-demand area.
  • Offer home delivery services to increase convenience.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Use signage to advertise locally.
  • Provide loyalty discounts for regular customers.
  • Highlight safety tips in promotions.
  • Collaborate with community groups for outreach.

15. Phone Accessories

With the increasing reliance on smartphones, accessories like chargers, earphones, batteries, and screen protectors are everyday necessities. These items appeal to tech-savvy consumers and have a high profit margin.

How to Start:

  • Source popular phone accessories like chargers, earphones, and screen protectors from trusted wholesalers or importers.
  • Set up a physical store or kiosk in high-traffic areas like malls or near schools.
  • Start with small, fast-moving inventory to gauge demand.
  • Consider selling online through platforms like Jumia or social media marketplaces.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Run social media ads targeting smartphone users.
  • Offer discounts on bundled purchases (e.g., a charger and screen protector).
  • Create how-to videos showcasing your accessories, like proper charger usage.
  • Partner with phone repair shops to recommend your accessories.

16. Essential Lighting Products

Frequent power outages in Nigeria make lighting products like candles, rechargeable lamps, and matches indispensable for households. These items are easy to stock and sell, and their affordability ensures they remain fast-moving consumables. Entrepreneurs can also consider diversifying into solar-powered lighting for added value.

How to Start:

  • Stock essential lighting products such as candles, rechargeable lamps, and solar lights.
  • Source from trusted manufacturers.
  • Set up shop in areas with frequent power outages.
  • Offer delivery options for remote buyers.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Highlight affordability and reliability in ads.
  • Offer bulk sales to communities.
  • Promote on Facebook targeting rural areas.
  • Provide discounts during festive seasons.

17. Health Products

Painkillers, vitamins, first aid kits, and sanitary products are essential for wellness and healthcare. As more people prioritise their health, these items have become fast-moving consumables with reliable demand.

How to Start:

  1. Stock essential health products such as painkillers, vitamins, and first aid kits.
  2. Partner with trusted pharmaceutical suppliers.
  3. Set up shop near hospitals or health centres.
  4. Offer free health consultations to attract customers.

Marketing Strategies:

  1. Promote wellness tips on social media.
  2. Run discounts on combo packs (e.g., first aid + vitamins).
  3. Collaborate with local gyms or wellness centres.
  4. Use influencers to promote health awareness.

18. Alcoholic Drinks

Beer, wine, and spirits are popular for celebrations and leisure. Obtaining the necessary licences and maintaining a variety of options can help sellers thrive in this lucrative market.

How to Start:

  • Stock popular brands of beer, wine, and spirits.
  • Obtain required licenses for alcohol sales.
  • Set up shop in nightlife hubs or near event venues.
  • Offer customised drink packages for events.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Run ads on social media targeting event organisers.
  • Offer discounts for bulk purchases.
  • Partner with bars and restaurants for s

19. Pet Food

Urbanisation has led to an increase in pet ownership in Nigeria, driving demand for specialised pet foods for dogs, cats, and birds. This niche market offers growth potential for sellers willing to stock diverse options.

How to Start:

  • Source pet food from trusted manufacturers.
  • Stock options for different pets (dogs, cats, birds).
  • Open a small store or sell through an online platform.
  • Offer customised feeding solutions or bulk packages.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Promote on Instagram and TikTok using pet influencers.
  • Provide discounts for new pet owners.
  • Host pet food sampling events.
  • Offer educational content about pet nutrition.

20. Stationery Items

Office and school supplies such as pens, notebooks, staplers, and markers are essential for students, professionals, and businesses. Offering competitive prices and bulk purchase options can help capture a loyal clientele.

How to Start:

  • Stock essentials like pens, notebooks, and staplers.
  • Partner with schools and offices for bulk supplies.
  • Offer affordable prices for students.
  • Set up shop near educational institutions.

Marketing Strategies:

  • Run back-to-school promotions.
  • Offer bulk discounts for offices.
  • Use social media to showcase deals.
  • Partner with local bookstores for added distribution.

See also: Cheapest Businesses to Start Now

Key Takeaways from Daily Consumables to Sell

  • Daily consumables to sell, such as food staples and beverages, are consistently in high demand, ensuring steady income streams.
  • Starting small and leveraging local suppliers can minimise startup costs and build strong community ties.
  • Effective marketing strategies, including social media promotion and partnerships with local businesses, are essential for success.
  • Innovation in packaging and product offerings, such as health-focused options, can set your business apart in a competitive market.

Conclusion

Selling daily consumables in Nigeria offers a unique opportunity to tap into consistent demand. From food staples to personal care products, these items are integral to everyday life, ensuring steady patronage and profitability.

Ready to begin? Start by registering your business today through our Business Registration Services and gain credibility in the marketplace, access professional advice tailored to your business needs with the Ask An Expert service, equip yourself with tools, templates, and resources from the Entrepreneurs.ng Shop to streamline your operations and marketing.

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FAQs on 20 Daily Consumables To Sell.

What are the best daily consumables to sell in Nigeria?

The best daily consumables include food staples like rice and garri, cooking oil, beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and personal care products. These items cater to essential needs and have high turnover rates.

How much capital do I need to start selling daily consumables?

The required capital depends on your scale. A small-scale business can start with as little as ₦50,000, while a larger operation may require ₦500,000 or more for inventory, storage, and marketing.

How can I market my daily consumables effectively?

Use social media platforms, create attractive packaging, run promotional offers, and partner with delivery services to reach more customers. Local partnerships with schools and offices can also boost sales.

Is selling daily consumables profitable?

Yes, selling daily consumables is highly profitable due to their consistent demand. Profitability increases when you manage costs effectively and build strong customer relationships.

Can I sell daily consumables online?

Absolutely! Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and social media marketplaces are great for reaching a wider audience. Pairing online sales with delivery options can increase convenience for your customers.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Austin Samuel

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