It is common knowledge that Nigeria is a hot country; that’s not the only reason that the Ice block production business in Nigeria has been a boom, Nigeria also has one of the worst power supplies in the world. Given the hot Nigerian weather, individuals usually desire to take cold stuff. This could include beverages and even Ice cream. Often, keeping items cold also keeps them from spoiling. With the epileptic power supply, several Nigerians especially those in semi-urban areas usually rely on Ice Block to keep things cold.

This reliance on ice blocks has created a highly profitable but often underrated business sector. Another good aspect of the Ice Block production business in Nigeria is that it can be combined with other ventures, such as selling beverages and other locally made drinks like Zobo and Soya Milk. For people who live in semi-rural areas where the power supply is not very stable or where residents are unable to afford refrigerators, Ice blocks are viable ways to keep things cool.

Also, individuals who hawk soft drinks or sachet water, especially along the highway or public places like markets usually require Ice blocks to keep their products in chilling condition. Not just for hawkers but during ceremonies like weddings and funerals, ice blocks are usually required to keep things in good condition, especially for events held in rural areas where there is limited electricity.

Having seen the many ways Ice blocks are used, an avid entrepreneur may already see a profitable venture; however, it doesn’t end there as the Ice Block business may not thrive in all areas and also requires high use of electricity.

Steps to Starting an Ice Block Production Business in Nigeria

• Step One: Conduct a Market Survey: As hinted earlier, the Ice Block business thrives more in densely populated semi-urban areas with limited electricity. The reason is that people living in semi-urban areas are neither urban nor rural so they neither enjoy the full provision of an urban lifestyle nor are they entirely adapted to rural lifestyle. They may have limited electricity but desire chilled drinks sometimes. This creates a viable business in the Ice Block production sector. A market survey will enable aspiring Ice block producers to understand the viability of such businesses in the target area.
• Step Two: Work out an Ice Block Production business plan and a budget: Each Ice Block producer has a target market and even production capacity in mind. Taking note of the market size will enable a potential producer to come up with a business plan. This will help in arriving at a workable business establishment budget. This stage is where the entrepreneur work out an estimated financial requirement for the business.

Things to take note of at this point are the amount of space needed and the cost of renting a shop. In the case of individuals who own the land where they wish to establish the business, then rent may not be captured in the budget or business plan. Other expenditures to take note of are equipment and possibly workers. Ice Block Production business in Nigeria can be capital intensive if intended on a large scale.

At this stage, aspiring Ice Block Producers should also be able to decide if production will use regular refrigerators, Imported and dedicated Ice Block Machines, or locally fabricated Ice Block Making machines.

• Step Three: Procure Your Equipment and Set Up Your Ice Block Production Facility: The third stage will be getting the equipment and other requirements needed for the business. While regular refrigerators can be used for small-scale Ice Block Production Business in Nigeria, dedicated or locally fabricated Ice Block machines are better for stronger blocks and large-quantity production.

Machines can be imported or locally fabricated. Apart from the machines, ensuring a stable power supply is essential to the Ice Block Production Business as such, procuring a standby Generator will be a good idea.

Profitability of Ice Block Production Business in Nigeria

Ice Block Business is basically the selling of frozen water. It can be a gainful venture since water is an abundant gift of nature; even in the moment of scarcity water is still accessible and affordable across Nigeria. Ice Block Production Business in Nigeria can be capital intensive, especially at the early stage when equipment has to be procured. Once the equipment is available, the other crucial need is a sustainable electricity supply.

Water is the only raw material needed for the Ice Block production. Ice Block Production Business can also be combined with borehole or water selling business. This makes the raw material for production even cheaper and more affordable.

Once the cost of setting up the establishment is covered, the Ice Block Production Business in Nigeria can turn out at least 70% profit. 30% of the revenue can cover power bills and the rest will amount to profit. Note that the return ratio may be altered if the establishment employs workers or other factors are considered.

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