Direct from Ghana
Shea Butter
Premium unrefined and refined shea butter for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical applications. Sourced directly from Ghanaian cooperatives.
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Overview
Shea butter is one of West Africa's most versatile commodity exports, prized across the cosmetics industry (57% of demand), food and chocolate manufacturing (35%), and pharmaceutical applications (8%). Ghana's Northern and Upper regions produce some of the highest-quality shea nuts in the world, yielding butter with superior moisturizing properties and a rich nutrient profile.
Origin Direct works with established cooperatives and processing facilities across Ghana's shea belt, giving us direct control over quality from nut collection through to final processing. Our supply chain eliminates unnecessary intermediaries, resulting in competitive pricing without compromising on the strict quality parameters that European and American buyers demand.
Whether you need raw unrefined butter for artisanal cosmetics, fully refined white butter for industrial formulations, or COSMOS-certified organic butter for premium product lines, we deliver consistent quality with full traceability and documentation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Free Fatty Acids (FFA) | < 1% (cosmetic grade) |
| Peroxide Value | < 10 meq/kg |
| Moisture Content | < 0.05% |
| Unsaponifiable Matter | 6 – 17% |
| Melting Point | 33 – 42°C |
| Heavy Metals | Undetectable |
Available Grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade A Unrefined | Raw, yellow color with natural nutty aroma. Preferred for artisanal and premium cosmetics. |
| Refined | White, odorless butter. Ideal for industrial cosmetic formulations and food applications. |
| Organic Certified | COSMOS/ECOCERT certified organic. Meets the strictest standards for natural product lines. |
| Shea Olein | Liquid fraction of shea butter. Used in hair care, massage oils, and liquid formulations. |
| Shea Stearin | Solid fraction. Used as a cocoa butter equivalent in chocolate and confectionery. |
Certifications & Documentation
Every shipment comes with full documentation to meet your regulatory and quality requirements.
Packaging & Shipping
Packaging Options
- • 25 kg cartons (standard for retail/cosmetic buyers)
- • 50 kg drums
- • 180 kg drums (industrial)
- • Flexi-tanks for bulk shipments (20–24 MT per container)
Key Markets & Transit
- ▶ EU Cosmetics — Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp
- ▶ US Personal Care — New York, Savannah
- ▶ Middle East Beauty — Dubai, Jeddah
FOB Tema Port (Ghana). CIF and DDP terms available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades of shea butter does Origin Direct supply?
What is the minimum order quantity for shea butter?
Is your shea butter COSMOS and ECOCERT certified?
What are the quality specifications for cosmetic grade shea butter?
How much does wholesale shea butter cost?
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