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Direct from Ghana & Nigeria

Shea Nuts

Raw shea nuts for buyers with own processing capacity. 40-60% cost savings versus processed shea butter.

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Overview

Shea nuts (Vitellaria paradoxa) are the raw material behind the global shea butter industry. For large-scale buyers with their own crushing and refining capacity — particularly CBE (cocoa butter equivalent) manufacturers, major cosmetic companies, and oleochemical processors — purchasing raw shea nuts offers 40-60% cost savings compared to buying processed shea butter.

West Africa produces approximately 1.5 million metric tons of shea nuts annually, with the harvest concentrated between May and August. Ghana and Nigeria together account for over 60% of global production. The nuts contain 42-48% fat content and, when properly dried to below 7% moisture, can be stored and shipped with a shelf life exceeding 12 months.

Origin Direct sources shea nuts from collection networks across Ghana's Northern Region and Nigeria's shea belt, working directly with women's cooperatives and aggregators. We provide full pre-shipment quality testing including moisture, FFA, oil content, and aflatoxin analysis, ensuring every container meets buyer specifications.

Key Specifications

Parameter Specification
Oil Content42 – 48%
Moisture< 7%
FFA< 6%
Foreign Matter< 2%
Price Range$400 – $800/MT FOB
Harvest SeasonMay – August
MOQ1 FCL (~20 MT)
HS Code1207.99

Frequently Asked Questions

Why buy raw shea nuts instead of processed shea butter?
Buying raw shea nuts is 40-60% cheaper per kg of butter equivalent than purchasing processed shea butter. For buyers with their own crushing and refining capacity (common among large cosmetic manufacturers, CBE producers, and oleochemical companies), raw nuts offer significant cost savings. Shea nuts yield approximately 42-48% fat content, and buyers can control processing parameters to their exact specifications.
What are the quality parameters for export-grade shea nuts?
Export-grade shea nuts must meet: moisture content below 7% (critical for preventing mold during transit), FFA below 6% (indicates proper handling and freshness), oil content above 42%, and minimal foreign matter (below 2%). We grade and test every lot pre-shipment, providing Certificate of Analysis with moisture, FFA, oil content, and aflatoxin levels. Properly dried nuts have a shelf life of 12+ months.
What is the annual production and pricing of shea nuts?
West Africa produces approximately 1.5 million metric tons of shea nuts annually, with Nigeria and Ghana being the two largest producers. Harvest season runs from May to August. Pricing typically ranges from $400-800/MT FOB, depending on quality grade, moisture content, and market timing. Prices are lowest during peak harvest (June-July) and highest in the off-season (January-March) when stocks are depleted.

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