Kola Nut, Top Lists

Top 30 Global Suppliers and Exporters of Kola Nut (Cola Nitida & Cola Acuminata)

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The Kola nut, scientifically known as Cola acuminata and Cola nitida, is a tropical fruit native to West Africa. It thrives in the lush rainforests of Central and West Africa, specifically in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire. The kola tree, which is responsible for producing these intriguing nuts, can reach towering heights of 40 to 60 feet. The fruit itself is star-shaped, and within each fruit, you’ll find between two to five kola nuts. Despite being roughly the size of a chestnut, these small fruits are loaded with caffeine. When you bite into a fresh kola nut, it offers a distinctive bitterness, which is an acquired taste. However, when dried, the bitterness mellows, and they are said to exude a pleasant nutmeg-like aroma.

In modern times, kola nuts have found their way into the world of soft drinks and supplements. Their distinct flavor and caffeine content make them a valuable addition to many carbonated beverages. Furthermore, the kola nut is known to be used in dietary supplements aimed at boosting energy and promoting health.

Kola Nut in Cultural and Traditional Contexts

Beyond its contemporary use in the food and beverage industry, the kola nut has a profound cultural and traditional significance, especially in West African societies. Nigeria, in particular, has a rich tradition involving the kola nut. It holds a prominent place in the customs of many ethnic groups. The practice of offering kola nuts to guests is a hallmark of hospitality in this region.

In a traditional setting, the ceremonial breaking of the kola nut signifies the beginning of an event and is performed by an elder or a distinguished member of the community. It is a symbolic act that carries a profound message of unity and togetherness. The participants in these ceremonies share the bitter and sweet moments of life, just as they do when consuming the kola nut itself. As a result, the kola nut not only pleases the palate but also binds people together, fostering a sense of belonging.

Kola Nut and Its Potential Health Benefits

While the kola nut’s cultural significance is well-documented, it’s worth exploring its potential health benefits as well. The kola nut’s distinctive qualities go beyond its caffeine content.

Boosts Metabolism

Most kola nut products contain caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. This stimulation can increase metabolic activity, potentially leading to weight loss.

Aids Digestion

Kola nut powder and extracts are known for their digestive benefits. They promote the production of gastric acid, which, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of digestive enzymes in the stomach.

Increases Blood Circulation

The caffeine and theobromine in kola nuts can speed up the heart rate, leading to improved circulation. This enhanced circulation can be beneficial for overall health and vitality.

Boosts Energy Levels

As a natural stimulant, kola nuts naturally invigorate the central nervous system. This can increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and provide a natural energy boost.

Help With Weight Loss

Kola nuts can assist in weight management through a two-fold mechanism. First, caffeine, which is abundantly present in kola nuts, is known to suppress appetite. Consuming a few kola nuts can help individuals feel full for more extended periods, reducing the urge to snack between meals. Second, kola nuts have been linked to potential fat-burning properties, likely through their impact on metabolism. Therefore, they serve as an ideal dietary supplement in weight loss regimens.

Can Help With Treating  Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common ailment characterized by joint pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. Kola nuts have demonstrated their potential in treating this condition by reducing pain, inflammation, and enhancing joint movement. It’s particularly promising for those who suffer from obesity, aging, or injuries.

Rich in Nutrients

Beyond their active components, kola nuts contain valuable nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and a small amount of fat. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits associated with kola nuts.

Cognitive Enhancement

Some studies suggest that the caffeine content in kola nuts may improve cognitive function, including memory and alertness.

Top 30 Global Suppliers and Exporters of Kola Nut

In recent years, kola nuts have transcended their regional significance and become a global commodity. The global trade in kola nuts has seen remarkable growth, with numerous suppliers and exporters involved in this trade. Here are the top 30 global suppliers and exporters of kola nuts:

  • Neogric Limited, Nigeria
  • Didc Cooperative, United States
  • Tao Haubel Commodities Ltd., Nigeria
  • Africa Golden Nuts, Canada
  • R&D Medical Nig. Ltd., Nigeria
  • Agro Fresh, Germany
  • Blackrose Interbiz Investment Ltd., Nigeria
  • Lefas Ventures Limited, Nigeria
  • Moden Trust Nigeria Ltd., Nigeria
  • La Tourterelle Sca, Cote D’Ivoire
  • Moju Industries Limited, Nigeria
  • LKB Success Agro-allied Limited, Nigeria
  • Ndando Enterprises, Canada
  • Sicorps Main Nigeria Limited, Nigeria
  • Valley Green Organics, Ghana
  • MD BUD-TLV Kft, Hungary
  • Reddis N.P. International, India
  • Maconsi Sarl, Cote D’Ivoire
  • Oilanut Nigeria Limited, Nigeria
  • Pebonex Nigeria Ltd., Nigeria
  • CP Surez Enterprises Nig Ltd, Nigeria
  • J&W Int’l Resources & Supplies LLC, United States
  • Icon Export Ltd, Nigeria
  • A Trading, France
  • Sylvester Oyibocha, Canada
  • Grosstrading, United Arab Emirates
  • Kush & Moore Corp, United States
  • Jabneel Integrated Service Limited, Canada
  • Etykos Ltd., United Kingdom
  • Imo Trade, Netherlands
  • CV. Universal Nusantara Spices, Indonesia

How To Safely Source Your Kola Nut Produce

If you find the right export company, buying directly from them can make the purchase process easy and stress-free, when compared with doing the sourcing on your own. That said, there are few things to note when dealing with an export company in Nigeria or Africa. The specific requirements for Nigeria are listed below, but they mostly apply to other African countries:

  1. The exporting company must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to make sure the company is registered and permitted to carry out business operations.
  2. The export company must also be registered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
  3. The company must possess a domiciliary account to accept international payments.
  4. The company should get all necessary export-related documentation done before the shipment leaves the port of origin. Some of the documents are:
  5. Certificate of origin
  6. Bill of lading
  7. Inspection Certificate (SGS, Cotecna, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, etc)
  8. Phytosanitary certificate
  9. Fumigation certificate

Where To Find Reliable Exporters

An important question that still needs to be answered is how to find kola nut exporters in Nigeria. You can use any of the methods listed below:

  • Attend trade fairs
  • Use search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc.
  • Search for agents on Linkedln
  • Sign up on trade platforms (e.g. Alibaba, Tradeford, Go4WorldBusiness)
  • Neogric offers a reliable global order fulfilment solution for kola nut and other agric produce. Our end-to-end supply chain solution makes the export of quality kola nut easy, quick and safe. From the point of placing your order till it successfully gets delivered, we ensure you have nothing to worry about.

International Price of Kola Nut Per Metric Ton

The unit price ($ per kg) of kola nut in the international market depends on a host of different factors including:

  • The grade of the produce (usually the more the processing, the higher the price)
  • The price of the raw material
  • Age of the seeds (this can affect the price)
  • The quantity ordered (the greater the quantity, the cheaper you can get it per ton)
  • Harvest season (it is more costly when it is out of harvest season).
  • Freight & haulage cost
  • Percentage of markup
  • Import duties
  • Distance from the country of origin
  • Technology/Infrastructure available in country of origin
  • Relationship between the buyer and seller

That said, as at July 2022, kola nut costs between $2,500 and $4,800 per metric ton (1,000 kilograms) in the international market (i.e. $2.5/kg to $4.8/kg).

How To Pay For Your Kola Nut Produce

You can pay for your kola nut using different methods, but three of the popular ways of paying for your agric produce are:

  • Bank (T/T) Payment
  • Advance Payment
  • Letter of Credit (LC)

Bank Payment (T/T)

Bank payment is also known as T/T, “Telegraphic Transfer” or “Telex Transfer” In other words, it is an international wire of funds from the buyer’s bank to the seller’s bank.

A T/T is technically not the same as a wire transfer, which is often done through the SWIFT network. However, when a seller or supplier asks for a T/T payment, a wire transfer is what they are really asking for.

The wire transfer based on the SWIFT system is the most common payment method in international trade. Typically, it takes 3-5 working days to clear, and generally costs between 25 and 50 USD, depending on your agreement with the commercial department in your bank.

Advance Payment

There are sellers that will demand anywhere from 30% to 50% advance payment, and for good reason. If both parties have done deals in the past, sellers can ask for a percentage of the sales (about 30%) before they ship the produce and they can request for the remaining amount after a scanned copy of the Bill of Lading has been sent to the buyer.

It is the safest option for exporters and it also guarantees that they will have some funds to help with sourcing. It is popular among manufacturers on B2B marketplaces like Alibaba and also with commodity traders.                                                                                               

However, advance payment carries considerable risk for the importer (buyer) because the exporter (seller) might not be under as much pressure to ensure quality checks compared with a stricter form of payment. Some might even disappear entirely.

Having said that, advance payment is very useful and is widely used. For instance, the seller might need to secure the commodity in the face of increased competition. It can also be used when the exporter needs some money for sourcing the produce or for processing raw materials.

The most important thing is for both importer and exporter to build mutual trust by having a track record of successful deals with each other or other known companies.

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit is an agreement generated by the bank of the buyer, guaranteeing payment once certain conditions are met. It is one of the safest types of payment available to both buyer and seller.

Some of the types of Letter of credit are:

  • Commercial Letter of Credit,
  • Sight Letter of Credit
  • Transferrable or Non-Transferable Letter of Credit
  • Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)
  • Usance or Deferred Payment Letter of Credit
  • Revocable or Irrevocable Letter of Credit
  • Confirmed or Unconfirmed Letter of Credit
  • Revolving Letter of Credit
  • Green Clause Letter of Credit
  • Red Clause Letter of Credit

L/Cs are not totally safe (for either buyer or seller) too. For instance, sellers can ship substandard products or those that are different from the ones agreed upon. In this case, the seller gets paid and the buyer receives good he cannot use.

And speaking of the dangers of L/Cs for the exporter, the conditions in the Letter of credit might be practically impossible to fulfil; if an exporter agrees to such, he might be unable to receive payment. A report stated that of the letters of credit received in the UK, 50% are unworkable while 70% are rejected by the banks for payment.

Shipping & Delivery Terms

When shipping your products, it is important to take note of a few factors:

Order Quantity

For smaller shipments, airfreight is often the preferred option but as the order volume increases, sea freight could become significantly cheaper. Usually when the order is close to a full container load (20 ft), sea freight is used. Despite all these, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an increase in cost of delivery of products.

Cost of Delivery

When the order is of a large volume, sea freight often turns out cheaper than air freight. In fact, airfreight could be up to 6 times more costly than sea freight if the volume is large enough.

Time of Delivery

Sometimes, time will be more important to the buyer than the cost of delivering the produce. In this case, air freight will be the logical option (as stated above, the cost will be more). But if you have more time as a buyer, you should strongly consider using sea freight.

Incoterms

Incoterms refer to generally accepted shipping and payments terms. For example, buyers that have representatives in the source country or that can negotiate with the freight company can use the Free of Board (FOB) terms, since it gives them more control and can save them some money.

However, if the shipment is small or the buyer doesn’t have an extensive network to effectively handle payment for freight, insurance and port charges, he will be better off choosing the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF) payment option. You can find out more about Incoterms here.

Import Kola Nut The Right Way with Neogric

Neogric is a trusted global order fulfilment and sourcing solution company with deep expertise in the Kola Nut industry. Our end-to-end supply chain solution makes the export of quality kola nut easy, quick and safe. Whichever region of the world you are, be it Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, Africa, South America or Oceania, you can reliably order your agric products and we will ensure it is successfully delivered to you.

Our Kola Nut trade specifications are listed below:

  • Origin: Nigeria
  • Product Name: Kola Nut
  • Product Types: Kola Nitida (Red, White)
  • Physical Specification: Based On Buyer’s Specification
  • Quantity: Based On Buyer’s Specification
  • MOQ: 20 Metric Tonnes
  • Trade Process: Ex Works/FOB/CIF
  • Moisture Content: 8% Max
  • Admixture/Impurities: 2% Max
  • Other Colours: 5% Max
  • Inspection: SGS/Cotecna/Intertek/Bureau Veritas
  • Packaging: Based On Buyer’s Specification
  • Payment Method: TT (Bank Transfer) or  L/C
  • Shipping Time: 15 to 25 Days After Confirmation of TT or L/C
  • Loading Port: Lagos, Nigeria or Tema, Ghana

Expected Shipping Documents

  • Bill of Lading
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Phytosanitary Certificate
  • Fumigation Certificate
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List

Contact Neogric

Tel: +2348147860157
Email: neo@neogric.com
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