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Nigerians opt for sachet food items as a response to economic hardship

DDM News

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Amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic struggles, many Nigerians are turning to smaller packaged food items as a more affordable option.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that Food producers have adapted to these tough times by packaging staples in sachets, which allow consumers to purchase smaller, more manageable quantities at lower prices.

The rise in sachet food products, which includes rice, beans, garri, noodles, tomato pastes, oils, and even meats, has become a response to the increasing cost of living and shrinking purchasing power.

These items, previously sold in larger bags or containers, are now more accessible, making it easier for families to afford basic staples.

Market surveys conducted by The Point highlighted how various food items are being processed and packaged in smaller quantities to meet the needs of consumers facing economic pressure.

This trend, although novel, has been embraced by many Nigerians who find it easier to manage food expenses and minimize wastage.

For instance, local rice producers have started offering sachets priced around N800 to combat the high cost of bulk rice, which is currently priced between N80,000 and N120,000 for a 50kg bag.

The affordability of these items in smaller sachets is a major draw for customers like Abike Adaramola, a food seller in Osogbo.

Abike explained that the lower prices make the packaged food items in sachets very appealing to customers, many of whom can no longer afford large quantities.

For example, a 330g pack of rice in a sachet is sold for N1,200, a far cry from the N80,000 or more for a full bag.

“These smaller-sized food items are easier to store and preserve, and they help avoid waste,” Abike shared.

Many consumers also buy these packaged food items as gifts, appreciating their practicality and convenience.

Ajoke Foods, another marketer of sachet food items, has leveraged social media to expand her reach.

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She delivers various packaged products across Nigeria, including powdered pap and palm oil in sachets.

This approach helps cater to customers who find it more manageable to buy food items in small portions rather than in bulk.

“Selling food in sachets has proven to be a rewarding business, especially for people who need affordability,” Ajoke noted.

The shift toward sachet packaging also allows these food items to be stored more easily and used at a steady pace, benefiting both consumers and sellers.

For many families, the shift to smaller quantities is not just about cost but also about better management of food.

John Godwin, a father of two, explained how buying food in smaller sachets has allowed his family to rationalize their food consumption.

“It saves me money, and I can avoid the situation where food gets wasted because it’s too much for us to finish before it spoils,” John said.

This change also helps prevent food from running out too quickly, offering families a more controlled way to manage their groceries.

The trend of sachet packaging has been adopted across various industries.

While food items were the initial focus, the strategy is now also being implemented by businesses in other sectors, including technology.

As Nigerian inflation continues to increase, more companies are adapting their pricing strategies to cater to the bulk of the population, who earn below $3-5 per day.

This has led to the introduction of smaller service plans in sectors like telecommunications and satellite TV, mirroring the food industry’s approach of catering to lower-income earners.

A Nigerian economist, Shakirudeen Taiwo, explained that sachet marketing is a survival strategy for businesses.

With up to 85% of Nigerian households living below the poverty line, companies have had to adapt by offering products in smaller, more affordable units.

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For businesses, this model allows them to reach more customers, maximize profits, and ensure they remain viable despite economic instability.

Even though this strategy may reduce the quality or quantity of the products, it ensures businesses can still cater to a larger consumer base.

Despite the benefits of sachet food items in helping families cope with inflation, there are some concerns about the safety and regulation of these products.

Many of the packaged food items lack proper registration with Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which raises potential health risks.

Products in sachets often carry only brand names and basic labeling but fail to include essential details such as expiration dates, ingredient lists, and the manufacturer’s contact information.

According to NAFDAC regulations, food items should carry a registration number, composition, and date markings to ensure they meet safety standards.

However, many sachet foods remain unregulated, posing a public health concern.

While consumers appear less concerned about these regulatory issues, the lack of proper labeling could pose risks, especially as the popularity of sachet food items continues to grow.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, recently emphasized the need for manufacturers to comply with regulations, particularly after a ban on alcohol in sachets and PET bottles was introduced to protect public health.

The agency is concerned about the proliferation of unregulated food products, especially those that are sold in small, convenient packaging.

In the face of rising food inflation in Nigeria, the trend of sachet foods appears to be a practical response to an increasingly difficult economic climate.

Prices for staple items such as rice, beans, and garri have skyrocketed, and families are struggling to make ends meet.

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The packaging of food items in smaller, more affordable sachets allows consumers to buy in quantities that match their budgets, even as the prices of larger containers soar.

This shift is evident across various food items, from everyday staples to packaged goods like powdered milk, instant noodles, and pure water.

Manufacturers in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector are also embracing the trend, adjusting their product sizes to meet the demands of a population whose purchasing power has sharply declined due to high inflation and poverty.

With food inflation showing little sign of easing, businesses are increasingly turning to sachet marketing to survive, offering products in smaller portions that still generate revenue despite higher costs.

However, as the sachet food item market expands, there are ongoing concerns about food safety and quality.

The unregulated nature of many sachet foods poses a challenge for both consumers and authorities.

Nonetheless, for many Nigerians, the affordability of these smaller packages outweighs potential risks, and the convenience they offer is undeniable.

In the coming years, as inflation remains a pressing concern, it is likely that more industries will adopt sachet products to ensure affordability and business survival.

Whether in food, technology, or other sectors, sachet marketing has proven to be an effective strategy for businesses seeking to reach the majority of consumers who are struggling with economic hardship.

However, for the long-term health and safety of the public, it will be essential for regulatory bodies to enforce proper standards to protect consumers from potential risks associated with unregulated sachet products.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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