Mayonnaise is a creamy, thick sauce made by emulsifying oil, egg yolk, and an acidic liquid such as vinegar or lemon juice. It is a versatile condiment widely used in sandwiches, salads, dips, and as a base for other sauces. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, mayonnaise is a staple in both household and commercial kitchens worldwide.
The origin of mayonnaise dates back to 1756 when French chef Duke de Richelieu is believed to have created it. The recipe gained popularity across Europe, with various regions adding their unique twists. By the 20th century, commercial production began, and mayonnaise became a household staple. In Africa, mayonnaise entered the market through imported brands and has since gained a foothold due to its adaptability to local cuisines.
Mayonnaise comes in various types to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences:
Egg Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise made with egg yolk as an emulsifier.
Eggless Mayonnaise: A vegan alternative using plant-based emulsifiers like soy milk or aquafaba.
Flavored Mayonnaise: Variants infused with spices, herbs, or ingredients like garlic, chili, or mustard.
Low-Fat Mayonnaise: Formulated for health-conscious consumers, with reduced oil content.
The global mayonnaise market was valued at USD 13.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 18.2 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness, as well as rising demand for convenience foods.
Market Segmentation:
By Type:
Egg Mayonnaise
Eggless Mayonnaise
By Category:
Flavored
Plain
By Packaging Type:
Bottles
Pouches
Others
By Distribution Channel:
Store-Based (Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores)
Non-Store-Based (E-commerce platforms)
Market Trends:
Health-Conscious Options: Low-fat and eggless variants are gaining popularity.
Innovative Flavors: Unique flavors such as truffle, sriracha, and curry mayo are trending.
Convenient Packaging: Squeeze bottles and resealable pouches are preferred by consumers.
E-Commerce Growth: Online retail is becoming a significant sales channel for mayonnaise products.
Mayonnaise was initially imported into Nigeria by global brands, catering to the growing urban middle class. As demand increased, local production began to reduce dependency on imports and offer more affordable options. Today, several multinational and indigenous companies manufacture mayonnaise in Nigeria, meeting local tastes and price points.
The production of mayonnaise requires a combination of locally sourced and imported raw materials, including:
Vegetable Oil: The primary ingredient, often derived from soybean, palm, or sunflower oil.
Egg Yolk or Plant-Based Emulsifiers: Essential for creating the emulsion.
Acidic Agents: Vinegar or lemon juice for flavor and preservation.
Salt and Sugar: For seasoning.
Stabilizers and Preservatives: To enhance shelf life and maintain texture.
Flavor Additives: Herbs, spices, or mustard for specialty mayonnaise variants.
Nigeria’s abundant supply of palm oil and eggs provides a solid foundation for local mayonnaise production, though some ingredients, like preservatives and certain emulsifiers, may still need to be imported.
Nigeria’s mayonnaise industry is a growing sector, driven by the increasing adoption of convenience foods and urbanization. Mayonnaise is widely used in Nigerian cuisine, especially in dishes like salads, sandwiches, and shawarma.
Local Producers of Mayonnaise in Nigeria
Multinational Companies: Brands like Bama and Heinz have a strong presence in the Nigerian market.
Indigenous Brands: Companies such as Grand Pure Soya Oil and Deli Foods are notable local players offering competitively priced products.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Emerging manufacturers are focusing on niche markets, such as health-conscious consumers and flavored mayonnaise.
Demand for Mayonnaise in Nigeria
Mayonnaise has become a staple in Nigerian households, driven by changing eating habits and the growing influence of Western cuisines.
Key Demand Drivers:
Urbanization: Increasing urban lifestyles lead to greater consumption of convenience foods.
Diverse Culinary Applications: The versatility of mayonnaise boosts its appeal across various dishes.
Affordable Pricing: Locally produced mayonnaise is more accessible to middle- and low-income earners.
Rising Fast Food Culture: The proliferation of fast food outlets has increased the demand for mayonnaise.
Challenges in Mayonnaise Manufacturing
High Production Costs: The reliance on imported raw materials and high energy costs can inflate production expenses.
Regulatory Compliance: Strict food safety and quality standards must be adhered to.
Competition: Dominance by global brands makes it difficult for new entrants to gain market share.
Consumer Perception: Concerns about high fat and calorie content may deter health-conscious consumers.
Infrastructure Issues: Inconsistent power supply and logistics challenges can disrupt production and distribution.
Prospects for the Mayonnaise Industry in Nigeria
Despite the challenges, the mayonnaise industry in Nigeria has significant growth potential.
Opportunities:
Local Sourcing: Encouraging the local production of raw materials like emulsifiers and vinegar can reduce costs.
Health-Conscious Variants: Developing low-fat, low-calorie, and eggless mayonnaise can cater to changing consumer preferences.
Export Potential: Nigeria can become a hub for exporting mayonnaise to neighboring countries.
Innovative Marketing: Engaging advertising campaigns and promotional activities can boost consumer awareness and loyalty.
Government Support: Policies promoting local manufacturing can further stimulate industry growth.
The mayonnaise manufacturing industry in Nigeria presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors. With a growing demand for convenience foods and a shift toward local production, the sector is poised for expansion.
Addressing challenges such as production costs, competition, and infrastructure issues will be crucial to unlocking its full potential. By leveraging local resources, embracing innovation, and meeting consumer preferences, the mayonnaise industry in Nigeria can continue to thrive and contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
If you require a bankable feasibility report on mayonnaise production in Nigeria, please contact us using any of the means below.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Founder & Market Research Analyst
Foraminifera Market Research Limited
foraminiferaltd@gmail.com or +2348033782777 (call and whatsapp)
Investment Opportunities in Nigeria | Business Opportunities in Nigeria | Profitable Industries in Nigeria | Investment Landscape in Nigeria | SME Opportunities in Nigeria | Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria | Emerging Markets in Nigeria |
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