A few days ago, I took a 30-minute drive to the Florence Centro—or "Chentro" as it’s pronounced in Italian—to stock up on African foodstuffs. If you’re an African living in Italy, especially in or around Florence, you’ll understand that the Centro is the heart of it all. It’s where all the African shops and markets are located, bustling with life and culture. From yams to spices, palm oil to smoked fish, it feels like stepping into a mini Lagos or Accra.
Most of these shops are owned by Nigerians, Ghanaians, Indians, and Pakistanis, each offering their native delicacies and ingredients. It’s a beautiful blend of cultures—but for me, the highlight is always the Nigerian food section.
Why African Food Matters
As an African, and more specifically a Nigerian, I honestly can’t go a day without eating African food. If you were born and raised in Nigeria, you understand. The food is part of who we are. With over 160 million people and 500+ ethnic groups, Nigeria’s food culture is rich, vast, and deeply rooted in tradition.
African food is not just nourishment—it’s identity. Whether it’s jollof rice with dodo (fried ripe plantain), ogbono soup, or egusi, there’s something soul-soothing about eating what reminds you of home.
So, if you live outside Africa and constantly find yourself traveling long distances just to get these essentials—why not start your own foodstuff shop?
A Business Opportunity in Every Taste
What I saw in Florence Centro wasn’t just a market—it was a business opportunity.
There’s a rising demand for African food in many European cities, especially where African communities are growing. Many of us long for native foods we can’t easily get abroad. This gap creates a unique opportunity to bring African food closer to the people who need it—and earn a decent income in the process.
These stores don’t just sell food. You’ll also find:
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African skincare and hair products
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Traditional textiles and clothes
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Nollywood DVDs, CDs, and home videos
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Beverages like Milo and Bournvita
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Spices, oils, and cooking ingredients you can't find in local supermarkets
Steps to Start Your African Foodstuff Business in Europe
Starting this kind of business requires some planning and paperwork, especially since these foodstuffs may be unfamiliar to local authorities. Here’s a simplified guide to get you started:
1. Do Your Research
Understand your target market. How many Africans live in your area? What food items are in high demand? Visit other ethnic markets to see what’s already being offered—and what’s missing.
2. Register Your Business
Get a business license in your city or region. This is your legal permission to operate.
3. Health & Safety Permits
Since you’ll be dealing with food, you’ll need approval from your local Health Department. This includes inspection and meeting hygiene standards for food handling and storage.
4. Find a Good Location
Choose a high-traffic, easy-to-find area—ideally near other African communities or in city centers like Florence Centro. Visibility and accessibility are key.
5. Shop Setup
Invest in:
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Shelves for storing dry goods
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Refrigerators/freezers for smoked fish, meat, vegetables, and perishables
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Point-of-sale system for easy transactions
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Proper signage to attract walk-in customers
6. Budget for Start-Up Costs
The estimated capital to launch an African foodstuff shop ranges from €50,000 to €150,000. This should cover:
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Shop rental and furnishing
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Initial stock of goods
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Shipping/customs fees
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Marketing materials
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Miscellaneous costs
Trusted Nigerian Exporters & Wholesalers
If you’re wondering where to source your goods from Nigeria, here are reliable contacts you can reach out to:
✅ Balanced Development Limited
📍 Port Harcourt
📧 nemetu@yahoo.com
Specializes in hygienic packaging of African food like egusi, ogbono, bitter leaf, and crayfish.
✅ Cassava Marketers Association of Nigeria
📍 Abuja
📞 +2348036177493
📧 simonoch@usa.com
Supplies foodstuff, cosmetics, CDs, movies, and beverages.
✅ Cejin Nigeria Limited
📍 Minna / Abuja
📧 chiihej@gmail.com
Exports yams, palm oil, flour, and other farm produce.
✅ Fayolam Farms
📍 Abeokuta, Ogun State
📞 +2348033502883
📧 iyalodefadillah@yahoo.com
Producers of high-quality garri (Ijebu) for export.
✅ Grace Bee Ventures Ltd
📍 Ikeja, Lagos
Focuses on hygienically processed African foods including flours, plantains, and yams.
✅ Importers Co-operative Ltd
📍 Surulere, Lagos
📧 importers_ng@yahoo.com
Offers everything from stockfish to spices, and even African clothing.
✅ Lashbol Nigeria Limited
📍 Sango Otta, Ogun State
📧 otabolaji@yahoo.com
Exports smoked catfish, sesame seeds, palm oil, and more.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad doesn’t mean we have to abandon our roots—especially when food is such a deep part of who we are. If you find yourself longing for the taste of home, you’re not alone. And that longing is a sign—maybe it’s time to turn your passion into a business.
There are people like you, in your city, missing the same flavors, the same aroma of freshly cooked jollof rice, the same pepper soup warmth. Be the person that brings that joy back into their lives.
Don’t wait for someone else to do it—you can be the bridge between your homeland and your new home.
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