As more people realise the benefit of alternative source of income, the number of business opportunities created by entrepreneurs is increasing by the day.
Ice block business is one of such. As simple as it sounds, sellers of ice block in Nigeria are really making money. Because of the erratic and unstable light condition in Nigeria, some people have resorted to buying ice blocks in other to cool their drinks or goods.
Since the temperature in Nigeria is so high with so much heat, people desire to eat and consume cold drinks, water and creamy foods. The only way to have such is through the use of ice blocks which general generates quick cash.
What you need to start Ice block business
Water
The most important raw material is clean water for ice block production. This is because Ice blocks are made naturally by freezing water to a very low temperature below zero degrees centigrade.
You can get good clean water from boreholes or if there is scarcity of water, ensure that you buy your water from a clean source, you wouldn’t want to supply a contaminated ice block to your customers that would be bad for business.
While making ice blocks, you should know that they are two types of ice blocks, namely the anti freeze and the dry ice.
The anti freeze block is molded with the use of chemicals like ethanol; this makes the ice blocks to mould very quickly than normal frozen ice blocks. The dry ice block is the normal ice block that is formed naturally without chemicals being added to it; however this type of ice block takes longer time to mould.
Ice block/ Ice cube making machines
You can start off by using your deep freezer to make ice blocks or you can consider buying an ice block making machine that you can use to produce ice blocks. The locally made ice block machines are usually sold in Ibadan and some of its models are quite durable.
The foreign made ice making machines are however faster when it comes to the production of ice blocks. These ice blocks making machines are of different types and different ice block production capacity and sizes of compressors (2HP, 2.5HP, 3HP).
Some machines can produce 40 moulds, 60,100,120, 200, and even up to 1000 moulds of ice block. The price of purchasing one of these machines ranges from N100,000 – N800,000 depending on the model, size and also if it’s foreign or locally made.
The most popular or common machine by local manufacturers is the one built to make 25 rectangular blocks and costs about N200, 000.
Generators
If you want to start the production of ice block business in Nigeria, it is important that you have a reliable generator that can supply enough power for you to be able to run your ice block machine effectively. Ice block business requires constant power supply, so it’s important that you make plans for this before starting off.
Packaging & Branding
Most ice blocks sold in Nigeria are usually sold in transparent polythene bags which help to hold the ice together during movement and transportation. Also you can consider branding your name and contact address on the polythene in order to attract more customers.
Customer Service
Obviously, you’re not the only one in the business of making ice blocks in your locality, so it’s advisable that you maintain a good customer relationship with your customers. Go ahead and offer some extra added services that your competitors are not offering, also ensure that your ice blocks arrive on time and are of the highest quality.
Market & Supply
The market is really big in populated Nigerian cities and the need for cold ice blocks will always be needed.
Vital facts before starting Ice block business in Nigeria
Ice block business thrives in big cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Port Harcourt, Benin and Kaduna. If you live in any of these cities, you already have an edge.
Consider setting up your ice block business in areas with hoteliers, beer sellers, clubs, event planners, governmental organisations or places where events are always taking place. There are high chances that they will need ice blocks to cool their drinks and perishables.
Ice block prices vary with the seasons. During the dry season, the price of ice block gets high but drops during the rainy season in Nigeria. It is a profitable business if you have a ready line of customers located in a busy area as a 250 blocks machine can gross up to N25, 0000 per production.
