Kano’s Ayama Farms begins processed onions production, eyes global markets

By: Adeola Ajakaiye, in Kano

Ayama Farms & Agro Allied Nigeria Limited, a food processing company based in the northwest state of Kano, has introduced its premium product, Ayama Onion Powder, into the Nigerian market.

The multi-million naira start-up, which commenced operation last year, is involved in the processing of the fresh onions grown in many of the farming communities in the state, into powdered consumables designed for the local and international markets.

Abubakar Yusuf, chief executive officer of the company, providing insights into the operation of the company to Business a.m. in Kano at the weekend, disclosed that the enterprise, which commenced full operations in August 2021, is a wholly Nigerian company.

He stated that the company, located inside the industrial estates established by the government of Kano State for small and medium enterprises on Kilometre 1, Kwanar Dawaki, along Kano-Zaria Expressway, is offering a wide variety of preserved onions and tomatoes organically produced to both local and international consumers.

According to Yusuf, the products of the company can also be accessed by local and international contractors, who need a reliable source of processed and preserved onions and tomatoes all-year round for companies involved in confectioneries and noodles.

“We are dedicated to the production and packaging of globally acceptable, high quality, naturally preserved onions and tomatoes processed into tasteful dry powders for the global market.

“Our products, manufactured in a clean and conducive environment by our team of highly motivated staff, with a blend of world class technology, assembled by the best hands in the local and international engineering field, are offered to customers, who take delight in onions and tomatoes produced in an organic way for healthy living.

“One of the company’s flagship products, prepared for the international market, which is becoming a premium product in the Nigerian market is Ayama Onions Powder. The product is produced from 100 percent natural and healthy onions, by a team of dedicated local contractors (farmers), trained and engaged by the company for the purpose of producing the commodity for our global customers,” Yusuf explained.

He further disclosed that the company products are packaged in various sizes for easy accessibility of all categories of customers, noting that because of its high quality and the wide acceptability it commands in the market, the product has become the most sought after cooking and frying ingredient in most homes, commercial kitchens, eateries, as well as restaurants, and companies involved in confectionary and noodle production in the country.

Yusuf added that the products are manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art production line, with an installed production capacity of about five tonnes per day, noting that the company is currently producing one tonne per day, adding that there is an on-going plan to scale up the production of the commodity as soon as it gains more ground in the market.

“Ayama Onions Powder is 10g in size, packaged in sachets. The product is arranged in cartoons consisting of 144 sachets each. The company is also ready to supply its products of any size on demand to large scale customers, anywhere in the world. One of the remarkable cutting edge features of all our products is that they are free from preservative ingredients, and fully approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“Our market strategy is designed to become an attractive choice for homeowners, commercial kitchens, eateries, restaurants, and contractors globally, and in Nigeria, in particular. The company intends to pursue the delivery of its products to residential consumers, and to contractors looking for a wide variety of need for reprocessed onions and tomatoes. We intend to make our products attractive, as well as competitive through accessible prices,” Yusuf explained.