BITTER KOLA AND ITS MARKET POTENTIAL

Garcinia cola or Bitter kola is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Clusiaceae/Guttiferae family commonly found in Nigeria, Cameroon, DRC, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Sierra Leone and a host of other West African countries.
The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments and also an additive to liquor gin and biter drinks.
The nutlike seed which is about 3-5 cm in length has an ellipsoid shape. A brown to deep brown peel covers it. This peel is removed before it is eaten. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when it is eaten. It is this bitterness that its name is derived.
Meanwhile, bitter kola contains the high source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, fiber, calcium, potassium and iron. That is why bitter kola is good for us. Thus, here are several known benefits commonly found in bitter kola.
Before now, the seed coat has always been discarded and so much attention has been paid to the seed but recent studies have shown that the hull as well as the seed is rich in essential nutrients.

Proximate, elemental composition (g/kg, dwb) and energy content of Garcinia kola seeds and hulls.

Components seed Hull

Proximate composition
Moisture content 97.31 95.43
Crude protein 39.52a 99.92b
Lipid extract 43.25 42.91
Ash 11.42 18.62
Crude fibre 114.02a 153.44b
NFE 694.48 589.68
Elementary Composition
Carbon 434.11 452.62
Nitrogen 7.52a 15.61b
Hydrogen 64.12 51.72
Sulphur 1.42a 2.82b
Oxygen (by difference) 492.83 477.23
C:N ratio 57.88 29.01

source: Afolabi F. Eleyinmi etal. POLISH JOURNAL OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SCIENCES 2006, Vol. 15/56, No 4, pp. 395–400.



Lately demands for Bitter kola have increased and research show that it is used by Food, Drugs and Drink companies, as an essential ingredient in their manufacturing/culinary processes. Increase in demand is mostly from USA, UK, Canada, Europe, China, India, Bangladesh, Mexico etc.
It is usually shipped from Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal and other West Africa countries. However, Nigeria takes the lead in the export of the Bitter Kola; it is believed that its Protein content is richer than it is found in any other West African countries. (Crude protein (NX6.25) Nitrogen-free extract 86:23%)
Despite the increased demands for Garcinia kola abroad, it is still difficult for most exporters to get across to importers abroad and this is because:
1. Details of Buyers are usually found in B2B websites, which often will not release information, until sellers are subscribed to premium membership.
2. Sellers on the other hand do not readily subscribe to the premium membership because most of them in the past have done so and only get enquiries which may/may not yield to sales.
3. Most importers for failure of being duped or falling into the hands of fraudsters are scared to do businesses with exporters.
There seem to be a gap in the supply chain of bitter kola, and such its market has under optimized.
Market for bitter kola.
The local market or bitter kola especially in Nigeria has grown increasing with the invasion of exporters. It is cheaper in the rural areas and about five (5) times the price in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
However, the international market rate is about 17-22 USD/Kg. It is usually packed in 1kg and repacked into 50kg as seen in the picture.
Bitter kola, amongst many other cash crops, is a huge potential to be exploited, as research increase its demand is bound to increase and its market also.

Contact me for more and also for trusted and safe export.

Omokaro Bright Osademwen.
osadebaomokaro@gmail.com, max4osas@yahoo.com
07069350093