Orange is a sweet juicy fruit which belongs to the family of citrus, known as Rutaceae. It is a very rich source of vitamin C, among other nutrients. Orange is a common fruit eaten globally. 

The orange oil is extracted from the fruit peel of oranges. The essential oil has a sweet, citrusy smell and is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to be calming and uplifting. It can also be used in body care products, cleaning products, and natural perfumes. 

Orange oil can also be used as a natural insect repellent. It can be used in a diffuser to fill your home with a pleasant scent. And because it’s a natural antiseptic, it can be used to treat cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. This oil is also said to have antispasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.

Orange essential oil is used in drinks to enhance a tangy flavour to a diversity of foods, including baked goods, beverages and carbonated drinks. Orange essential oil is becoming progressively prevalent in food and brews owing to its flavour as well as its practical benefits. 

Global orange oil market was estimated at US$1. 4 Billion in the year 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of four point seven percent (4.7%) over the analysis period 2020-2027 is expected to reach $1. 9 Billion by 2027.

Customer awareness of developing health risks as a result of the use of products with added chemicals and flavours is leading to a shift in consumer preference for natural products. Orange essential oil is a natural component that is used to bounce beverages, makeups, and homebased care objects a rare flavour and aroma. 

The drift towards carbon-based and natural formulations is mounting, and it is expected to remain in the future years. As a consequence, throughout the prognosis period, demand for goods comprising natural ingredients, such as orange essential oil, is prophesied to increase.

By Application 

    Food and Beverages
    Cosmetic and Personal Care
    Home Care
    Other Industrial
 
By Product Type 

    Bitter Orange Oil
    Sweet Orange Oil
    Orange Bosom Oil
    Petit Grain Oil

By Source 

    Natural
    Synthetic

In Nigeria, orange oil production is gaining popularity as it presents a viable income-generating opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to start producing orange oil in Nigeria.

Step 1: Conduct a Feasibility Study

Before embarking on any business venture, it is essential to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of the project. A feasibility study will help you identify the market demand, competition, and potential risks. You will also be able to estimate the costs involved in setting up an orange oil production business. The study will help you determine whether the venture is worth pursuing and what steps you need to take to make it successful.

Step 2: Obtain the Necessary Permits

To start producing orange oil in Nigeria, you will need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the relevant regulatory bodies. You will need to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain a tax identification number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). 

Step 3: Secure the land, building and equipment need

The investors needs to secure the land (own or lease one) and build the required structure (factory, offices and warehouse). The production equipments should be sourced, shipped and installed.

Step 4: Source for raw materials and test run

The investors needs to get the raw materials required for production. The key main raw materials is oranges. The most common orange varieties in Nigeria are Valencia, Hamlin, and Jaffa. There are two main methods of extracting orange oil: cold pressing and steam distillation.

Cold pressing is the most common method of extracting orange oil. The process involves crushing the orange peel to release the oil, which is then collected in a container. The oil is then filtered to remove any impurities.

Steam distillation is a more complex method of extracting orange oil. It involves heating the orange peel with steam, which causes the oil to evaporate. The steam is then cooled, and the oil is collected in a container. This method produces a higher quality of orange oil but is more expensive.

Step 5: Package and Market the Orange Oil

Once you have extracted the orange oil, the next step is to package and market it. Orange oil can be packaged in glass or plastic bottles of different sizes. The packaging should be attractive and informative, with details such as the ingredients, usage instructions, and expiry date.

Marketing the orange oil is crucial to the success of the business. You can market your orange oil through various channels such as social media, e-commerce platforms, and trade shows. You can also approach local businesses such as cosmetic companies, food manufacturers, and fragrance companies to sell your orange oil.

Nigeria is a country known for its rich agricultural history and potential. One of the many agricultural products that Nigeria is known for is oranges. Orange production is a vital aspect of Nigeria's agricultural sector and is an essential source of income for farmers across the country. 

In Africa, Nigeria remains the largest producer of oranges, followed by Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. The 2007 Food and Agricultural Organization’s (FAO) report rated Nigeria as the 9th citrus-producing country with an annual average production capacity of about three million, three hundred and twenty-five thousand (3,325,000) tons. The centre of orange production in Nigeria is Benue. Other active producing states in the country are Nassarawa, Kogi, Osun, Ogun, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Taraba, Ekiti, Imo, Kwara, Edo, and Delta states.

The most common orange variety cultivated in Nigeria is the Valencia orange, which is a popular variety worldwide due to its high juice content and good taste. Other varieties of oranges grown in Nigeria include the Navel, Blood, and Jaffa oranges.

There are about thirty (30) cultivars of sweet orange in Nigeria. They are Pineapple, Parson Brown, Washington navel, Carter Navel, Hamlin, Valencia late, Lue-gin-go, Agege 1, Etinan, Meran, Campbell- Valencia, Jaffa, Mid-sweet, Queen, Pope, Honiossa, Ruby-Blood, Pera, St Michael, Shamuti, Majorca, Sweet Seville, Boonis-Early-Or, Madam Vinous-Or, Ridge pineapple, Blood orange, and Natal. All these cultivars are adapted to Nigeria and the planting stock is available.  

Orange production is an essential aspect of Nigeria's agricultural sector, providing income for thousands of farmers across the country. Investing in a orange oil production plant in Nigeria is a very viable business because the raw materials is available locally and the market for the product is large, growing and sustainable.

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