oc2much@yahoo.com1. Overview
The demand for fresh yogurt and dairy products is rising in Nigeria due to health-conscious consumers. Expanding a homemade yogurt business to include cheese, butter, and flavored yogurt offers a larger revenue stream.
This venture is low-to-medium capital, scalable, and high-demand, capable of generating ₦180,000 monthly. Unique flavors, natural ingredients, and attractive packaging attract repeat customers.
2. Market Opportunity
- Target customers: Households, schools, gyms, supermarkets, and restaurants.
- Trend: Increasing preference for healthy, preservative-free dairy products.
- Competition: Moderate; homemade, fresh, and flavored dairy products have strong appeal.
- Growth potential: High; expand into bulk supply, custom flavors, and online delivery.
Consumers value freshness, taste, hygiene, and nutritional benefits, ensuring repeat purchases.
3. Startup Cost Breakdown (₦)
| Item | Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (fresh or powdered) | 20,000 | For yogurt, cheese, and butter production |
| Yogurt starter cultures | 5,000 | Consistent fermentation |
| Cheese & butter starter kits | 15,000 | Optional for expansion |
| Packaging materials | 10,000 | Cups, jars, wrappers, labels |
| Equipment | 20,000 | Blender, pots, thermometer, storage |
| Marketing & branding | 5,000 | Flyers, social media, WhatsApp promotion |
| Workspace setup | 5,000 | Table, storage, refrigeration if needed |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 | Cleaning tools, utensils |
| Total Startup Cost | ₈5,000 |
Tip: Start with yogurt and gradually expand into cheese, butter, and flavored options.
4. How to Earn ₦180,000 Monthly
Revenue comes from selling yogurt, cheese, butter, and flavored dairy products.
- Pricing example:
- Small yogurt cup: ₦250–₦300
- Medium yogurt cup: ₦400–₦500
- Cheese (per 250g): ₦1,000–₦1,200
- Butter (per 250g): ₦800–₦1,000
- Customer base calculation:
- 150 small yogurt cups × ₦250 = ₦37,500
- 50 medium yogurt cups × ₦400 = ₦20,000
- 30 cheese packs × ₦1,000 = ₦30,000
- 20 butter packs × ₦900 = ₦18,000
- Total monthly revenue ≈ ₦180,000
- Operating costs:
- Raw materials, packaging, and utilities: ~₦60,000
- Net monthly profit: ~₦120,000
- Scaling potential:
- Supply local stores, supermarkets, gyms, and schools
- Introduce subscription delivery for yogurt and dairy combos
- Offer customized flavors for birthdays, events, and corporate orders
5. Step-by-Step Business Guide
- Source ingredients: Fresh milk, starter cultures, and optional flavorings.
- Set up workspace: Home kitchen or clean production table.
- Produce products: Ferment yogurt, prepare cheese and butter, add flavors.
- Package products: Use hygienic cups, jars, and labels.
- Market products: Social media, WhatsApp, local markets, and word-of-mouth.
- Offer tasting: Encourage customers to try new flavors.
- Scale gradually: Introduce bulk packs, event-specific products, and flavored dairy combos.
6. Challenges & Tips
Challenges:
- Maintaining consistent quality and freshness
- Storage and refrigeration requirements
- Competition from commercial dairy brands
Tips:
- Use hygienic methods and proper refrigeration
- Focus on unique flavors and natural ingredients
- Offer bulk orders for steady revenue
- Promote health benefits to attract fitness-conscious consumers
7. Profit Projection
| Metric | Value (₦) |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | 180,000 |
| Operating costs | 60,000 |
| Net monthly profit | 120,000 |
| Break-even timeline | <1 month |
| ROI first month | 141% |
With bulk supply, subscription services, and flavor expansion, net monthly profit can grow to ₦200,000–₦250,000.
8. Feasibility Verdict
Feasibility: High
- Low-to-medium startup cost (~₦85,000)
- Continuous demand for yogurt and dairy products
- Home-based and scalable
- Growth potential with flavored and bulk options
9. Conclusion
Expanding a homemade yogurt business to include cheese, butter, and flavored products is a profitable, scalable, and high-demand food venture in Nigeria. By focusing on freshness, hygiene, and variety, you can earn ₦180,000 monthly while serving households, schools, and local businesses.
This business is ideal for home-based entrepreneurs seeking flexible, high-demand, and sustainable income opportunities in Nigeria’s dairy market.
