Mayonnaise is a creamy, thick condiment made primarily from emulsified egg yolks, oil, and an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or lemon juice. Known for its rich texture and tangy flavor, mayonnaise is used as a spread, dressing, and base for various culinary preparations, including sandwiches, salads, and dips. It is valued for its versatility and ability to enhance the taste and appeal of dishes.
The origin of mayonnaise is debated, but most accounts trace its roots back to Europe in the 18th century. One popular theory is that it was created in 1756 when the Duke of Richelieu’s chef improvised a sauce using eggs and oil during a military campaign. This sauce, named “Mahonnaise” after the city of Mahón in Spain, evolved into the mayonnaise we know today.
Over time, mayonnaise gained popularity globally, particularly in Western countries, where it became a staple condiment. With the rise of global food trade and manufacturing, it has found its way into kitchens worldwide, including Nigeria.
Mayonnaise comes in various formulations to cater to diverse tastes, dietary preferences, and culinary applications.
By Type:
Egg Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise made with egg yolks.
Eggless Mayonnaise: Made without eggs, catering to vegan and egg-allergic consumers.
By Category:
Flavored Mayonnaise: Enhanced with additional ingredients like garlic, chili, herbs, or mustard.
Plain Mayonnaise: The classic, unflavored version.
By Packaging Type:
Bottles: Common for home use with easy dispensing.
Pouches: Popular for single-use or bulk packaging.
Others: Jars and tubs for commercial applications.
By Distribution Channel:
Store-Based: Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores.
Non-Store-Based: Online retailers and e-commerce platforms.
The global mayonnaise market size was valued at USD 13.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2033.
Key Market Trends:
Health-Conscious Options: Increasing demand for low-fat, low-calorie, and organic mayonnaise.
Vegan and Eggless Variants: Rising adoption of plant-based diets is driving growth in eggless mayonnaise.
Flavored Mayonnaise: Enhanced taste options like peri-peri, garlic, and chipotle are gaining traction.
Convenient Packaging: Innovations in squeezable bottles and single-serve pouches for on-the-go consumption.
E-Commerce Growth: Increasing reliance on online platforms for purchasing condiments.
Mayonnaise was initially introduced to Nigeria through imports, with international brands dominating the market. As the Nigerian economy expanded and consumer preferences shifted towards locally produced goods, local manufacturers began producing mayonnaise to meet rising demand.
In the early 2000s, notable Nigerian food processing companies ventured into mayonnaise production, making the condiment more accessible and affordable. Today, mayonnaise is a popular household item and an essential ingredient in many Nigerian dishes, such as salads and sandwiches.
Mayonnaise production relies on a combination of locally sourced and imported raw materials. Key ingredients include:
Vegetable Oil: The primary ingredient, often derived from palm oil or soybean oil, both of which are readily available in Nigeria.
Egg Yolks: Sourced locally or replaced with plant-based alternatives for eggless variants.
Acidic Agents: Vinegar or lemon juice, available through local and imported suppliers.
Stabilizers and Emulsifiers: Ingredients like mustard or lecithin to ensure smooth consistency.
Salt and Sugar: For seasoning and flavor balance.
Preservatives: To extend shelf life.
Flavor Additives: Herbs, spices, or artificial flavorings for flavored variants.
Nigeria’s mayonnaise market is a mix of multinational corporations and local manufacturers, catering to various consumer segments.
Multinational Brands: Companies like Heinz and Hellmann’s dominate the premium segment, often imported.
Local Brands:
Bama Mayonnaise (produced by Mamador/Flour Mills Nigeria): A widely recognized local product.
Devon King’s Mayonnaise: Produced by PZ Wilmar, known for its affordability.
Other emerging brands are targeting niche markets, such as vegan or organic mayonnaise.
Demand for Mayonnaise in Nigeria
The demand for mayonnaise in Nigeria is driven by its widespread use in local and Western-style dishes. As lifestyles become more fast-paced, the convenience of ready-to-use condiments like mayonnaise contributes to its growing popularity.
Key drivers of demand include:
Urbanization: Increased consumption of fast food and Western-inspired meals.
Middle-Class Growth: Rising disposable incomes and changing culinary preferences.
Food Service Industry: High demand from restaurants, bakeries, and catering services.
Home Cooking Trends: Popularity of homemade salads, sandwiches, and dips.
Challenges in Mayonnaise Production in Nigeria
High Production Costs: Dependence on imported raw materials like vinegar and preservatives raises costs.
Infrastructure Issues: Poor transportation networks and inconsistent electricity supply affect production efficiency.
Competition: Multinational brands dominate the premium segment, while local producers face stiff competition in the affordable range.
Consumer Awareness: Limited knowledge about health-conscious options like low-fat or vegan mayonnaise.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting food safety and quality standards is essential but challenging for smaller manufacturers.
Prospects for Mayonnaise Production in Nigeria
Despite the challenges, mayonnaise production in Nigeria holds immense potential due to the growing demand for condiments.
Opportunities:
Local Sourcing: Investing in local production of key ingredients like vinegar and stabilizers can reduce costs.
Export Potential: Neighboring West African countries present untapped markets for Nigerian-made mayonnaise.
Health-Conscious Variants: Expanding the range of low-fat, vegan, and organic mayonnaise can cater to health-focused consumers.
Technology Upgrades: Modern production techniques can enhance quality and efficiency.
Government Support: Policies encouraging local manufacturing can boost the industry’s growth.
Mayonnaise production in Nigeria is a promising business sector with significant growth potential. As a staple in urban households and an essential ingredient in various culinary applications, mayonnaise enjoys a steady demand.
While challenges such as high production costs and stiff competition exist, opportunities for innovation and market expansion can help local producers thrive. By leveraging Nigeria’s growing middle class, advancing production capabilities, and exploring export possibilities, the mayonnaise industry can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
If you require a bankable feasibility report on mayonnaise production in Nigeria, please contact us using any of the means below.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Founder & Market Research Analyst
Foraminifera Market Research Limited
foraminiferaltd@gmail.com or +2348033782777 (call and whatsapp)
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