What It Is
Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus), also known as Aya in Hausa, Ofio in Yoruba, and Aki Hausa in Igbo, is not a nut but a small tuber rich in nutrients. It is valued globally for its health benefits, sweet taste, and versatility in food and beverage production. Tiger Nuts have been cultivated for centuries and are widely consumed in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly in North America.
What Export of It Is
Exporting Tiger Nuts involves sourcing high-quality produce, properly drying and cleaning them, grading, packaging to international standards, and shipping to buyers across the world. Due to increasing global demand for plant-based, gluten-free, and lactose-free alternatives, Tiger Nuts represent a profitable export opportunity for businesses targeting health-conscious consumers and industries such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Uses of Tiger Nut
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Food & Snacks – Consumed raw, roasted, or dried as a healthy snack.
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Beverages – Used in making Tiger Nut Milk (Horchata de Chufa), a popular lactose-free milk alternative.
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Baking & Flour Production – Ground into flour for gluten-free baking.
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Oil Extraction – Tiger Nut oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
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Pharmaceuticals & Herbal Medicine – Used for digestive health, energy boost, and fertility enhancement.
Specifications for Export
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Product: Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus)
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Types: Fresh, Dried, Processed (Flour, Oil, Milk Powder)
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Quality Standard: Free from stones, insects, and foreign particles
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Moisture Content: Maximum 10%
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Admixture: Maximum 1–2%
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Sizes: Large, Medium, Small (depending on buyer’s request)
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Export Packaging:
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25kg, 50kg polypropylene bags
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Customized packaging available (as per buyer’s requirement)
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Export Form: Whole Dried Tubers, Flour, or Oil
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Shelf Life: 12–18 months when stored in a cool, dry environment
Global Market Demand
The international market for Tiger Nuts is expanding rapidly, especially in Europe (Spain, UK, Germany), the Middle East, North America, and Asia, driven by demand for healthy snacks and natural lactose-free milk alternatives. Spain alone imports large volumes annually for Horchata production.
Export Opportunity
With rising awareness of the nutritional and medicinal value of Tiger Nuts, exporters stand to benefit from supplying to food processors, beverage companies, health stores, supermarkets, and pharmaceutical industries worldwide.
