What Yam Flour Is
Yam Flour is a fine powder obtained from processing yams (commonly Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea cayenensis varieties). It is an essential African staple, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Yam Flour is mainly used to prepare Amala, a popular Nigerian delicacy enjoyed with different soups such as ewedu, gbegiri, and egusi.
Yam Flour is highly valued internationally due to the large African diaspora community in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. It is also gaining recognition in health-conscious markets because it is gluten-free, rich in fiber, potassium, and complex carbohydrates, making it a healthy alternative to wheat-based flours.
Export of Yam Flour
Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of yams and leads in the export of yam-based products, including Yam Flour. The global demand continues to rise due to increasing preference for African cuisine abroad, alongside health and wellness trends.
Export-ready Yam Flour must be:
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Properly processed under hygienic and NAFDAC/SON-approved conditions
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Dried to the right moisture content (≤10%) to avoid mold and spoilage
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Packaged in airtight and moisture-proof materials to preserve freshness during shipping
Target export destinations include:
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United Kingdom & Europe – High African population demanding yam products
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United States & Canada – Growing African food stores and restaurants
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Middle East – Expanding expatriate and African migrant markets
Uses of Yam Flour
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Preparation of Amala (thick dough meal)
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Thickener in soups and stews
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Used in baby foods due to its easy digestibility
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Ingredient in gluten-free baking and specialty health foods
Export Specifications
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Form: Fine white/brown powder
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Moisture Content: ≤10%
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Packaging Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg export bags
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Shelf Life: 12–18 months under proper storage
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Storage Condition: Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Packaging for Export
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Retail Packaging: Branded pouches (1kg, 2kg, 5kg) for supermarkets and stores
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Bulk Packaging: Polypropylene or laminated bags (10kg–25kg) for wholesale and distributors
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Vacuum-sealed options available to ensure longer shelf life
HS Code
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Yam Flour HS Code: 110620
UK & Global Market Demand
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In the UK, Yam Flour is in high demand in Afro-Caribbean shops in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
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In the US, cities like New York, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta are key markets.
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Global health-conscious consumers are adopting yam flour as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour.
Export Tip: To penetrate competitive markets, exporters should focus on branding, quality assurance certifications (NAFDAC, SON, ISO, HACCP), and diaspora-targeted marketing.
