Global interest in functional foods and beverages is driving rising demand for pomegranates, presenting a major investment opportunity, experts say.
With declining output from major producing countries due to climate change, Nigeria is increasingly well-positioned to benefit from favourable weather conditions and growing global demand.
Despite being a nutrient-dense, premium fruit, pomegranates offer strong economic value for producers and processors. A kilogram currently sells for between N15,000 ($10) and N22,000 ($15) across supermarkets in Nigeria.
Nigeria is the third-largest producer of pomegranates in Africa, after Egypt and South Africa, according to reports. However, domestic supply for export remains low, based on data from Tridge.
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Joseph Olofintoye, head of fruits research program at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), confirmed the supply constraints of exotic fruits in the country.
“Fruits form an integral part of the daily diet of many Nigerians, yet their production was taken for granted for several years,” he noted
“There has been an increasing and accelerated awareness in the nutritional and economic values of fruits such as pomegranates and passion fruits,” he added.
In 2023, Nigeria imported $5.9 million worth of fresh exotic fruits, including pomegranates, but exported only 19 metric tons of pomegranates to Saudi Arabia, according to data from Tridge and Trend Economy.
India, the world’s leading producer, accounting for about 40 percent of global output with approximately 3.5 million metric tons annually, has suffered a 10-12 percent decline in production this year, according to Laxman Savalkar, director at Magnus Fresh Farms Limited, as reported by Fresh Plaza. Turkey has also experienced output declines in recent years due to weather fluctuations.
These developments have created a significant market opportunity for investors in Nigeria, experts say.
Peter Deshi, chief executive of Ritdung Integrated Services, highlighted the profitability and strong market demand for pomegranates both locally and internationally.
“Pomegranate farming is a profitable venture that is highly marketable both locally and internationally,” he said during a phone interview with this reporter.
Beyond fresh consumption, growing demand for functional foods and beverages is driving increased use of pomegranates by the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
According to Fortune Business Insights, functional foods are gaining global recognition for their role in preventive medicine, with pomegranates valued for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Kyenpia Eunice, a pomegranate grower based in Plateau State, also highlighted the significant market gap and urged investors to take advantage of the opportunity.
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“There’s a huge market gap; not many people are into the cultivation of this fruit. That’s why I’m calling on young investors to key into this opportunity,” she said.
“If you’re looking for a crop that requires less stress and offers modest income, pomegranate farming or processing is the way to go, because currently a single fruit sells for about N2,500 to N3,000,” she added.
Health benefits
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, supporting digestion, heart health, cholesterol reduction, and inflammation control.
Widely used in juices, jams, health drinks, and skincare, they are key ingredients in functional foods. According to nutrition experts and the WHO, functional foods provide added health benefits, helping prevent and manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and some cancers.
Cost analysis
Farming pomegranates presents a low-entry, high-profit margin for farmers seeking modest incomes and processors targeting export markets.
Eunice highlighted the importance of starting small and scaling gradually. “For someone who has no land for large-scale farming, pomegranate seedlings can be grown in plastic containers and sacks,” she said. “Fruiting starts between 8 and 12 months, and each fruit can sell for between N2500 to N3,000.”
Jeremiah John, chief executive of Jeffy Farms, said the crop thrives in semi-arid regions, requires less rainfall, and is resistant to most pests and diseases. “They grow well on soils with a minimum pH of 6.5,” he noted.
“You can make millions farming pomegranates because the entry barrier is low,” John said. “An acre of land can accommodate between 200 and 300 stands at a 4m by 4m spacing, and each stand can yield up to 45kg annually,” he explained.
He added that “each kilogram currently sells for between N15,000 and N22,000.”
Olorunishola Aje, a farmer based in Ilorin, explained that yields improve significantly after the first two to three years and that the fruit has a long shelf life. “Pomegranates can last up to 14 days at room temperature and up to two months when refrigerated,” he said.
There are three main varieties grown in Nigeria: Indian, Egyptian, and Ilorin sweet pomegranates. Experts say the best propagation methods are seed grafting or air layering. On average, an acre can produce between 8 and 12 tonnes annually.
The fruits are sold through open markets, supermarkets, and online platforms.
Challenges and possible solutions
One of the major challenges facing pomegranate farming is labour shortages, skills gaps, and post-harvest losses.
“The fruits are manually harvested, so labour can be expensive,” Aje noted.
Eunice (earlier quoted) also pointed to limited technical know-how, saying many farmers lack proper training in pomegranate cultivation.
Experts say expanding awareness, strengthening farmer training, and investing in post-harvest handling infrastructure are critical to reducing losses and improving productivity across the value chain.
Global outlook
The global pomegranate market was valued at $6.28 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $13.56 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.62 percent between 2025 and 2033, according to Cognitive Market Research.
Africa currently accounts for 2.42 percent of the global market, with Nigeria holding about 25 percent of the continent’s share, while South Africa controls 43 percent. The African pomegranate market grew from $152.06 million in 2021 to $196.50 million in 2025 and is projected to expand by 77.38 percent over the period, according to reports.
