Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made from oil, egg yolk, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. It serves as a versatile base for dressings, dips, and spreads, making it a staple in households and food establishments worldwide. Known for its rich texture and savory flavor, mayonnaise enhances the taste of sandwiches, salads, and numerous dishes, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

The origins of mayonnaise can be traced back to the 18th century in Europe, with several competing theories about its invention. The most popular account attributes mayonnaise to the French chef of Duke de Richelieu, who created it in 1756 after a military victory in Mahón, Spain. Initially called “Mahonnaise,” the condiment gained widespread popularity across Europe and later globally.

Mayonnaise entered African markets through colonial influence and international trade. Over time, it became an essential ingredient in African cuisine, especially in countries like Nigeria, where it is commonly used in salads, bread spreads, and snacks.

Mayonnaise is available in various types to cater to different dietary needs and flavor preferences:

Egg Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise made with egg yolk.
Eggless Mayonnaise: A vegan alternative using plant-based ingredients like soy milk or aquafaba.
Flavored Mayonnaise: Variants infused with additional flavors like garlic, chili, herbs, or mustard.
Low-Fat Mayonnaise: A lighter version with reduced oil content for health-conscious consumers.

The global mayonnaise market was valued at USD 13.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 18.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2025 to 2033.

Market Segmentation:

By Type:

    Egg Mayonnaise
    Eggless Mayonnaise

By Category:

    Flavored
    Plain

By Packaging Type:

    Bottles
    Pouches
    Others

By Distribution Channel:

    Store-Based (Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Grocery Stores)
    Non-Store-Based (Online Retailers)

Market Trends:

Health and Wellness: Growing demand for vegan, low-fat, and organic mayonnaise.
Convenient Packaging: Innovations like squeezable pouches and single-serve sachets.
Flavored Variants: Rising interest in unique flavors like chipotle, truffle, and peri-peri.
E-commerce Growth: Increasing online sales of mayonnaise driven by convenience.

Mayonnaise production in Nigeria started with the importation of established international brands. As demand grew, local manufacturers began producing mayonnaise to cater to Nigerian tastes. Early players focused on affordable, high-quality products to compete with imported brands.

The industry expanded significantly in the 21st century, with Nigerian companies launching flavored mayonnaise and introducing innovative packaging solutions. Today, the local mayonnaise market continues to grow, driven by a rising middle class and the increasing popularity of fast food and convenience foods.

Mayonnaise production involves several key raw materials, many of which can be sourced locally or imported:

Vegetable Oil: The primary ingredient, commonly soybean, palm, or sunflower oil.
Egg Yolk or Egg Alternatives: Acts as an emulsifier to bind oil and water.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and enhances flavor.
Mustard: Often included for taste and as a stabilizer.
Seasonings and Spices: Garlic, salt, sugar, and other flavor enhancers.
Preservatives: Ensures longer shelf life.
Thickening Agents: Used in some formulations to improve texture.

Nigeria has the potential to source vegetable oil, eggs, and certain spices locally, reducing production costs and reliance on imports.

The mayonnaise industry in Nigeria has grown into a competitive market, with numerous players catering to diverse consumer needs. The demand for mayonnaise is driven by its versatility in Nigerian cuisine and its use in quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and bakeries.

Local Producers of Mayonnaise in Nigeria

Multinational Brands: Companies like Heinz and Hellmann’s continue to hold a significant share, leveraging their global reputation.

Local Manufacturers: Nigerian companies like Bama Mayonnaise and Dangote Mayonnaise are prominent in the market, offering products tailored to local tastes at competitive prices.

SMEs and Startups: Emerging producers focus on niche products like organic or flavored mayonnaise.

The demand for mayonnaise in Nigeria is on the rise, fueled by several factors:

Urbanization: Increased urban living has boosted the consumption of convenience foods, including mayonnaise.
Population Growth: With over two hundred million (200,000,000) people, Nigeria represents a massive market for food products.
Fast Food Culture: The proliferation of fast-food chains and restaurants has increased the use of mayonnaise in food preparation.
Household Consumption: Mayonnaise is a staple in Nigerian homes, commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and snacks.

Challenges in Mayonnaise Production

Raw Material Costs: Fluctuations in the prices of vegetable oil and other ingredients impact production costs.
Infrastructure Gaps: Poor transportation and storage facilities can hinder distribution.
Competition: Dominance by established multinational brands makes market entry difficult for new players.
Consumer Preferences: Catering to diverse and evolving tastes requires constant innovation.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to food safety and quality standards can be challenging, especially for smaller manufacturers.

Prospects for Mayonnaise Production in Nigeria

Despite the challenges, the future of mayonnaise production in Nigeria is promising.

Opportunities:

Local Sourcing: Investing in local raw material production can lower costs and boost the economy.
Export Potential: Nigeria can serve as a regional hub for mayonnaise production, exporting to neighboring countries.
Product Innovation: Developing health-conscious products like low-fat and eggless mayonnaise can attract a broader consumer base.
E-commerce: Leveraging online platforms for sales and distribution can expand market reach.
Government Support: Policies promoting local manufacturing and reducing import dependency can bolster the industry.

Mayonnaise production in Nigeria represents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors. As a versatile and widely consumed product, mayonnaise has become a staple in Nigerian kitchens and restaurants. By addressing challenges such as raw material costs and infrastructure gaps, producers can tap into the growing demand and unlock the full potential of the market.

With the right mix of innovation, investment, and government support, the mayonnaise industry in Nigeria is poised for significant growth, offering a creamy path to profitability.

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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