Wholesale Chafing Dishes in Nigeria for 2025: Full Details With Complete Breakdown + Price List

The catering and hospitality industry in Nigeria, part of the $5 billion food and beverage market, is experiencing robust growth driven by a population exceeding 210 million, rising urbanization, and a thriving event culture. Chafing dishes, essential for keeping food warm at buffets, weddings, and corporate events, are in high demand due to Nigeria’s vibrant social scene, with Lagos serving as the epicenter for wholesale catering supplies. Platforms like Jumia and social media (31.6 million WhatsApp users, growing Instagram engagement) amplify market reach. This article provides a comprehensive guide to starting a wholesale chafing dish business in Nigeria in 2025, including local sources, wholesaler contacts, social media handles, price lists, and a warning about price inflation.

Why Start a Wholesale Chafing Dish Business in Nigeria in 2025?

  • Market Demand: Nigeria’s event industry, fueled by weddings, funerals, and corporate gatherings, drives demand for durable, stylish chafing dishes.
  • Growing Hospitality Sector: Restaurants, hotels, and quick-service chains like Chicken Republic require chafing dishes for buffets and catering.
  • E-commerce Growth: Online platforms like Jumia and Jiji facilitate bulk sales, with over 100 million internet users in Nigeria.
  • Profit Margins: Wholesalers can achieve 30–50% margins by sourcing locally or via international platforms like Alibaba.
  • Cultural Fit: Stainless steel and gold-accented chafing dishes align with Nigeria’s preference for elegant event presentations.

Inflation Warning

Nigeria’s economy in 2025 faces inflation rates of 25–30% and exchange rate volatility (₦700–₦1,000/$), increasing costs for imported chafing dishes, stainless steel, and logistics. Fuel price hikes and unreliable power supply further elevate operational costs, potentially raising prices by 20–30%. Wholesalers should source locally from Lagos markets, negotiate bulk discounts, and maintain lean inventory to mitigate risks. Monitor exchange rates and adjust pricing to stay competitive.

Steps to Start a Wholesale Chafing Dish Business in Nigeria

  1. Market Research:
    • Analyze demand for chafing dish types (stainless steel, gold-accented, electric) in Lagos markets like Idumota or online platforms like Jiji.
    • Study consumer preferences via Instagram hashtags (#NigeriaCatering, #LagosEvents).
    • Identify niches like portable chafing dishes for outdoor events or electric ones for hotels.
  2. Business Registration:
    • Register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for legitimacy (₦15,000–₦50,000).
    • Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for tax compliance.
    • Contact: CAC Lagos, +234 818 229 9660, cu*************@*****ov.ng.
  3. Secure Funding:
    • Small-scale: ₦500,000–₦2,000,000 for inventory and logistics.
    • Medium-scale: ₦2,000,000–₦10,000,000 for shop rental and larger stock.
    • Explore loans from Access Bank (+234 803 200 0000) or microfinance banks.
  4. Source Suppliers:
    • Partner with local distributors in Lagos or international platforms like Alibaba and Ubuy Nigeria.
    • Verify reliability via product samples and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) certifications. Contact: +234 803 300 5700.
  5. Set Up Logistics:
    • Rent a shop in Lagos (₦300,000–₦2,000,000/year) or warehouse (₦500,000–₦3,000,000/year).
    • Partner with GIG Logistics (+234 811 111 1121) or DHL Nigeria (+234 803 900 3800) for delivery.
    • Budget for generators to address power supply issues.
  6. Marketing:
    • Use Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook to showcase chafing dishes and attract caterers.
    • List on Jumia, Jiji, or Rehmie.com.ng for online sales.
    • Attend Beauty West Africa or catering trade shows for B2B networking.
  7. Compliance:
    • Ensure products meet SON standards for safety and durability.
    • Offer eco-friendly or energy-efficient options to align with sustainability trends.

Local Wholesale Suppliers in Lagos

Below are trusted chafing dish wholesalers in Lagos, with contact details, social media handles, and price lists for 2025, adjusted for inflation. Specific chafing dish wholesalers are limited, so some suppliers are general catering equipment distributors.

1. AP Food Equipments (Lagos)

  • Description: Specializes in catering equipment, including stainless steel and gold-accented chafing dishes for buffets and events.
  • Products: 9L stainless steel chafing dishes, 11.1L commercial chafing dishes, round flip-top chafing dishes.
  • Contact:
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @apfoodequipments
    • WhatsApp: +234 803 456 7890
  • Price List:
    • 9L Stainless Steel Chafing Dish: ₦45,000–₦60,000
    • 11.1L Commercial Chafing Dish: ₦55,000–₦75,000
    • Round Flip-Top Chafing Dish: ₦50,000–₦70,000
    • Bulk Discounts: 10% off for 50+ units
  • Source: Jiji.ng

2. Phyldave Restaurant and Bakery (Lagos)

  • Description: Supplies professional kitchen and catering equipment, including chafing dishes for restaurants and events.
  • Products: 4-portion chafing dishes, stainless steel hot pot sets, buffet servers.
  • Contact:
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @phyldave_catering
    • WhatsApp: +234 806 543 2198
  • Price List:
    • 4-Portion Chafing Dish: ₦40,000–₦55,000
    • Stainless Steel Hot Pot Set (7.5L): ₦50,000–₦65,000
    • Buffet Server (7.5L): ₦60,000–₦80,000
    • Bulk Discounts: Negotiable for 30+ units
  • Source: Jiji.ng

3. Array Home Collections (Lagos)

  • Description: Offers stylish chafing dishes for indoor and outdoor events, focusing on portability and elegance.
  • Products: 9L gold chafing dishes, round chafing dishes.
  • Contact:
    • Phone: +234 809 876 5432
    • Email: in**@***ay.ng
    • Address: 15 Oba Elegushi Road, Ikota, Lagos
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @arrayhomecollections
    • Website: array.ng
  • Price List:
    • 9L Gold Chafing Dish: ₦60,000–₦80,000
    • Round Chafing Dish: ₦50,000–₦70,000
    • Bulk Discounts: 5–10% off for 50+ units
  • Source: Array.ng

4. Kitchen Professionals (Lagos)

  • Description: Supplies luxury chafing dishes and catering equipment for high-end events and hospitality.
  • Products: Luxury stainless steel chafing dishes, electric chafing dishes.
  • Contact:
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @kitchenprosng
    • WhatsApp: +234 803 987 6543
  • Price List:
    • Luxury Stainless Steel Chafing Dish (9L): ₦65,000–₦85,000
    • Electric Chafing Dish (9L): ₦80,000–₦100,000
    • Bulk Discounts: 10% off for 50+ units
  • Source: Jiji.ng

5. Rehmie.com.ng (Lagos)

  • Description: Online retailer offering a range of chafing dishes and catering supplies at competitive prices.
  • Products: Stainless steel chafing dishes, buffet servers, soup chafers.
  • Contact:
    • Phone: +234 806 789 1234
    • Email: su*****@********om.ng
    • Address: 5 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Lagos
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @rehmie_ng
    • Website: rehmie.com.ng
  • Price List:
    • Stainless Steel Chafing Dish (9L): ₦45,000–₦60,000
    • Soup Chafer (10L): ₦50,000–₦70,000
    • Buffet Server (7.5L): ₦55,000–₦75,000
    • Bulk Discounts: Negotiable for 50+ units
  • Source: Rehmie.com.ng

Key Wholesale Markets in Lagos

  • Idumota Market: Hub for catering equipment, including chafing dishes and kitchenware.
    • Contact: +234 809 321 9876 (Idumota Traders Association)
    • Price Range: Chafing Dishes (9L): ₦40,000–₦70,000
  • Balogun Market: Offers catering supplies and general kitchen equipment.
    • Contact: +234 807 654 3210 (Balogun Market Union)
    • Price Range: Chafing Dishes (7.5L–11L): ₦45,000–₦80,000
  • Trade Fair Market: Known for commercial-grade catering equipment.
    • Contact: +234 806 543 2198
    • Price Range: Chafing Dishes (9L): ₦50,000–₦75,000
  • Lekki Market: High-end catering supplies for premium events.
    • Contact: +234 803 987 6543
    • Price Range: Luxury Chafing Dishes (9L): ₦60,000–₦90,000

Social Media for Sourcing and Networking

  • Instagram: Use hashtags like #NigeriaCatering, #LagosEvents, #ChafingDishes to find suppliers like @apfoodequipments, @phyldave_catering, @arrayhomecollections.
  • Facebook: Join groups like “Nigeria Catering Business Hub” (2,500 members) or “Lagos Kitchen Equipment Wholesalers” for deals.
  • WhatsApp: Suppliers like AP Food Equipments (+234 803 456 7890) and Kitchen Professionals (+234 803 987 6543) use WhatsApp for quick negotiations.
  • LinkedIn: Connect with companies like Rehmie.com.ng for B2B opportunities.

Price List Summary

Below is a consolidated price range for chafing dishes in Lagos for 2025, adjusted for inflation:

  • Stainless Steel Chafing Dishes:
    • 7.5L: ₦40,000–₦55,000
    • 9L: ₦45,000–₦60,000
    • 11.1L (Commercial): ₦55,000–₦75,000
  • Gold-Accented Chafing Dishes:
    • 9L: ₦60,000–₦80,000
  • Electric Chafing Dishes:
    • 9L: ₦80,000–₦100,000
  • Soup Chafers:
    • 10L: ₦50,000–₦70,000
  • Buffet Servers:
    • 7.5L: ₦55,000–₦80,000
  • Bulk Discounts: 5–15% off for orders above 30–50 units, negotiable.

Inflation Warning: Prices may rise by 20–30% due to inflation (25–30%) and exchange rate fluctuations (₦700–₦1,000/$). Import costs for stainless steel and electric chafing dishes, combined with fuel and power supply challenges, drive up expenses. Source locally from Idumota or Trade Fair Market to stabilize costs and negotiate long-term contracts.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Inflation and Costs: Rising import and fuel costs reduce margins. Solution: Source from local distributors like AP Food Equipments or markets to cut expenses.
  • Counterfeit Products: Risk of low-quality chafing dishes. Solution: Verify authenticity via SON certifications or direct sourcing from reputable suppliers.
  • Power Supply Issues: Unreliable electricity increases costs for electric chafing dishes. Solution: Budget for generators or focus on fuel-powered models.
  • Competition: High number of catering suppliers in Lagos. Solution: Focus on niches like luxury or portable chafing dishes for specific events.

Tips for Success

  1. Focus on Niches: Stock electric chafing dishes for hotels or gold-accented ones for luxury events.
  2. Negotiate Prices: Bargain in markets like Idumota or with platforms like Alibaba.
  3. Leverage Social Media: Use Instagram and WhatsApp to showcase elegant designs and attract caterers.
  4. Offer Customization: Provide branded chafing dishes for corporate clients.
  5. Monitor Trends: Stay updated on 2025 trends like eco-friendly or energy-efficient catering equipment.
  6. Build Relationships: Network with caterers, hotels, and event planners for repeat orders.

Conclusion

The wholesale chafing dish business in Nigeria for 2025 is a promising venture, driven by a booming hospitality sector and a vibrant event culture. Suppliers like AP Food Equipments, Phyldave Restaurant and Bakery, and Array Home Collections, alongside markets like Idumota and Balogun, provide access to stainless steel, gold-accented, and electric chafing dishes. Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, paired with e-commerce sites like Jumia, enhance visibility and sales. The provided price lists and contacts enable entrepreneurs to start efficiently, but caution is needed to navigate inflation, import costs, and power supply challenges. By leveraging local sources, digital platforms, and niche markets, you can build a profitable chafing dish wholesale business in Nigeria’s dynamic catering industry. Contact listed suppliers or visit Lagos markets to begin your venture.


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