Top Apple Fruit Distributors in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Introduction

Apples are a highly consumed fruit in Nigeria, valued for their nutritional benefits, including vitamins A, B, and C, and their role in a healthy diet. Nigeria’s tropical climate prevents local apple production, leading to significant imports, with $15.5 million worth of apples imported in Q4 2024, primarily from South Africa, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Popular varieties like Granny Smith and Queen’s Apple dominate the market, driven by demand from a growing middle class and large retail outlets. The apple business is profitable but risky due to the fruit’s perishability, requiring efficient supply chains and cold storage. This article details the top distributors of apple fruits in Nigeria for 2025, focusing on their services, locations, product ranges, and pricing, based on sources like Nigerian Informer, Freshplaza.com, Wigmorewholesale.com, Supermart.ng, and Go4worldbusiness.com. Nigeria’s 32.15% inflation rate in 2024 may drive prices up, and buyers should confirm costs directly. While specific Abuja-based distributors are less documented, this guide includes nationwide and regional suppliers active in the capital.

Overview of Apple Fruits in Nigeria

Apples in Nigeria are primarily imported, with key characteristics:

• Varieties: Granny Smith (green, tart), Queen’s Apple (red, sweet), Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Cripps Pink, and Pink Lady.
• Source: South Africa (90% of imports), Brazil, United Kingdom, Estonia, and Lebanon.
• Price Range: ₦11,000–₦12,500 per carton (100–130 small apples); ₦450–₦800 per apple retail, per Nigerian Informer and Punchng.com.
• Market Dynamics: High demand due to health benefits; prices rising due to inflation and import costs.
• Challenges: Perishability requires cold storage; inflation (32.15% in 2024) increases costs.

The apple market is supported by Nigeria’s growing retail sector, with supermarkets and fruit markets driving sales. Distributors must ensure rapid delivery to avoid spoilage, making logistics critical.

Top Apple Fruit Distributors in Nigeria

The following distributors are key players in supplying apple fruits in Nigeria, based on market presence and verified data. Due to limited Abuja-specific information, the list includes nationwide platforms and regional suppliers serving Abuja.

1. CORE Fruit Company
   • Details: A leading importer and distributor of apples in Nigeria, specializing in Granny Smith and Queen’s Apple from South Africa.
   • Services: Importation, wholesale, supply to retailers and supermarkets, cold storage logistics.
   • Product Range:
     • Granny Smith (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Queen’s Apple (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Royal Gala (130-count carton): ₦12,000–₦13,500.
   • Location: Nationwide; head office in Lagos (specific address not listed).
   • Contact: Not specified; inquire via industry networks or trade shows.
   • Price Impact: Inflation may increase prices by 20–30%.
   • Inflation Warning: Rising fuel and import costs may affect pricing.
   • Summary: Major player in apple importation with strong retail connections.
2. Wigmore Wholesale
   • Details: A commercial supplier offering fresh yellow and green apples, sourced from Iran and other regions, with delivery to Abuja and nationwide.
   • Services: Online wholesale, bulk discounts, shipping to Lagos, Abuja, and West Africa.
   • Product Range:
     • Fresh Yellow Apples (130-count carton): ₦12,000–₦14,000.
     • Green Apples (130-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • 10% Fruit Apple Drink (bulk): Prices on request.
   • Location: Online (www.wigmorewholesale.com); distribution hubs in Lagos and Abuja.
   • Contact: in**@**************le.com.
   • Price Impact: Competitive pricing; inflation may raise shipping costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Logistics costs may increase due to fuel prices.
   • Summary: Reliable for bulk purchases with Abuja delivery.
3. Supermart.ng
   • Details: An online supermarket offering fresh apples, targeting urban consumers in Lagos and Abuja.
   • Services: Online retail, home delivery, discounts for first orders (₦2,000 off with code FIRSTORDER).
   • Product Range:
     • Granny Smith Apples (per kg): ₦2,500–₦3,500.
     • Queen’s Apple (per kg): ₦2,500–₦3,500.
     • Fruit Baskets (mixed apples): ₦5,000–₦10,000.
   • Location: Online (www.supermart.ng); serves Lagos and Abuja.
   • Contact: su*****@*******rt.ng.
   • Price Impact: Retail-focused; inflation may raise prices.
   • Inflation Warning: Rising costs may reduce affordability.
   • Summary: Ideal for retail and small-scale purchases in Abuja.
4. Fresh To Dommot
   • Details: A premium supplier of fresh fruits, offering green apples in bulk, with a focus on quality and flavor.
   • Services: Wholesale, retail, fruit baskets, nationwide delivery.
   • Product Range:
     • Green Apples (130-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Mixed Fruit Baskets: ₦5,000–₦15,000.
   • Location: Online (www.freshtodommot.com); distribution in Lagos, serves Abuja.
   • Contact: Not specified; use website contact form.
   • Price Impact: Premium pricing; inflation may increase costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Logistics costs may rise for Abuja deliveries.
   • Summary: Best for quality-conscious buyers and gift baskets.
5. Go4WorldBusiness.com
   • Details: A B2B platform connecting buyers with apple fruit suppliers in Abuja and nationwide.
   • Services: Supplier connections, bulk deals, wholesale inquiries.
   • Product Range:
     • Granny Smith Apples (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Queen’s Apple (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
   • Location: Online (www.go4worldbusiness.com); suppliers in Abuja and Lagos.
   • Contact: Varies by supplier; use platform inquiry form.
   • Price Impact: Varies; inflation may raise costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Import and logistics costs may increase.
   • Summary: Useful for finding Abuja-based suppliers.
6. Tru-Cape (via Nigerian Distributors)
   • Details: A South African fruit company supplying apples to Nigeria, with 50% of its apples sold in Africa, including varieties like Royal Gala and Pink Lady.
   • Services: Wholesale to distributors, cold chain logistics, supply to markets and supermarkets.
   • Product Range:
     • Golden Delicious (130-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Pink Lady (100-count carton): ₦12,000–₦14,000.
     • Royal Gala (100-count carton): ₦12,000–₦14,000.
   • Location: Distributed via Lagos and Abuja; no direct Nigerian office.
   • Contact: in**@*********co.za, www.tru-cape.com.
   • Price Impact: Premium pricing; inflation may raise costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Currency fluctuations may affect pricing.
   • Summary: High-quality apples via Nigerian partners.
7. Finelib.com
   • Details: A business directory listing fruit suppliers, including apple distributors in Abuja and nationwide.
   • Services: Supplier connections, wholesale inquiries, contact details.
   • Product Range:
     • Granny Smith Apples (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Queen’s Apple (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
   • Location: Nationwide directory; suppliers in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
   • Contact: Varies by supplier; visit www.finelib.com.
   • Price Impact: Varies; inflation may increase costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Economic fluctuations may affect pricing.
   • Summary: Reliable for finding local suppliers in Abuja.
8. Businesslist.com.ng
   • Details: A directory connecting buyers with fruit suppliers, including apple distributors in Abuja.
   • Services: Supplier connections, wholesale inquiries, contact information.
   • Product Range:
     • Granny Smith Apples (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
     • Queen’s Apple (100-count carton): ₦11,000–₦12,500.
   • Location: Nationwide directory; suppliers in Abuja and Lagos.
   • Contact: Varies by supplier; visit www.businesslist.com.ng.
   • Price Impact: Varies; inflation may raise costs.
   • Inflation Warning: Economic conditions may affect pricing.
   • Summary: Useful for sourcing Abuja-based distributors.

Becoming an Apple Fruit Distributor

To become an apple fruit distributor in Nigeria:

• Requirements:
  • Financial Capacity: ₦1 million–₦5 million for initial stock, cold storage, and logistics.
  • Infrastructure: Cold storage facilities, delivery vehicles, and warehousing.
  • Registration: CAC-registered business for formal agreements.
  • Market Network: Connections with retailers, supermarkets, and fruit markets.
• Process:
  • Contact importers like CORE or Tru-Cape (in**@*********co.za) for distributorship inquiries.
  • Develop a business plan outlining supply chain and target markets (e.g., supermarkets, local markets).
  • Secure cold storage to prevent spoilage, as apples are highly perishable.
  • Register with platforms like Go4WorldBusiness or Wigmore Wholesale for supplier connections.
• Benefits:
  • High demand with ₦50–₦100 profit per apple; ₦5,000–₦7,000 per carton.
  • Growing retail sector supports sales to supermarkets and malls.
  • Opportunities to supply smaller retailers and street vendors.
• Challenges:
  • Inflation (32.15% in 2024) may reduce margins.
  • Perishability requires efficient logistics.
  • Competition from established importers and local fruit markets.

General Notes

• Purchasing Advice: Contact distributors via email, websites (e.g., www.wigmorewholesale.com, www.supermart.ng), or visit local markets like Dei-Dei or Wuse in Abuja for suppliers.
• Local Expertise: Prioritize distributors with cold storage and Abuja delivery to ensure freshness. Verify supplier credentials via trade associations.
• Taxation: Prices may exclude taxes or delivery fees; confirm with suppliers.
• Economic Drivers: Nigeria’s growing middle class and retail sector fuel apple demand, but inflation and import costs pose challenges.
• Sources: Nigerian Informer, Freshplaza.com, Wigmorewholesale.com, Supermart.ng, Go4worldbusiness.com, Punchng.com, Indexbox.io.
• Cultural Integration: Apples are marketed as health-conscious choices, aligning with Nigerian preferences for nutritious, fresh foods.

General Inflation Warning

Nigeria’s inflation rate (32.15% in 2024) impacts the fruit market:

• Rising Costs: Apple prices may increase by 20–30% in 2025 due to fuel, import, and logistics costs.
• Affordability Challenges: Higher prices may reduce consumer purchasing power, as noted by retailers in Abuja.
• Economic Instability: Currency fluctuations and supply chain issues may affect availability.
  Buyers and distributors should secure early quotes, negotiate bulk discounts, and budget for cost hikes.

Challenges in Identifying Abuja-Specific Distributors

Specific apple distributors in Abuja are less documented compared to Lagos, where most imports are processed. Nationwide platforms like Wigmore Wholesale and Supermart.ng serve Abuja, while local markets like Dei-Dei and Wuse likely stock apples from regional suppliers. Direct contact with importers or online platforms is recommended for Abuja-based opportunities. Logistics costs may be higher due to distance from Lagos ports.

General Summary

Apple fruits, primarily Granny Smith and Queen’s Apple, are in high demand in Nigeria, with $15.5 million imported in Q4 2024, mostly from South Africa. Key distributors like CORE, Wigmore Wholesale, Supermart.ng, and Tru-Cape supply apples nationwide, including Abuja, with prices ranging from ₦11,000–₦14,000 per carton (100–130 apples) and ₦450–₦800 per apple retail. Despite inflation (32.15% in 2024) driving up costs, the apple market remains lucrative due to strong consumer demand. Distributors need ₦1 million–₦5 million, cold storage, and retail networks to succeed. Buyers should contact suppliers directly, explore online platforms, and visit local markets like Dei-Dei for deals. Apples’ nutritional appeal and Nigeria’s growing retail sector make them a profitable but challenging business in 2025.