Soybean milk, also known as soy milk, is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk produced by soaking and grinding soybeans, boiling the mixture, and filtering out remaining particulates. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals because it is a stable emulsion of oil, water, and protein, making it a healthy beverage choice for people of all ages.
Soybean milk is a popular vegan alternative to cow’s milk, and it is commonly used in cooking and baking as well. It is critical in the battle against malnutrition, especially in developing countries where the underprivileged have limited access to animal protein.
TYPES OF SOYBEAN MILK IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA
Traditional soy milk
Sweetened soy milk
Unsweetened soy milk
Flavored soy milk
Organic soy milk
Fortified soy milk
BENEFITS OF THE SOYBEAN MILK PRODUCTION BUSINESS IN NIGERIAÂ AND AFRICA
Employment Generation: Soybean milk production businesses in Nigeria and Africa can create job opportunities for many individuals, reducing unemployment rates and boosting the economy.
Increased revenue:Soybean milk production can generate income for farmers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, which ultimately contributes to the growth of the economy.
Diversification of income: Soybean milk production can serve as an alternative income stream for farmers, providing them with a chance to diversify their income sources.
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Boosts Local Agriculture: Soybean milk production requires a steady supply of soybeans, which encourages local farmers to grow more soybeans, boosting local agriculture.
Reduction in importation: With an increase in local production of soybean milk, there would be less reliance on imported milk, leading to a reduction in importation costs.
Increase in Export:Soybean milk production can provide an avenue for exportation of the product, thus increasing the foreign exchange earnings of Nigeria and Africa.
Government revenue generation: Soybean milk production can lead to increased tax revenue for the government, which can be used to fund infrastructural development in the country.
Increase in Rural Development: The establishment of soybean milk production plants in rural areas can lead to the development of these areas, providing more job opportunities and boosting the local economy.
Investment opportunities: Soybean milk production offers investment opportunities for individuals and companies, creating more avenues for wealth creation.
Encourages Small-scale Business: Soybean milk production can be carried out on a small scale, which encourages small-scale business owners to venture into the industry.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOYBEAN MILK
Lowers cholesterol levels: Lowers cholesterol levels: Soybean milk contains fatty acids that have been shown to block the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream; therefore, people with high cholesterol or a family background of cardiovascular diseases can drink soy milk to help lower their risk of heart disease.
Weight Management: Soybean milk is low-fat and low-calorie when compared with dairy milk; it also contains an unsaturated fatty acid that prevents fat from being absorbed in the body, resulting in weight loss and management.
Aids Digestion:Soybean milk contains fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion.
Regulation of blood pressure: Nutrient and chemical binding in soy milk improves blood vessels ‘fluidity and elasticity, to help regulate blood pressure.
Promotes Healthy Bone: Soybean milk contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, which are vital nutrients that help with strong bones and the maintenance of bone health.
HOW TO START THE SOYBEAN MILK PRODUCTION BUSINESS IN NIGERIA
Conduct Market Research: The first step is to carry out thorough market research to determine the target audience, demand, competition, and pricing.
Develop a Business Plan: Based on the market research, develop a business plan that includes a mission statement, a target market, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
Adani SCPZ Partners IITA on Soybean Production
Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Obtain all the necessary licenses and permits required to start the business.
Source for Capital: Secure funding for your soybean milk production business through loans, grants, or investors.
Acquire Equipment and Raw Materials:Â Purchase the necessary equipment, such as soybean milk makers, and raw materials, such as soybeans.
Set up a Production Facility: Rent or lease a production facility, set up the equipment, and create a production line.
Hire Staff: Hire a team to help with production, packaging, and marketing.
Produce, Package, and Distribute Soybean Milk: Produce and package the Soybean Milk, then distribute it to retail outlets, supermarkets, and other distribution channels.
HOW TO PROCESS AND PACKAGE SOYBEAN MILK IN NIGERIA
The following is a step-by-step overview of the process required for the production of soybean milk:
- Sorting and Cleaning: The first thing to do in processing soybeans is to remove impurities like stones, dirt, and broken beans from the soybeans, followed by thorough washing with clean water.
- Soaking: Soak the cleaned soybeans in clean water for 8–12 hours or overnight to soften the beans.
- Dehulling: In this phase, the outer coating, or seed coat, is removed from the soaked soybeans to ensure a smoother texture and easier digestion.
- Grinding: Here, the dehulled soybeans are ground into a smooth paste using a blender or a mill, followed by the gradual addition of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Straining: Strain the ground soybean paste using a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove any leftover solid particles.
- Heating: Heat the strained soybean milk in a pot until it reaches the boiling point. Keep stirring to avoid scorching or burning the milk.
- Flavoring: Add sweeteners like sugar or honey, salt, and vanilla extract to the boiling milk to enhance its taste.
- Cooling: Allow the flavored soybean milk to cool down to room temperature before packaging.
- Packaging: Pour the cooled soybean milk into clean, airtight containers like bottles or cartons. Label the containers with relevant information like the production date, expiration date, ingredients, and nutritional value.
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT & TOOLS USED IN THE SOYBEAN MILK PRODUCTION BUSINESS IN NIGERIA
Soaking and Cleaning Equipment: This includes tanks, bowls, and washing machines used to soak and clean the soybeans.
Grinding Equipment: This includes a wet grinder, stone mill, or colloid mill used to grind soaked and cleaned soybeans into a fine paste.
Boiling and Cooling Equipment: This includes kettles or boilers used to boil the soybean paste and cool it.
Separation and Filtering Equipment: This includes the filter cloth, filter press, or centrifuge used to separate the soybean milk from the insoluble fiber.
Packaging Equipment: This includes pouch filling and sealing machines, bottle filling and capping machines, or canning machines used to package soybean milk.
Refrigeration and Storage Equipment: This includes chillers, refrigerators, and freezers used to store and preserve the packaged soybean milk.
Transportation Equipment: This includes delivery trucks, vans, or motorcycles used to transport the packaged soybean milk to retailers or consumers.
COST OF PRODUCTION AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Soymilk Production is a profitable venture that can be done with very little investment, with as little as ₦25,000 to ₦50,000 and above. The profit merging is very high because 1 kg of Soyabean will yield 8 litres of Soyamilk, of which 1 litre of Soyamilk can be converted into two litres of flavoured Soya milk, to give 16 liters of flavoured soymilk per 1 kg of soybean.
1 kg of soybean is now ₦350, while one liter of soymilk is now ₦300, meaning a kg of soybean will yield about ₦4,800 of soymilk, adding two cups of sugar at ₦150 per cup, making ₦300 on sugar, other flavour of ₦240, and other expenses as ₦500 will bring the total cost of production per 1kg of soybean to be: 350+300+240+500= ₦1,390. Therefore, profit per kg of soybean would be ₦4,800- ₦1,390= ₦3,410, which means processing 100kg of soybean with ₦139,000 would give average of ₦341,000 as profit.
