African Oil Production

As more and more consumers are becoming aware of the health benefits of vegetable oils and fats, more and more companies are beginning to produce and export them. This is especially true in Africa. The vegetable oil industry there is based primarily on several key types of oil, with African palm oil being the most unique and important. As more vegetable oils are developed, new and innovative ways to use oil are becoming common. Export is typically handled by export companies.

In Africa, there are several different types of vegetable oils and fats that are produced.  These include sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil and palm oil.  Sunflower oil is produced by pressing the seeds of the sunflower. It is typically used for cooking, particularly frying, although it can also be used for cosmetic purposes.  Soybean oil is produced from the soybean and is typically packaged and sold as ‘vegetable oil.’ Olive oil, sold in various strengths, is used primarily for cooking. African palm oil, which is quickly gaining popularity, is a healthy vegetable oil used in cooking and some industrial applications.

Production of the various African vegetable oils typically involves pressing the seeds of the vegetable or plant to obtain oil that is then further refined into edible oil. Most of the oils and fats can then be distributed globally in their liquid form. Some of the oils, most notably palm oil, are actually semi-solid at room temperature.

For the distribution portion of the manufacturing process, there are several different types of oil produced. For example, palm oil can be exported in one of four separate ways. The first is crude palm oil. This oil is obtained after the first pressing of the seeds. The oil is not considered edible for consumption at this point. It is primarily exported for industrial purposes.  Second, refined palm oil takes things a step further and further refines the oil, making it suitable for human consumption. Palm kernel oil can also be exported from Africa. This oil is produced by the crushing and refining of the kernel as opposed to the seed. Finally, palm olein oil a more refined version of the product is available.

Exports of African oils and fats are handled much like any other big-ticket commodity. Several large export companies offer bulk shipping and distribution of the product via on-line websites. The export of oils and fats is quickly becoming one of the largest exports industries for Africa. As research and development into alternative uses for the various oils they export continues, one can expect the export industry to continue to grow.

Production and exportation of vegetable oils and fats from Africa is on the rise. The healthy nature of the oils, as opposed to animal oils as well as the variety of purposes the oils are used for are ensuring they will continue to rise. As more consumers become aware of the amazing health benefits of vegetable oils like palm oil, it is likely the export of the products will explode. Perhaps one day oils like palm oil will be readily available at the market.