Hibiscus Flower Product and Profitability Profile

Description: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) belongs to the family Malvacea. It is an annual herb cultivated for its leaves, stem, seed and calyces. The crop is native to India but was introduced to other parts of the world such as Central America, West Indies and Africa. It is best grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Hibiscus is popularly called Zobo in Nigeria. The Nigerian hibiscus punch is made from an infusion of dried hibiscus calyxes which form at the base of flowers as they mature, this red calyxes are frequently used as a natural food colouring also make a delicious herbal punch which can be taken hot or cold.

China and Thailand are the largest producers and control much of the world supply. Thailand invested heavily in roselle production and their product is of superior quality, whereas China's product, with less stringent quality control practices, is less reliable and reputable. The world's best roselle comes from the Sudan, but the quantity is low and poor processing hampers quality.

Harvest: Hibiscus sabdariffa is harvested from late December onwards. The harvest is timed according to the ripeness of the seed. The fleshy calyces are harvested after the flower has dropped but before the seedpod has dried and opened. The more time the capsule remains on the plant after the seeds begin to ripen, the more susceptible the calyx is to sores, sun cracking, and general deterioration in quality.

Locations: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is widely grown in the tropics and its cultivation in Nigeria is highly concentrated in the North Eastern and Middle- belt regions of the country

Specifications

Features	Percentage
Moisture	5%
Total Ash	10% max
Acid Insoluble Ash	1.50% max
Broken Sticks	5% max
Foreign matter	2% max
Salmonella	Negative

Uses: Hibiscus is used in numerous products there including herbal teas, herbal medicines, syrups and food coloring. It’s also used in ready to serve beverages made by Knudson, Whole Foods and other food and beverage manufacturers.

Export market: Germany and the United States are the main countries importing Hibiscus. The biggest German buyer (as well as for the whole of Europe and the world) is Martin Bauer, one of the oldest and largest companies in the herb industry. Main importers in the United States are Celestial Seasonings and Lipton, both tea companies

Export Price: In general the FOB prices range from USD1,200-3,600 /MT depending on quality, time of year, and amount purchased. Quality is a function of taste and color primarily, followed by cleanliness and other factors. The best quality is dark red in color with a sour-fruity taste.

Local price: The local market price of hibiscus per MT ranges from NGN140,000.00 to NGN160,00.00 to deliver it to Lagos during the season. It may be as high as NGN180,000 when the season is over.