Shea butter vendors battle low sales amid mild harmattan season

Some shea butter vendors are reporting a significant decline in sales despite the mild harmattan season this year.

They also cite a shortage of the product, which has led to a surge in prices.

The harmattan season’s dry, cold weather traditionally boosts demand for shea butter, renowned for its skin-moisturizing properties.

However, the mild conditions this year have resulted in a sharp drop in consumer interest.

Rafia Majid, a vendor in Accra’s Central Business District indicated that while the milder harmattan offers some relief, it has caused a noticeable slump in sales, as fewer people are seeking shea butter.

“We are struggling to get shea butter to buy. The suppliers have purchased most of the stock, which has caused a significant price increase, making it unaffordable for many customers. This situation has contributed to a decline in sales. Despite being in the harmattan season, people are not buying shea butter as they used to.

“This year has been particularly challenging. Last year was better because the prices had not increased, but now sales are very poor. Even when we manage to get shea butter, we cannot sell it at prices that allow us to break even.

“Previously, we sold some portions for as low as GHȼ2, but we can no longer do that. Now, prices range from GHȼ5 to GHȼ20. For instance, this container is GHȼ10, and this smaller one is GHȼ5, while the full one costs GHȼ15. Those not in containers are also priced at GHȼ5, GHȼ10, and GHȼ20, with GHȼ5 being the least price available,” she said.

Mercy Agyeibia, another vendor, pointed out that the scarcity of shea butter is driving up prices, calling for government intervention.

She explained that the scarcity has been compounded by suppliers struggling to meet demand, causing the price of the product to increase.

“The price of shea butter has increased significantly, which is negatively affecting sales. Previously, a large container of shea butter was sold at GHȼ1,500, but the price has now risen to GHȼ2,500.

This drastic increase calls for urgent action to address the situation.

“As a result of the price hike, we have had to adjust our prices to cover costs and break even. A container that used to sell for GHȼ10 is now priced at GHȼ20.

Similarly, a smaller container that was sold for GHȼ5 is now GHȼ10.

A larger container that cost GHȼ20 has doubled to GHȼ40, and another size that was GHȼ50 is now being sold for GHȼ100.

“Sales are also influenced by the weather. During an intense harmattan season, demand for shea butter increases, which helps boost sales. However, when the harmattan is mild, we struggle to sell the product,” she said.

Meanwhile, members of the public are finding creative ways to cope with the challenges of the harmattan, particularly during its peak.

Some are turning to alternative moisturizing products, while others are relying on home remedies to protect their skin from the harsh conditions.

“This year harmattan has been severe so we have to use body lotion that contains oil so that your skin won’t be dry and nose mask too to prevent the dust [from entering you nose]” Hilda Aboagye, a credit officer with Dara capital consult limited said.