Premium raw shea butter from West Africa, featuring traditional processing methods and exceptional moisturizing properties for international markets
Product Overview
Primary Source
Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana
Processing Method
Traditional & Unrefined
Harvest Season
May - August
Export Pricing
$4,500-8,000/MT FOB
Our premium shea butter represents the finest quality raw material sourced directly from women's cooperatives across West Africa. Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), our shea butter maintains its natural properties through traditional extraction methods combined with modern quality controls. Known as "women's gold" in West Africa, shea butter has been treasured for centuries for its exceptional moisturizing and healing properties, making it ideal for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care applications worldwide.
Detailed Specifications
Technical Specifications
Botanical Name
Vitellaria paradoxa
Appearance
Ivory to light beige solid
Melting Point
32-38°C (89-100°F)
Fat Content
≥ 99% natural fats
Processing Method
Traditional, unrefined
Shelf Life
24 months optimal storage
Quality Standards & Classifications
Chemical Composition Standards
Quality Standards & Certifications
Organic Certification
Certified organic by internationally recognized bodies. No synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or artificial additives used in cultivation or processing.
- USDA Organic certified
- EU Organic compliant
- Full traceability documentation
Laboratory Testing
Comprehensive analysis for microbiological safety, chemical composition, and contaminant levels by accredited laboratories.
- Microbiological testing
- Heavy metals analysis
- Chemical composition verification
Sustainable Sourcing
Direct partnerships with women's cooperatives ensuring fair compensation and sustainable community development in source regions.
- Fair trade partnerships
- Women's cooperative support
- Environmental conservation
Our Certifications
Organic Certified
Fair Trade
GlobalGAP Certified
Ecocert
Processing Standards
Selective Nut Collection
Hand-picked by trained women from cooperatives during optimal harvest season (May-August). Only fully mature nuts are selected for premium quality.
Quality Cleaning & Sorting
Nuts are thoroughly cleaned, sorted for quality, and damaged or defective nuts are removed to ensure only premium raw materials proceed to processing.
Traditional Crushing & Roasting
Nuts are crushed to remove shells and kernels are carefully roasted using traditional methods to develop flavor and facilitate fat extraction without chemical processing.
Hand Grinding & Kneading
Roasted kernels are ground into paste and kneaded by hand to separate the oils. This traditional method preserves natural healing properties and compounds.
Natural Extraction & Filtering
Natural oils are extracted without chemical solvents or heat processing. The butter is filtered to remove impurities while maintaining its unrefined, raw state.
Quality Control & Export Packaging
Final product undergoes rigorous laboratory testing and quality verification before being packaged in food-grade containers optimized for international shipping.
Packaging & Logistics
Packaging Options
Moisture barrier protection
Cosmetics producers
Nitrogen flushing available
Industrial applications
Private labeling available
Brand-specific needs
Shipping & Logistics
Sea Freight
Primary shipping method via Tema, Abidjan, and Dakar ports
- 20ft containers: 15-18 MT capacity
- 40ft containers: 25-27 MT capacity
- Transit time: 15-25 days to major ports
- Temperature-controlled options available
Air Freight
Express delivery for urgent orders and samples
- Maximum 500kg per shipment
- Transit time: 2-5 days worldwide
- Special temperature-controlled packaging
- Expedited customs clearance
Storage & Handling
Professional cold storage and handling facilities
- Storage: 2-5°C optimal temperature
- Humidity: <65% relative humidity
- Light protection and ventilation
- 24-month shelf life when properly stored
Pricing & Terms
Competitive Pricing Structure
Standard Grade
Raw, unrefined shea butter with basic quality specifications
Premium Grade
Enhanced processing standards with superior color and texture
Organic Certified
Certified organic with full traceability and fair trade sourcing
Pricing includes: Traditional processing, quality control, export documentation, logistics coordination, and immediate farmer payment via secure escrow system. Prices subject to market conditions and order volume.
Secure Payment Systems
CIPS (China Cross-Border)
- 0.5-1.5% fees (vs 3-5% SWIFT)
- Same-day settlement CNY/USD
- Via Bank of Africa Mali
Escrow Services
- EscrowLock, Payoneer Escrow
- 1.5-2.5% transaction fees
- Automatic payment split & release
Stablecoins (USDC/USDT)
- 0.1-1% fees (lowest cost)
- Minutes to hours settlement
- 24/7 global accessibility
Competitive Advantages
Direct Source Partnerships
15+ women's cooperatives across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana
100% Unrefined Quality
Traditional processing preserves all natural healing compounds
International Certifications
Organic, Fair Trade, and quality standards compliance
Year-Round Availability
Strategic inventory management ensures consistent supply
Global Logistics Network
Efficient shipping to 40+ countries worldwide
Social Impact Focus
Supporting women's empowerment and community development
Applications & Uses
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Premium ingredient for skincare, haircare, and beauty products with natural moisturizing properties.
- Anti-aging creams and serums
- Moisturizers and body lotions
- Lip balms and healing ointments
- Hair conditioners and treatments
- Baby care products
Pharmaceutical & Medical
Natural base for topical medications and therapeutic applications with proven healing benefits.
- Topical medication bases
- Anti-inflammatory preparations
- Wound healing balms
- Dermatological treatments
- Pain relief ointments
Food & Confectionery
Natural fat substitute for food manufacturing and confectionery applications with excellent properties.
- Chocolate and confectionery fat
- Baking and pastry applications
- Nutritional supplement carrier
- Functional food ingredients
- Dairy alternatives
Health Benefits & Nutritional Profile
Nutritional Composition
Oleic Acid
40-60%Stearic Acid
20-50%Linoleic Acid
3-11%Unsaponifiable Matter
5-17%Health & Therapeutic Benefits
Rich Vitamin Content
High concentrations of vitamins A, E, and F provide antioxidant protection and support skin health and cellular regeneration for natural healing.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Natural compounds help reduce skin irritation, redness, and support healing of minor wounds and inflammatory skin conditions.
Deep Moisturization
Exceptional moisturizing properties penetrate deep into skin layers, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Natural UV Protection
Mild sun protection factor (SPF 3-4) provides natural protection against harmful UV rays while nourishing and conditioning the skin.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Supports collagen production and skin elasticity, helping to reduce fine lines and maintain youthful, healthy skin appearance naturally.
Traditional Healing
Centuries-proven healing properties support skin repair, reduce scarring, and promote healthy skin regeneration through natural compounds.
Ready to Source Premium Shea Butter?
Contact our West African sourcing partners for pricing, samples, and organic certification options
Our Office
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Bamako, Mali | London, UK
Phone
+44(0)2045720724
info@epifresh.co
+44(0)7541671714
linkedin.com/in/alocha-epifresh