Beans Flour Export

What It Is

Beans flour is a finely milled powder made from dried beans, primarily black-eyed beans (cowpeas) or brown beans, which are staple legumes in African diets. It is an essential ingredient in preparing delicacies such as Moi-Moi (steamed bean pudding), Akara (bean fritters), and thickening soups and stews.

Beans flour provides an easy, ready-to-use alternative to whole beans by eliminating the tedious process of peeling and grinding, making it highly popular among households, restaurants, and food industries.

What Export of It Is

Exporting beans flour involves sourcing high-quality beans, dehulling, drying, milling, sieving, and packaging into export-grade packs. The flour is shipped in bulk or branded retail packs to international markets with high demand from the African, Caribbean, and Afro-American communities.

Exporters must comply with international food safety standards (FDA, EU, Codex, HACCP), ensuring the product is free from contaminants, mold, aflatoxins, and preservatives.

Uses of Beans Flour

• Culinary:

  • Preparation of Akara (bean fritters) and Moi-Moi (bean pudding).

  • Thickening soups and sauces.

  • Base for bean cake and bean-based snacks.

• Nutritional Value:

  • High in protein (20–25%) – ideal for vegetarians and protein-deficient diets.

  • Rich in dietary fiber, iron, folate, and B vitamins.

  • Gluten-free and suitable for diabetic-friendly diets.

• Industrial Use:

  • Used in baby food formulations.

  • Ingredient in food processing and fortified flour blends.

Specifications for Export

Physical & Chemical Specifications

• Appearance: Smooth, fine, cream to light brown flour.

• Moisture Content: ≤ 10%.

• Protein Content: 20–25%.

• Ash Content: ≤ 5%.

• Fat Content: 1–3%.

• Particle Size: 100–200 microns.

• Taste & Odor: Natural, free from sourness or musty odor.

Quality Standards

• Free from sand, stones, or foreign matter.

• No insect infestation.

• Free from chemical additives (unless specified).

• Must meet Codex Alimentarius and ISO standards.

Packaging Options

• Retail Packaging:

  • 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg laminated pouches or nylon bags.

  • Branded with nutritional info, cooking instructions, and shelf life.

• Bulk Packaging:

  • 25kg or 50kg polypropylene woven sacks with polyethylene liners.

Label Information Should Include:

• Product name (“Beans Flour”)

• Botanical name (Vigna unguiculata or Phaseolus vulgaris)

• Net weight

• Batch number

• Manufacturing & expiry date

• Storage instructions

• Country of origin

HS Code

• 1106.10 – Flour, meal, and powder of dried legumes (beans).

Export Form

• Bulk beans flour (25–50kg bags).

• Retail packaged beans flour (500g–5kg).

Top Import Destinations

• United Kingdom & Ireland – strong demand from West African and Caribbean communities.

• United States & Canada – stocked in ethnic food stores and supermarkets.

• Europe (Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands) – demand in Afro-Caribbean communities.

• Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) – fast-growing diaspora-driven demand.

Conclusion

Beans flour is one of the fastest-growing African food exports due to its versatility, convenience, and nutritional benefits. Exporters who ensure quality processing, attractive packaging, and strict compliance with international safety standards can tap into the ever-expanding global market.