Microgreens and fresh herbs for restaurants
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,560 net per month in the United States and 376,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 8 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,910 | $1,560 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 376,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £1,080 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 50,900 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 37,100 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Restaurants want very fresh microgreens and herbs, but wholesalers deliver expensive, fragile produce that is often damaged within a few days.
The solution
Grow about ten microgreen varieties indoors on lit shelves, harvest them on delivery day and deliver to kitchens every week.
Your customers
Restaurants, caterers, hotels, cocktail bars and delicatessens within 30 minutes of the growing space.
How you make money
Trays sold at €4 to €8 each, or a weekly subscription of €30 to €80 per restaurant.
Competition
Produce wholesalers, a few specialised growers, chefs growing their own, local market gardeners adding this line.
Who has an edge
An organised, consistent person comfortable pitching to chefs, with access to a clean, cool room and running water.
The risks
Mould and crop losses, reliance on a few restaurants, time-consuming deliveries and food hygiene rules to follow.
The first 3 steps
- Test three varieties on one shelf for four weeks
- Give free samples to ten chefs in the neighbourhood
- Check the food registration required to sell fresh greens
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,700 − costs €2,600 = €1,100 net per month. Revenue: 17 restaurants × €55 a week × 4 weeks. Costs: seeds, potting soil, trays, electricity, deliveries, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Microgreens for restaurants?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,560 (United States), 376,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,080 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 8 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Mould and crop losses, reliance on a few restaurants, time-consuming deliveries and food hygiene rules to follow.
Where do I start?
1. Test three varieties on one shelf for four weeks 2. Give free samples to ten chefs in the neighbourhood 3. Check the food registration required to sell fresh greens
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