Small cold-press oil mill with press-cake by-products
Starting costs about $46,900 in the United States and 8,280,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,570 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 23 months, with 45 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 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $46,900 | $2,570 |
| Nigeria | 8,280,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £32,100 | £1,830 |
| Kenya | 2,110,000 KES | 87,200 KES |
| India | 1,050,000 INR | 63,600 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Oilseed growers sell their crop raw at low prices, while consumers pay a lot for imported or industrial oils.
The solution
A small cold-press unit turning local seeds into quality cooking oils and selling the remaining press cake as animal feed.
Your customers
Consumers and shops for oil, restaurants, cosmetics makers, livestock farmers for press cake, and growers for contract pressing.
How you make money
Oil sold by the litre depending on seed, with 30 to 50% gross margin, press cake by the bag, contract pressing by the kilo.
Competition
Industrial oil mills, imported supermarket oils, informal home pressing and nearby small artisan mills.
Who has an edge
A farmer, food technologist or miller able to secure seed supply and master hygiene, filtration and storage.
The risks
Volatile seed prices, food standards, rancidity and shelf life, heavy investment and competition from cheap industrial oils.
The first 3 steps
- Identify locally grown oilseeds and their prices
- Visit an artisan oil mill to observe the process
- Test contract pressing with ten growers
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €7,200 − costs €5,400 = €1,800 net per month. Revenue: 600 liters × €10 + 40 bags of oilcake × €15 + €600 pressing. Costs: seeds, bottles and labels, electricity, rent, 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: Cold-pressed oil mill?
About $46,900 (United States), 8,280,000 NGN (Nigeria), £32,100 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,570 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,830 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 23 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Volatile seed prices, food standards, rancidity and shelf life, heavy investment and competition from cheap industrial oils.
Where do I start?
1. Identify locally grown oilseeds and their prices 2. Visit an artisan oil mill to observe the process 3. Test contract pressing with ten growers
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