The global trade landscape is evolving rapidly, and Nigerian businesses must navigate strict international standards to remain competitive. Royal Pearls Resources, a pioneering, woman-owned agro-processing enterprise, is leading this transformation by producing premium gluten-free flours like cassava and plantain flour for both local and international markets. As an applicant for Verto Awards, we spoke to Royal Pearls’ Founder & CEO about the company’s impact, challenges, and future aspirations.
Creating value through agro-processing
Royal Pearl is committed to enhancing food security, empowering women, and boosting Nigeria’s economic growth through value-added agricultural processing. By working directly with over 200 smallholder farmers, primarily women in rural areas, the company ensures ethical sourcing while promoting sustainability.
With FDA and NAFDAC certifications, Royal Pearls has successfully expanded into international markets, positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s growing agro-export industry.
Navigating challenges in agro-exports
Despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, businesses exporting processed food products encounter significant hurdles, including:
Expensive certification processes and regulatory barriers
Inconsistent supply chains and post-harvest losses
Limited access to efficient international payment solutions
A major issue is that many Nigerian agricultural products are exported in their raw state with minimal value addition, reducing profitability and growth opportunities for local businesses. Royal Pearls Resources is addressing these issues by implementing sustainable agro-processing techniques, adopting clean energy, and leveraging digital trade to scale its operations.
Why Royal Pearls Applied for the Verto Award
The Verto Award recognizes businesses engaged in cross-border trade, a mission that aligns perfectly with Royal Pearls’ vision. When asked about their motivation for applying, the company’s CEO shared:
“Winning this award will enable us to expand operations, enhance supply chain efficiency, and strengthen our global reach, making healthy, locally sourced foods accessible worldwide,” says Aishah Sulaiman, CEO, Royal Pearls Resources.
What’s next for Royal Pearls?
Winning the Verto Award would accelerate the company’s growth and allow for strategic investment in critical areas. “If successful, we plan to expand our production capacity to 1,000 metric tons within three years, ensuring we meet growing demand both locally and internationally. We are also committed to enhancing our logistics and supply chain efficiency, making exports smoother and more reliable. Sustainability remains a key focus, and we aim to incorporate more sustainable processing methods to improve output quality. Finally, by leveraging digital trade platforms, we will enter new markets and strengthen our position as a leader in agro-processing.”
A vision for growth and innovation
Since its creation, Royal Pearls Resources has made tremendous progress, expanding its range from cassava flour to include plantain, bean, and yam flour, catering to the growing demand for gluten-free alternatives. The company has achieved global certifications, securing FDA and HACCP approvals for the U.S. market, reinforcing its credibility in international trade. In addition to its product expansion, Royal Pearls has generated over 50 direct and indirect jobs, empowering local communities and driving economic growth. Embracing digital innovation, the company has integrated e-commerce and online distribution, making its products more accessible to a global audience. Sustainability remains at the core of its operations, with clean energy solutions incorporated into its production processes to ensure an environmentally responsible approach to agro-processing.
With a focus on long-term sustainability, Royal Pearls Resources is setting the standard for agro-processing in Africa. Its commitment to value-added production and ethical sourcing places the company in a strong position to expand its international presence.
Learn more about the Verto Award
Scaling with Verto
“Winning this award would be a game-changer for us. It would provide the funding and exposure needed to scale production, improve supply chain logistics, and reach broader international markets. The demand for high-quality, gluten-free alternatives is growing, and we are eager to meet this need while strengthening Nigeria’s footprint in global trade.”
As Royal Pearls Resources Ltd continues to redefine agro-processing in Africa, support from Verto and similar trade-enabling platforms will play a crucial role in achieving its expansion goals.
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