As Muslims across Nigeria observe Ramadan, the demand for beverages has surged, creating a profitable market for vendors, distributors, and manufacturers. The Iftar meal, marking the end of daily fasting, has driven increased sales of fruit juices, chocolate drinks, and traditional beverages like Zobo and Kunu, particularly in bustling markets and near mosques.
Community Spirit and Beverage Consumption
Beyond the commercial benefits, Ramadan also highlights acts of generosity within communities. Aliyu Baba, a Ramadan observer, shared how he will miss a well-known vendor, Mama Umi, who relocated to Kano after her husband’s retirement.
“Mama Umi used to distribute cold drinks at Iftar without collecting money. It’s as if some people gave her funds to prepare them for everyone at the mosque,” he recalled.
Similarly, Mariam Audu, a civil servant, noted the importance of beverages during Ramadan:
“Some of us don’t eat heavy food in the morning before fasting, so we take beverages instead.”
Sales Surge for Vendors and Distributors
The economic impact of this demand extends beyond small-scale vendors. Distributors and manufacturers have ramped up production to meet the seasonal spike in beverage sales. Johnson Tunmise, a beverage distributor in Oshodi, explained how Ramadan affects her business:
“This period is always busy. People want refreshing drinks, so we stock up to meet demand. You won’t look for a drink here and not find it.”
For mobile drink sellers, the peak period is just before Iftar, when consumers seek something refreshing to re-energize after long hours of fasting.
“We target this time because the more we sell, the more money we make,” said Fashola, a mobile vendor who strategically positions himself in high-demand areas.
A Profitable and Spiritual Season
Ramadan continues to be a period of spiritual reflection, communal giving, and economic opportunities. For vendors, it represents a profitable season, while for consumers, it is a time of gathering, generosity, and tradition with a refreshing drink in hand to break the fast.
