Introduction
There is a wide variety of fruits in Uganda. The problem is that fruits like mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit, etc., are very perishable. To retain the freshness, colour, flavor and texture of fruits, the fruits are Osmo-air dried. Osmo-air dried fruits are widely used in ready-to-eat foods, ice creams, fruit salad, cakes and bakery. This activity can be set up in rural areas to benefit the rural people. The plant has a capacity of 31,200kgs per year allowing revenue estimates of US$31,200 net profit of 21% per year having invested US$ 4,331, which is estimated to be recovered with 1 year and 4 months.
Production Process, Capacity and Technology and capital requirements
Fruits are selected, cleaned, washed, peeled, cured and sliced. The prepared fruits are then soaked in a sugar solution to remove water by osmotic pressure. The slices of fruits are then drained and dried in hot air. The fruits are then packed up in flexible pouches. The plant can have a minimum output of 100kg daily with output to be increased as demand does increase.
- Production costs assumed are for 312 days per year with daily capacity of 100 kgs.
- Depreciation (fixed asset write off) assumes 4 year life of assets written off at 25% per year for all assets.
- Direct costs include: materials, supplies and all other costs incurred to produce the product.
- A production month is 26 days
- Currency used is US Dollars.
Production and Operation costs in US$
(a) Direct materials, supplies and costs
| Cost Item | Units | @ | Qty/ day | Pdn cost/ day | Pdn cost/ mth | Pdn cost/yr |
| Direct Costs | ||||||
| Fruits | Kgs | 0.3 | 16.03 | 4.81 | 125.0 | 1,500 |
| Sugar syrup | ltrs/ kgs | 1.1 | 0.80 | 0.88 | 22.9 | 275 |
| Citric acid | Ltrs | 36 | 0.32 | 11 | 300.0 | 3,600 |
| Packing material | Kgs | 0.5 | 48.08 | 24 | 625.0 | 7,500 |
| Sub-total | 41 | 1,072.92 | 12,875 |
Project Product Costs and Price Structure in US $
| Item | Qty/day | Qty/yr | Unit Cost | Pdn cost/r | UPx | TR |
| Dried Fruits | 100 | 31,200 | 0.8 | 24,740 | 1 | 31,200 |
Profitability Analysis in US$
| Profitability Item | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 100 | 2,600 | 31,200 |
| Less: Production and operating costs | 79 | 2,062 | 24,740 |
| Profit | 21 | 538 | 6,460 |
Market
Osmo-air dried fruits are similar to fresh fruits so they are easy to market. Supply to ice cream makers, bakeries, restaurants, fast food places, etc. Supply to the military for the fruits to be used as military rations is also necessary for the fruits to capture market.
Source of Equipment and Raw Materials
Machinery can be fabricated locally by Tree Shade Ltd Mwanga II Kisenyi Kampala or could be imported. Fruits are easily got in the local market all over the country.
Government Incentives available
Uganda Investment Authority provides guidelines on investment and government incentives, policies and security matters.
