Shea Butter

Ivoire Essentials is a direct unrefined shea butter supplier and exporter (Vitellaria paradoxa) from Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, serving cosmetic and food manufacturers worldwide. See our full range of botanicals or get in touch for a quote.

We buy directly at origin, so our clients know what the next harvest will bring. Each season we publish a harvest newsletter, so you can follow the progress of the products you are interested in.

Latin name: Vitellaria paradoxa
HS Code: 1515.90
Origin: Côte d’Ivoire
Season: June – September
Use: rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids, shea butter is valued for its moisturizing, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a key ingredient in cosmetic formulations such as creams, balms, and soaps, and is increasingly used in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Packaging format: 25 kg boxes, unrefined; 180 kgs drums; 23.000 L flexitainer;
Product characteristics / analysis: our shea butter nuts are carefully selected to ensure low residue levels, fully complying with EU and USDA Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Certificates of analysis (MRLs, metals, microbiology, aflatoxins, active matter concentration, and others) are available upon request.
CoA: each batch is accompanied by a specific certificate of analysis (FFA, peroxides, humidity, iodine index or others s according to agreement with client needs). Testing is conducted by duly certified ISO laboratories.
Specifications:
- Free fatty acids (as oleic acid): 6–10% (DGF C-V 2 (06) 2012)
- Peroxide value: max. 15 meq O₂/kg (DGF C-VI 6a I (05))
- Iodine value: 50–75 g I₂/100 g (DGF C-V 11d (14))
- Moisture: max. 0.2% (AOCS Ca 2e-84 (09))
MOQ: 20.000 kgs
Incoterm: to be discussed with client needs.
Documents provided: Certificate of Origin, Packing List (PL), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Phytosanitary Certificate, Disinfestation/Fumigation Certificate, Bill of Lading (BL), Invoice, FDA registration, EU importer number (EORI), and others upon request.
Declarations: Non-GMO, non-irradiation, and others available upon request.
Market updates / newsletter: provided to our partners regularly.
Samples: available upon request.

Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) production in Côte d'Ivoire

Why choose Ivoire Essentials as your shea butter supplier

As a direct shea butter supplier in Côte d’Ivoire, we source shea through a programme run entirely with women producers and supply unrefined shea butter to cosmetic and food manufacturers. Every lot is traceable and analysed before export, and we ship in 25 kg boxes, 180 kg drums or 23,000 L flexitainers. The shea season runs from June to September, and our minimum order is 20,000 kg. Working with a shea butter supplier that controls its own export office gives you consistent quality, documented social impact and reliable shipments.

Botanical reference: Vitellaria paradoxa on Plants of the World Online (Kew).