About Me

I am Benny Ats, a singer/songwriter and web3 enthusiast based in Nigeria. While my primary career is in music, I've always had a passion to help solve hunger problems by owning a food processing company. In 2020, I started Qwickmix Foods to process beans flour, which became both a dream come true and a way to support myself after college.

Social Links: @bennyats on Farcaster, @thebennyats on Twitter/X, @thebennyats on Instagram

Product Description

I'm reviving Qwickmix Foods to produce Beans Flour (to be marketed as "Mukimo") in 1kg and 2.5kg sizes. This product is a versatile and nutritious food made from finely milled beans, commonly used in African and global cuisines.

What makes Beans Flour special:

• High in protein and fiber, supporting muscle building, digestion, and overall health
• Gluten-free and plant-based, ideal for people with dietary restrictions
• Quick and convenient, eliminating the time-consuming process of soaking, peeling, and grinding beans
• Versatile for making popular dishes like moi moi (steamed bean pudding), akara (bean fritters), and as a thickener for soups and sauces
• Long shelf life compared to fresh beans

To make this product nounish, I will:

• Include the Nouns logo on packaging with appropriate nounish wording
• Add QR codes linking to Nouns DAO content and educational resources
• Document my journey as a Nouns builder through social media

Community Impact

My Qwickmix Beans Flour project will benefit both the local Nigerian community and the Nouns ecosystem in several ways:

1. Spreading Awareness of Nouns & Its Values

   • Each pack will feature Nounish branding with a short, engaging message introducing customers to Nouns and its mission
   • QR codes will link to NounsDAO and educational resources about web3, decentralization, and funding opportunities
   • I'll document the journey on social media, showcasing how Nouns supports real-world impact projects

2. Economic & Social Impact in Nigeria

   • Sourcing beans directly from local farmers ensures they receive fair prices and sustainable income
   • Creating jobs in production, distribution, and sales
   • Promoting healthy eating and food security through nutritious, affordable protein sources
   • Encouraging young entrepreneurs to build businesses around food and web3

Product Showcase

Production Details

Materials: 100% natural beans sourced from local Nigerian farmers

Production Process:

• Sourcing high-quality, locally grown beans directly from trusted smallholder farmers and cooperatives
• Cleaning and sorting to remove stones, dirt, and defective seeds
• Soaking and dehulling to remove the outer seed coat and enhance digestibility
• Drying using industrial food dryers to reduce moisture content and extend shelf life
• Milling into a fine flour using high-grade industrial grinders
• Sieving and packaging to ensure uniform consistency and hygiene before sealing

Sustainability Approach:

• Bean husks and byproducts will be repurposed as animal feed or composted
• Local sourcing reduces carbon footprint associated with transportation
• Energy-efficient dryers and machines where possible
• Focus on recyclable packaging materials

Fulfillment Plan

Order Processing:

• Online orders via social media (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook) and e-commerce platforms
• Retail sales through supermarkets, open markets, and convenience stores
• Wholesale partnerships with caterers, restaurants, and food vendors

Shipping & Delivery:

• Local delivery in Nigerian cities like Abuja and Lagos (same-day or next-day)
• Nationwide delivery (2-5 business days) via courier services
• Initial focus on major Nigerian cities before expanding to other West African markets

Production & Sales Targets:

• Initial monthly production target: 1,000 - 2,500kg of beans flour
• Secure 20-50 retailers within Nigeria in first 6 months
• Establish a direct-to-customer base of 500+ buyers
• Sell at least 5,000 units (1kg/2.5kg packs) in the first 6 months

Previous Work

I started Qwickmix Foods in 2020 after graduating from college. Despite limited capital, I was able to produce and sell Beans Flour in 0.8kg packages. The business was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria in January 2019, as shown in the certificate below.

Due to financial constraints, particularly the cost of NAFDAC registration (Nigeria's food regulatory agency), I had to pause operations. Now, I've secured a partnership that will significantly reduce the cost of NAFDAC registration, allowing me to revive the business with proper certification.

The previous packaging and product samples can be seen in these images:

With support from the Nouns community, I can relaunch this product with improved packaging, wider distribution, and nounish branding that will help spread awareness of Nouns while providing nutritious food to Nigerian communities.