ice cubes drinks

How to Start an Ice Cubes and Chilled Drinks Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

The ice cubes and chilled drinks business in Kenya is one of the most profitable hustles during hot weather, events, and in towns with high traffic. Whether it’s thirsty workers, boda riders, school children, or people attending weddings and parties, cold drinks always move fast. Adding ice cubes makes it even better — as many bars, eateries, and caterers need a steady supply. With low startup capital and smart packaging, this hustle can generate daily profits, especially in urban centers and busy estates.

Startup Costs 💰

The capital depends on whether you’re selling only drinks or adding ice cube production.

  • Capital Needed: KES 5,000 – 12,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Drinks stock (sodas, water, juices, energy drinks) — KES 3,000 – 6,000
    • Freezer or cooler box — KES 2,000 – 5,000 (second-hand options available)
    • Ice cube trays and packaging bags — KES 500 – 1,500
    • Branding and signage — KES 500 – 1,000

💡 Tip: If electricity is a challenge, you can use insulated cooler boxes with ice to keep drinks chilled for hours.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. High Demand in Hot Weather: People buy cold drinks daily.
  2. Event-Driven Sales: Weddings, birthdays, and parties require ice and sodas.
  3. Low Capital: Start small with just a cooler box and drinks.
  4. High Margins: Ice cubes have very low production costs but sell at a premium.
  5. Scalable: Can grow into a wholesale supply for bars and restaurants.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Choose Your Location

  • Bus stages, markets, or schools.
  • Near estates with high traffic.
  • Event venues on weekends.
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2. Source Drinks

Buy wholesale from depots like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or local water bottlers.

3. Make Ice Cubes

  • Freeze clean water in trays or plastic bags.
  • Package in 1kg or 2kg bags for resale.

4. Set Prices

  • Sodas: KES 40 – 60 each (retail).
  • Bottled water: KES 30 – 50.
  • Energy drinks/juices: KES 80 – 150.
  • Ice cubes (1kg bag): KES 50 – 100.

5. Market Your Business

  • Display drinks in a cooler box with ice.
  • Brand your spot with a colorful signboard.
  • Partner with event planners for bulk ice cube supply.

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Buy 1 crate of sodas (24 bottles) at KES 600 (KES 25 each).
  • Sell at KES 50 each = KES 1,200.
  • Profit = KES 600 per crate.

Ice cubes:

  • Cost to freeze 10 liters of water = ~KES 50 electricity.
  • Produces ~10 bags of 1kg ice cubes.
  • Sell each at KES 70 = KES 700.
  • Profit = KES 650 per batch.

👉 Selling 3 crates of soda + 20 bags of ice cubes daily = KES 3,000+ profit per day.
👉 Monthly = KES 60,000 – 80,000.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Electricity Costs & Outages: Freezers need power.
    • Solution: Use cooler boxes and buy ice in bulk if needed.
  2. High Competition: Many kiosks sell sodas.
    • Solution: Differentiate with ice cubes and chilled delivery.
  3. Storage Limitations: Limited freezer space affects stock.
    • Solution: Reinvest profits into larger freezers.
  4. Seasonality: Sales dip during cold seasons.
    • Solution: Diversify into hot drinks like tea or coffee in cold months.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Deliver ice cubes to bars, clubs, and restaurants.
  • Supply events like weddings and graduations.
  • Add extra products (snacks, juice, energy drinks).
  • Brand your business with a catchy name like “ChillPoint Drinks & Ice.”
  • Use social media for visibility (WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much capital do I need to start an ice cubes and chilled drinks business in Kenya?
A: With KES 5,000 – 12,000, you can start with a cooler box, stock of drinks, and basic ice cube production.

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Q: How profitable is this business?
A: Profits can reach KES 3,000 daily, with monthly income of KES 60,000 – 80,000.

Q: Do I need a freezer?
A: Not at the start — a cooler box with ice works. A freezer boosts production.

Q: Who are my main customers?
A: Estates, bus stages, students, boda riders, events, and small eateries.

Conclusion

The ice cubes and chilled drinks business in Kenya is a profitable, low-capital hustle that meets a daily need in towns and estates. With KES 5,000 – 12,000, you can start selling sodas, water, and juices while adding ice cube production for higher margins. With smart marketing, neat packaging, and bulk supply to events and eateries, this hustle can quickly grow into a steady income source.

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