Sending food parcels to Africa from the UK 

Dried, packaged and shelf-stable goods travel best: rice, beans, garri, semolina, custard, spices and seasoning, tinned and dried provisions, packaged snacks, drinks, biscuits, and cultural staples your family can't easily buy locally. We ask for an itemised list so we can advise on packing, weight and any destination food-import restrictions before you ship. Fresh, perishable, frozen and homemade foods are generally not suitable for sea freight and may be restricted by air — check with us first.

Air freight is the choice when timing matters — birthdays, a care package, or beating a festival deadline — at £5.90/kg plus a £20 handling charge, reaching most African capitals in days. Sea freight from £70 per bag is the economical route for bulk provisions and larger orders where you can wait a few weeks. Many families combine both: urgent items by air, the heavy staples by sea. Tell us your list and deadline and we'll recommend the cheaper fit.

Most dried and packaged foods clear without issue, but several countries restrict or prohibit certain food imports — particularly meat and dairy products, some fresh produce, and unlabelled homemade items — and may require the goods to be commercially packaged and labelled. Because Rolats is HMRC Customs Authorised and EORI registered, we prepare the UK-side paperwork and flag anything likely to be held before it leaves Dagenham. Duty and any food-handling charges at the destination are set locally.

Festive seasons are our busiest — families send provisions home for Christmas, Eid/Sallah and Easter. Air space tightens and transit times stretch in the run-up, so book early: send the list a couple of weeks ahead for sea, and a few days ahead for air. We pack securely for the journey and keep pricing all-in, in GBP — no surprise charges billed to your family at the African end.

Pan-African specialists since 2007, shipping from a Dagenham depot to around 45 African countries, with true door-to-door delivery, all-in GBP pricing, and customs-savvy clearance. Whether it's a single care package or a full festive order for the family, we handle it end to end.