How much does India contribute to the global spice market?
India is the largest spice producer in the world. The climate, especially in southern India, is very conducive to growing a variety of spices. Not only does the country export more spices than any other, its population consumes more. Red pepper is a good example—India grows about 800,000 tons a year and exports about 35,000 tons. The remainder is consumed within India’s borders. What are the major spice crops? The highest quality black peppercorns are called “tellicherry” and grow along the Malabar Coast. Cardamom, turmeric and ginger are grown and harvested in the Ghat Mountains. Seed spices, such as cumin, fenugreek, mustard and fennel are planted in the Gujarat and Rajasthan states and sold at the renowned Unjha Seed Market. How do you go about buying spices in India? We seldom buy directly from the farmers because the farms are too small and numerous. Instead, we utilize a network of strategic partners working with collectors who purchase the spices directly from the farmers. What
