|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
India - Source of 75 of 109 different types of spices
|
|
Monday, 06 April, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
P Mythili
|
India being a net exporter of agricultural commodities, the foreign earnings by way of exports will lead to the import of capital goods, which will pave way for the increased investment resulting in technological advances, eventually leading to improved productivity and efficiency. To accelerate the pace of economic development, reliance on international trade becomes desirable to muster foreign exchange.
Spices are organic plant products that have a long history of usage as herbal medicines for illness prevention and have been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries. With a rich culinary history that dates back thousands of years, India has been at the forefront of the global spice trade for centuries and is called as the ‘Land of Spices’. Today, India is the world’s largest producer of spices and also the largest consumer, with spices playing a crucial role in the country’s cultural, economic and medicinal traditions.
Market trends
Packaged spices and seasonings are experiencing a significant uptrend in the Indian market, driven by a shift away from traditional unpackaged options. This movement towards packaged formats is particularly pronounced among younger millennials aged 26 – 32. Factors such as the fast-paced, health-conscious lifestyles of millennials, their preference for convenience without compromising on taste, and increasing purchasing power are fuelling this trend. Premium packaged spices are expected to see a surge in demand as millennials continue to embrace this shift.
Production and Trade of Spices India is the world's largest producer of spices, with the country's diverse climate and geography providing ideal growing conditions for a variety of spices. The most produced and exported spices from India are coriander, ginger, pepper, cumin, fenugreek, cardamom, garlic, chilli, turmeric, celery, nutmeg and mace, fennel, curry powder, oleoresins and spice oils. Among these, ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander and chilli make up 76% of the total spice production. India has experienced a significant increase in the production of various spices in recent years. In the 2021-22 season, their production in India amounted to 10.88 million tonnes. Furthermore, during the 2020-21 season, India's spice exports reached an all-time high in both value and volume, with a 17% growth in US dollar terms and 30% growth in volume terms.
Chilli was the most exported spice from India in 2021-22. India is the source of 75 of the 109 different types of spices listed by International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The major spice-producing states in India are Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Telangana, Assam, Maharashtra and Karnataka. On the one hand, ginger, chillies, turmeric and mustard are grown in large quantities in Andhra Pradesh, while on the other hand cumin fennel, dill seeds, chilies, fenugreek and garlic are grown extensively in Gujarat. Garlic is being extensively cultivated in the state of Haryana, while pepper, ginger, cardamom (small), chilli, turmeric and garlic are cultivated in huge numbers in Karnataka. Ginger, chilli, turmeric and garlic are popular in Orissa. Pepper, ginger, chilli, turmeric, nutmeg and clove are all mostly cultivated in Kerala. Growing Consumer Preference for Natural and Functional Ingredients
The increasing focus on health and wellness is a key driver of the spices market. Consumers are shifting away from artificial additives because they are favouring natural ingredients with functional health benefits. Spices like turmeric, being rich in curcumin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that global turmeric consumption has increased by 10% annually over the past decade and is fuelled by its inclusion in functional foods, beverages, and supplements. The widely used ginger for digestive health has seen similar growth due to the rising demand for the herbal tea and natural remedy sectors. This trend boosts the market for health-driven spice products.
Rising Global Demand for Ethnic and Exotic Cuisines Consumers are seeking authentic flavours from diverse cuisines owing to the expansion of globalisation and cultural exchanges. This has increased the demand for spices like cumin, cardamom, and paprika. For example, cumin exports from India grew by 20% in 2022, largely influenced by rising consumption in the Middle East, Europe, and the US. Similarly, paprika is increasingly used in global snacks and processed foods, with its export volume rising by 15% over the past five years. The growing popularity of street food, ethnic restaurants, and fusion cooking underscores the vital role of spices in enhancing culinary experiences worldwide.
Global Spice Trends Ready-to-Use Spice Mixes and Convenience: The demand for convenience in cooking is growing, and ready-to-use spice blends and seasonings are becoming increasingly popular. Consumers are seeking out pre-mixed spice blends to save time on meal preparation while still enjoying the flavours of ethnic dishes.
Spice-Infused Beverages: Innovations in the beverage industry have led to the rise of spice-infused drinks, including turmeric lattes, ginger shots, and chai-flavoured teas. This trend taps into both the health-conscious market and the desire for new and exciting flavour experiences.
Global Spices Market Future Outlook
The future of the spices market appears promising, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As health and wellness trends continue to shape purchasing decisions, the demand for organic and sustainably sourced spices is expected to rise. Additionally, innovations in spice processing and packaging technologies will enhance product quality and shelf life, further stimulating market growth. The integration of e-commerce platforms will also facilitate wider distribution, making spices more accessible to consumers globally.
The proportionate share of spices export to India’s agricultural export is 8.72 per cent in 2019-20. During the year 2020-21, India exported 15.65 lakh tonnes of spices worth of Rs 27143.2 crores and it registered all time high growth both in terms of quantity (9.33 per cent) and value (16.33 per cent) during the last two decades. Chilli alone accounts for 38.43 per cent in volume and 31 per cent in value to total export, followed by cumin, mint products, spice oil & oleoresins and turmeric. Spices exports from India are mostly to China, USA, Bangladesh, the UAE and Thailand.
(The author is assistant professor at KSR College of Arts & Science for Women, Tiruchengode)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|