Spices
A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish.
Spices are sometimes used in medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production. The spice trade developed throughout the Indian subcontinent[2] and Middle East by at earliest 2000 BCE with cinnamon and black pepper, and in East Asiawith herbs and pepper. The Egyptians used herbs for mummification and their demand for exotic spices and herbs helped stimulate world trade. The earliest written records of spices come from ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Indian cultures.
India’s Spice Export
Over the years, the Indian spice community has evolved and matured as a technology-led, quality-conscious, customer-centric and market-driven industry. This makeover has led to a rapidly growing variety of value-added spices in ground, crushed, cracked, blended, dehydrated forms in bulk, in brine and in consumer packs (curry mixes, natural food colours, spice extracts, mint oils, menthol crystals, menthol powder and several spice-based industrial raw materials). Indian spice oils and oleoresins continue to dominate the international processed food market.
Of the 109 varieties of spices listed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the country produces more than 65. The varying climatic conditions in India provide ample scope for the cultivation of a variety of spices. Almost all Indian states produce spices, with the total area under spice cultivation pegged at around 3.15 million hectares.
During 2017-18, India exported 1,028,060 tons of spices and spice products which were valued at around US$ 2,781.46 million. Exports grew by 8% in terms of volume and 6% in terms of value (US dollars). In terms of targeted exports the actual achievement is 100% in terms of volume and 105% in dollar terms of value. USA is the top export destination for Indian spices followed by Vietnam, China, UAE and Malaysia. Chilli is India’s top spice export by value followed by mint products, spice oils & oleoresins, cumin and turmeric.
Top Ten Spices Exported from India
1. Chilli: In the 2017, India exported the maximum amount of Chilli in the spice category. India exported 400250 tons of Chilli to the world. The major importer of Indian Chilli were Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and USA.
2. Mint Products: India is also a leading exporter of mint products to the world. India exported 22300 tons of mint in 2017 to many countries. China, United States, Netherlands, Germany, and France are the leading importers of Indian mint.
3. Spice Oils and Oleores: India is also a leading exporter of spice oils and oleores in terms of values. In 2017, India exported 12100 tons of spice oil and oleores. United States, Germany China, South Korea and United Kingdom are the leading importers.
4. Cumin: India is one of the largest exporters of cumin that is produced across India. India in2017. Vietnam, USA, UAE, Bangladesh and UK are the leading importers of Indian cumin.
5. Turmeric: India leads the way in turmeric export in the world. In FY 2016-17, India exported a total of 116500 tons of turmeric to the world. In 2017, India exported 88500 tons of turmeric. Iran, USA, Bangladesh, UAE and Malaysia are the leading importers of Indian turmeric.
6. Pepper: India is also a leading exporter of pepper. Pepper is mostly grown in Southern India. India exported 17600 tons of pepper . USA, UK, Sweden, Germany and Japan are leading importers of Indian pepper.
7. Curry Powder Paste: Curry Powder paste is a type of spice that is used to prepare Indian style curry which is world famous. India is a leading exporter in curry powder paste. India exported 28500 tons of curry powder in 2017. USA, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, UAE and Qatar are the largest importer of Indian curry powder and paste.
8. Cardamom (small): India is one of the leading producers and exporter of cardamom and it has extensive usage. India exported 3850 tons of cardamom in 2017. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, USA, Japan and UAE are the leading importers of Indian cardamom.
9. Cardamom (Large): There are two types of cardamom. One is large and other is small. India exported 780 tons of cardamom large in 2017. Pakistan, UAE, Unite Kingdom and United States are the leading importers of cardamom large.
10. Coriander: India has been a hub of coriander in production, consumption and export. India exported 30300 tons of coriander in 2017. Malaysia, United Kingdom, USA and South Africa are the leading importers of Indian coriander.
11. Other Spices: India also exports various other spices that have a huge share of export. India exported 40210 tons in 2017. There are series of countries that import such Indian spices.
Apart from the above spices, India has been exporter of many other spices like ginger, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, etc. to many countries across the world. Indian market of export has been rising every year. As latest, the growth year on year basis is 6% which is expected to grow at good pace in future as well.