Top Spice Producers
India produces 75 out of 109 spices listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. In 2021-22, India’s production stood at 10.88 million tonnes, with over 70% of the world’s spices being produced in India. The country exports spices worth over $3 billion annually, influencing global culinary practices with its distinctive spice blends.
Turkey, the second largest producer of spices, produced 251,893 metric tons in 2020. Turkish spices are essential in Southeastern cuisines, with notable spice types including thyme, bay leaf, sage, and cumin.
Spice Production Regions
Madhya Pradesh led in spice production in India with over three million metric tons in 2020. Other major producers include Rajasthan and Gujarat. Spices can originate from roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds, while herbs are typically non-woody plants.
Spices Export
India, the world’s largest exporter of spices, accounted for half of the global spice trading in 2020. Indian exports in FY20 reached US$3.62 billion, with the country producing about 75 of the 109 spice varieties listed by ISO.
Notable Spice Exporters
- Madhya Pradesh: Produced over three million metric tons of spices in 2020.
- Kerala: Grows varieties such as pepper, clove, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, ginger, turmeric, cambodge, and tamarind.
- Madagascar: Known for vanilla, recognized as the ‘queen of spices’.
Emerging Spice Producers
Nigeria is projected to become a significant spice producer with an estimated volume of 1.2 million tonnes by 2026.
Spice Exports Insights
Chilli Pepper is Ghana’s primary vegetable export, with key markets in the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. The vegetable sector in Ghana has seen notable improvements in production systems and quality control, enhancing the export quality of chilli production.