1 hr ago
India Seeks Higher-Value Spice Exports Beyond Bulk Trade
India grows and exports more spices than any other country, but it often sells them whole.
The article says India could earn more by exporting products such as spice mixes, pastes, oils and retail-packed spices.
Spices are also being used in health, beauty and medicine products.
To make these products, spices need to meet strict safety rules.
Farmers, processors and exporters all have a part to play in keeping spices safe and good quality.
Farmers may need training in modern growing practices.
The author also says the government could make it easier to import ingredients used in products for export.
The article argues that working together could help India sell more valuable spice products around the world.
India exports more than 1.7 million tonnes of spices annually, worth $4.43 billion.
The article says India accounts for about 26–28% of global spice trade by value and 30–35% by volume.
Whole spices still make up most exports, while higher-value products accounted for about 26% of export value in 2025–26.
Demand is growing for spices as ingredients in nutraceutical, wellness, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
The author says value-added growth depends on food safety, better farming practices, coordinated industry action and supportive government policies.
- Who
- India’s spice farmers, processors, exporters and policymakers.
- What
- The article argues India should increase exports of value-added spice products rather than relying mainly on whole spices.
- Where
- India and overseas spice markets.
- When
- Published October 10, 2026; export data cited for 2025–26.
- Why
- To increase returns and support long-term growth while maintaining India’s position in the global spice trade.
Key facts
- Annual exports
- More than 1.7 million tonnes
- Export value
- $4.43 billion
- Share of global trade by value
- About 26–28%
- Share of global trade by volume
- About 30–35%
- Higher-value products’ share
- About 26% of export value in 2025–26
- Examples of value-added products
- Spice oils and oleoresins, mixes and pastes, and retail-packed spices
- Key safety concerns
- Pesticide residues, mycotoxins and dyes
Sources
Related news
AISEF Elects Nishesh Shah Chairman, Bhavik Desai Vice Chairman
India’s Pulses Exports Surge Five-Fold Over Past Decade
India Targets Doubling Agri-Food Exports Through EU Trade Pact
Ayurveda Looks to Indian Pharma for Global Growth
India’s Food Market Growth Driven by Processing and Trade
Tea Board Pushes Indian Industry Toward Higher Value and Global Reach
