With the aim of promoting international trade of Indian spices, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry is hosting the 14th edition of World Spice Congress (WSC), in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023. Known as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world, India produces a number of quality, rare and medicinal spices.

The theme of the World Spice Congress is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety). Further, it will host special state and commodity pavilions. The event will provide an opportunity for the spice fraternity to meet and promote Indian brands before a bigger global audience.

‘Spice Bowl’ of the World
India is known as the Spice Bowl of the world. Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur is referred to as world’s biggest chilli market, J&K is home to the world’s most expensive spice (saffron), Delhi’s Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice market and the Northeast’s Naga chilli is one of the world’s hottest chillies. Maharashtra is a one of the leading states producing spices.

India is leading the world with its unique flavours and spices. As of February 2022, a total of 26 Indian spices have received GI tag. These include Coorg Green Cardamom, Mizo Ginger, Kanniyakumari Cloves, Malabar Pepper, Harmal Chilli, among several others.

India is looking forward to doubling the exports of spices to USD 10 Billion in the next five years. It aims to sustain the competitive edge of the Indian spice industry with added thrust on high-end value addition and new product development.

Furthermore, spices exports have also increased by 115% in volume and 84% in value (USD) between 2014-21, reaching a historic high of USD 4.2 bn in 2020-21. Additionally, the Indian spices and spices products are reaching over 180 destinations all over the world.

In terms of spice trade in India, during 2022-23, there has been an increase in demand for certain spices, especially the seed spices including cumin, fenugreek, Bishop’s weed (Ajwain), Dill, Poppy, Aniseed, Mustard and others. Garlic, one of the key ingredients in Indian cooking, registered an increase of 170% in quantity during April-October 2022 compared to the same period last year.

A majority of the spice trade in India takes place during the last quarter of the year and the Indian spice industry is looking forward to an increased export of spices during January-March 2023, which is expected to take the total exports towards the USD 4 billion mark.

Source : newsonair.com/ For more details