Origin of Black Pepper
Black pepper is a mature berry of piper nigrum, a spice found in parts of southern India. Originated in hills of south western Ghats of India, black pepper is also cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Shri Lanka, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala.
Because of its biological traits, this particular spice is mostly cultivated in areas which have well distributed annual rainfall of 125-200 Cm along with hot and humid climate which would be an added advantage for black pepper manufacturer and spice suppliers in India since it accounted an average rainfall of 558 MM last year.
Varieties of Black Pepper
In India over 75 varieties of black pepper are grown. Following are some varieties of black pepper cultivated in India.
Varieties of Black Pepper | Regions |
Karimunda | Kerala |
Kottanandan | South Kerala |
Naryakodi | Central Kerala |
Aimpiriyan | Wynad |
Neelamundi | Idukki |
Kuthiravally | Kozhikode and Idukki |
Balancotta | North Kerala |
Kalluvallay | North Kerala |
Malligesara | Karnataka |
Uddagare | Karnataka |
India has world class institutes and labs which are making some ground- breaking discoveries in developing hybrid varieties of Black Pepper. Seventeen varieties of black pepper have been released for cultivation. Panniyur-1, Panniyur-3, Panniyur-8 are hybrids evolved at Pepper Research Station (Panniyur, Kerala). IISR Garimunda and IISR Malabar Excel are other hybrids released from Indian Institute of spice research Kozhikode, Kerala.
Global Production of Black Pepper
The rate of black pepper suppliers and black pepper manufacturers is continuously growing. Vietnam, Indonesia, and India are top producer of black pepper which is used as seasoning and as spice. Vietnam is the world leader in production of black pepper producing 163000 tonnes which is 34% of world production. Following table shows the countries producing black pepper.
Rank | Country | Production (In Thousand Tonne) |
1 | Vietnam | 163 |
2 | Indonesia | 89 |
3 | India | 53 |
4 | Brazil | 42 |
5 | China | 31 |
Source: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-world-s-top-black-pepper-producing-countries.html
Even though India accounts a lesser share in the production of black pepper, there are several varieties of black pepper cultivated only in India. Also, numerous spice suppliers, spice manufacturers, spice wholesalers and traders and involved actively in procuring all grades of black pepper asked by the buyers without any hassles or difficulties.
Production of Black Pepper in India
India has three states which produce black pepper although the volume and quality which they produce are worth noticing. Following table shows the production of black pepper in India in the last five years.
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States | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19(Est) |
Karnataka | 23000 | 31000 | 35000 | 21000 |
Kerala | 21000 | 20000 | 22000 | 17000 |
Tamil Nadu | 1500 | 2000 | 2000 | 3000 |
Total | 48500 | 57000 | 64000 | 48000 |
Source: http://indianspices.com/sites/default/files/majorspicestatewise.pdf
Since the last five years Karnataka has led India in producing black pepper followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Also, there has been a steady rise in production which implies that spice manufacturers and spice traders have a wide scope to boost their presence in the market due to the rising demand of this particular spice.
Countries where Black Pepper is Exported from India:
Since the last five years Karnataka has led India in producing black pepper followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Also, there has been a steady rise in production which implies that spice manufacturers and spice traders have a wide scope to boost their presence in the market due to the rising demand of this particular spice.
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2016-17 | 2017-18 | |||
Country | Qty(Tonnes) | Value(Lakhs) | Qty | Value |
U.S.A. | 8128 | 52679 | 6376 | 31094 |
U.K. | 1868 | 11738 | 2250 | 8978 |
Germany | 972 | 7905 | 916 | 6715 |
Sweden | 1034 | 7804 | 833 | 5018 |
Canada | 361 | 2306 | 731 | 3564 |
Developed countries are the top buyers of Indian Black Pepper along with countries like Japan, Netherlands, Australia, France, Spain, U.A.E. and Turkey.
There has been a constant rise in export of black pepper from India. In the year 2017-18, India accounted for an export of 16840 Tonnes valuing 82078 Lakhs in revenue. This shows a profitable future for black pepper manufacturers, spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers. Moreover, the Government of India has framed a lot of export-oriented policies which makes India a booming market for export of black pepper and other herbs & spices.
Global Demand of Black Pepper
The black pepper market is directly influenced by the growing processed food industry. The rise in consumption of bakery products, confectionery products, and ready-to-eat and fried food in the developed economies is driving the market for the spice. The recent trend of using natural flavour enhancer has also catalysed the growth of the global market.
In the year 2013-15, the global pepper consumption is estimated at around 400,000 tons and has been increasing steadily. Increasing demand from Far East countries, which have started using more pepper in cooking, has been quite significant in driving the global black pepper market. Growth in the cosmetics industry is also directly influencing the pepper market.
Driven by increasing demand for pepper worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next seven-year period. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.2% for the seven-year period from 2018 to 2025, which is projected to bring the market volume to 840K tonnes by the end of 2025.
Uses of Black Pepper
Pepper is widely used by meat packers and in baking considering its preservative value. It is also used as a seasoning in various Indian dishes. One of the most famous Indian dish where high quality pepper is required to maintain taste is Hydrebadi Biryani and Pulav. Along with that it is also used in non-alcoholic beverages, candies, baked food, certain types of cheese and condiments.
Black Pepper also possesses highly effective medicinal value and its benefits are also mentioned in one of the most prominent book of Indian medicine “Charak Samhita”. It has some magical healing powers like:
- Curing Vertigo
- Anti-Bacterial Properties
- Cholesterol Control
- Revival from Cough and Cold
- Improvement of Dental Health
- Anti- Depressant
Some famous dishes
- Roasted Lamb
- Biryani
- Pulav
- Paneer and Potato Curry
- Vegan Mac and Cheese
Different Names in Different Culture
- Spain- Pimienta
- France- Poivre
- Germany- Pfeffer
- Netherlands- Peppar
- Russia- Pyerets
- China- Hu-Chiao
- Japan- Kosha
- Italy- Pepe
- Portugal- Pimenta
Different Names in India:
- Hindi: Kali Mirch
- Bengal: Kala Morich
- Gujarati: Mari
- Karnataka: Kare Menasu
- Kashmir: Marutis
- Kerala: Kurumulaku
Verdict
Black Pepper is called king of spices because of its medicinal value and exotic flavour. Internationally, demand for black pepper is increasing across the world which gives black pepper manufacturers, spice traders and spice exporters tremendous opportunity to expand their business across the globe by exporting spices and herbs consistently.
If you’re thinking about exporting black pepper either to a wholesaler, retailer or a supplier of black pepper, now is the right time to act upon. The market of spices and herbs is an open season for all spice traders around the world !