Cardamom prices hit decade-high - Two reports about cardamom market

 

Cardamom prices hit decade-high

The Annapurna Express

Nov. 19, 2024, 11:57 a.m.

Cardamom is sold in three grades. Traders report that high-quality cardamom is priced at Rs 105,000, scissor-cut (tail-removed) cardamom at Rs 101,000, and regular cardamom at Rs 98,000 per 40 kg.  

“This year, cardamom has reached its highest price in the last decade,” said Deepak Nepal, a cardamom trader and central member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). “Prices could rise even further.”  

The price last peaked at Rs 105,000 per 40 kg in 2014, followed by a steady decline. Recovery began last year, with prices around Rs 82,000 per 40 kg.  

Nirmal Bhattarai, central president of the Cardamom Traders’ Association, predicts a record-breaking year. “Prices are continuously increasing,” Bhattarai said. “This rise is likely due to reduced production, despite strong international demand.”  

The highest price on record was in 2010, when cardamom briefly sold for Rs 120,000 per 40 kg.  

According to the Mechi Customs Office, 783.75 metric tons of cardamom were exported in the first three months of the current fiscal year (2023-24), significantly lower than the previous year. Harvesting begins in July and concludes by early December.  

For farmers in Nepal’s hilly regions, cardamom is a vital income source. It is cultivated in 42 districts, with significant production in Panchthar, Taplejung, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, Khotang, Bhojpur, and Tehrathum in Koshi Province.  

However, production has declined. In Koshi Province, output dropped from 7,763.87 metric tons in the 2022-23 fiscal year to 7,582.02 metric tons in 2023-24. The current year’s data is pending, but estimates suggest a 20 percent reduction.  

“Production has fallen sharply due to pests, diseases, and landslides,” said agricultural technician Keshar Bahadur Magar from Panchthar. “This year’s harvest will likely be much lower than in previous years.”

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After a long gap, cardamom average price close to ₹3,000 per kg

Published - November 19, 2024 08:52 pm IST - IDUKKI

The Hindu Bureau

 

After a lull at the beginning of the harvesting period, the cardamom price again showed a positive trend with the average price reaching close to ₹3,000 per kg. According to vendors, major reasons for the price rise are summer drought resulting in production loss in major cardamom production centres in Idukki and the reports hinting at a drop in cardamom production in Guatemala. However, the farmers and planters observed that the price increase will not benefit them much, though they anticipate that the average price of cardamom will touch ₹3,500 per kg soon. During an auction held on Monday by KOKO Spices Private Limited, the highest average price in this season was quoted at ₹2,935 per kg, with a maximum price of ₹3,319 per kg. Of the total of 16,020 kg cardamom which was brought for auction, 15,601 kg was sold. Stany Pothen, chairman of the Cardamom Planters Federation in Vandanmedu, noted that the trend of price increases in the cardamom sector will not much benefit the planters and small-scale farmers. “Due to the summer drought, the cardamom production is expected to dip over 50% as against last crop season. Mostly, beans are collected from the plantations six to seven times during the harvesting period from July to March. But this season, it might get reduced to three in most of the plantations, said Mr. Pothen.   “For the past two months, the climate was not favourable for the cardamom farming sector, which has also disrupted growing of new beans,” said Mr. Pothen.   Justin Thomas, Secretary of the Kerala Cardamom Dealers Chamber, observed that a rise in export orders is the main reason for the increasing trend of cardamom prices. “The production dip has also contributed to the price hike. Vendors are unable to provide the required quantity of cardamom with selected sizes to meet the export orders,” said Mr. Thomas.   According to farmer Thomas Mathew, his plantation was badly hit by drought and snail attacks. “When my plantation was partially overcoming the drought, it was hit by snail attack. Snails destroyed almost all the new beans and flowers of the plants. Currently, I do not have enough product to sell in the market and benefit from the price rise,” said Thomas Mathew. Meanwhile, Shaji Thakidippurath, a cardamom vendor and farmer in Pathumury, expressed hope that the higher price will be an advantage for farmers. “Though there is a dip in production this time, compared to previous years, the price of cardamom has nearly doubled this season. This will help farmers manage the situation,” said Mr. Thakidippurath. The highest ever price of cardamom was recorded on August 3, 2019, at ₹7,000 per kg at the auction held at Puttady.

Published - November 19, 2024 08:52 pm IST

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/after-a-long-gap-cardamom-average-price-close-to-3000-per-kg/article68886649.ece

Pepper Market on November 20, 2024 - The structure of Vietnam's pepper export types is having certain changes

Pepper Market on November 20, 2024: Slight decrease in some provinces

Posted onNovember 20, 2024by VPA

20
Nov

Pepper prices today (November 20) decreased slightly in key provinces. The structure of Vietnam's pepper export types is having certain changes, with a strong increase in ground pepper and a gradual decrease in whole pepper.

 

Update pepper information

According to data from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), the structure of Vietnam's pepper export categories in the first 10 months of the year has seen certain changes with a strong increase in ground pepper and a gradual decrease in whole pepper.

Accordingly, whole black pepper is still the most exported item of Vietnam with a volume of 159,938 tons, accounting for 72.9% of total exports. However, compared to the same period last year, the export of this type decreased by 9.3%.

Similarly, the export volume of whole white pepper also decreased by 1.8%, down to 16,639 tons and accounted for 14.8% of the total. In addition, the export volume of pickled black pepper, raw pepper, nailhead pepper, green pepper, pink pepper, etc. also decreased by 6.4%.

Meanwhile, ground black pepper exports reached 32,464 tons, up sharply by 42.3% over the same period and accounting for 14.8% of the total; ground white pepper also increased by 46.1%, reaching 8,853 tons and accounting for 4%.

With this result, Vietnam's whole pepper export rate is around 80.5% and the milling and other processing rate is at 19.5%.

Vneconomy  reported that according to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, the country currently has about 200 pepper processing and trading enterprises, of which 15 are leading enterprises, accounting for 70% of the country's export volume. The entire industry has 14 deep processing factories. Notably, there are 5 foreign-invested enterprises, accounting for nearly 30% of the export market share.

Vietnam's pepper processing technology has reached the standards of the world market in general. Enterprises with high-tech processing factories according to ASTA, ESA, JSSA standards have created diverse products: whole black and white pepper, ground pepper, and small packages.

However, in general, Vietnamese pepper is still mainly exported raw, with a value lower than that of India and Malaysia. If the Vietnamese pepper industry is better organized and processed, the value of exported products will increase, and the price of Vietnamese pepper will be equivalent to and possibly higher than that of some countries in the world.

Therefore, VPSA encourages improving product quality from the planting stage, businesses investing in deep processing, clean processing, diversifying products, diversifying markets to penetrate deeply into the global pepper supply chain.

According to VietnamBiz.vn

Pepper Market on November 19, 2024

 

Pepper Market on November 19, 2024: Continued to move sideways across the board, exports earned nearly 1.2 billion USD

Posted onNovember 19, 2024by VPA

November 19

Pepper prices today  (November 19) continued to move sideways in the range of 139,000 - 140,000 VND/kg. Accumulated from the beginning of the year to November 15, Vietnam exported 234,824 tons of pepper, earning 1.17 billion USD, down 3.1% in volume but up 47.3% in value compared to the same period last year.

In the domestic market

See more:  Pepper price today November 18

Pepper prices  today  continue to remain stable at 139,000  - 140,000 VND /kg  in key provinces and cities.

Of which, traders in Dak Nong province are purchasing pepper at the highest price of 140,000 VND/kg. Next is Dak Lak province with 139,500 VND/kg.

In Gia Lai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces,  pepper prices   are being purchased at 139,000 VND/kg.

In the world market

Update from the International Pepper Community (IPC), at the end of the most recent trading session, world black pepper prices had no new fluctuations.

Indonesian Lampung black pepper is listed at USD 6,470/ton, Brazilian ASTA 570 black pepper is priced at USD 6,000/ton, and Malaysian Kuching black pepper is priced at USD 8,400/ton.

 Vietnam's  export  prices of 500 g/l and 550 g/l black pepper continue to fluctuate in the range of 6,200 - 6,500 USD/ton.

Update pepper information

Preliminary statistics from VPSA show that in the first 15 days of November, Vietnam exported 8,082 tons of pepper of all kinds, with a total turnover of 55.4 million USD, down 10.6% in volume and 5% in turnover compared to the first half of October.

Nedspice, Tran Chau and Olam Vietnam were the three largest exporters in the first half of November, reaching 988 tons, 895 tons and 865 tons respectively. Meanwhile, the largest export market for Vietnamese pepper was still the US, reaching 2,362 tons, accounting for 29.2% of the market share.

Accumulated from the beginning of the year to November 15, Vietnam exported a total of 234,824 tons of pepper, earning 1.17 billion USD, down 3.1% in volume but up 47.3% in value compared to the same period last year. The average export price of pepper reached 5,129 USD, up sharply by 52.1% (1,757 USD/ton).

On the other hand, in the first half of November, Vietnam imported  2,484   tons of pepper, worth 14.3 million USD, an increase of 8.2% compared to the first half of October. Olam Vietnam and Harris Spice were the two main importers, with 894 tons, accounting for 36.0%, and 530 tons, accounting for 21.3%. Meanwhile, Indonesia continued to be the largest pepper supplier to Vietnam, accounting for 82.3%, reaching 2,045 tons.

Thus, from the beginning of the year to November 15, Vietnam imported 31,080 tons of pepper, worth 145.6 million USD, a sharp increase over the same period and far exceeding the 26,538 tons that businesses imported in the whole year of 2023.

The Import-Export Department forecasts that in the last months of this year, Vietnam's pepper export activities will not be favorable because domestic supply is limited and demand from China remains low.

It is expected that in early 2025, Vietnam's pepper exports will be favorable thanks to the expected sharp increase in demand from the Chinese market. Meanwhile, after Indonesia's most recent harvest, the world's pepper supply has not been significantly supplemented until February 2025. This is considered a favorable factor when Vietnam enters the new harvest in 2025.

According to VietnamBiz.vn

R

As Guatemala output drops, Indian cardamom may gain flavour

 

As Guatemala output drops, Indian cardamom may gain flavour

Cardamom exporters are pinning hopes on shipping more quantities to the Gulf markets ahead of Ramadan by February 2025, thanks to a reported drop in production in Guatemala.

Quoting reports, exporters said the Guatemala 202425 harvest was projected to drop by 44 per cent from last year. Crop damage from thrips alone was estimated at 34 per cent. Total production in Guatemala was down to 18,884 tonnes. SB Prabhakar, a planter in Idukki, said cardamom production in Guatemala is projected to be around 17,000 to 20,000 tonnes, 4050 per cent lower than last season. The first round picking in Guatemala

has been completed, with a poor litter weight of 340 gm as growers are harvesting early to cash in on higher prices. This will help India export more cardamom ahead of the Ramadan festival by February 2025.

Read also:
http://peppertrade.blogspot.com/2024/11/indian-cardamom-poised-for-ramadan.html

PRICES HIGHER

However, he said the Indian crop is also down 50 per cent this season. As old crop arrivals should be exhausted this month, prices are bound to increase. Guatemala cardamom prices are trading about 30 per cent higher than Indian cardamom. This will allow Indian produce to be exported in good quantities in the next four to five months. “We can expect Indian cardamom prices to reach ₹3,500 per kg during January to March of 2025,” he said. SKM Dhanavanthan, a cardamom exporter in Bodinayakanur, said Ramadan sales have yet to pick up, and given the tight crop situation in both India and Guatemala, meeting demand in terms of price and quantity will be challenging. While the current high prices suit regular retail sales and might cover domestic needs in the coming months, excessive price hikes could disrupt the industry, severely limiting export volume, he said.

However, he warned that MiddleEast buyers — a traditional market for Indian cardamom — were becoming increasingly cautious of the current inflated prices in the domestic market.

He said speculation and the recent addition of private auctions without any regulatory control were behind the sudden price surge. This deters foreign buyers as they face risk in reselling at profitable levels.

The price surge has opened the Indian market to cheaper imports, especially from Guatemala, which is now sold at lower prices, further undercutting Indian cardamom domestically. If left unchecked, Indian cardamom could lose its competitive edge, both locally and internationally, he said.

PC Punnoose, General Manager of KCPMC, one of the auctioneers, said they had received overseas enquiries after Diwali and the stabilisation of prices above the ₹2,500plus level was a positive sign. However, snail infestation in plantations was a recent threat that was affecting flowers of cardamom plants, he said.

Article Name:As Guatemala output drops, Indian cardamom may gain flavour

Publication:BusinessLine (Chennai)

Start Page:10

End Page:10

Pepper Market November 12, 2024

 

Pepper Market November 12, 2024: Downward trend covers domestic and world markets

Posted onNovember 12, 2024by VPA

November 12

Pepper prices today (November 12) fluctuated at 138,000 - 139,000 VND/kg, down slightly by 1,500 - 2,000 VND. In the world, pepper export prices of many countries also decreased sharply.

Update pepper information

Mr. Hoang Phuoc Binh, Vice President of the Chu Se Pepper Association (Gia Lai), said that the price in Vietnam decreased because Indonesia had just entered the harvest season. On the other hand, because it was the beginning of the  coffee  season  , many agents took the opportunity to sell pepper in stock to buy coffee.

Mr. Binh predicts that the price of pepper in the 2025 crop will be higher than in the 2024 crop (at its highest, it will be 160,000 VND/kg). The primary reason is that the prolonged heat in early 2024 is greatly affecting pepper crop productivity, leading to a continued decrease in output in 2025.

Not only Vietnam, output is also forecast to decrease in many other countries. Meanwhile, most pepper growers in Vietnam currently have other sources of income from coffee, durian, etc., so they are not in a hurry to sell after harvest but will wait until they see a better price, according to  Nong Nghiep Newspaper .

Regarding the world market, the Import-Export Department  forecasts   that in the short term, world pepper prices will fluctuate in a downward trend. However, the downward trend will not last long due to limited supply and increased import demand due to seasonal factors.

In major import markets, demand increased in the US, EU and Asia, but remained sluggish in the Middle East and China. Significantly reduced inventory levels caused people and dealers to limit sales.

Brazil is currently the world's second largest producer and exporter of black pepper, accounting for 17-18% of global supply. However, due to reduced production, Brazil's pepper exports in the 2024 crop will decrease for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's new pepper crop in 2025 is expected to be delayed by 1 month. This will create a certain shortage in supply, thereby positively affecting world pepper prices.

According to VietnamBiz.vn

Indian Cardamom Poised for Ramadan Demand Amid Guatemala Shortfall

 

Indian Cardamom Poised for Ramadan Demand Amid Guatemala Shortfall

 

Published 11-11-2024, 02:26 pm

Updated 11-11-2024, 09:15 pm

 

With Guatemala's cardamom production for 2024-25 predicted to fall by 40-50%, India's cardamom industry is preparing for a possible export boost ahead of Ramadan in February 2025. Lower supply from Guatemala, combined with crop damage from thrips, has pushed prices upward, giving Indian exporters a unique advantage despite a decline in India’s own production. While Indian prices are expected to climb to ₹3,500 per kg in early 2025, exporters warn that high domestic prices and speculation could deter international buyers, especially from the Middle East. However, stabilization above the ₹2,500 level has generated renewed overseas interest, suggesting a mixed outlook for India’s cardamom sector.

Key Highlights

# Guatemala's cardamom production drops by 40-50%, boosting Indian export prospects.

# India’s own production is down 50%, driving domestic prices higher.

# Indian cardamom prices expected to reach ₹3,500/kg in early 2025.

# Middle Eastern buyers cautious due to India’s current high prices.

# Speculation and unregulated auctions could impact India's market competitiveness.

Indian cardamom prices are expected to climb as demand builds ahead of Ramadan, with Guatemala, the largest producer, reporting a 40-50% decline in production for the 2024-25 season. Damage from thrips and other factors has reduced Guatemala’s output to around 17,000 to 20,000 tonnes, giving India a potential export edge in Gulf markets. The scarcity in Guatemala has driven its cardamom prices to trade 30% higher than Indian cardamom, positioning Indian exports favorably to meet the demand spike during Ramadan in February 2025.

Indian growers, however, are also facing a reduced crop, with output down nearly 50% this season. The domestic supply shortage is projected to increase prices further, with rates potentially reaching ₹3,500 per kg by early 2025. Planters in Idukki, anticipates that these higher prices will provide some relief to exporters amid limited supply. The high demand and limited stocks could result in an ideal scenario for cardamom traders as Ramadan approaches.

However, exporters caution that inflated prices could restrict export volumes, especially with Middle Eastern buyers hesitant to commit amid India’s current high prices. The emergence of private, unregulated auctions has also spurred price speculation, raising concerns about market stability. The inflated prices may also encourage cheaper imports from Guatemala, potentially undercutting India’s position in both local and export markets.

Despite challenges, there are positive signals, as indicated by a recent increase in overseas inquiries after Diwali. With prices stabilizing above ₹2,500, the industry is cautiously optimistic. However, crop damage from snail infestation adds further uncertainty, as it impacts new panicles and flowers, risking additional losses in an already tight supply scenario.

Finally

India’s cardamom market is set for Ramadan exports despite high prices, but regulatory checks on speculation may be crucial to maintain competitiveness.

https://in.investing.com/news/commodities-news/indian-cardamom-poised-for-ramadan-demand-amid-guatemala-shortfall-4520081

 

Pepper exports to the Chinese market are expected to increase sharply in early 2025

 

Industry and Trade Newspaper

November 10, 2024

Pepper exports to the Chinese market in the first 10 months of 2024 decreased by 84% and are forecast to increase sharply again in early 2025.

There is a shift in the market and types of pepper exported,

According to preliminary statistics of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, in the month of October 2024, Vietnam exported 18.493 tons of pepper of all kinds with a total export turnover of 120,2 million USD. The average export price of black pepper in the month reached 6.284 USD/ton, down 28 USD, and white pepper reached 8.029 USD/ton, up 191 USD. The United States remained the largest export market in October, accounting for 10%, reaching 27,7 tons, down 5.128% compared to September. Next were the markets: Hong Kong reached 8,5 tons, UAE reached 9 tons, Netherlands reached 1.784 tons and Germany reached 1.382 tons.

In the first 10 months of 2024, pepper exports will earn 1,1 billion USD.

 

By the end of October 2024, Vietnam had exported 219.387 tons of pepper of all kinds, of which black pepper reached 193.892 tons and white pepper reached 25.495 tons. Total export turnover reached more than 1,1 billion USD, of which black pepper reached 881,6 million USD and white pepper reached 162,6 million USD. Compared to the same period last year, the export volume decreased by 1,9% (black pepper decreased by 3,3%, white pepper increased by 10,8%), but the export turnover increased by 48,0%. The average export price of black pepper in 10 months reached 4.971 USD/ton, an increase of 1.528 USD and white pepper reached 6.626 USD/ton, an increase of 1.671 USD compared to the same period in 2023.

Olam Vietnam is the largest exporter in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching 23.160 tons, accounting for 10,6% and increasing by 51,1% over the same period. Next are enterprises such as Phuc Sinh reaching 20.118 tons, accounting for 9,2%, increasing by 58,2%; Nedspice Vietnam reaching 17.014 tons, accounting for 7,8%, increasing by 10%; Haprosimex JSC reaching 16.002 tons, accounting for 7,3%, increasing by 77,5% and Tran Chau reaching 14.031 tons, accounting for 6,4% and decreasing by 0,8%...

The United States is the largest export market for Vietnamese pepper, accounting for 28,5%, reaching 62.553 tons, up 46,8% over the same period last year. Next are the markets: UAE reaching 14.540 tons, accounting for 6,6%, up 45,0%; Germany reaching 13.737 tons, accounting for 6,3%, up 77,2%; India reaching 9.428 tons, accounting for 4,3%, down 10,5% and the Netherlands reaching 9.295 tons, accounting for 4,2%, up 41,2% over the same period. China is the 6th largest export market of Vietnam reaching 9.252 tons, but compared to the same period, the export volume decreased by 84%.

Quarter III/2024, pepper price on the market world remained high, especially in August and September. The reason is said to be limited supply and increased import demand from markets. Entering the month of October 2024, pepper prices decreased due to sell-offs due to liquidity needs. In addition, the world pepper supply was supplemented from Brazil and Indonesia, while low demand from China affected pepper prices on the world market. Although it decreased sharply compared to the end of the month of September 2024, pepper prices in October 2024 still remained high.

In the third quarter of 2024, Vietnam's pepper exports will shift significantly. If in the second quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2023, Asia was Vietnam's largest pepper exporting region, then in the third quarter of 2024, there will be a shift to the Americas.

Accordingly, the proportion of Vietnam's pepper exports to the Americas increased from 27,63% of total turnover in the third quarter of 2023 to 39,23% in the third quarter of 2024. In contrast, the proportion of Vietnam's pepper exports to the Asian region decreased from 41,76% in the third quarter of 2023 to 28,66% in the third quarter of 2024 (mainly due to reduced exports to the Chinese market). In the first 9 months of 2024, Vietnam's pepper exports to most continents increased sharply (thanks to increased prices) compared to the same period last year, except for Oceania.

In the third quarter of 2024, the structure of exported pepper types has shifted compared to the third quarter of 2023. Accordingly, Vietnam increased the export of ground black pepper and ground white pepper, the proportion increased from 14,89% and 5,06% in the third quarter of 2023 to 16,91% and 4,47% in the third quarter of 2024. This shows that Vietnam's pepper industry has shifted to exporting processed pepper, instead of focusing on exporting raw pepper as before.

Regarding the EU market, on November 4, 2024, the European Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2794 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 concerning the recognition of certain bodies/entities performing organic control and certification in third countries for organic products imported into the EU pursuant to Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This Regulation amends Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 to list certain bodies/entities recognized by the EU to perform organic control and certification services for groups of products imported into the EU.

“In accordance with the new EU organic regulation EC 2018/848, in order to ensure transparency and meet higher requirements for organic assessment, the list of certification bodies that can carry out organic assessment according to the new regulation has been updated”, Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association said.

Three new certification bodies have been added to the list, bringing the total number of entities that can conduct new EU organic assessments in Vietnam to 12. These organizations have been granted the authority and capacity to conduct organic assessments according to the new EU standards in Vietnam.

The current CB list includes organizations that can assess according to the EC 2018/848 organic standard in Vietnam. Each CB is capable of assessing different categories depending on its competence and scope of licensing. The categories are clearly shown in the table, helping organic producers and exporters to choose the certification organization that suits their specific needs.

Expanding this list not only helps meet the growing demand for organic certification in Vietnam but also contributes to ensuring the quality and reputation of organic products exported to the EU market.

Pepper export activities are forecasted to be unfavorable in the short term.

In the short term, world pepper prices are forecast to fluctuate in a downward trend. However, the downward trend will not last long due to limited supply and increased import demand due to seasonal factors.

In major import markets, demand increased in the United States, the EU and Asia, but remained sluggish in the Middle East and China. Inventory levels have fallen significantly, causing farmers and dealers to limit sales. Brazil is currently the world's second largest producer and exporter of black pepper, accounting for 17-18% of global supply.

However, Brazil’s pepper exports for the 2024 crop are expected to decline for the third consecutive year due to low production. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s new 3 pepper crop is expected to be delayed by one month, which will have a positive impact on world pepper prices.

The Import-Export Department forecasts that Vietnam's pepper export activities will not be favorable in the last months of this year due to low domestic supply and low demand from China.

It is expected that in early 2025, Vietnam's pepper exports will be favorable thanks to the expected sharp increase in demand from the Chinese market. Meanwhile, after Indonesia's most recent harvest, until the month of February 2025, the world's pepper supply has not been significantly supplemented. This is considered a favorable factor when Vietnam enters the new harvest in 2025.

Sources: https://congthuong.vn/xuat-khau-ho-tieu-sang-thi-truong-trung-quoc-du-bao-se-tang-manh-vao-dau-nam-2025-357913.html