Ba Ria – Vung Tau: Organic pepper production for export

Posted onNovember 22, 2024by VPA

22
Nov

To develop clean and safe raw material areas, many farming households and cooperatives in Chau Duc district have linked up to produce organic pepper, targeting the export market.

Choose clean production direction

Mr. Tran Xuan Tho, a farmer in Son Lap village (Son Binh commune) has been growing pepper for decades. Thanks to organic farming, 8.5 sao of pepper grown on acacia and cotton trees has brought a stable annual income for his family.

In the 2024 pepper crop, Mr. Tho harvested nearly 4 tons of dry pepper. “ In the past 3 years, I have switched to organic care, reducing investment costs. Although the yield is not high, in return, the pepper plants grow well and sell for a higher price. Previously, many growers used excessive chemicals in traditional farming, leading to many consequences for the environment, the land quickly became barren and affected human health ,” said Mr. Tho.

Mr. Bui Thanh Hung, in Song Cau village (Nghia Thanh commune) also clearly saw the value and effectiveness of  organic pepper cultivation . In the 2024 crop, despite being affected by prolonged hot weather, the 6-sao pepper garden grew well and harvested 2.5 tons of dry beans. Mr. Hung said that although the yield was not as good as traditional cultivation, there was no crop failure, the plants were not sick, and did not weaken after harvest.

“ I see that organic farming has many benefits. When we do organic farming, we do not use chemicals that are harmful to human health. Regarding plants, we do not use toxic chemicals, so the soil remains fertile and lush for plants to grow ,” Mr. Hung added.

According to Mr. Than Xuan Dong, Vice Chairman of the Farmers’ Association of Chau Duc district, the conversion to clean and organic farming methods has partly restored the position of pepper plants. Through the actual inspection of the Farmers’ Association of the district, currently most households cultivating clean and organic pepper standards have stable incomes, are committed to long-term cultivation and can live well from this crop.

Sustainable Development Link

Recently, through the formation of cooperative models and cooperatives for sustainable pepper production, many participating households have had the opportunity to exchange and access techniques for growing and caring for pepper plants in an organic manner. In particular, when participating in the models, farmers will ensure a source of output for products and stable prices.

Mr. Ngo Xuan Son, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of the Comprehensive Rich Organic Cooperative, shared that the majority of members of the cooperative are farmers who have been growing pepper for many years. Thanks to the propaganda and mobilization of the District Farmers' Association, 7 farmer households in the district, Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City have joined forces to produce organic pepper, with the desire to increase product value and move towards sustainable production.

Since its inception, the cooperative has zoned off nearly 50 hectares of adjacent farming households in Xuan Son, Son Binh and Suoi Rao communes to form a raw material area. Participating households must comply with technical instructions and strict supervision by the cooperative's environmental control board.

According to Mr. Do Chi Khoi, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Chau Duc district, the whole district has 5,077 hectares of pepper; the harvested area is 4,928 hectares, the output reaches 9,856 tons of dry pepper/crop.

Chau Duc district sets the goal of forming organic pepper production areas by 2025, creating a source of high-quality agricultural products; forming production chains associated with the consumption of organic agricultural products, meeting domestic consumption and export needs.

According to Mr. Son, before establishing the cooperative, he and some members had more than 5 years of organic pepper production. “ For many years, I have not abused chemical fertilizers and pesticides to take care of the pepper garden, but mainly used biological products to help prevent nematodes and root-damaging fungi. Since producing organically, well water is no longer polluted as before. The rate of dead plants in the garden has decreased to only 3-5%; the cost of buying fertilizer has also decreased compared to before… ”, Mr. Son added.

According to the plan, in the 2025-2027 period, the cooperative will have a raw material area of ​​100 hectares of pepper; in the 2028-2030 period, the cooperative will produce about 500 hectares of pepper in an organic direction. Currently, the cooperative has signed a contract to purchase organic pepper output with Organics More Company. In addition, in the district, there are also Phuc Thinh Import-Export Investment Joint Stock Company (PTEXIM CORP), Harris Freeman Vietnam Company Limited, which are cooperating to purchase dry pepper from farmers in large quantities.

According to Ba Ria - Vung Tau Newspaper

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