India has long been known as the “Land of Spices,” a title earned through centuries of cultivation, trade, and culinary innovation. From the misty hills of Kerala, where black pepper vines climb ancient trees to the sun-baked fields of Rajastha,n where cumin seeds soak up the desert heat, India’s diverse landscapes produce some of the world’s most prized spices. In 2025, this heritage translates into a booming export industry that’s not just sustaining economies but reshaping global palates. With exports reaching a record $4.72 billion in FY 2024-25 — a 12% jump from the previous year — India supplies over 50% of the world’s spice trade, shipping 17.99 lakh metric tons to more than 200 destinations.
At Sadbhaav Spices, under Sadbhaav Global Impex LLP, we’ve been part of this aromatic revolution since 2012. Sourcing directly from 5,000+ farmers in Gujarat and beyond, we export 10,000+ tons of premium spices annually to 80+ countries, ensuring 99.95% purity and compliance with global standards like APEDA and FSSAI. Our journey takes us from the vibrant auctions of Unjha for cumin to the spice gardens of Idukki for cardamom, where we’ve seen firsthand how these tiny treasures drive $5 billion in revenue this year.
This guide explores the top 10 spices exported from India, their production stories, export volumes, pricing trends, and the global markets hungry for them. Backed by the latest Spices Board of India data and our on-the-ground insights, we’ll uncover why these spices aren’t just ingredients — they’re economic engines fueling everything from Dubai’s biryanis to New York’s fusion tacos. Whether you’re an importer scouting suppliers or a curious foodie tracing flavors, let’s journey through India’s spice bounty.
The Indian Spice Export Landscape: A 2025 Snapshot
India’s spice story is one of abundance and ambition. Producing 75 of the 109 spice varieties recognized by the International Organization for Standardization, the country commands 40% of global production. In FY 2024-25, exports soared to 17.99 lakh metric tons, valued at $4.72 billion — up from $4.46 billion the year before. This growth, at a 10.56% CAGR, is propelled by wellness trends (turmeric’s curcumin for immunity) and culinary fusions (cumin in Tex-Mex rubs), with Asia, North America, and Europe absorbing 85% of shipments.
The top 10 destinations — China, USA, UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Germany — capture over 60% of the value, with the USA alone at $594.82 million. Pricing remains competitive: Farm-gate cumin at $0.18/kg rises to $0.30/kg FOB, while premium cardamom fetches $1.50/kg. Challenges like 2024’s ethylene oxide bans cost $200 million but spurred innovations in steam sterilization, recovering 15% volumes.
Sustainability is the new frontier: 30% of exports are organic, commanding 20% premiums, while blockchain traceability meets EU demands. At Sadbhaav, we’ve invested in solar drying to cut emissions 15%, ensuring our spices arrive as vibrant as the day they were harvested. As the global spice market hits $22.2 billion with a 5.8% CAGR, India’s exports are poised for $10 billion by 2030 — a testament to quality, diversity, and enduring appeal.
1. Chilli: The Fiery Force Behind Global Heat
Red chilli, with its vibrant crimson pods and capsaicin kick, is India’s undisputed export champion. Sourced from Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur (60% production) and Karnataka’s Byadgi, varieties like Teja and Sannam boast 5,000+ ASTA color units for vivid hue and mild-to-fierce heat. In FY 2024-25, India exported 550,000 metric tons valued at $1.2 billion — 25% of total spice revenue — up 10% from 516,000 tons the prior year.
The USA devours 40% for salsas and Tex-Mex, importing $480 million worth, while China (30%) re-exports processed forms for Sichuan dishes at $360 million. Vietnam (15%) blends them into pho bases, contributing $180 million. Pricing: $0.25–0.35/kg FOB, with organics at $0.40/kg. A 12% CAGR through 2025 reflects capsaicin’s metabolism-boosting role in the $50 billion condiment market.
At Sadbhaav, our GI-tagged Byadgi chillies command 20% premiums in the USA, where we’ve shipped 10,000 tons this year. Despite 2024 floods dipping yields 10%, diversified sourcing kept supply steady. Chilli’s fire isn’t fading — it’s igniting global tables.
2. Cumin Seeds: The Earthy Anchor of Everyday Flavors
Cumin, or jeera, is the warm, nutty seed that grounds curries, rubs, and blends. From Gujarat’s arid Unjha (70% output), elongated seeds with 2-3% volatile oils deliver that signature smoky depth. FY 2024-25 saw 287,500 metric tons exported, valued at $800 million — a 15% rise from 250,000 tons — making it India’s second-biggest earner.
The UAE imports 25% ($200 million) for biryanis, the USA 20% ($160 million) for Tex-Mex, and Europe (Germany, UK) 15% ($120 million) for organic Mediterranean dishes. Pricing: $0.30–0.40/kg FOB, organics $0.50/kg. An 8.5% CAGR ties to cumin’s digestive aids in the $30 billion gut health sector, with U.S. imports hitting 50,000 tons.
Sadbhaav sources Unjha jeera March-May, powering U.S. private labels with blockchain purity. 18% demand spikes for cumin teas reflect wellness trends. Droughts hiked prices 15% in 2024, but cooperatives stabilized us. Cumin’s earthy embrace connects Indian farms to world hearths.
3. Turmeric: The Golden Healer Lighting Up Wellness Worlds
Turmeric’s golden rhizomes, laced with 5-6% curcumin, are India’s health export star. Erode and Sangli farms yield 210,000 metric tons in 2025, valued at $600 million — up 16% from 180,000 tons. The USA leads with 30% ($180 million) for lattes and supplements, UAE 20% ($120 million) for curries, Europe 15% ($90 million) for cosmetics.
Pricing: $0.20–0.30/kg FOB, organics $0.40/kg. A 15% CAGR stems from curcumin’s anti-inflammatory fame in the $50 billion functional foods market, with U.S. sales up 25% post-COVID.
Sadbhaav’s solar-dried turmeric captures 10% U.S. wellness share, COA-backed for FDA. Monsoons delayed 2024 supplies, but multi-region sourcing prevailed. Turmeric’s glow isn’t temporary — it’s illuminating health aisles everywhere.
4. Black Pepper: The King Reigning Over Premium Palates
Black pepper, the “King,” commands 165,000 metric tons exported in 2025, valued at $700 million — 10% growth from 150,000 tons. Kerala’s Malabar Coast (96% supply) produces 4-5% piperine-rich corns.
Vietnam (25%, $175 million) re-exports, USA (20%, $140 million) seasons steaks, EU (18%, $126 million) graces fine dining. Pricing: $0.60–0.80/kg FOB, organics $1/kg. 9% CAGR links to piperine’s weight-loss role in the $100 billion diet market.
Sadbhaav’s Tellicherry pepper powers U.S. premiums, irradiation post-EtO ensuring 99% clearance. Pepper’s bite endures, peppering profits.
5. Coriander Seeds: The Versatile Bridge to Fusion Feasts
Coriander’s citrusy seeds exported 155,000 tons in 2025, valued at $400 million — 11% up from 140,000 tons. Rajasthan’s fields yield 1-2% oil-rich seeds.
Malaysia (20%, $80 million) curries, USA (18%, $72 million) salsas, UAE (15%, $60 million) biryanis. Pricing: $0.20–0.30/kg FOB. 7.5% CAGR reflects antioxidants in vegan trends.
Sadbhaav blends Khari Baoli coriander for U.S. fusion, 15% organic uptick. Coriander’s warmth spans cuisines.
6. Ginger: The Zesty Wave in Wellness Oceans
Ginger’s rhizomes exported 80,000 tons in 2025, valued at $300 million — 67% CAGR proxy from 48,000 tons. Northeast farms pack gingerol.
USA (25%, $75 million) teas, Saudi Arabia (20%, $60 million) culinary, UK (15%, $45 million) shots. Pricing: $0.40–0.60/kg. 50% value growth in beverages.
Sadbhaav’s dried ginger meets U.S. nausea remedies. Ginger’s zing soothes globally.
7. Cardamom: The Queen’s Pods in Luxury Realms
Cardamom exported 25,000 tons in 2025, valued at $500 million. Kerala’s green pods (3-4% oils).
Saudi Arabia (30%, $150 million) desserts, UAE (25%, $125 million) chai. Pricing: $1.20–1.50/kg. 10% CAGR in $20 billion confectionery.
Sadbhaav’s Idukki cardamom scents Middle East. Cardamom’s elegance commands premiums.
8. Garlic: The Bulb’s Bold Global Bite
Garlic exported 110,000 tons in 2025, valued at $250 million. Madhya Pradesh’s cloves.
USA (20%, $50 million) processed, Bangladesh (18%, $45 million) curries. Pricing: $0.25–0.35/kg. 8% CAGR in $30 billion snacks.
Sadbhaav’s dehydrated garlic shines in U.S. snacks. Garlic’s punch persists.
9. Fennel Seeds: The Sweet Soother of Digestion
Fennel exported 88,000 tons in 2025, valued at $150 million. Gujarat’s anethole seeds.
USA (25%, $37.5 million) teas, UAE (20%, $30 million). Pricing: $0.25–0.35/kg. 7% CAGR in $10 billion digestive health.
Sadbhaav’s Unjha fennel powers U.S. blends. Fennel’s sweetness calms.
10. Sesame Seeds: The Nutty Newcomer in Health Horizons
Sesame exported 330,000 tons in 2025, valued at $400 million. Gujarat’s unhulled gems.
China (30%, $120 million) re-export, USA (15%, $60 million) tahini. Pricing: $0.30–0.40/kg. 9% CAGR in $40 billion plant-based.
Sadbhaav’s organic sesame fuels U.S. trends. Sesame’s crunch endures.
Shareable Infographic: Top Spices at a Glance
[Imagine a colorful infographic here: Bar chart of top 10 spices with volume (tons), value ($M), and destinations. Example: Chilli bar in red, 550K tons, $1.2B, USA/China icons.]
Conclusion: India’s Spices — A Global Flavor Legacy
India’s top exported spices — from chilli’s fire to sesame’s nutty charm — fuel a $4.72 billion trade, with 10.56% CAGR to $10B by 2030. As wellness and fusion demand soars, these treasures connect farms to tables.
Export premium-quality spices globally with Sadbhaav Spices.
📧 info@sadbhaavspices.com | 📞 +91 7397993793 | www.sadbhaavspices.com