Sri Lanka’s pepper to discover Chinese market

June 17, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s pepper or the king of spices to enter into Chinese market, with a view to diversify markets-and to cash in on the emerging Far-East, Export Development Board said. “Compared to many other black peppers around the world, Lankan pepper has higher “piperine” content taken for dietary applications” Yousuf Maraikkar, Executive Director of Export Development Board said Tuesday (16). In 2012, Sri Lanka had produce more than 17000 Metric tonne pepper but could not satisfy the international demand, Maraikkar said. Global pepper production is restricted to certain regions and seasons while demand continues to build across the year. In 2014, Sri Lanka’s spice exports (all types) stood at 234 million dollars and cinnamon continued to lead Sri Lanka’s spice exports at 132 million dollars while pepper remained the second largest spice export for the third year in a row-at 69 million dollars, statistics showed. In 2012, pepper overtook cloves to become the second largest spice export of Sri Lanka –the leading spice export being Ceylon Cinnamon. Spice industry analysts now forecast that as it shifts from a producer to consumer, China is becoming a leading growth driver in the global pepper market. “Sri Lankan black pepper is well known for its high quality. We do not need any international marketing or branding campaigns for Lankan pepper since we cannot meet the growing demand and we are looking for more supplies” said GS Chatoor , Executive Chairman of Saboor Chatoor, one of the top three spice exporters in Sri Lanka said. Three top export firms of the island’s pepper will represent the country at the forthcoming International Pepper Conclave 2015 in Shanghai,China, the Export development Board said. Saboor Chatoor (Pvt) Ltd., Sindbad Ltd., a tea and spice exporting firm, and EAOS Organics (Lanka) Ltd., Sri Lanka largest value added exporter of organic spices including pepper, will represent the Island in the forum. “During our forthcoming tour we are aiming to understand latest global pepper market trends as well as emerging China market outlook.” Chatoor said. The forum is organised by the global pepper community in collaboration with the China Essential Oils, Aroma & Spices Trade Association (CHINAESA) and will be held on 25 & 26 June at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Pepper suppliers/growers, importers, exporters, shippers and logistic firms, additives suppliers, industry associations, promotional bodies and packaging manufactures, is to take part in the event. “The forthcoming International Pepper Conclave 2015 in Shanghai could open doors for our pepper exporters and help our market diversification.” Maraikkar said.