Find Verified Black Cardamom Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads

Black Cardamom in Global Trade: Everything You Need To Know

Also known as Large Cardamom (badi elaichi), Black Cardamom is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Zingiberaceae. These thrive in forested, high-altitude (800–2000 m) regions. For instance, the two primary species of Black Cardamom - Amomum subulatum and Amomum tsao-ko are grown in China and Nepal, respectively. Unlike green cardamom, it is rarely used in sweet dishes because its smoky and camphor-like flavor makes it a perfect spice to blend Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines like Biryani, Pulao, and rich meat curries. The global trade of black cardamom is driven by its uses in various medicinal systems like Ayurvedic, Unani, and Chinese. This is because black cardamom has many cardioprotective, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Not just that, it is used in making digestive teas, mouth fresheners, and air fresheners - further broadening its relevance across multiple industries. 

What Are the Commonly Traded Types of Black Cardamom in Global Markets?

With in-depth knowledge about the various varieties of black cardamom, you are now well-positioned to grow your exporting business. Consider expanding your business by including the following related products:

• Spices & Spices Powder: Organic Spices Powder (Cumin Powder, Chilli Powder, Green Chilli Powder, Pepper Powder), Dehydrated Spices, and Other Spices Powder
  
  
• Spice Seeds: Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Cardamom, Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon, Green Cardamom, and Cassia cinnamon), Other Type Of Spices-containing seeds
  
  
• Other culinary ingredients: Dehydrated Vegetables, Pepper, Red Chilli, Black Tea, Cardamom Tea, Black Salt, Black Vinegar, etc

A Look into Global Black Cardamom Market Trends: Key Insights for Export Import

To connect with a larger number of black cardamom buyers, it is important to target the right markets. Here are some crucial data of the global market of black cardamom, which can make a difference for exporters:

Factors increasing the global trade of Black Cardamom:

• Large Cardamom’s GI tag of Sikkim (India): This Geographical Indication tag was awarded to Sikkim in 2015, which recognizes the unique characteristics of Sikkim's large cardamom (locally called badi elaichi in India). The unique aroma, flavor, and quality of these cardamoms are due to the agro-climatic conditions and traditional cultivation methods of this region. This GI tag increases the demand for Sikkim large cardamoms in the global market, attracting a lot of black cardamom buyers or black cardamom spice buyers from multiple countries. 

• Expanding applications in various industries: The health benefits of black cardamom make it a great ingredient to be used in food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. It stimulates the digestive system and regulates stomach acid. You will be surprised to know it is also used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis. Its applications are further extended to preserving meat and in nutraceutical products that aim at boosting the immune system. 

• Growth in cosmetic and personal care products: Given the black cardamom's strong and aromatic fragrance, it is widely used in the cosmetic and perfume industry. Several soaps, colognes, and lotions are made from black cardamom. And as antibacterial properties help a lot in acne and other skin conditions, it is used as a primary ingredient in skincare products (serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, etc).

• Cultural and seasonal demand: During the holy month of Ramzan, there is an increased consumption of black cardamom in countries with Muslim-majority populations like Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and other Middle Eastern countries. In these seasons, dishes like Korma, Pulao, Biryani, and multiple desserts are prepared, and black cardamom remains a consistent ingredient in all of them. This seasonal demand also influences the black cardamom 1 kg price. To meet this huge demand, the world exports a lot of black cardamom from Nepal and Bhutan. 

• Distinct production methods in Nepal: Till now, we have seen how Nepal produces some of the best quality black cardamom for the world. That is possible because of the unique furnace drying technique (locally known as "Kuro kulo") used by Nepal. They dry their large cardamom using a centuries-old furnace and leave them for days in large drying chambers where wood fire is maintained at a controlled temperature. This technique lets them enhance the smoky and earthy aroma of black cardamom and adds subtle hints of resin and wood to it. 

Global Market Size  

Source: Market us

Daily Auction Prices in India: A Reference for Cross-Border Trade:

As India has a prominent position as an exporter of black cardamom, the Spice Board of India has started releasing auction prices. These grade-wise pricing (like Badadana and Chotadana) are of the primary black cardamom producing regions - Siliguri, Gangtok, and Singtam. This increased level of transparency keeps the price fluctuations in check and helps the traders make informed deals. 

Source: Spice Board of India

Top Importing Countries for Black Cardamom (2024):

Source: Volza

What the Global Black Cardamom Buyers Demand from the Suppliers:

When you want to win the trust of global black cardamom buyers, quality is everything. To be ahead in the global market and distinguish yourself from the competition, make sure you are maintaining these quality standards:

• Pod size: 2–3 cm in length
• Appearance: dark brown to black color, slightly wrinkled and tough skin, uniform
• Aroma: strong, smoky, earthy, and camphor-like aroma
• Moisture Content: should be less than 12%
• Texture and weight: firm and oily, feel heavy when lifted
• Essential Oil Content: high

How to Find Verified Black Cardamom Buyers Near Me & Globally?

To expand your reach in the global black cardamom market, you must make a good reputation in your local market as well. Here is how you can find buyers in your local as well as in the international market:

• To sell locally, you can reach out to food manufacturers, restaurants, and culinary businesses that invest in premium spices like black cardamom. 
• Participate in international trade fairs dedicated to spices and food products, such as Anuga, World Food Moscow, Gulfood, Foodex Japan, etc. 
• Sign up on B2B platforms, such as go4WorldBusiness. Here, you can directly showcase your black cardamom to buyers and quickly close a deal. 
• Collaborate with the national trade organizations and export promotions of your country (Spices Board of India - India). They can give you access to a whole range of international black cardamom buyers. 
• Boost your online presence by making a professional website for your exporting business, or by being active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also join some trade communities on social media for networking. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who is the biggest consumer of cardamom?

India is the world’s biggest consumer of cardamom. 

2. Which Indian city is famous for cardamom?

Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu is famous for cardamom. 

3. How many days does it take to grow black cardamom?

It takes around 2 to 3 years for black cardamoms to become fully mature. 

4. Who are the major importers of black cardamom?

The major importers of black cardamom are the USA, Canada, and Australia. 

5. What quality standards are required for exporting black cardamom? 

You need to make sure of the following quality standards when you are exporting black cardamom:

• Moisture content: should be below 12%
• Purity: should be 99%
• Cleaning: should be free from foreign particles 

6. What are the key factors affecting black cardamom prices?

Climatic conditions, cultural and seasonal demand, market trends, size, and quantity are some of the factors that affect the black cardamom process. 

7. Which country produces the most black cardamom?

Nepal is the largest producer of black cardamom. 

8. What is the typical shelf life of black cardamom for export?

The shelf life of black cardamom for export is around 12 to 18 months. 

9. How can exporters find genuine buyers of black cardamom?

Exporters looking to connect with genuine buyers of black cardamom can:

• Sign up on B2B platforms (go4WorldBusiness)
• Participate in international trade exhibitions (Anuga, World Food Moscow, Biofach Germany, etc.)
• Be digitally active (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn)

10. What is the black cardamom HSN code?

09083110 is the HSN code for black cardamom.

Latest News Related to Black Cardamom Global Trade:

As per the latest report, Indian cardamom still remains globally competitive because of steady supply from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, even when it is getting competition from  Guatemala and Sri Lanka. (Full story: Mundus Agri)