Cardamom Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026
Sub Product
Black Cardamom, Cardamom Pods, Green Cardamom
Derived Products
Ground Cardamom, Gin and Geneva, Vermouth
HS Code
090831
Last Updated
2026-11-08
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See the Latest Prices and Trade Flows for Cardamom
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Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Cardamom market coverage spans 147 countries.
- 3,109 exporter companies and 3,710 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 11,085 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- 8 premium suppliers and 8 catalog items are currently listed.
- Wholesale sample entries: 5; farmgate sample entries: 5.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
- Page data last updated on 2026-11-08.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Cardamom
Analyze 11,085 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Cardamom.
Cardamom Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Cardamom to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Cardamom: Ethiopia (+236.8%), United Arab Emirates (+107.6%), South Africa (+73.1%).
Cardamom Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-12, benchmark Cardamom country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-05, countries with visible Cardamom transaction unit prices: Sri Lanka (54.31 USD / kg), India (25.40 USD / kg), Ethiopia (22.60 USD / kg), Ecuador (17.25 USD / kg), Bhutan (17.00 USD / kg), 5 more countries.
See the Latest Monthly Prices by Origin
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 | 2026-10 | 2026-11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | -7.9% | 8,977 | 30.26 USD / kg (1,465,889.87 kg) | 25.42 USD / kg (1,001,413.4 kg) | 21.19 USD / kg (1,351,115.985 kg) | 21.59 USD / kg (1,263,014.38 kg) | 24.78 USD / kg (1,843,723.244 kg) | 25.40 USD / kg (1,638,462.387 kg) | ||||||
| Nepal | -12.1% | 712 | 14.02 USD / kg (176,150 kg) | 9.49 USD / kg (472,900 kg) | 11.52 USD / kg (265,300 kg) | 11.61 USD / kg (464,500 kg) | 10.50 USD / kg (472,900 kg) | 11.82 USD / kg (261,800 kg) | ||||||
| Vietnam | +3.4% | 388 | 3.35 USD / kg (295,020 kg) | 3.18 USD / kg (522,236 kg) | 4.43 USD / kg (70,036 kg) | 3.20 USD / kg (107,922 kg) | 2.43 USD / kg (28,560 kg) | 2.29 USD / kg (35,585 kg) | ||||||
| Bhutan | +35.1% | 225 | 16.19 USD / kg (59,000 kg) | 16.94 USD / kg (123,800 kg) | 17.02 USD / kg (132,400 kg) | 17.00 USD / kg (123,800 kg) | 17.00 USD / kg (92,000 kg) | 17.00 USD / kg (100,800 kg) | ||||||
| Sri Lanka | -23.2% | 158 | 54.54 USD / kg (194.77 kg) | 46.16 USD / kg (496.5 kg) | 67.53 USD / kg (202.28 kg) | 38.50 USD / kg (235.8 kg) | 41.11 USD / kg (127.88 kg) | 54.31 USD / kg (238.5 kg) | ||||||
| Guatemala | -5.9% | 152 | 15.75 USD / kg (207,607.05 kg) | 15.37 USD / kg (169,155 kg) | 17.02 USD / kg (70,678.985 kg) | 15.80 USD / kg (167,336 kg) | 15.48 USD / kg (91,608 kg) | 16.21 USD / kg (171,015 kg) | ||||||
| Ethiopia | +236.8% | 126 | 4.43 USD / kg (1,627.12 kg) | 3.13 USD / kg (1,416 kg) | 6.19 USD / kg (473 kg) | 11.72 USD / kg (2,539 kg) | 33.60 USD / kg (2,331.1 kg) | 22.60 USD / kg (2,611.5 kg) | ||||||
| United Arab Emirates | +107.6% | 37 | - (-) | 56.27 USD / kg (1,622 kg) | 12.76 USD / kg (150 kg) | 49.99 USD / kg (540 kg) | 27.10 USD / kg (328 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| United States | -66.7% | 31 | 153.31 USD / kg (39.88 kg) | 66.77 USD / kg (28.19 kg) | 40.10 USD / kg (28,023 kg) | 86.78 USD / kg (14.9 kg) | 77.05 USD / kg (29.96 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Singapore | +19.1% | 17 | - (-) | 6.00 USD / kg (2,000 kg) | 16.25 USD / kg (3,000 kg) | 19.57 USD / kg (14,716 kg) | - (-) | - (-) |
Cardamom Global Supply Chain Coverage
6,819 companies
3,109 exporters and 3,710 importers are mapped for Cardamom.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Cardamom, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Cardamom Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
3,109 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Cardamom. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Cardamom Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners
8 premium Cardamom suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Ramason Products
India
Catalog
Food Wholesalers
Mahala Agro Foods
United States
Catalog
-
BLUVIRA EXPORTS LLP
India
ContactCatalog
Food Wholesalers
Navkar Agro International
India
Catalog
-
Al shaheen al Aswad Trading LLC
United Arab Emirates
Catalog
-
Hang Xanh Company Limited
Vietnam
Catalog
Food Manufacturing, Others
PT. Global Vision Impex
Indonesia
Catalog
Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Wholesalers, Others
Climate Natural Spices Private Limited
India
Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.
Cardamom Global Supplier Catalog Offers and Export Pricing Opportunities
Compare 8 Cardamom supplier listings by origin, Incoterms, minimum volume, and offer price to identify export-ready sourcing opportunities.
Green cardamom, whole pods, bulk from India
Origin Country: India
Incoterms: FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP
Min Volume: 5 KG
Sourcing regions: : Idukki, Kerala (Cardamom Hills)Forms: : Whole green pods, seeds
Negotiable
Cardamom for Whole or Ground Spice Sourcing and Wholesale Packing Enquiries
Origin Country: India
Min Volume: 1000 KG
Negotiable
Green Cardamom - Idukki / Theni (South India)
Origin Country: India
Incoterms: FOB, CIF
Min Volume: 500 KG
Negotiable
Cardamom Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 3,109 total exporter companies in the Cardamom supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-10-08
Recently Export Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 5M - 10M
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Black Cardamom
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-31
Recently Export Partner Companies: 34
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Crop Production, Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Iran, China, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Morocco, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Cumin Seed, Sesame Seed +5
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-17
Recently Export Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Services And Drinking Places, Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Peru, Croatia, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Albania, Ukraine, South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, Bangladesh
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Sesame Seed, Cumin Seed +5
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-28
Recently Export Partner Companies: 4
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Services And Drinking Places, Food Wholesalers, Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Others, Retail, Trade
Exporting Countries: Iraq, Ukraine, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Iran, New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Cumin Seed, Raw Peanuts +5
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-31
Recently Export Partner Companies: 30
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Brokers And Trade Agencies, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Qatar, Iran, Germany, Myanmar [Burma], Bahrain, New Zealand, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Green Tea, Sesame Seed +3
(India)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-29
Recently Export Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Brokers And Trade Agencies, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Iran, Kenya, Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, New Zealand, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Cardamom, Copra, Raw Peanuts +5
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Cardamom Global Exporter Coverage
3,109 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Cardamom supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Cardamom opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Cardamom (HS Code 090831) in 2024
For Cardamom in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guatemala | 28,321,328 kg | 496,611,021 USD |
| 2 | India | 8,485,067.658 kg | 194,178,439.365 USD |
| 3 | Netherlands | 684,986 kg | 11,489,192.576 USD |
| 4 | Turkiye | 935,724 kg | 8,854,569 USD |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 132,781 kg | 3,355,163.698 USD |
| 6 | Germany | 128,552.892 kg | 2,879,251.085 USD |
| 7 | Italy | 34,288 kg | 1,091,583.292 USD |
| 8 | United States | 164,165 kg | 1,002,827 USD |
| 9 | Egypt | 51,588.842 kg | 947,411.506 USD |
| 10 | Canada | 32,907 kg | 778,420.699 USD |
Cardamom Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Cardamom exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Tridge Ark · Sourcing Feasibility Check
Where should you be sourcing Cardamom from?
Just tell us your spec and the volume you need. We'll check whether it's actually sourceable, and which origins and suppliers fit.
Free feasibility check, no account required.
Cardamom Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
3,710 importer companies are mapped for Cardamom demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Cardamom Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 3,710 total importer companies tracked for Cardamom. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-10-08
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing, Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Pakistan, India
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-14
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Crop Production, Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Iran, China, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Morocco, United Arab Emirates
(Afghanistan)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-10-08
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Food Manufacturing, Food Services And Drinking Places, Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(Bangladesh)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-28
Recently Import Partner Companies: 4
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: -
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-14
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Services And Drinking Places, Others
Value Chain Roles: Italy, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, France, Philippines, United Kingdom, United States
(Bangladesh)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-19
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Services And Drinking Places, Others
Value Chain Roles: -
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Global Importer Coverage
3,710 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Cardamom.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Cardamom buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Cardamom (HS Code 090831) in 2024
For Cardamom in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 5,905,944 kg | 80,660,951.91 USD |
| 2 | United States | 1,053,658 kg | 20,575,627 USD |
| 3 | Pakistan | 4,019,749 kg | 18,106,266.686 USD |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 828,716 kg | 15,480,161.399 USD |
| 5 | Egypt | 714,801.239 kg | 12,413,070.114 USD |
| 6 | Turkiye | 1,437,498 kg | 11,747,302 USD |
| 7 | Canada | 458,658.166 kg | 9,407,470.671 USD |
| 8 | Japan | 438,998 kg | 9,216,700.986 USD |
| 9 | Netherlands | 887,298.904 kg | 8,828,211.087 USD |
| 10 | Germany | 506,744.917 kg | 8,185,878.897 USD |
Cardamom Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Cardamom origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Tridge Ark · Export Feasibility Check
Your Cardamom — which buyers could it sell to?
Just tell us what you make. We'll see whether you're ready to export today and which markets suit your offer.
Free feasibility check, no account required.
Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Cardamom
Cardamom Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Cardamom wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2026-05, countries with visible Cardamom wholesale unit prices: India (27.59 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 | 2026-10 | 2026-11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 20.80 USD / kg | 20.77 USD / kg | 20.99 USD / kg | 23.26 USD / kg | 27.54 USD / kg | 27.59 USD / kg | ||||||
| Bangladesh | 32.76 USD / kg | 32.40 USD / kg | - | - | - | - |
Cardamom Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries
Compare Cardamom wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 2 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 25.56 USD / kg | 17.42 USD / kg | 35.76 USD / kg | +13.2% |
| 2 | Bangladesh | 35.95 USD / kg | 19.84 USD / kg | 45.35 USD / kg | -5.6% |
Latest Cardamom Wholesale Export Price Updates
Use the latest 5 Cardamom wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-11-01 | এলা* * *** * ****** ***** | 36.48 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | এলা* * *** * ****** ********* | 42.15 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | এলা* * ** * ****** ***** | 20.34 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | এলা* * *** * ****** **** | 38.70 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | এলা* * *** * ****** ***** | 31.98 USD / kg |
Tridge Eye Business
Wholesale and farmgate prices for Cardamom — included in Business, free to try for newly verified companies
Free account, no card. Submitting sale prices, buying requests, accepting connections and sending quotes need a verified company. Verify your company and Business is free for 7 days with 100 credits, no card. Add a card during the trial and it stays free for 7 more days with 100 more credits, then half price for the first paid month. No card? You move back to Free.
Global Farmgate Supplier Price Trends by Country for Cardamom
Cardamom Monthly Farmgate Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Cardamom farmgate unit-price benchmarks by country to monitor supplier-side cost movement.
In 2026-05, countries with visible Cardamom farmgate unit prices: Sri Lanka (32.10 USD / kg), India (22.50 USD / kg).
Cardamom Farmgate Cost Trends by Major Exporting Supplier Countries
Compare Cardamom farmgate price levels and YoY changes across the top 2 exporting countries to understand origin-side supplier cost structure.
Latest Cardamom Farmgate Export Cost Updates
Review the latest 5 Cardamom farmgate updates to monitor origin-side export cost and supplier pricing shifts.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-11-01 | Car***** **** | 16.94 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | Car***** ******* ********** *** | 50.39 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | Car***** ******* ********** ***** | 40.51 USD / kg | |
| 2026-11-01 | Car***** **** | 13.50 USD / kg | |
| 2026-10-01 | Car***** ********** ********** **** | 13.38 USD / kg |
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupSpices
Scientific NameElettaria cardamomum (green cardamom); Amomum subulatum (black/large cardamom)
PerishabilityMedium
Growing Conditions
- Humid tropical to subtropical conditions with reliable rainfall or irrigation support
- Shaded or agroforestry-like systems are common in some producing regions; well-drained soils are typically preferred
- Drying/curing conditions after harvest must support rapid moisture reduction to avoid mold
Main VarietiesGreen cardamom (true cardamom), Black cardamom (large cardamom)
Consumption Forms
- Whole pods for culinary and beverage use
- Seeds for spice blending
- Ground/powdered spice for retail and ingredient applications
Grading Factors
- Pod size/boldness and uniformity
- Pod color (for green cardamom) and overall appearance
- Moisture condition and absence of mold
- Foreign matter and cleanliness
- Aroma/volatile oil retention and freshness indicators
Market
Cardamom is a high-value traded spice whose global export availability is strongly influenced by a small number of producing origins, with Guatemala widely cited as the leading export supplier for green cardamom and India as a major producer and consuming market. Trade flows are closely tied to demand in the Gulf and South Asia, where cardamom is used in beverages (including coffee and tea), confectionery, and spice blends, alongside demand from Europe and North America for culinary and flavor applications. The market is characterized by significant price volatility due to supply concentration, weather sensitivity, and crop health risks, with quality differentiation (pod size, color, aroma/volatile oil retention, cleanliness) driving buyer specifications. Most traded volumes move as whole dried pods and seeds, with additional downstream grinding and blending occurring in destination markets and at origin for ingredient channels.
Market GrowthMixed (year-to-year to medium-term)Demand is structurally supported by culinary and beverage use, but headline trade values and prices can swing sharply with crop size and supply concentration.
Major Producing Countries
- GuatemalaWidely recognized major producer of green cardamom for export markets.
- IndiaMajor producer and consuming market; participates in both domestic trade and international flows.
- NepalImportant producer of black cardamom (large cardamom) in Himalayan production systems.
- Sri LankaProduces cardamom (notably green types) and supplies regional/international markets.
- TanzaniaProduces cardamom-type spices and participates in regional supply; global trade visibility varies by product type and reporting.
Major Exporting Countries
- GuatemalaKey global export origin for green cardamom in most trade datasets.
- IndiaExports premium grades and specialty lots while also serving large domestic demand.
- NepalPrimary export origin for black cardamom (large cardamom) in Himalayan-origin trade.
- Sri LankaExports niche volumes; quality and product form vary by buyer specifications.
- IndonesiaSupplies cardamom-type products (including Amomum species) into regional and some international channels.
Major Importing Countries
- Saudi ArabiaMajor consumption market linked to beverage and culinary use; prominent in many trade flow summaries.
- United Arab EmiratesRegional trading and re-export hub for spices, including cardamom.
- IndiaLarge consuming market that can also import depending on domestic crop outcomes and price relationships.
- PakistanSignificant consumer market for spice blends and beverage use.
- GermanyRepresentative EU import market for spices and ingredients; imports may include whole pods, seeds, and processed forms.
Supply Calendar
- Guatemala:Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, FebPeak harvest and drying/export preparation commonly reported in late-year to early-year window; exact timing varies by microclimate and farm practices.
- India (Kerala/Karnataka/Tamil Nadu belts):Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, DecMain harvest typically aligns with monsoon/post-monsoon conditions; timing varies by elevation and estate management.
- Nepal (black cardamom):Oct, Nov, DecHimalayan black cardamom harvest and curing commonly concentrates in late-year months.
Specification
Major VarietiesGreen cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Black cardamom / large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), White cardamom (typically treated/bleached green cardamom)
Physical Attributes
- Whole dried pods traded with emphasis on uniform size, intact pods, and low extraneous matter
- Color (green for green cardamom) and aroma intensity are key quality cues; discoloration can indicate poor drying or age
- Seeds may be traded separately; powders are more vulnerable to aroma loss and adulteration concerns
Compositional Metrics
- Volatile oil/aroma retention is a common quality focus in buyer specifications
- Moisture control is critical to reduce mold risk and quality deterioration during storage and transit
- Cleanliness (foreign matter, insect damage) and microbiological status are important for ingredient and retail channels
Grades
- Whole pods graded by size/boldness, color, and cleanliness (terminology varies by origin and buyer)
- Split pods, seeds, and powder as separate commercial grades/forms with different quality risk profiles
Packaging
- Bulk sacks (e.g., woven polypropylene or jute) typically used for whole dried pods with liners to reduce moisture ingress
- Cartons and consumer packs for retail; high-barrier/vacuum packs used to protect aroma for premium segments
ProcessingPost-harvest drying/curing is central to shelf stability and aroma preservationFor ingredient channels, cleaning/sieving and, where required by buyers, validated microbial reduction steps (e.g., steam treatment) may be used, especially for ground products
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Harvesting (capsule picking) -> drying/curing -> cleaning and grading -> bagging -> export -> importer cleaning/quality release -> optional grinding/blending -> retail and foodservice distribution
Demand Drivers
- Beverage use (notably coffee/tea flavoring) supporting sustained demand in Gulf and South Asian markets
- Culinary use in spice blends, bakery, confectionery, and savory dishes across South Asia, the Middle East, and global diaspora markets
- Ingredient demand from flavor and food manufacturing for standardized aroma and food safety compliance
Temperature
- Typically shipped and stored as a dry commodity at ambient temperature; avoiding heat exposure helps preserve volatile aroma compounds
- Humidity control is often more critical than temperature to prevent mold and quality loss during storage and transit
Atmosphere Control
- High-barrier or vacuum packaging can help reduce oxidation and aroma loss for premium grades, especially for longer storage periods
Shelf Life
- Whole pods generally retain aroma longer than ground forms; powders lose aroma faster and have higher contamination/adulteration management needs
- Shelf life is highly dependent on moisture control, packaging barrier properties, and storage conditions
Risks
Supply Concentration and Price Volatility HighGlobal export availability for green cardamom is widely reported as concentrated in a limited number of origins (notably Guatemala), which can amplify price volatility when weather, crop health, or logistics disruptions affect the main supplying regions. This concentration increases procurement risk for import-dependent markets and can rapidly shift spot prices and availability across the year.Diversify origins and product forms where feasible, use forward contracting and quality-defined specs, and maintain validated alternative suppliers and safety stock for critical manufacturing uses.
Climate MediumCardamom yields and quality are sensitive to rainfall patterns, humidity, and extreme weather; adverse conditions can reduce capsule set and complicate drying, increasing mold risk and lowering exportable quality.Monitor origin-region weather and crop outlooks, specify moisture and quality parameters tightly, and strengthen post-harvest drying and storage controls with suppliers.
Pest and Disease MediumCardamom cultivation faces pest and disease pressures that can reduce yields and increase pesticide use, potentially creating both supply shocks and compliance challenges in residue-sensitive markets.Prefer suppliers with integrated pest management programs and documented agronomic practices; align residue testing plans with destination-market requirements.
Food Safety MediumAs a dried spice, cardamom can face food safety risks related to microbial contamination, mold growth if moisture is elevated, and cross-contamination during drying, storage, and handling. Ground forms increase exposure because of higher surface area and more processing touchpoints.Implement supplier approval, validated sanitation and drying controls, routine microbiological and mycotoxin screening where relevant, and secure packaging to prevent moisture ingress.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport requirements for spices can include maximum residue limits, contaminant limits, labeling/origin declarations, and sometimes buyer-mandated treatment or certification; non-compliance can lead to border rejections or recalls.Maintain a destination-market compliance matrix (MRLs/contaminants/labeling), require COAs and traceability documentation, and use risk-based testing aligned to buyer and regulator expectations.
Sustainability
- Climate sensitivity in major producing regions (rainfall variability and extreme weather affecting flowering, capsule development, and drying conditions)
- Energy and fuel use for drying/curing (especially where traditional curing relies on biomass fuels), with associated emissions and local environmental impacts
- Biodiversity and land-use considerations where cultivation expands into or interfaces with forested landscapes, requiring careful land management and traceability in sensitive zones
Labor & Social
- Smallholder livelihood exposure to sharp price cycles and input cost volatility
- Seasonal labor needs for harvesting and post-harvest handling; buyer scrutiny can include labor conditions and traceability expectations in spice supply chains
- Quality and integrity risks (adulteration, mislabeling of origin/type) impacting trust and market access for smaller suppliers
FAQ
Which countries are the most important origins in global cardamom trade?Global trade datasets commonly highlight Guatemala as a key export origin for green cardamom, while India is a major producer and consuming market that also participates in international flows. Nepal is an important origin for black (large) cardamom, with additional supply from countries such as Sri Lanka and Indonesia depending on product type and reporting.
What is the difference between green and black cardamom in trade?Green cardamom typically refers to Elettaria cardamomum and is traded widely as whole dried pods for culinary and beverage use, with quality often judged by pod color, size, and aroma retention. Black cardamom (large cardamom) commonly refers to Amomum subulatum and has a distinct smoky flavor profile linked to its curing practices, leading to different end-use and buyer specifications.
Why can cardamom prices and availability change quickly?The market is exposed to supply concentration risk and weather-sensitive production in key origins, which can amplify year-to-year swings in exportable volumes and quality. Because cardamom is traded as a high-value spice and buyers often require specific grades, shortfalls in high-quality lots can tighten availability and push prices up rapidly.
Sources
Cardamom Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Cardamom market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
India
United States
Germany
Guatemala
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Turkiye
Netherlands
Egypt
Canada
Nepal
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Vietnam
Bhutan
Italy
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