Indian spice market is projected to reach USD 61 billion by 2033

The International Spice Conference (ISC) 2025, organized by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), commenced at Bengaluru. India remains at the heart of the global spice trade. Valued at USD 24 billion in 2024, the Indian spice market is projected to reach USD 61 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.56%. This growth reflects a transformation in spice cultivation, processing, and consumption.

The four-day event gathers global industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the spice trade. With the theme “Building Trust Beyond Borders: Transparency, Sustainability, Confidence,” the conference  would address several key concerns, including food safety, misinformation, and complex regulations.

Dr. Krishna M. Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Limited inaugurated the conference. He urged researchers, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies to unite in creating a sustainable, high-quality spice industry. 

"By embracing innovation and integrity, India can not only dominate global spice markets but also enhance the health and well-being of people worldwide," he said.

Highlighting the medicinal value of different spices, he further urged the industry to treat them like drugs, with rigorous standards akin to pharmaceuticals. Ella also called for more focus on seed development, nanotechnology for pesticide reduction, and bio-stimulants to boost plant resilience.

P. Hemalatha IAS, Secretary, Spices Board India, in her special  address emphasized the need for sustainable approaches and conservation-driven strategies to drive industry growth.

India, historically a dominant player in the global spice trade, maintains a 25% share of the global market today. 

The diverse agro-climatic zones, skilled labor force, and strong infrastructure, including over 8,400 registered exporters and 830 manufacturers, has  positioned the country as a leader in spice exports, she noted.

India currently exports 225 spice products to over 180 countries, excelling in value addition and customization.

The Spices Board has implemented stringent quality control measures, including mandatory ethylene oxide (ETO) testing for EU exports, to enhance food safety and compliance, she said.

Addressing evolving regulatory challenges, she underscored the Board’s commitment to harmonizing global spice standards through active participation in the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, facilitating smoother trade and reducing technical barriers.

Recognizing climate change as a significant challenge, the industry is adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and developing resilient crop varieties. Through initiatives like farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and capacity-building programs, the Board is enhancing farmer resilience and promoting sustainable spice cultivation.

The Board's recent initiatives have directly benefited 1,700 farmers and 200 value chain actors, establishing eight FPOs across four states. Programs such as buyer-seller meets and buy-back workshops have facilitated formal agreements with exporters, ensuring stable markets and improved farmer incomes by 58%.

The Spices Board is investing in post-harvest facilities, processing plants, and R&D centers to enhance value-added spice production, including spice oils, oleoresins, and extracts. With global demand for health-focused spices rising post-pandemic, India is investing in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement research, focusing on the medicinal properties of turmeric, ginger, and garlic, she added.

The Indian spice sector is actively embracing IoT, blockchain, and robotics to enhance transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency. These technological advancements ensure faster adaptation to global consumer demands while strengthening trust in Indian spices, Hemalatha said. Emmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman of AISEF,  in his address highlighted ISC’s role as the premier platform for the global spice trade.

Through expert panels, research presentations, and industry initiatives, the conference seeks to foster collaborations and policies that will solidify India’s position as the world’s spice capital.  “At ISC 2025, we are not just discussing the future—we are shaping it.” Nambusseril said.

"Trust is the key of every successful trade. ISC 2025 aims to strengthen trust between producers and consumers through transparency and quality assurance; between industries and regulators by adhering to global food safety standards and between businesses and technology using AI, digitalization, and traceability for efficiency and confidence," he said.

 .P.Hemalatha IAS , secretary, Spices Board India, Abhinav Bindra,S.P.Kamath, President, Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Emmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman, All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), and Mr. Nishesh Shah, Chairman, Business Committee of ISC 2025 & Vice-Chairman of AISEF spokeEmmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman, All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), and Mr. Nishesh Shah, Chairman, Business Committee of ISC 2025 & Vice-Chairman of AISEF spoke in the inaugural session.    

Lifetime achievement Award for contributions to the Global Spice Industry was presented to Jean mane, CEO, Mane Group of Companies at the Inaugural Session.

Earlier in the day, a pre-conference session addressed the topic "Myth vs. Reality in the Global Spice Trade"  featuring a panel of industry experts clarifying common misconceptions in the spice t