Role of Netherlands in Indian cardamom export
The Netherlands is key player in global spices market, specially cardamom and pepper. It imports more than 160 Mt of cardamom from all over the world and re-export about 65% of it after cleaning and processing. Its major export markets are Europe - specially Eastern Europe, USA and Middle East.
Though domestic consumption of herbs and spices in Netherlands is less than many European countries - notably France and Germany, it plays an important role as intermediary in global spices trade.
Indian cardamom exports to The Netherlands is less than 7% of its total demand. Costa Rica is the largest supplier of cardamom in the world followed by Guatemala, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, South Africa and Nicaragua.
Cardamom is primarily used in food industry. In the ground form, it is used in baked goods, curry powder, sausages, soups and tobacco flavouring. Its oil and oleoresin is used in canned soups and meat production.
Indian spice exporters, specially in cardamom, cumin seeds and caraway seeds, should explore The Netherlands market more vigorously as there is significant scope for further growth. A study jointly conducted by Dr P. Arunachalam, Head of Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology and Dr Wim Pelupessey, senior economist in Tilburg University, has traced the growth of cardamom market in The Netherlands and discussed many related topics like factors that affect margins.
October 13' 2004
