The global spice and culinary herb industry comprises of many plants having diverse end uses including culinary, medicinal etc. The industry also consists of spice derivatives like essential oils, oleoresin, spice oils etc.

According to international trade estimates about 85% of spices and culinary herbs are traded in dried form. These spices are cleaned and used in a crude form without any further processing.

The world production and processing centres of spices and culinary herbs remain concentrated in Europe and in a number of Asian countries. Canada is fast emerging as one of the leading players in the international spice and herb industry. There are certain countries acting as leading producers and traders of some particular spices and culinary herbs. For example, India is popularly known for being a source of cloves, Indonesia has supplied the global market with cinnamon and nutmeg and China has been the leading provider of ginger.

Key Industry Trends

• There has been a substantial increase in use of fresh herbs and spices owing to an increased demand in the hotel industry.
• Change of consumers towards leading a healthy lifestyle has increased the use of herbs / natural spices for natural flavoring.
• Use of spice derivatives like essential oils are being widely used internationally in food and beverage industries for flavoring and fragrances.
• The global demand of spices has increased due to:
  • Increase in demand and consumption of ethnic food.
  • Introduction of flavored coffee, tea and aerated drinks in the beverage industry.
  • A sharp growth in the processed food consumption.
  • Increase in the demand for natural fragrances for various health therapies.

Application of Spices and Derivatives

• Food Flavoring
• Food Preservation
• Personal Hygiene Products
• Aromatherapy
• Feeds
• Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial Chemicals
• Beverages