We Expect $5-billion exports by 2025: Spices Board

'An ambitious goal to reach an export value of $5 billion by 2025 and $10 billion by 2030 has been set by the Spices Board. The amount of exports in the period 2019-20 was $3 billion. Through working with Indian Embassies, we are on a mission to market Indian brands abroad. The Board has also launched initiatives to provide Indian spice brands with assistance to conduct brand marketing strategies in foreign markets,' said D Sathian, Secretary, Spices Board.

The Board is looking to extend to Latin American economies, the CIS and African regions, in addition to conventional export markets.

Stressing the importance of adding value in order to increase exports, he pointed out that spice goods with added value account for 51% of the country's overall spice exports. At the international symposium on spices organized by the Indian Society for Spices, he said the government and the Spices Board are now focused more on encouraging higher-end added value and health benefits of spices.

As there are 52 scheduled spices in the country, the spice sector has enormous scope for growth. There are only a few such spices that are being marketed and exported. By concentrating on all spices and following a scientific approach to tap the different uses and advantages of spices such as flavors, fragrances and functional foods, exports could experience substantial development.

The Indian spice sector's goal is to emerge as an integrated manufacturing center and a premium supplier to the industrial and retail segments of the global market for pure, healthy and value-added spice products, he said.

He urged exporters to obtain the required certifications and to continue to equip themselves in the supply of good quality spices in line with the specified global limits, with demand for quality and protection of foods at an all-time high.

International Pepper Community Indonesia Executive Director Hoang Thi Lien announced that India is the only country to be part of the International Pepper Community to contribute to the export of value-added pepper products.

While India produces 60,000 tons of pepper, the country also imports as value-added goods more than 24,000 tons of pepper, she said while delivering a lead lecture on the Global Production and Trade Scenario.