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Scope for spice exports to EU

KOCHI: The trend towards internationalisation and increasing consumption of ethnic foods has created growing interest in spices in the European Union markets.

A survey by the centre for promotion of exports from developing countries has found that competitive issues in the European Union markets are consistency of quality, followed by strong research and development in order to provide innovation and a variety of flavours. Big end-users demand guarantees of constant quality, taste, aroma, colour and delivery reliability, says the survey.

When looking at consumption data and trends, it becomes clear that opportunities for exporters in developing countries of spices and herbs lie in the following fields: ready-to-use segments, like pizzas, sauces and other convenience food ; health food sector, for example, organic spices & herbs and herbal teas; new authentic varieties of mixed spices and herbs like pimento, chillies, allspice (Jamaican pepper), etc., and also consistent supply of spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, saffron and turmeric.

The usage of spices and herbs by consumers in the EU is increasing because these products are appreciated as completely natural ingredients, rather than artificial additives.

The increased interest of European consumers in a healthy lifestyle has contributed to the consumption of organic food, even though the mainstream retail market for organic spices and herbs is likely to remain relatively small until supermarket chains offer a full range of organic spices and herbs.

According to data available with the Spices Board here, the EU market for spices and herbs increased from 2,21,000 tonnes in 2000 to 3,10,000 tonnes in 2004, representing an average annual increase of nine per cent. The leading consuming EU member country is Hungary (very high paprika consumption) accounting for about 21 per cent of total EU spice consumption followed by Germany (16 per cent), The Netherlands (13 per cent), and the UK (13 per cent). The leading spices consumed are pepper, paprika and allspice (pimento), while leading herbs include thyme and oregano.

Hungary’s high ranking can be attributed to the fact that it is a major producer of chillies, paprika and allspice, while the high ranking of the Netherlands and Belgium is due to their leading position. In almost all EU countries, the industrial sector consumes the largest proportion, accounting for 55–60 per cent of the total usage of spices and herbs even though it is a fact that popularity of herbs and spices varies considerably from region to region. The retail sector consumes 35 to 40 per cent and the catering sector 10 to 15 per cent.

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