Kerala, the original “Spice Garden of India,” has been the epicenter of the global spice trade for centuries. Today, the high-ranges of Idukki continue to produce world-class spices like cardamom and pepper. For aspiring entrepreneurs, translating this rich heritage into a thriving export business requires strategic planning, strict quality control, and intelligent logistics.
How to Start the Spice Export Business from Kerala
Starting a spice export business requires adherence to a clear set of government regulations to ensure credibility and compliance with international standards.
Business Setup & PAN: Establish your legal entity (Proprietorship, Company, or LLP) and obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN). Open a current account in a bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange.
Importer-Exporter Code (IEC): This is mandatory for customs clearance. Apply for the IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) online.
Registration with Spices Board: As the flagship organization for Indian spice promotion, registration with the Spices Board of India is crucial. They issue the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES), which confirms your business meets necessary export standards and is required for availing trade benefits.
Quality Certification: Since spices are food products, obtain the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) License. For high-value and sensitive markets like the EU and USA, certifications like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and a Phytosanitary Certificate (confirming the product is pest-free) are essential.
Sourcing & Processing: Establish reliable sourcing channels directly from farmers or authorized auctions, particularly in major hubs like Idukki. Invest in proper processing equipment for cleaning, grading, and packaging to meet foreign specifications (e.g., moisture content, cleanliness).
Selecting the Right Spices and Markets
Not all spices sell equally well everywhere. A focused strategy on Kerala’s most valuable commodities and high-demand markets is key to success.
Best Exporting Spices from Kerala
Kerala’s tropical climate yields some of the world’s most aromatic spices, often considered premium products. Focus on:
Small Cardamom (The Queen of Spices): Idukki is the main production center. This highly valued spice is in massive demand in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) for use in Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and sweets.
Black Pepper (The King of Spices): Malabar Black Pepper is famous globally for its pungency and aroma. It remains a staple export to Europe and the USA.
Ginger and Turmeric: Kerala produces high-quality ginger and turmeric. Turmeric, in particular, is highly sought after in Western markets due to its high curcumin content and growing popularity as a health supplement and natural colorant.
Top Overseas Markets
While Indian spices are exported to over 180 countries, focus on these primary destinations:
USA: Top importer of Indian spices, especially pepper, cumin, and turmeric. They prioritize high quality and certified products.
UAE & Saudi Arabia (Middle East): The dominant market for premium Cardamom and a strong buyer of pepper. Quality packaging and timely delivery are highly valued.
UK & Germany (Europe): Key markets for value-added products like spice oils, oleoresins, and ground spices. Strict on pesticide residue limits.
How to Select the Ports in Kerala to Export Spices
The choice of port directly impacts logistics cost and efficiency. For international containerized spice export, the selection is clear.
The Best Port: Cochin Port (Kochi Port)
Cochin Port is the unrivaled hub for spice export from Kerala, often referred to as the “City of Spices” due to its trading history and modern facilities.
The port offers several key features that provide a distinct advantage for spice export. It boasts excellent international connectivity, featuring direct shipping lines to major markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Furthermore, its Logistics Ecosystem is robust, as the port is surrounded by vast customs-bonded warehouses and logistics firms highly experienced in handling spices. Importantly, it is also logistically closest to the primary spice markets of Idukki. Finally, its superior Handling capacity means the port manages the majority of India’s container traffic from the region, which ensures both fast customs clearance and reliable container availability.
Other Seaports
Beypore Port (Kozhikode): Historically important for spice trade, it is a minor port today and primarily handles local coastal cargo and traffic to Lakshadweep. It is not suitable for large-volume international container exports.
Vizhinjam International Seaport (Thiruvananthapuram): While an upcoming deep-water transshipment port that will reduce transit times globally, it is still establishing its operational capacity and surrounding logistics ecosystem. For now, Kochi remains the default and best choice for stability and comprehensive services.
By securing the necessary certifications, strategically selecting high-demand spices like Idukki Cardamom, and leveraging the robust container handling capabilities of Cochin Port, a Kerala-based spice exporter can successfully and profitably unlock the global market.