India is eyeing to more than double the spices export over the next five years targeting shipments of $10 billion by 2030 and $25 billion by 2047, said Spices Board Secretary P Hemalatha on Monday. In 2023-24, India’s spices exports were $4.4 billion.
Delivering the special address at the inauguration of the International Spice Conference (ISC) 2025, organised by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), Hemalatha said the Spices Board has implemented stringent quality control measures, including mandatory ethylene oxide (ETO) testing for exports destined to European Union and also to countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore, to enhance food safety and compliance.
Addressing evolving regulatory challenges, Hemalatha underscored the Board’s commitment to harmonising global spice standards through active participation in the Codex Committee on Spices, facilitating smoother trade and reducing technical barriers.
Climate challenge
Emphasising the need for sustainable approaches and conservation driven strategies to drive industry growth, Hemalatha said India, historically a dominant player in the global spice trade maintains a 25 per cent of the global market today.
Recognising climate change as a significant challenge, the industry is adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and developing resilient crop varieties. The Indian spice sector is actively embracing IoT, blockchain, and robotics to enhance transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency. These technological advancements ensure faster adaptation to global consumer demands while strengthening trust in Indian spices, Hemalatha said.
The four-day event gathers global industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the spice trade.
Inaugurating the conference, Krishna M Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Ltd, stressed the need for a strong regulatory system. He urged researchers, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies to unite in creating a sustainable, high-quality spice industry.
Medicinal value
“By embracing innovation and integrity, India can not only dominate global spice markets but also enhance the health and well-being of people worldwide,” he said.
Highlighting the medicinal value of different spices, Ella further urged the industry to treat them like drugs, with rigorous standards akin to pharmaceuticals. Ella also called for more focus on seed development, nanotechnology for pesticide reduction, and bio-stimulants to boost plant resilience.
Emmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman of AISEF, said India remains at the heart of the global spice trade. Valued at $24 billion in 2024, the Indian spice market is projected to reach $61 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.56 per cent. This growth reflects a transformation in spice cultivation, processing, and consumption.
Through expert panels, research presentations, and industry initiatives, the conference seeks to foster collaborations and policies that will solidify India’s position as the world’s spice capital. “At ISC 2025, we are not just discussing the future—we are shaping it,” Nambusseril said.