A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VIETNAM SPICES MARKET

Vietnam Spices Market has received a lot of attention from the world when the global demand increases by the time. Not only Vietnam black pepper, which is already so popular around the world, the country also has a wide range of spice types, such as Ginger, Cassia, Star anise, etc which are favored by many markets in the world. With abundant spice supplies, Vietnam is an important spices supplier to the world market. Jump into this blog to know more about Vietnam spices market if you are looking for this product from Vietnam.

 

Vietnam spices market at a glance

According to economic experts, Vietnam has a lot of room for developing products of spices. In 2022, the total export value of Vietnamese pepper and spices reached more than 1.4 billion USD. This industry sets an export target of 2 billion USD by 2025.

In terms of importing market, the US is Vietnam’s largest pepper importer in 2023 and vice versa, accounting for 23.5% of the total export value of this product. In addition to the United States, Vietnamese spice importing markets are also very diverse such as the EU, China, India and the Middle East. Specifically, China is the second largest market, accounting for 22.8% of Vietnam’s total pepper export value. Next are the markets: India accounts for 4.9%; UAE accounted for 4.6%, down 24.7%; Philippines accounts for 3.0%.

What’s more about Vietnam Spices Market? Vietnam ranks No. 1 in the world in cinnamon exports and No. 2 in the world in star anise exports. In 2023, Vietnam exports 16,136 tons of star anise, total export turnover reaches 83 million USD, compared to the same period of 2022, the export volume increased by 26.0%. Statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), show that in 2023, Vietnam exported 89,383 tons of cinnamon, total export turnover reaching 260.9 million USD.

Not only outstanding with cinnamon, star anise and black pepper, other Vietnamese spices that are also very popular are Ginger and Turmeric. According to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, in 2023, Vietnam exported 34,976 tons of ginger, turmeric and some other spices. China is the leading market for purchasing ginger and turmeric roots from Vietnam and other markets, such as India, Bangladesh, etc.

Another spice product which is a rising star of Vietnam is Red shallots or also called Shallot seeds. Vietnamese Red Shallot seeds are consumed domestically and exported to other countries for direct consumption.

 

Which are the most popular spice product from Vietnam?

Below are Vietnam spice types that are most favored by world  market.

Ginger

1. Growing Regions   

Vietnam Ginger is grown in many provinces across the country. In the Northern provinces, ginger is concentrated in provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Hoa Binh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Bac Giang, Vinh Phuc,…. Central Highlands and Mekong Delta are also regions that develops this product.

2. Seasonal:

Ginger is typically harvested in Vietnam during the dry season, which lasts from November to April.

3. Annual Output

In recent years, Vietnam has seen an increase in ginger production. The annual output of ginger has been steadily rising, with the most recent data showing a substantial increase in production volume. For instance, in 2023, Vietnam exported 34,976 tons of ginger, indicating a significant growth in output compared to previous years.

4. Product Types  
Vietnamese ginger is available in different product types to cater to various market demands:
Vietnam Fresh Ginger: Widely used in culinary applications and for its medicinal properties

Specification of Vietnam Fresh Ginger

• Type: Washed or Unwashed Ginger
• Color: Natural color
• Size: 100gram up/Big size
• Packaging: Mesh bag or Carton box

 

Vietnam Dried Ginger: Used as a spice and flavoring agent in cooking, baking, and brewing.

Vietnam Frozen Peeled Ginger: The ginger is peeled before going to the freezing process.

 

Red shallots/Shallot Seeds

1. Growing Regions  
Red shallots, also called shallot seeds, are an advantageous product of many provinces such as Soc Trang, Hai Duong, Ninh Thuan and Quang Ngai.

2. Seasonal   
Vietnam Shallot seeds are typically grown during the cool and dry season, which spans from November to April. This period provides ideal conditions for shallot growth and development, ensuring good quality and yield.

3. Recent Annual Output
The national shallot output is more than 200,000 tons/year, of which red shallots are over 120,000 tons.

4. Product Types   
Fresh Red Shallots: Widely used in Vietnamese cuisine for their distinct flavor and aroma.

Fresh Red Shallots

Black pepper

1. Growing Regions  

Regarding growing areas, about 94% of the area and 97% of the national pepper output are concentrated in two key production regions: the Southeast and the Central Highlands; 91.7% of the area, 93.7% of the national pepper output is concentrated in 6 key production provinces: Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

2. Seasonal  

The peak time for pepper harvesting takes place around February and March every year. In Dak Nong province, pepper harvesting takes place from January to April, peaking in February, coinciding with the dry season in the geographical area. Harvest season varies by region, January-March in the Southeast and Phu Quoc, February-April in the Central Highlands, March-May in the South Central and May-July in the North Central.

3. Recent Annual Output  

As one of the world’s leading pepper exporting countries, pepper output in 2023 reach 190,000 tons, an increase of 3.8% compared to 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

4. Product Types   

Vietnamese peppers are classified into a number of grades according to the ASTA Standard. Have a look at the pepper grades below:
Black Pepper 500G/L

• Density: 500G/L
• Moisture: 13% Max
• Admixture: 0.5% Max

Black Pepper 550G/L

• Density: 550G/L
• Moisture: 12.5% Max
• Admixture: 0.2%

Black Pepper 570G/L

• Density: 570G/L
• Moisture: 12.5% Max
• Admixture: 0.2% Max

Cassia & Star anise

1. Growing Regions 

Cassia/Cinnamon: in Vietnam is concentratedly distributed in the North such as Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Bac Kan, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen… and so me central provinces such as Quang Nam, Quang Ngai.
Star Anise: The main regions for star anise production in Vietnam include provinces in the Northern part and Central Highland of the country. These regions provide the necessary climate and soil conditions for star anise cultivation.

2. Seasonal 

Cassia/Cinnamon: For tall cassia forests: 15-20 years after planting, harvest begins. There are two seasons for peeling cassia: spring cassia is peeled in February-March, for good quality, and autumn cassia is peeled in late July and early August. For lowland cassia forests: 3-5 years after planting, it can be harvested.
Star Anise: Star anise harvesting usually takes place in the cooler months, from October to December, when the fruits are ripe and ready for harvest.

3. Recent Annual Output 

Cassia/Cinnamon: Vietnam exports large quantities of cassia bark annually, with the total output meeting domestic demand and supporting international markets.
– Star Anise: Vietnam’s anise production ranks second in the world, after China, with an estimated annual output of 22,000 tons on a growing area of about 55,000 hectares.

4. Product Types 

Cassia/Cinnamon: There are many product types from Cassia that are favored by world market. Below are the most common ones:

Finger Cassia/Cigarette Cassia:

• Moisture: 14.5% Max
• Foreign matter: 1% Max
• Length: 6cm
• Roll: 50%
• Packing: 1kg/string bag in carton (10kg net)

Split Cassia:

• Moisture: 13.5%
• Foreign matter: 1% Max
• Length: 25 – 45 cm
• No fungus, reddish color
• Packing: Carton (10kg net)

Star Anise: Star anise is primarily exported in dried whole form and used as a spice in cooking, baking, and brewing. It is also used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies.

Star Anise Specification:

• Admixture: 1% Max
• Moisture: 13.5% Max
• Broken: 10%
• Diameter or flower: 2 cm (80% min)
• Packing: in carton box of 10kg