Spices and Condiments (1+1)

Forms of spices and spice products traded

• Although spices are traded in a variety of forms, it is estimated by ITC (1986), that by far the bulk of spices (about 90%) is traded in the whole form (unground), as has been the case since ancient times. The remainder 10 to 20% consists of (i) ground spices, (ii) curry powder (iii) spice essential oils and (iv) spice oleoresins. Important ground spices include paprika, pepper, turmeric, curry powder and a number of other spices mixtures. Retail consumer-packs of spices entering international trade are very small at present. In recent years, trade in processed spices (i.e. ground spices, mixed spices or both) packed in bulk containers is gradually gaining momentum (20% of total exports in 1997-1998).