India proudly holds the title of being the largest spice producer on the planet, with a remarkable estimated production of nearly 8 million tonnes in 2021. This impressive output accounts for over 70% of the world’s total spice production. India’s culinary influence stretches far and wide, thanks to the delectable and distinctive spice combinations that grace its dishes, making its cuisine a global favorite.

2. China

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 1,259,634

China claims the title of the world’s second-largest spice producer, and in 2021, it took the crown as the globe’s leading spice exporter, boasting an impressive export trade volume worth $783 million. Among the various destinations for Chinese spice exports, the Netherlands stood out as the top importer, bringing in Chinese spices valued at $90 million during that year.

One noteworthy spice that flourishes in China is Sichuan peppercorn, a staple ingredient in Chinese, Nepalese, Tibetan, and Kashmiri cuisines. Its unique flavor adds a distinctive touch to a wide array of dishes in these culinary traditions.

3. Nigeria

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 837,495

Nigeria secures the third spot among the world’s leading spice producers. With a steadily growing spice production, the country is projected to reach an estimated volume of 1.2 million tonnes by 2026. This growth trajectory, starting in 2021 and continuing with an annual compound growth rate of 3.1%, underscores Nigeria’s significant contribution to the global spice industry.

4. Indonesia

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 809,474

Indonesia, boasting the largest economy in Southeast Asia, owes part of its economic prosperity to the spice industry. This archipelagic nation plays a significant role in the global spice trade, ranking as the 23rd largest spice exporter worldwide. In 2021, Indonesia’s spice exports amassed a revenue of $29 million, as reported by the OEC, further cementing its position as a key player in the spice market.

5. Bangladesh

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 800.231

Bangladesh boasts a rich diversity of spices, cultivating over 70 different varieties. Many of these aromatic treasures belong to the botanical families of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. In the global spice landscape, Bangladesh holds a notable position as the fifth largest producer, contributing more than 0.8 million tonnes to the world’s spice output in 2021.

6. Türkiye

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 638,009

Türkiye emerges as a significant player in the global spice market, raking in an impressive export revenue of $135 million from its spice trade in 2021. Noteworthy destinations for Turkish spice exports encompassed countries like the United States, China, Germany, Poland, and Canada. Additionally, Türkiye holds the rank of the 34th largest importer of spices, underlining its active participation in the global spice industry.

7. Ethiopia

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 617,893

Nestled in East Africa, Ethiopia takes the seventh spot among the world’s largest spice producers. Within its borders, you’ll find four spices that are not only native to the region but also play a significant role in its culinary tapestry. These homegrown treasures include berbere, turmeric, black cardamom, and ajwain, adding their unique flavors to a wide array of dishes.

8. Thailand

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 509,117

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, secures the eighth position among the world’s leading spice producers. In 2021, according to the FAO, Thailand’s spice production exceeded half a million in volume. Notably, Thailand’s spice exports brought in $84 million in revenue during the same year. Among its spice trading partners, Pakistan stands out as the largest importer of Thai spices, highlighting the global appeal of Thailand’s aromatic offerings.

9. Vietnam

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 449,519

Vietnam is making strides in the spice industry, with a projected annual spice output set to reach 466,000 tonnes by 2026. This Southeast Asian country has a rich history of cultivating turmeric for over a thousand years, adding to its spice legacy. In addition to turmeric, Vietnamese cuisine boasts other popular spices like anise, black pepper, and cinnamon, contributing to the diverse and flavorful nature of their culinary traditions.

10. Nepal

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 397,021

Nepal holds its ground as the world’s tenth-largest spice producer. In 2021, the country made its mark by exporting spices valued at over $7 million, with key trade partners including India, Hong Kong, and Germany. This export activity underlines Nepal’s role in the global spice market.

11. Pakistan

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 219,739

In 2021, Pakistan made a significant mark in the spice industry, amassing a noteworthy $87 million in export revenue from its spice trade. Among its top export destinations were Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, showcasing Pakistan’s influence in the global spice market. Additionally, Pakistan boasts one of the world’s most recognized spice and masala brands, Shan Foods, which has garnered a global following for its aromatic offerings.

12. Yemen

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 214,411

Nestled in the Middle East, Yemen stands out as a hub for spice cultivation, with a substantial production of cardamom, chili peppers, and cumin. In 2021, Yemen made its mark in the spice trade, exporting spices valued at nearly $700,000. Among its neighboring nations, Saudi Arabia emerged as the largest buyer of Yemeni spices, with import orders totaling $435,000 during that year. This trade dynamic highlights Yemen’s role in supplying aromatic treasures to the region.

13. Mexico

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 213,378

Mexico not only boasts its place among the globe’s top spice producers but also showcases a remarkable appetite for these flavorful treasures. The country’s spice consumption is estimated at a whopping 150,000 tonnes annually, reflecting a hearty affinity for spices in Mexican cuisine. Furthermore, Mexico’s spice production has been steadily on the rise, with a consistent 3% annual growth since 2017. In the vibrant tapestry of Mexican flavors, you’ll find a delectable array of spices, including coriander, Mexican oregano, anise, cacao, and cinnamon, contributing to the rich and diverse world of Mexican culinary delights.

14. Myanmar

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 147,949

Myanmar boasts a diverse range of spice cultivation, with staples like garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and coriander gracing its agricultural landscape. Looking ahead, Myanmar’s spice production is expected to experience gradual growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 0.4% spanning from 2021 to 2026. This indicates a continued presence and contribution to the world of spices from this Southeast Asian nation.

15. Sri Lanka

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 138,464

Sri Lanka, renowned for its exceptional tea production, also boasts a thriving spice industry. The island nation is home to a variety of spices, including nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and pepper. In 2021, Sri Lanka’s spice exports exceeded $9 million, underscoring its global presence in the spice market. Notably, the United Kingdom stands as the largest importer of Sri Lankan spices, highlighting the international appeal of these aromatic treasures.

16. Côte d’Ivoire

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 138,327

Côte d’Ivoire, commonly known as Ivory Coast, maintains a consistent spice production, yielding over 120,000 tonnes annually. Situated in West Africa, the country shares its northern border with Burkina Faso, another significant spice-producing nation in the region. Ivory Coast itself has a hearty appetite for spices, with an annual consumption surpassing 40,000 tonnes, showcasing the enduring role of spices in its culinary traditions.

17. Benin

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 137,226

Situated in West Africa, Benin emerges as a notable player in the world of spice production, with a specialization in growing chillies and peppers. Within its borders, you’ll find a rich variety of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmegs, chillies, and pepper, contributing to the country’s vibrant spice cultivation.

18. Brazil

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 118,057

Brazil, renowned as the world’s leading coffee producer, also makes its mark in the realm of spices. In 2021, the country contributed significantly to the global spice market with an estimated production volume of nearly 0.12 million tonnes. Furthermore, Brazil is an active player in spice exports, with an annual export value exceeding $60 million, underscoring its influence in the international spice trade.

19. Ghana

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 111,871

Ghanaian cuisine celebrates the rich flavors of spices, with staples like garlic, chili peppers, and cumin gracing its dishes. While spices hold a special place in Ghana’s culinary traditions, they also contribute to the country’s export economy. In 2021, Ghana earned $631,000 in spice exports, ranking spices as the 166th most exported product. Leading the list of spice importers from Ghana in 2021 were the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia, reflecting the global appeal of Ghana’s aromatic offerings.

20. Cameroon

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 104,256

Cameroon is set to witness a gradual increase in spice production, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 0.7% anticipated between 2021 and 2026. In 2021, the country made its mark on the global spice market by exporting spices valued at $441,000. Notably, the top buyers of Cameroon’s spices in that year included France, Canada, and the United States, highlighting the international demand for Cameroonian spices.

21. Russia

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 90,063

Russia’s culinary landscape is enriched by a diverse array of spices, including caraway seeds, chervil, sorrel, and many more, each lending their unique tastes and flavors to local dishes. While Russia might not be a top-ranking spice producer on the global scale, it still plays a significant role, securing a place among the 21st largest spice producers in the world. These spices contribute to the rich tapestry of flavors in Russian cuisine.

22. Morocco

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 89,748

Nestled in North Africa, Morocco has made a name for itself in the global spice market, with spice exports reaching nearly $10 million in 2021. This country’s culinary tradition is flavored by a delightful assortment of spices, with cumin, saffron, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper ranking among the top five favorites. These aromatic treasures not only enhance Moroccan cuisine but also find their way to tables around the world, adding depth and flavor to various dishes.

23. Egypt

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 89,239

Egypt takes the spotlight with its thriving spices and herbs market, boasting a value of $150 million, as reported by Market Research Future. Among the rich tapestry of spices, cumin emerges as the undisputed star, earning the title of Egypt’s ‘staple spice’ due to its widespread use in local cuisine. This aromatic gem not only flavors Egyptian dishes but also holds a special place in the hearts of its culinary traditions.

24. Peru

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 88,140

Peru, situated in South America, claims its spot as the 24th largest spice producer globally. Within its fertile lands, an array of spices thrives, enriching the country’s culinary heritage. Among the treasures cultivated are black pepper, cinnamon, basil, chincho, cloves, oregano, and more, adding depth and flavor to Peruvian cuisine.

25. Burkina Faso

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 74,381

Nestled in West Africa, Burkina Faso plays a part in the global spice trade, with spices ranking as the 64th most exported product from the country. In 2021, these aromatic exports contributed $677,000 in revenue to Burkina Faso’s economy. Notably, Germany stands as the largest importer of spices grown in Burkina Faso, underscoring the international demand for their flavorful offerings.