India has a long history of exporting spices around the world. Many countries depend on India’s spice exports to meet domestic demand. In recent years, India’s spice exports have been steadily rising. According to the Spices Board of India, the total value of spices exported from India in 2020-21 reached around $4 billion.
From common cooking spices to exotic seasonings, India produces a wide range of aromatic, pungent, and flavorful spices. The country’s spice exports cover whole spices as well as spice extracts, essential oils, and processed spice mixes. A number of companies, cooperatives, and small businesses are involved in India’s thriving spice export industry.
Let’s now look at the top 10 Indian spice exporters dominating global spice trade. These leading spice traders and manufacturers are meeting demand for Indian spices from markets near and far.
1. MDH
With MDH at the top, it’s no surprise that India’s most iconic spice brand is also its biggest exporter. MDH has been in the Indian spice business for over 100 years now. Based in New Delhi, the company’s spices and seasonings can be found in millions of kitchens around the world.
Its flagship product, MDH Chana Masala, is highly popular. MDH continues to consolidate its worldwide market share each passing year.
- In 2021, MDH hit $1 billion in revenues for the first time.
- MDH exports to over 100 countries.
- Key export markets include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
2. Catch
Catch Foods is another major Indian spices exporter serving global markets. With headquarters in Mumbai, Catch Foods primarily exports spice blends, cooking pastes, curry mixes, and ready-to-use products. Popular exports include chilli powder, garam masala, curry powder, tandoori masala, and chaat masala.
- Catch Foods exports to 40 countries.
- It has set up overseas production units in Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
- Catch Foods clocked $100 million in revenues in 2020.
3. Kamani Exports
Kamani Exports has made a name for itself in the food export sector. Dealing in products ranging from pickles to papads, Kamani Exports is a leading exporter of spices like dry ginger, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, etc.
Based in Mumbai with associate units across India, it provides high quality Indian spices for overseas buyers. Kamani’s key export markets include USA, UK, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
- Kamani’s annual export turnover is approximately $100 million.
- Its spice exports are increasing by over 20% year-on-year.
4. Kuber Impex
Next on our list of top 10 Indian spice exporters is Kuber Impex, entering the fray in 1987. Headquartered in Sangli, Maharashtra, its range includes turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, fennel, cassia cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Kuber Impex mainly exports to the Middle East, Europe, the U.S. and Canada.
- Kuber Impex’s annual turnover exceeds $125 million.
- The company employs over 250 people across operations.
- An in-house R&D team develops new spice products.
5. Dudhat Group
Incorporated in 1932, Dudhat Group has emerged as a global conglomerate specializing in spices. Dudhat deals in almost 60 types of whole spices and spice products. Its export range covers cumin seeds, sesame seeds, fennel, turmeric, dehydrated vegetables and yellow corn.
- Dudhat Group clocks over $100 million in annual exports.
- It has built an extensive worldwide distribution and marketing network for its exports.
- Dudhat Group won the Export House Certificate of Excellence from Government of India.
6. Kohinoor Foods
Kohinoor Foods was started in 1961 and today runs global operations in food, tourism and logistics. A leading spices exporter, its range extends across whole spices, blended spices, and curry mixes. Kohinoor is especially known for its authentic Indian curries exported worldwide.
- Kohinoor’s export markets span over 60 countries.
- Its gross turnover exceeded $250 million in 2021.
- Kohinoor has won numerous export excellence awards from Government of India.
7. VRK Sons Exports
In South India, VRK Sons Exports has made inroads in global spice trade. Headquartered in Telangana, this firm exports a wide variety of whole spices, seeds, oil seeds and derivatives. Its range covers chillies, cumin, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, mace, etc.
- VRK Son’s exports reach countries in West Asia, Europe, Australia, the U.S. and Japan.
- It has set up ultramodern processing units meeting stringent quality norms of export markets.
- VRK Sons employs over 850 skilled workers across its processing facilities.
8. Akay Natural Ingredients
Akay Natural Ingredients is an emerging spices exporter making a mark worldwide.** Based in Gujarat, Akay manufactures and exports single spice ingredients as well as blended masalas. Its portfolio features turmeric, chilli, cumin, fennel, coriander, ginger, garam masala etc.
- Akay exports Indian spices to over 45 countries.
- It is aggressively expanding export volumes to widen its global footprint.
- Akay’s export range conforms to quality and food safety standards of destinations countries.
9. Uma Exports
In the Indian spices export industry since 1987, Uma Exports is now a global player. Headquartered in Tamil Nadu, Uma deals with wholesome and high quality spices meeting agmark grade specifications.
Uma Exports supplies pure spices like turmeric, chilli powder, coriander, cumin, pepper, fennel, fenugreek etc. Its key exports markets are the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
- Uma Exports ships over 20 containers every month to overseas destinations.
- The company employs sophisticated processing equipment and modern warehousing facilities.
- Uma’s strong R&D pursues product innovations satisfying global palates.
10. Falcon Wintex
Rounding off the top 10 is Falcon Wintex, which has cemented its position globally. For over 15 years, this firm has exported premium Indian spices like chilli, turmeric, pepper, cumin, coriander etc. Falcon Wintex caters extensively to markets in the Middle East, Europe and North America.
- Falcon Wintex ships close to 100 TEU containers every month.
- It employs around 500 full-time staff globally across operations.
- Falcon Wintex recorded exports worth $150 million in 2021.
Spices Export Value of Top 10 Players
| Exporter | Approx. Annual Export Value |
|---|---|
| MDH | $1 billion+ |
| Catch Foods | $100 million |
| Kamani Exports | $100 million |
| Kuber Impex | $125 million |
| Dudhat Group | $100 million+ |
| Kohinoor Foods | $250 million+ |
| VRK Sons Exports | NA |
| Akay Natural Ingredients | NA |
| Uma Exports | NA |
| Falcon Wintex | $150 million |
The above list highlights leading names powering India’s robust spices export industry. These companies have created strong international linkages supplying signature Indian spices worldwide. Their global reach and scale of operations is helping carry Indian spice traditions far and wide.
As you can see, dear reader, India’s spice exporters are a diverse group, ranging from established corporates to dynamic SMEs. But they’re all focused on providing top notch spice products to global consumers. So next time your meal gets an aromatic and tasty lift from Indian spices, there’s a good chance one of these exporters had something to do with it!
Through sustained efforts, India’s spice exporters have carved a niche in the world market. Given improving competitiveness and global demand forecasts, they are poised for an even brighter future. We hope you enjoyed this brief taste of the 10 top spice traders taking India’s rich culinary heritage global! Let us know if you try out any spice preparations from these leading exporters.
