Ramadan demand from West Asia for cardamom raises exporters’ hopes

The cardamom trade plans to focus more on the Gulf markets as its expects the revival of export demand during the forthcoming Ramadan festival that falls in the middle of May.As the fasting ahead of Ramadan starts from April 15, export enquiries are coming in for Indian cardamom, especially from Saudi Arabia. Exporters are gearing up to cater to the demand for export quality 7-8 mm grades, currently hovering at ₹1,700-1,900 per kg.
The delay in Guatemala crop due to inclement weather and the spice selling 30 per cent higher than Indian cardamom present a good opportunity for the Indian queen of spices, SB Prabhakar, a planter at Pambadampara Estate in Kerala’s Idukki district told BusinessLine.