The frequency of import controls for salmonella in black pepper from Brazil (neither crushed nor ground) has been increased from 20% to 50% by Regulation (EU) No 2021/608 with effect from 21 April 2021.

First reports tell us that the new crop pepper from Indonesia will start not earlier than the end of June, some 2 months from now. The Lampung province will start with the harvest for black pepper. A month later harvesting will be done on the islands of Bangka and Belitung for the famous Muntok white pepper.

Our main focus has been on Brazil for pink pepper the last couple of years. Quality has improved significantly compared to a decade ago. Brazil now produces pink pepper in a premium grade that is very suitable for retail packing.

In this case we are not referring to the famous 80’s movie from Scorsese, but we are looking back to our news item of 2 months ago. When comments are that farmers and stockists are holding, experienced buyers know enough.

Like “true cinnamon” can only come from Sri Lanka, some buyers say the only “true” vanilla comes from Madagascar. For some that might be the case, other buyers are open for alternative origins like Indonesia and Uganda which also produce the Planifolia variant.

New crop Indian dehydrated white onion is available since processing started last week. Prices are favorable at the moment and foreseen to increase throughout the season. We advise to cover requirements.

Some twenty years ago Nigerian ginger was the benchmark for spice industries worldwide. Quality issues, mainly on mycotoxins, changed this. Industries started to switch to other countries of origin like China and India.

Now the west has celebrated their new year, we can start looking forward to Chinese lunar new year. The new year in China will be the year of the Ox.