Ginger and Turmeric: Vietnam’s Golden Spices for Global Markets

Vietnam has solidified its position as a leading exporter of spices, particularly ginger and turmeric. In 2024, the country exported 29,544 tons of ginger, turmeric, and other spices, generating nearly $60 million in export revenue. Despite a 15.5% drop in export volume compared to 2023, the export value surged by 20.7%, reflecting the growing global demand and premium pricing for Vietnamese spices.

Ginger: A Beloved Spice with Global Appeal

Ginger is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, but its popularity extends far beyond borders. Particularly renowned is the ginger from Ky Son district in Nghe An province, celebrated for its superior quality and robust flavor. The local varieties, including buffalo horn ginger and dé ginger, thrive in Ky Son’s favorable climate and soil conditions.

Vietnamese ginger is primarily exported in frozen form, with processed ginger also gaining traction as a sought-after ingredient for culinary uses and health benefits. It is known for aiding digestion, alleviating nausea, and providing relief from common colds and flu.

 

Turmeric: The Golden Root of Health Benefits

Turmeric is another vital crop in Vietnam, cultivated across various regions from coastal plains to high mountainous areas. With over 50,000 hectares dedicated to turmeric cultivation as of 2021, Vietnam ranks among the largest producers globally. The country’s turmeric is noted for its high curcumin content, ranging from 3-5%, which is the active compound known for its numerous health benefits.

The most sought-after product is turmeric powder, prized for its vibrant color and pleasant aroma. It retains high levels of curcumin, making it a valuable ingredient in health supplements and beauty products. Turmeric is celebrated for its anti-cancer properties, digestive support, liver protection, immune system enhancement, memory improvement, and skin whitening effects.

 

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s spice export sector is projected to reach approximately $2 billion by 2025, with an export volume of around 500,000 tons. Currently ranked third globally in spice supply and processing—behind India and China—Vietnam boasts 14 advanced processing facilities dedicated to spice production.

In 2023 alone, exports of ginger, turmeric, and other spices reached 34,976 tons, valued at $49.3 million, reflecting a remarkable increase of 222.4% compared to 2022. With around 30 member companies of the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) involved in exporting ginger and turmeric alongside approximately 80 other companies, the future looks bright for Vietnam’s spice industry.

Conclusion

The impressive growth in ginger and turmeric exports underscores Vietnam’s potential as a “gold mine” of underground spices. As global demand continues to rise for these flavorful roots with exceptional health benefits, VietGlobal Export remains committed to delivering high-quality ginger and turmeric products to markets worldwide.Stay tuned for more updates on our spice offerings and industry insights!

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