Indian pepper prices gain ahead of festival season in upcountry markets 

The upcoming festival season in India has increased the demand for black pepper, especially from the markets of the countries, leading to an increase in the prices. Prices in the Kochi peripheral market now command $490-500 a kilo, while the bolder berries from Wayanad and Kodagu command a premium in the range of 520-525 rupees, mainly from end users.

Kishore Shamji, a pepper trader in Kochi, said the country’s markets will soon begin with activities ahead of the festival season, which begins in Karkataka Vaafu By mid-July, followed MuharramAnd Ganesh Chaturthi This would reflect on the demand for chillies from masala manufacturers as well. There are reports that traders are holding back on the commodity, anticipating further price hikes.

Brazilian variety

Moreover, the delay in the start of the mango season this year has revived the demand for chillies from the pickle industry which provides good quantities for their requirements. However, the illegal entry of Brazilian pepper into the domestic market is a threat. At the same time, the detection of salmonella bacteria in Brazilian products is a concern for those who focus on the export market.

The local market in Ernakulam and neighboring centers is also getting the chilli which has been released from NCDEX warehouses after being kept in the warehouses for a long time after a legal dispute. This particular commodity is being sold directly to the primary market dealers at a price of INR 485-490. The quantity was about 7,000 tons, and part of it was damaged in the 2018 floods.

The farming community was concerned about the continuous rains in Kerala as it started to damage pepper vines in many parts. This may affect this year’s crop, which is expected to be harvested by December. Pepper production last year reached 65,000 tons.