Sri Lanka spice exports have been under threat due to the mixing of other spices diluting the purity of the spices and making its quality inferior, the Daily Morning Business learns.

Speaking to the Daily Morning Business,  Agriculture Ministry Media Secretary Dharma Wanninayake said: “There are complaints that authentic Sri Lankan spices are being mixed with substandard imported spices where standard Sri Lankan spices will face a reduction in its demand in the international market. 

He pointed out that to maintain the standard the Ministry of Plantation Industries has advised the National Spices Corporation to present a quality and standard certification programme for spice products.

Wanninayake added that by the beginning of the next year, they will be able to obtain the standard certificate for spices exports. The certificate will help to grab the attention of the international markets with certified quality which helps to increase the revenue.

According to the CBSL Monthly Economic Indicators, In 2023, from January to September the Spice exports have indicated $ 298.5 million income, indicating a 8.9% growth in comparison to that of last year (2022) from January to September which was at $ 274.1 million.

Sri Lanka is a leading exporter of Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon Pepper, Ceylon Cloves, Ceylon Nutmeg and Ceylon Cardamom. Sri Lanka exports spices to Asian and European countries. 

The weather and soil have a greater effect on the taste of spices and the level of alkaloids and flavonoids responsible for the flavour, pungency and aroma of each spice. Sri Lankan spices are identified with the unique geographical indications, due to their distinct flavour and aroma, which has placed Sri Lanka in the world map since the 14th Century.