Spice Market Research Articles

Seasonal Patterns in Cumin Arrivals and Prices in Indian Markets: A Post-COVID 19 Analysis

Cumin known as jeera in India, holds significant economic and cultural importance in the country's spice industry. My research paper explores the seasonal dynamics of cumin arrivals and prices in selected Indian markets, considering the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing data from the Agmarknet portal spanning from January, 2006 to December, 2021, this study employs rigorous statistical techniques to analyze the patterns. The study reveals distinctive characteristics in cumin arrivals and prices across different markets. Notably, markets like Unjha, Jamnagar, Gondal, Merta City and Mumbai witnessed significant seasonal price fluctuations in August (102.40), January (103.23), July (105.37), August (104.49) and October (108.17) respectively. Mumbai, characterized by stable supply and demand, exhibited moderate price variation (CV = 17.81%), whereas Mandore experienced substantial fluctuations (CV = 43.55%) due to seasonal factors exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research provides invaluable insights into the altered seasonal patterns of cumin arrivals and prices following the pandemic, offering vital information for farmers, traders and policymakers. Informed decisions about cumin production, marketing and pricing can be made, aligning with the dynamic post-COVID-19 landscape of the spice market in India.

FT-IR Characterization and Determination of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins) (AF’s) from Branded & Unbranded Mixed Spice Samples

Background: The global spice market is essential to food industry and public health due to the widespread use of spices as flavor enhancers, preservatives, and medicinal components. However, the quality of spices can be compromised by the presence of mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins, which pose significant health risks. Ensuring the quality and safety of spices, both branded and unbranded, is of paramount concern, especially in regions with high humidity and temperature that can facilitate fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of branded and unbranded spice samples from Sindh, Pakistan, by determining their ash content, moisture level, oil composition, and mycotoxin (aflatoxin) content to ensure their suitability for consumption and adherence to food safety standards. Methods: A total of ten spice samples (five branded and five unbranded) were collected from different cities in Sindh province, Pakistan. Ash content was measured by high-temperature oxidation, while moisture content was quantified through oven drying. Oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, and its quality parameters, including free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide, iodine, and saponification values, were determined using standard AOCS methods. Aflatoxins were quantified by employing an official AOAC method. Additionally, FT-IR spectroscopy was utilized for qualitative analysis of the spice oils. Results: The ash content varied widely, with the highest in unbranded samples at 18.33% and the lowest in branded at 5.67%. Moisture content across all samples was within the safe limit of 5-10%, with the highest at 4.46% and the lowest at 2.22%. The oil content ranged from 5.96% to 14.56%, with unbranded samples showing higher values. FFA values exceeded the standard 0.1% in all samples, indicating a potential quality concern. Peroxide values were higher than the standard 2 meq/mol in most samples, raising concerns about oxidative stability. Aflatoxin levels were within the EU regulatory limits, suggesting acceptable levels for consumption. FT-IR analysis corroborated these findings, revealing no significant differences in the spectral profiles between branded and unbranded samples. Conclusion: The study concluded that while moisture content and aflatoxin levels in the spice samples complied with safety standards, there were notable concerns regarding the ash content, oil quality, and peroxide values. These findings highlight the necessity for regular quality control measures and adherence to food safety regulations to ensure the safety of spice consumption.

Zanzibar’s spice forests: Restoring the Spice Islands

Spice farming in Zanzibar has been integral to the country’s culture, history and economy but in recent decades, Zanzibar’s role in the global spice trade has diminished as declining market prices and government interference have pushed many farmers to convert spice forests into monoculture farms. Community Forests International (CFI) and Community Forests Pemba (CFP) have been working since 2015 to re-establish these diverse agroforest ecosystems and restore farmers’ livelihoods. Unlike monoculture farming, spice forests offer better economic incentives, ecological sustainability, and equality for women, and have the potential to restore a resilient spice-farming economy that is ecologically and socially sustainable. By revitalising local and indigenous knowledge, including from Tanzania, agroforestry practices are being implemented by small-scale Zanzibari farmers to grow a mix of timber, fruit and spice tree crops. This has enabled farmers to improve their household nutrition, increase their crop yields and diversify their income streams, ensuring energy, food and income security. The use of agroforestry practices in spice forests has also promoted structural and ecological diversity, regenerated soil health, enhanced carbon stores, and ensured resilience against climate change. Stories of individual farmers, Saidi Khalifa and Kibano Omar Kibano, exemplify how landscapes and lives can be positively transformed when spice forests are restored to replace monoculture farms with training and support from CFP. The story of Bimajo Masoud Juma also exemplifies how CFP has promoted agroforestry to empower women to have an independently earned income, ensuring their economic independence. CFP is also working with farmers to create stronger cooperative models that would enable them to sell directly to international buyers. The global organic spice market is expanding, so farmers involved in these sustainable and organic agroforestry practices are well-positioned to thrive.

Analyzing Production, Productivity, and Export Performance of Key Spices in India

To bolster economic growth in agriculture, there must be a concerted effort to increase production and achieve a balance in trade through exports and imports. India, in its global competition, excels in exporting significant spices and select horticultural products, thereby driving economic growth, aided by various governmental initiatives aimed at supporting farmers. This study aims to analyze the Growth Rate and Instability in Area, Production, and Productivity of major spices, as well as examine the export trends of these spices from India over a decade, from 2010 to 2020.Utilizing statistical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate Analysis (CAGR) and Instability Rate (IR), the study evaluates secondary data sourced from the Spice Board of India’s annual reports spanning the years 2010-2011 to 2019-2020. The analysis provides insights into the compound annual growth rate and instability concerning the selected spices in terms of area, production, productivity, and export performance. Key findings shed light on India’s position in the global spice market and reveal the trajectory of spice growth compared to the preceding decade (2001-2010). A critical concern for sustaining export market viability lies in enhancing productivity while maintaining product quality. Recommendations include cultivating high-quality products, stringent quality control measures, staying abreast of global market trends, implementing adequate storage protocols, ensuring proper harvesting practices, and maintaining environmental and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the study suggests introducing agricultural schemes to support spice cultivation, thereby boosting production, productivity, and ultimately impacting the Indian economy positively. These efforts aim to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global spice market while ensuring the prosperity of Indian farmers and the agricultural sector.

Spice Production, Marketing, and Value Chain in Ethiopia.

The purpose of this paper was to document and organize spice production, marketing, and value chain in Ethiopia. Spice is the most essential farming product. Several native and exotic spices are grown by smallholder farmers across the country because Ethiopia has diverse agroecology and favorable climate conditions. The spice subsector has great potential for the country's economic development and poverty alleviation, cultivation, preparation, transport, and merchandising of spices and herbs. Spice market indicates the commodity value of spices. The major problems regarding the marketing system of spices were lack of communication between farmers and users, lack of linkage between sellers and buyers, and lack of postharvest management, storage facilities, regulated and cooperative markets, transportation, and knowledge of market news. The escalating value of spices is superficially envisioned, extending from smallholder production to partial handling, which seems to be the everyday value chain.

Мировой и российский рынок пряностей: тенденции и перспективы

Abstract. The purpose of the scientific research is to identify patterns between the development of spice exports in Russia and on the world market. To achieve the goal, the following tasks have been set: 1) to consider the trends in the development of the world structure of exports and imports of spices; 2) identify clusters in the regions of Russia in terms of production and trade indicators and determine the influence of the most significant factors on the dynamics of Russian exports of spices; 3) explore the impact of Russia's export performance on the dynamics of the global spice market. Methods. Economic-statistical, analytical, tabular and graphical methods were used. Correlation-regression analysis was used to identify patterns between the world market and Russian exports of spices. Results. This study identified trends in the development of the global market for flavor products, including an increase in demand for spices by 41 % over the past 5 years. The place of Russia for the analyzed period in the export deliveries of coriander in physical terms was determined. To identify the clusters, the indicator of export localization was used, on the basis of which the regions with export specialization in the supply of coriander to foreign markets were identified. These regions include the Stavropol Territory, whose agricultural producers grow coriander of 99 % purity, that is, fulfilling the criteria of the international standard. The results of the correlation-regression analysis showed that there are patterns associated with the influence of Russian exports of spices on the dynamics of the global market for flavoring products. The article presents obstacles to the development of the spice market on a global scale and measures that contribute to the expansion of the export potential in Russia. The novelty of the results lies in the identification of clusters among Russian regions in the production of coriander and their orientation to the world market, as well as the identification of patterns in the development of spice exports in Russia, including the Stavropol Territory, and the world market, taking into account existing problems.

Assessing Analytical Methods for the Rapid Detection of Lead Adulteration in the Global Spice Market.

Lead adulteration of spices, primarily via Pb chromate compounds, has been documented globally as a growing public health concern. Currently, Pb detection in spices relies primarily on expensive and time-consuming laboratory analyses. Advancing rapid Pb detection methods, inclusive of their accuracy and precision, would improve field assessments by food safety inspectors, stakeholders, and the public in the hope of reducing Pb exposure risks at its source. Here, we present two field procedures for Pb detection: portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF) and a simple colorimetric test. We assess their efficacy to detect Pb and its chemical form in seven spice types, including powders, spice-salt mixtures, and dried roots, compared to the proven laboratory technique, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead concentrations measured using pXRF and ICP-MS were within 5% of each other for spice powders and 24% for dried roots. By pXRF, spice samples were analyzed within collection plastic bags without preparation, resulting in a detection limit of 2 mg Pb/kg for spice powders, which is comparable to national food standards. The colorimetric test utilized here targets hexavalent chromium, making the method selective to Pb chromate adulteration assuming that this is its dominant source in spices. Color development, and thus detection, was observed when Pb concentrations exceeded approximately 5-70 mg/kg in dried turmeric roots and 1000 mg/kg in spice powders; however, it was ineffective for the spice-salt mixture. We show that pXRF analysis and a colorimetric assay provide information that may improve field decisions about Pb adulteration in a range of spice types, helping to minimize Pb exposure.

“Three altyns worth of petroleum…”: Oriental goods in Russia at the second half of the 17th and early 18th century

This article uses the records of archival monastic account books to answer a number of questions about trade relations between Russia and the eastern countries at the second half of the 17th and early 18th century. In particular, for some oriental goods, we can talk about the predominance of the import from Europe. Although contemporaries believed that Russia had an advantageous position for the Eurasian transit of oriental goods. The article also presents a newly constructed time series of prices for pepper. The data allow us to affirm that a “price revolution” was not taking place on the Russian spice market. In addition, the study shows that monasteries were one of the key consumers of oriental goods. The monastic books make it possible to describe the use of petroleum and other oriental goods in Russia.

Silver and Spices in the Runtinger Trade with Prague

In the late medieval period, a prominent trade route led from Prague through Regensburg to Venice. Silver mined in the Bohemian hinterland was traded for luxury items from the Near East. The Regensburg merchant house of Runtinger made vast profits by buying cloth and luxuries cheaply in Venice—in particular spices from India—and selling them in exchange for comparatively large quantities of silver in Prague. This study treats their ledger, Das Runtingerbuch (1383–1407), as a case study for an analysis of the Prague economy. The Runtingers sold the same types of spices and cloth in Regensburg and in Prague during the same span of years, which makes it possible to use their records as sources with which to compare the two markets. The Runtingers are shown to have market power in the Prague spice market but no market power in the Prague cloth market or the Regensburg markets. The reasons for these market differences are theorized in reference to the socioeconomic positions of the Regensburg and Bohemian elites. Luxury items were traded for silver or silver coins, constituting a continuous drain of silver from Bohemia towards Regensburg, which led to a degree of stagnation in the local economy in Bohemia.

International Tourists’ Perceptions on Spice Markets: A Guideline to Introduce Spice Market Concept into Sri Lankan Context

Purpose: The possibilities of syndicating spice and tourism industries to exploit its fullest potentials to achieve wider benefits have been rarely discussed and such attempts have been rarely made by previous scholars. In such an environment, our main focus was to introduce the “spice market concept” to the Sri Lankan context to strengthen the weak link that exists between the two industries. Research Method: First phase of the study was designed to explore issues associated and strategies adopted by Cochin, Turkey and Dubai spice markets through the analysis of 715 customer views. Second phase of the study was shaped by the insights obtained from the key industry informants/experts through interviews and focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were instrumental in data analysis. Findings: Product strategy varied from raw spices, organic spices, fair trade spices to high end value additions like nutraceuticals. Cochin and Turkey spice markets were recognized as reliable sources of high-quality spices with the consensus of 80% and 66.7% of the reviewers. Women cooperatives, Arabian, Egyptian, Indian, Iranian, and Syrian marketing channels were the focal sources of spices. Competitive and discount pricing strategies were common to all studied market places. Promotional strategies varied from on-site special promotions to e-marketing. Ethical, customer friendly, caring and trustworthy services were main customer demands. Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Kandy would be promising locations to establish spice markets. Limitations: Lack of firsthand experience on Turkey and Dubai spice markets was a constraint during the study. Originality/value:If implemented in the planned way, the proposed spice market concept could generate a momentous contribution to the country’s socio-economic development through the diversification of the tourism and spice industries.

Near-infrared spectroscopy in quality control of Piper nigrum: A comparison of performance of benchtop and handheld spectrometers

Developing effective ways for controlling the quality of natural products that are sold in high volume worldwide is currently one of the most urgent goals of analytical chemistry. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a major spice that constitutes 34% of the global spice market. Black pepper is highly prone to quality variations, arising from alteration of the piperine content. Miniaturized NIR spectroscopy offers a high-throughput, cost-effective and laboratory independent technique for quality control of black pepper. Handheld NIR spectrometers differ in the implemented technology, with impact on their analytical performance and unit cost. In this work, the performance of three miniaturized NIR instruments in quantification of piperine in whole and milled seeds of black pepper was investigated. With HPLC method used as the reference analysis, partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were constructed for NIR spectra while the prediction accuracy with respect to the spectrometer used was monitored through root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) determined for an independent test set validation. Prediction of piperine content in milled seeds was achieved with a RMSEP of 0.18% using the benchtop spectrometer Büchi NIRFlex N-500; while handheld instruments offered, respectively, 0.22% (microPHAZIR), 0.26% (MicroNIR 2200) and 0.42% (SCiO). In contrast, for the analysis of the whole pepper seeds, only the Büchi NIRFlex N-500 (RMSEP: 0.30%) and the Viavi MicroNIR 2200 (RMSEP: 0.37%) gained reliable results. The performance of Thermo Scientific microPHAZIR was satisfactory (RMSEP: 0.75%). The consumer-aimed spectrometer SCiO (Consumer Physics) was found adequate for milled samples, while the analysis of the whole seeds was unsuccessful. To gain better understanding of the features of PLSR models of piperine content in black pepper, quantum mechanical simulation of NIR absorption bands of piperine was performed. This step enabled elucidating the chemical information relevant to the calibration model, and interpreting the difference in the analytical performance of the compared spectrometers with statistical parameters of the calibration models below acceptable levels.

The clove tree and its products (clove bud, clove oil, eugenol): prosperous today but what of tomorrow’s restrictions?

Context of the study – The clove tree, farmed primarily in Indonesia, Madagascar, the Comoros, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, produces two major commodities: the clove and the eugenol-rich essential oil. At the present time, the clove caters to the spice market, which is concentrated in India, as well as the market for the traditional Indonesian cigarette, the kretek, which accounts for 70% of world output. The essential oil extract is exploited for its various properties: plasticising, anaesthetic, antimicrobial and organoleptic, which are deployed in the cosmetics, dentistry and agro-food sectors. Several innovative, often cutting edge, applications are currently being researched, taking advantage of its profile as an organic product derived from green chemistry, implicated in the agroecology approach. The main areas concerned are medicine, agri-food and agronomy. Aim of the study – We are considering a series of plausible hypotheses of evolutions in demand on the international market, to assess how the development of current and potential applications might steer the market in the coming years and decades. We are exploring their impact on the offer of producing countries, and therefore, on the incomes of local farmers and distillers. Methodology – Our approach is based on an extensive bibliography. Remarkable results – The clove sector is under threat from various sources: American cigarette manufacturers' offensive to conquer the vast Indonesian market, disregard for quality, inter-annual variation of production, competition between clove producing countries, as well as substitute products, impact of oil extraction methods on firewood consumption. A few forward-looking elements are given, particularly concerning the impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion – These threats need to be anticipated and taken into consideration by all actors of the sectors for the clove and its products to continue providing a reliable source of income to thousands of small farmers in the producing countries.

EXPLORING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN SOME SELECTED SPICES ENTERPRISE IN ONDO STATE NIGERIA

This study explored the current economic issues and isolated constraints involved in the spice business in Ondo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research approach was used to elicit information from 60 randomly selected respondents through an individual interview schedule with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected was explored using descriptive statistics, and budgetary and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that most (57%) respondents were male, and 87% were married with a mean household size of 7. Most (77%) had at least a primary education, and all of them were members of an association with the majority (78%) engaged in cooperative marketing of spices. Also, of the four selected spices, Aframomum melegueta, Piper guineese, Monodora myristica, Sylopia acthipea, only Aframomum melegueta was cultivated, others were gathered from the wild. The prominent constraints identified were the inability to propagate Piper guineese, Monodora myristica, and Sylopia acthipea; the lack of technology to harvest and dry Sylopia acthipea to meet the standard of the buyers; and the lack of access to high-value markets. The rate of return on investment was 0.98, and the factors that determine the profitability of the spice business included the level of education, household size, labor and value addition. Research efforts should be focused on the propagation of P. guineese, M. myristica, S. acthipea, the technology for drying and harvesting of S. acthipea, and capacity building on value addition to increase business profitability.

BRAND RECOGNITION OF THE TEX MEX PRODUCTS IN LATVIA

The foundation of successful business relies on recognition and positive experience among customers. The article examines theory of the brand and how well it is recognized in the Latvian spice market, focusing on the Tex Mex production. The research in this field is important as the Latvian spice market is still growing and many different brands are offered by various manufacturers therefore the competition is tough and it is important to strengthen the market space of Tex Mex spices. Moreover, there is an increase in the European spice market, therefore the research results are important for the European spice market in general. The purpose is to examine theoretical aspects of the brand and to evaluate the Tex Mex products’ brand recognition in Latvia. The research novelty lays in the fact that a survey of 1011 Latvian residents is used, by analyzing their habits in Latvian spice market and, expecially the Tex Mex products. The paper contains following research methods: theory analyses; document analyses and analysis of a survey involving A 1011 Latvian residents - 454 females and 557 males, age group 15-74. The key results of the research: compared to the previous year, customers' attitude to the products of the brand Santa Maria Tex Mex has increased and currently Santa Maria is the market leader in Latvian Tex Mex products. At the same time more than half of Latvia’s people have never purchased Tex Mex products.To promote the visibility of the Tex Mex products, product tastings should be chosen as they provide further information to consumers.

SOME RESULTS SELECTION OF BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM L.) IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Ocimum basilicum L. (common basil) is one of the promising spicy - aromatic and medicinal plants. It is used both in traditional and traditional medicine as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory agent, gastritis, colitis, nephritis, etc. Numerous scientific studies have established that O. basilicum L. essential oil in experimental practice has good antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytostatic activity. The modern spice market requires a growing variety of forms and varieties of basil for consumption as seasoning and green vegetables. An important place is occupied by raw materials (leaf and herb of basil), in recipes of medicinal and forest teas. Essential oil is used both in the food and in the perfumery – cosmetic industry and pharmaceuticals. Perspectivity in the spice market and its multiple medicinal properties were the reason for the continuation of work on the improvement and creation of new promising varieties of basil, of various uses. A working collection was created, consisting of 34 varieties, forms and nursery of crosses and breeding selections, numbering from 40 to 100 units, on average by year. Five varieties of basil of diverse directions were created and registered in the State Register, both for consumption as seasoning in fresh and dry form, for flavoring edible salt, vinegar and oil, and also as a medicinal raw material for teas. Brief results obtained over 17 years а presented in this paper.

Residues from the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) processing industry: Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of extracts against hospital bacteria

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is a plant used in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases and has several biological potentials. Its fruit is used as condiment and has high demand in the spice market. In the present study extracts of different polarities prepared from residues from the Brazilian pepper tree processing industry were characterized chemically by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and negative-ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI(-)FT-ICR MS). The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated against multidrug-resistant strains of hospital origin (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii) and standard strains (ATCC). The apolar fractions (dichloromethane and hexane) presented triterpenes as main components and the polar extracts (methanol and hydroethanolic extracts) were characterized by high contents of phenolic compounds, especially gallotannins, gallic acid and flavonoids. The methanolic fraction and the hydroethanolic extract of the residues were the most active mainly against S. aureus (MIC 0.60–0.90 mg/mL), E. faecium and E. faecalis (MIC 1.20–2.10 mg/mL). These results demonstrate the richness of bioactive compounds present in the residues and indicate a possible application of this material for the development of biotechnological products with potential against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Review on Factors Affecting Production and Marketing of Spices in Ethiopia

Spices are produced in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia that generate income for producers and traders involved in marketing. They are very important cash crops used for food flavor and medication purpose. Even though, their importance the sector is constrained by different factors. The objectives of this review paper are to review factors affecting production of spices, to review factors affecting marketing of spices and to review opportunities of spices production in Ethiopia. Traditional way of farming, absence of seeds and planting materials, high frequency of weeding, high input requirement, high input cost, lack of drying facility, taking long time to dry, shortage of access to credit and extension, different disease and pests, wild animal competition, poor quality of output, absence of proper post harvest handling practices and others are factors affecting production of spices in Ethiopia. Low output price, poor market access and imperfect market information, capital constraints, limited processing of spices, adulteration, mismatch between demand and spices, transportation problems, unlicensed traders, theft, low government support, lack of value addition, price volatility, weak market research and promotion, poor market infrastructure, lack of effective linkage of stakeholders, lack of capacity building, low bargaining power of producers, limited ability of producers to enter in market due to limited time, skill, and resources are some of the factors that affect spices marketing in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is suitable area for spices production due to suitable climate condition and presence of various agro-ecologies, abundant land, cheap labor and favorable policy environment. By reducing different production and marketing constraints the country can boost production and become competitor in the world spices market within a short period of time. Keywords: Spices; constraints; opportunities DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-6-02 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Factors Affecting Production and Marketing of Spices in Ethiopia: A Review

Factors Affecting Production and Marketing of Spices in Ethiopia: A Review

Cointegration and Price Discovery Mechanism of Major Spices in India

Price discovery is one of the major functions of the commodity market to hedge sharp price fluctuations, protecting the interests of both farmers and consumers. Production and export of major spices from India is gradually gaining importance in foreign market and also on Indian economy in terms of foreign currency reserve. This study makes an effort to understand the price discovery mechanism by identifying the transmission of price signals between spot and futures market of four major spices (chilli, turmeric, cumin and coriander) that are traded in National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX), India using daily price data from October 2015 to April 2017. Among other statistical tools, econometric methods viz., Cointegration test, Granger Causality test, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) are used in assessing the price behavioural pattern between spot and futures market. Cointegration analysis reveals long run associationship between spot and futures prices in chilli,turmeric, cumin. The study also reveals that both spot and futures market play leading role in the price discovery process and are informationally efficient in reacting to each other. On the other hand uni-directional causality is evident from futures to spot price in case of coriander. It is expected that both the producers and the users of these important spices will be benfitted from such findings and will help them in harvesting better profit by hedging out the uncertainity in the spice market.

Potentials of Some Nigerian Herbs and Spice as Source of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials: Opportunity for Global Market Competitiveness

Food has been seen and known to be the very basis of human health and wellbeing since time immemorial. Also, ancient history and tradition, has helped to emphasize the benefits of herbs and spices in traditional medicine. Advancement in biomedical technology has led to the duty in science to study and review the interface between foods and medicines, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Scientific supports for the health benefits of medicinal plants particularly herbs and spices, have led to increased consumer demands for some herbs and spices creating huge international demands and market. However, despite the huge resources of these raw materials in Nigeria and Africa, they remain an almost insignificant player in the global spice market. The interface between Nigerian plant products and resources used as food, herbs and spices on one hand and their potential for development as a competitive source of pharmaceutical raw material for nutraceutical industry and the global market of herb and spices on other hand, is discussed.