Turmeric Export

What Turmeric Is

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a golden-yellow spice obtained from the dried rhizomes of the turmeric plant. It is widely used in cooking, traditional medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. Known for its vibrant color and unique earthy flavor, turmeric is also valued for its bioactive compound curcumin, which has strong medicinal properties.

What Turmeric Export Is

Turmeric export involves the cultivation, harvesting, processing, grading, and shipment of raw or processed turmeric to international markets. Nigeria produces turmeric in commercial quantities, and it is increasingly demanded globally for culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Uses of Turmeric

• Food & Culinary: Spice, natural coloring agent, curry powder ingredient.

• Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive aid, joint pain relief.

• Cosmetics: Used in skincare for brightening, anti-aging, and acne treatment.

• Food Industry: Natural preservative and food coloring (E100).

• Beverages: Herbal teas, turmeric latte (“golden milk”), and health supplements.

Specifications for Turmeric Export

• Form: Whole Rhizomes, Dried Fingers, Powdered Turmeric

• Curcumin Content: 3% – 5% (minimum export grade)

• Moisture Content: Max 10% – 12%

• Ash Content: Max 7%

• Color: Deep Yellow to Golden Orange

• Odor & Taste: Aromatic, earthy, slightly pungent

• Impurities: Max 1%

• Adulteration: Not permitted (pure turmeric only)

• Packaging:

  • 25 kg or 50 kg polypropylene (PP) woven bags (whole turmeric)

  • Food-grade laminated bags (powder form)

  • Cartons with inner liners (for high-value powder export)

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 10–20 metric tons

Packaging & Export Form

• Whole Dried Turmeric Fingers: Sun-dried or mechanically dried.

• Ground Turmeric Powder: Hygienically processed and vacuum-packed.

• Turmeric Extracts: High-curcumin extracts for nutraceutical markets.

Export Market Demand

• Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands): Used in food processing and herbal medicine.

• Asia (India, China, UAE): For spice blends, food industries, and cosmetics.

• North America (USA, Canada): High demand in dietary supplements and organic food sectors.

• Middle East: Used in traditional dishes and herbal medicine.

HS Code for Turmeric

• HS Code: 091030 – Turmeric (curcuma).

With Nigeria’s fertile soil and favorable climate, turmeric exports are a fast-growing agricultural opportunity. Demand is expected to increase as the world shifts toward organic foods, herbal remedies, and natural cosmetics.