Cardamom prices jump as crop losses curb supply and slow exports

Indian cardamom is trading at ₹3,000-₹3,300 per kg, up from ₹2,700-₹2,900, after poor rains, pests and weak crop setting cut output prospects. Export orders and domestic bulk purchases are slowing, while shoppers shift to smaller packs as high prices are expected to persist into 2026.

— Source publishedMon, 3 Aug, 2026, 11:57 IST·First seen Mon, 3 Aug, 2026, 12:01 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

retail-company · Indian cardamom prices have surged as deficient monsoon rains, pests and poor crop setting cut production prospects. Export buyers are delaying

Key facts

  • ₹3,000-₹3,300 per kg current average price
  • ₹2,700-₹2,900 per kg earlier price range
  • 20%-25% estimated crop losses
  • 33,000 tonnes projected ensuing crop
  • 40,000 tonnes earlier crop projection
  • 37,733 tonnes 2025-26 final crop
  • 25,000-28,000 tonnes expected Guatemala crop
  • 17,000 tonnes Guatemala crop last season

Why this matters

The supply shock raises the strategic value of investments or partnerships in origin sourcing, crop resilience, storage and value-added spice formats that reduce exposure to spot-market volatility.

What to watch

  • Indian auction arrivals, average realized prices, and unsold-lot rates.
  • Monsoon performance, pest incidence, and revised crop estimates in major cardamom-growing districts.
  • Export order cancellations, shipment volumes, and buyer substitution toward Guatemalan or lower-grade supply.
  • MRP increases, grammage reductions, and promotional intensity among packaged-spice brands.
  • Bulk purchase trends from sweet manufacturers, hospitality, chai sellers, and food processors.
  • Festival-season demand and the retail sell-through of small packs versus traditional larger packs.
  • Shift assortment toward smaller cardamom packs, mixed-spice blends, and lower-ticket sachets to preserve household affordability.
  • Secure forward supply contracts and diversify sourcing across producing regions, grades, and import channels where viable.
  • Reprice premium whole-cardamom SKUs first while protecting entry-price packs and high-velocity blended masalas.
  • Expect weaker volumes from sweet shops, tea sellers, restaurants, and export-oriented processors; revise festive and bulk-sales forecasts.
  • Use cardamom-light recipes and blends in private-label beverages, bakery, dessert, and ready-to-cook products where reformulation is feasible.

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