Asafoetida
Top-grade Asafoetida with rich aroma and intense flavor, processed under hygienic conditions for global export.
Min. Order
500 Kg
Premium aromatic Cumin Seeds cleaned and graded to international standards, ideal for global culinary applications.
Min. Order (MOQ)
1 Metric Ton
HS Code
09093129
Origin
Levant (Cultivated in India - Gujarat/Rajasthan)
Price Range
Price on Request
Export Documents
Available Bag Sizes
Available Bag Types
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is the world's second most consumed spice after black pepper, and India is the dominant origin — producing over 70% of global supply from the agricultural heartlands of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The small, elongated seeds are prized for their cuminaldehyde-driven warm, earthy aroma, which is irreplaceable in South Asian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and North African cuisines. Unjha, a market town in North Gujarat, is the world's largest cumin trading hub, processing thousands of tonnes daily at peak season and providing transparent daily price discovery that benefits forward-contract buyers globally.
Four commercial grades serve distinct buyer segments: European Grade (double sortex cleaned, hand-picked, EU MRL tested — commanding a 15–25% premium) targets EU food manufacturers and premium spice brands; Singapore Grade (machine cleaned, single sortex) is the standard for Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern importers; Scooter/FAQ Grade feeds oleoresin and industrial extraction; and Cumin Powder, cryogenically ground to preserve volatile oil content, adds $300–400/MT of value for seasoning blend manufacturers. Key quality metrics — volatile oil content (2.5–4%), ASTA cleanliness, and EU MRL compliance on chlorpyrifos — determine grade and market eligibility, with NABL-accredited multi-residue test reports available from reputable Indian exporters.
Cumin is one of the most price-volatile spices globally: a poor Rajasthan or Gujarat crop can cause 50–100% price spikes within weeks, as the entire year's world supply is determined in a three-month growing window (planting October–November, harvest March–April). This volatility makes forward contracting with a reliable Indian exporter the standard risk management strategy for large buyers. Organic cumin — available with NPOP and EU Organic certification from converted Rajasthan farms — commands a 50–80% premium and is the highest-growth segment, driven by the EU's Farm to Fork strategy accelerating organic conversion. Diaspora-driven branded retail demand from Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi communities in the UK, USA, and Canada provides a stable demand floor independent of commodity price swings.
As a leading manufacturer and exporter in India, IndianXporter ensures that our Cumin Seeds meets the stringent quality requirements of international markets. Our robust supply chain allows us to fulfill bulk orders consistently, offering highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing to our B2B partners worldwide.
Our processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring that every shipment of Cumin Seeds is thoroughly sorted, cleaned, and graded. We adhere to global food safety and industrial standards, backed by third-party inspections from agencies like SGS upon buyer request.
Regional cultivars available for bulk export
Gujarat (GJG-1)
Dominant export variety. Clean, bold seed, high essential oil.
Rajasthan Local
Slightly smaller. Strong aroma. Preferred for spice blends.
RZ-19
Disease-resistant variety. Consistent supply, good oil content.
Specific variety available on request — mention in your RFQ.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is one of the world's oldest cultivated spices and the second most consumed spice globally after black pepper. The small, elongated seeds contain cuminaldehyde and other volatile compounds that produce cumin's characteristic warm, earthy, slightly bitter aroma — a cornerstone flavour in South Asian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and North African cuisines.
India produces over 70% of the world's cumin supply, with the Rajasthan and Gujarat states dominating cultivation. The Unjha town in North Gujarat is the world's largest cumin trading hub — a single market that processes thousands of tonnes daily during peak season. Rajasthan's Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Barmer districts produce cumin with high essential oil content, particularly prized by European spice extractors.
Indian cumin is classified by key quality metrics: volatile oil content (2.5–4%), ASTA cleanliness, and freedom from EU-restricted pesticide residues (particularly chlorpyrifos). The EU market requires strict compliance with MRL limits, making clean, well-tested Indian cumin from reputable exporters command a significant premium over Syrian or Turkish alternatives.
| Volatile Oil Content | 2.5% Min (3.5%+ premium grade) |
| Moisture | 9% Max |
| Total Ash | 9.5% Max |
| Acid Insoluble Ash | 1.5% Max |
| Extraneous Matter | 0.5% Max |
| Other Seeds | 0.5% Max |
| Damaged Seeds | 1% Max |
| Bulk Density | 730–780 g/L |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25g |
| Aflatoxin Total | < 10 ppb |
| Chlorpyrifos (EU MRL) | < 0.05 mg/kg |
European Grade (Double Sortex)
Processing: Double sortex cleaned, hand-picked, EU MRL tested
Colour: Olive green-brown, uniform
Use Case: EU food manufacturers, organic spice brands, premium retail
+15–25% over Singapore grade
Singapore Grade (Machine Cleaned)
Processing: Machine cleaned, single sortex, standard moisture
Colour: Olive-brown, mostly uniform
Use Case: Southeast Asia, Middle East, standard food processing
Base export grade
Scooter Grade (FAQ)
Processing: Basic cleaning — lower grade seeds included
Colour: Mixed brown, some damaged seeds
Use Case: Oleoresin extraction, industrial applications, domestic market
-10–15% below Singapore grade
Cumin Powder
Processing: Cryogenically ground to preserve volatile oil content
Colour: Warm brown powder
Use Case: Direct ingredient for seasoning blends, retail packaging
+$300–400/MT value-add over whole
Prices are indicative. Request a formal quote for contractual pricing.
| Grade | FOB Price (USD/MT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European Grade (Double Sortex, EU MRL tested) | $2,800 – $4,200/MT | Premium EU-compliant grade — seasonal variation high |
| Singapore Grade (Machine Cleaned) | $2,400 – $3,600/MT | Standard export benchmark — Q1 2026 indicative |
| Cumin Powder (Cryogenic Ground) | $3,000 – $4,500/MT | Value-added processed grade — higher margin |
Price Influencing Factors
India produces 70% of global cumin supply and dominates the market. Syria and Turkey provide alternative sources with slightly different flavour profiles, but cannot match Indian volume or price competitiveness in normal market conditions.
| Aspect | 🇮🇳 India | 🌏 Syria/Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Volatile Oil Content | 2.5–4% — higher oil, stronger aroma | 2–3% typical — slightly lighter profile |
| FOB Price | $2,400–$4,200/MT — market leader with price volatility | $2,600–$4,500/MT — premium when Indian supply tightens |
| Volume Availability | 350,000+ MT annual production — dominant supply | 30,000–50,000 MT — niche supply, cannot fulfil large orders |
| EU Compliance | Well-established MRL testing infrastructure — clean certificates available | Less testing infrastructure — EU buyers verify independently |
| Flavour Profile | Warm, earthy, slightly pungent — Rajasthan terroir | Milder, slightly sweeter — different flavour profile preferred by some EU buyers |
| Organic Availability | NPOP and EU Organic certified organic cumin available | Limited organic availability |
Spice Blending & Seasoning Industry
Cumin is an essential ingredient in curry powder, garam masala, chilli seasoning, taco blends, and za'atar. Singapore grade cumin is the industry standard for European and American seasoning manufacturers. European grade used by premium organic spice blenders.
Food Processing & Ready Meals
Cumin powder is a key ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican ready meals, canned foods, soups, and marinades. The largest buyers are ready-meal manufacturers in the UK, Germany, and USA requiring consistent flavour profiles across large batches.
Oleoresin & Flavour Extraction
Cumin oleoresin (standardised liquid extract) is used in flavour houses for beverage flavouring, snack seasoning, and pharmaceutical excipients. FAQ grade cumin with high volatile oil is the preferred extraction raw material.
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
Cumin seed extract (thymoquinone, cuminaldehyde) is used in digestive health supplements, weight management products, and traditional medicine formulations. Growing clinical interest in cumin's anti-diabetic properties.
Primary Supply Origins
India
~70% of global productionRajasthan (Nagaur, Barmer, Jodhpur) and Gujarat (Unjha hub) dominate. World's largest cumin trading market at Unjha.
Syria/Turkey
~10%Alternative supply when Indian prices spike. Different flavour profile — preferred by some EU buyers for milder taste.
Iran
~8%Significant producer but limited export access due to sanctions. Quality variable.
Key Consumption Nodes
Bangladesh & South Asia
Largest export destination by volume. Bangladesh alone imports 60,000+ MT annually for domestic spice consumption and processing.
European Union — Germany, Netherlands, UK
High-value market requiring EU MRL compliance. Double Sortex European grade commands premium. German and Dutch spice multinationals are key buyers.
USA
Growing demand driven by Mexican food popularity and South Asian diaspora. Both food processing and retail segments active.
Middle East — UAE, Saudi Arabia
Regional cuisine staple. Large South Asian population drives domestic consumption. UAE re-exports to wider Arab world.
Cumin is one of the most price-volatile spices globally — crop failures in Rajasthan or Gujarat can cause 50–100% price spikes within weeks. This volatility creates both risk and opportunity for forward-contract buyers. India's dominant position (70% of global supply) means any Indian crop issue is a global event.
Market Size
Global cumin trade: ~$1.2 billion. India's cumin exports: ~$500–700M annually (highly variable).
Growth Rate
~6% CAGR — Mexican food globalisation and South Asian diaspora growth driving demand
Core Demand Drivers
Supply Dynamics
Cumin is an annual crop planted in October-November and harvested March-April in India. The entire year's supply is determined in a 3-month growing window. Cold snaps, unseasonal rain, or pest pressure can reduce yield by 30–50% — explaining the dramatic price spikes. The Unjha market's forward contract system allows buyers to lock in prices ahead of harvest.
⚠ India Risk Factor
Climate volatility in Rajasthan — extended drought or unseasonal frost at flowering time — is the primary supply risk. EU chlorpyrifos rejections are the market access risk. Buyers who forward-contract with reputable exporters before harvest avoid worst price volatility.
Future Outlook
Organic cumin is the premium growth opportunity. EU Farm to Fork strategy is accelerating organic conversion in Rajasthan. Cumin extract standardised to cuminaldehyde content for pharmaceutical applications is an emerging high-value segment. Climate-resilient varieties are a strategic necessity for India's long-term dominance.
| Product Type | HS 6-Digit | ITC-HS 8-Digit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds (Whole) | 0909.21 | 09092100 | Seeds of coriander, neither crushed nor ground |
| Cumin Powder (Ground) | 0909.22 | 09092200 | Seeds of cumin, crushed or ground |
| Cumin Oleoresin | 3301.29 | 33012950 | Essential oils of cumin |
| Standard | Code / Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spices Board of India | SB Certificate | Mandatory for all cumin exports |
| EU MRL Compliance | Regulation EC 396/2005 | Chlorpyrifos and other pesticide residues strictly tested |
| ISO 6465:2009 | ISO 6465 | International specification for cumin |
| ASTA Cleanliness Spec | ASTA Method 20.1 | Standard for extraneous matter and defect levels |
| EU Organic | EC 834/2007 | Available from certified organic Rajasthan farms |
Shelf Life
18–24 months whole seeds; 12 months ground
Storage Conditions
Cool, dry environment below 20°C and 65% RH. Whole seeds retain volatile oil far better than powder.
Container Type
25–50 kg PP or Jute bags in 20ft FCL (17–18 MT net). Vacuum packing available for organic grades.
Fumigation
Phosphine fumigation available if required. EU buyers typically request clean certificates with minimal chemical use.
Storage Advantage
High volatile oil content (2.5–4%) means Indian cumin naturally resists mould development — clean storage is self-preserving
Essential raw materials for spice blends, seasoning manufacturing, and oleoresin extraction. High-purity technical grades available for industrial procurement and technical application.
Standard
Technical Grade
Supply
Bulk Only
Standard Packaging
Steam Sterilized Laminated Bags / Cartons
Private Label / OEM
Custom Grinding & Private Labeling
Port of Loading
Chennai or Nhava Sheva Port
Incoterms
FOB, CIF, CFR accepted
IndianXporter successfully exports Cumin Seeds to major international markets. Click your region below to view destination-specific compliance and shipping details.
Establish your own brand in the international market. We provide end-to-end custom white-label packaging and branding solutions for retail distribution. Get retail-ready Cumin Seeds under your brand name with our expert OEM services.
Retail Ready
From Design to Delivery
We provide market-specific compliance documentation for each destination. Contact us for country-specific certifications.
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