Cardamom Takes Two Paths as Large Weakens and Small Holds Ground
India’s cardamom market is showing a clear divergence between large and small varieties, with large cardamom facing sharp price pressure from fresh-crop arrivals while small cardamom is holding relatively firm across key grades. Export quotations from New Delhi have also moved higher, indicating that domestic and overseas demand continues to provide support despite increased supplies in primary markets.
Large cardamom prices have declined by around ₹300–325/kg over the past month, falling to approximately ₹1,400–1,425/kg as arrivals increased across major producing centres. However, selling pressure appears to be moderating at current levels, with growers showing limited willingness to accept further price reductions.
Small cardamom, meanwhile, has remained in a broader price range of about ₹2,600–3,900/kg. Lower grades gained roughly ₹40–50/kg over the past week, while premium-quality material was largely steady. Recent auction and mandi activity indicates continued demand for green cardamom, particularly for grades used by domestic food, beverage and confectionery industries.
The export market is presenting a somewhat stronger picture than domestic large-cardamom prices. New Delhi FOB indications for organic whole cardamom of 6.0–6.5 mm were around EUR 17.7/kg, while 7.5–8 mm material was quoted at EUR 19.4/kg. Organic cardamom powder was indicated at approximately EUR 25.2/kg.
Conventional whole cardamom prices also registered modest week-on-week gains in late September. Quotations stood at about EUR 23.8/kg for 6.5–6.8 mm, EUR 24.9/kg for 7–7.2 mm, EUR 26.8/kg for 7.5 mm and EUR 28.7/kg for 8 mm.
The contrast between softer domestic prices for large cardamom and firmer export indications suggests that downstream buyers and overseas markets are continuing to absorb available supplies.
New Crop Drives Large Cardamom Correction
The recent decline in large cardamom is largely linked to the seasonal arrival cycle rather than a sudden deterioration in demand. Rising new-crop supplies in producing belts have increased availability and triggered a substantial correction from earlier price levels.
At around ₹1,400/kg, however, the market may be approaching a level where further selling becomes more difficult. If growers continue to hold back against lower bids, the pace of the decline could slow and the market could enter a more range-bound phase.
Small cardamom is showing comparatively stronger fundamentals. Auction and mandi data from late September and 1 October indicate healthy trading volumes and firm upper-end prices for quality lots. Festival-related consumption, along with steady export interest, is helping maintain demand.
The wider Indian spice market remains uneven. Cinnamon and saffron continue to face pressure, while cumin, turmeric, black pepper and chilli are broadly stable. Against this backdrop, the contrasting performance of large and small cardamom is particularly notable.
The correction in large cardamom has also narrowed its price premium, potentially improving buying interest among blenders, processors and packers if prices stabilise around current levels.
Weather remains another factor to monitor as harvesting progresses in South Indian growing areas. No major fresh weather disruption has been reported so far, but prolonged heavy rainfall or an unexpected dry spell could affect crop quality and yields. For now, however, seasonal arrivals remain the dominant influence on large cardamom, while demand is providing greater support to small cardamom.