Sourcing · Ceylon Cinnamon
True Ceylon cinnamon, sourced direct from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka produces an estimated 85–90% of the world's true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). We supply UK trade buyers with whole quills, ground, and organic-certified Ceylon cinnamon — sourced direct, verified at origin, and accountable through to UK arrival.
Sources: Sri Lanka Export Development Board · CBI Cinnamon Market Potential 2024
Global Supply Share
85–90%
of world's true cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka
UK Imports From SL
17%
of UK cinnamon imports — 3rd-largest origin
UK Trade Growth
+4.7%
EU ground cinnamon demand p/a
UK Import Duty
0%
Sri Lanka under UK DCTS Enhanced
Ceylon vs Cassia
Why authentication matters in the UK cinnamon market.
True Ceylon cinnamon and cassia are different botanical species, sold under the same shelf label. The difference shows up in flavour, coumarin content, and regulatory exposure on prepared foods.
True Ceylon Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
- Paper-thin bark (under 1mm), tightly rolled, multiple visible layers
- Light tan colour, brittle to break
- Coumarin content typically <0.04%
- Sweet, delicate, complex aroma
- Grown almost exclusively in Sri Lanka
Cassia (Commodity Cinnamon)
Cinnamomum cassia / burmannii / loureiroi
- Thick, hard bark (2–3mm), single-layer rolled
- Dark reddish-brown, hard to break
- Coumarin content typically 0.4–10%
- Stronger, harsher, more pungent aroma
- Grown mainly in China, Vietnam, Indonesia
The supply-chain authentication problem
A 2025 EU Joint Research Centre study tested cinnamon products labelled "Ceylon" in the European market and found that ~9% contained cassia in part or in full. UK retailers and food manufacturers carrying a Ceylon claim are exposed to coumarin labelling risk if the supply chain isn't verified.
Source: EU JRC Cinnamon Authenticity Study, September 2025 · See how we authenticate at source
How We Authenticate
Verified Ceylon, end to end.
Our cinnamon supply is traceable from named Sri Lankan suppliers through to UK arrival. Four points of verification across the chain.
Step 01
Single-origin verified at source
Every batch documented from named supplier through to UK arrival. Origin paperwork available on request for procurement teams.
Step 02
Visual + sensory inspection on arrival
True Ceylon quills are paper-thin (under 1mm), light tan, multi-layered when broken. Cassia is thicker, darker, single-layered. We check on arrival.
Step 03
Coumarin position documented
True Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible coumarin (typically <0.04%). Cassia contains 0.4–10%. This matters for EU/UK labelling on prepared foods.
Step 04
Pesticide MRL compliance
We work with suppliers operating to UK/EU pesticide MRL limits. Documentation available for procurement teams.
Formats Available
Three Ceylon cinnamon formats for UK trade.
Retail-ready packs, food service formats and certified organic supply. MOQ details on the MOQ & pack sizes page — exact pricing confirmed at application.
Whole Quills
- Specification
- Paper-thin rolled bark, retail and bulk formats
- Minimum Order
- From 1 case (retail packs) · 1 kg foodservice
- HS Code
- 090611
Ground
- Specification
- Freshly milled from whole quills
- Minimum Order
- From 1 case (retail packs) · 1 kg foodservice
- HS Code
- 090620
Organic Certified
- Specification
- Soil Association / EU Organic equivalence
- Minimum Order
- Subject to certification chain confirmation
- HS Code
- 090611
Procurement Context
Trade reference data for procurement teams.
The supply-chain detail UK procurement and food-safety teams typically need before opening a supplier account.
- Botanical name
- Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon)
- Origin region
- Sri Lanka — primarily Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts
- Harvest season
- May–December (twice-yearly post-monsoon)
- HS code
- 0906.11 (whole), 0906.20 (ground)
- UK duty (DCTS)
- 0% — Sri Lanka qualifies for UK DCTS Enhanced Preferences
- UK VAT
- Zero-rated as food
- Shelf life
- 24 months (whole) · 12–18 months (ground)
- Storage
- Cool, dry, below 25°C, airtight
Apply for Ceylon cinnamon trade supply.
Apply for a trade account and we'll confirm pricing, MOQ and pack formats for your business within one business day.