Sri Lankan green cardamom, small share, premium profile.
Sri Lanka produces a small share of global cardamom volume (~0.1%) but the central hill country profile is distinctively aromatic, with strong volatile oil content. We supply UK trade buyers with whole green pods at specialty grade, the right product for chai programmes, signature blends and premium retail.
Sources: Sri Lanka Export Development Board · CBI Cardamom Market Potential 2024
UK Cardamom Imports
785 MT
annual import volume. UK is largest in Europe (21% share)
Guatemala Crisis
−50%
forecast production drop, global supply window opens
SL Profile
Premium
strong volatile oil content, aromatic-forward
UK Import Duty
0%
Sri Lanka under UK DCTS Enhanced Preferences
The Cardamom Supply Window
Why specialty origin matters in cardamom right now.
Guatemala dominates global cardamom production (~80% of world supply). Industry forecasts project a ~50% production drop following sustained climate pressure, leaving downstream buyers across Europe scrambling for consistent specialty-grade supply. The UK is the largest cardamom importer in Europe, roughly 785 MT a year, 21% of European volume.
Sri Lankan production is small in volume but distinctly aromatic and well-positioned for specialty applications: premium chai programmes, biryani spice blends, hospitality breakfast service, signature curry ranges. For UK retailers, food service operators and signature brands where cardamom is a flavour driver, an origin-specific specialty supply is a hedge against commodity volatility and a real shelf-side story.
What we test for
- EU pesticide MRL compliance documented per batch
- Moisture content checked (mould prevention)
- Volatile oil content, the aromatic signature
- Pod integrity and colour (bleached pod screening)
Procurement teams can request our current quality position at the point of trade application.
Formats Available
Sri Lankan Green Cardamom formats for UK trade.
Retail-ready packs and food-service formats. MOQ details on the MOQ & pack sizes page. Exact pricing confirmed at trade-account application.
Whole Pods (Standard)
- Specification
- Plump green pods, retail and food-service packs
- Minimum Order
- From 1 case · 500g foodservice
- HS Code
- 090831
Whole Pods (Premium Grade)
- Specification
- Larger pods, single-source verified
- Minimum Order
- From 1 case · 1 kg foodservice
- HS Code
- 090831
Ground Cardamom
- Specification
- Freshly milled from whole pods, on request
- Minimum Order
- From 250g (volatile oil loss, fresh-milled to order)
- HS Code
- 090832
Procurement Context
Trade reference for procurement.
Supply-chain detail for opening a supplier account.
- Botanical name
- Elettaria cardamomum
- Origin region
- Sri Lanka, central hill country (Knuckles, Matale)
- Harvest season
- September–November
- HS code
- 0908.31 (whole), 0908.32 (ground)
- UK duty (DCTS)
- 0%. Sri Lanka under UK DCTS Enhanced Preferences
- UK VAT
- Zero-rated as food
- Shelf life
- 18 months whole, in pod
- Storage
- Cool, dry, airtight, light-protected
Apply for sri lankan green cardamom trade supply.
Pricing, MOQ and pack formats by reply, within one business day.