Dear Client,
Please find below the latest market updates for the Indian Spice sector as of
27 May 2026.
The wholesale dry fruits and grocery market in New Delhi experienced a generally weak and quiet trend due to sluggish buying interest. Key commodities like kalonji, big cardamom, figs, and dry coconut witnessed downward price revisions due to dull demand, while coriander managed to buck the trend and register gains on the back of tighter spot market arrivals.
🌀 Cumin Nears Bottom with Support Expected from Pre-Monsoon Demand
Wholesale cumin prices are likely approaching their absolute bottom, significantly lowering the risk of further market corrections. Farmers are releasing limited stocks due to unfavorable price realization, leading to a sharp drop in Unjha market arrivals. While export demand from major buyers like China and Bangladesh remains muted, upcoming pre-monsoon buying and estimated crop declines in Gujarat are expected to stabilize the market.
🟢 Small Cardamom Market Softens Amid Heatwave and Sluggish Off-take
Despite a severe heatwave and a notable drop in auction arrivals, small cardamom sales remain weak and sluggish. Poor buying interest continues to depress average auction prices in major trading hubs. The near-term spot market trend points to a soft and quiet sentiment with very limited prospects for an immediate price recovery.
🌶️ Red Chilli Spot Market Quiet with Bareilly New Crop Arrivals
The commencement of new crop arrivals from Bareilly has brought a sluggish tone to the red chilli market. Meanwhile, the Guntur market remains closed for summer vacations, with operations expected to normalize by mid-June. Due to quiet demand and healthy current stock levels, spot prices are expected to remain stable without any upward breakout in the coming days.
⚫ Black Pepper Remains Stable Amid Weak Export Activities
Black pepper prices are holding steady with limited market movement after a brief previous recovery. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely impacted export demand, resulting in very quiet shipping and trading activity. With sluggish buying in spot markets and stable arrivals at major terminals like Kochi, prices are expected to remain flat in the immediate term.
💨 Dry Ginger Under Pressure Despite Elevated Raw Ginger Costs
Despite raw ginger prices holding relatively firm, the market for dry ginger (Sounth) continues to see quiet buying and sluggish wholesale movement. Inflows and trading prices in Kochi have remained unchanged, reflecting a lack of aggressive buyer interest. Spot market sentiments are expected to stay muted without any major prospects for a bullish rally in the short term.
🍂 Cloves Maintain Flat Trend on Slow Off-take
The cloves market continues to experience a sluggish trend with buyer interest remaining weak even after previous price corrections. Although a slight recovery in the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar has influenced import sentiments, the overall market tone remains quiet. No long-term bullish trend or sharp price increases are expected in the spot market over the near term.
🌿 Coriander Gains Upward Momentum on Restricted Inflows
Coriander prices registered a firm trend, capitalizing on a decline in spot market arrivals. A temporary shortage of available quality stocks has forced buyers to absorb higher offers, driving up both badami and green qualities. This localized supply crunch is expected to keep the commodity well-supported against the wider market’s sluggish trend.
🚢 Nutmeg Awaits Geopolitical Relief to Revive Export Demand
The nutmeg market is currently facing stagnant conditions, aggravated by the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine war which have disrupted shipping routes and increased freight costs. While the new crop continues to arrive, recent rainfall in Kerala is projected to further boost market arrivals. Traders are closely monitoring international developments, as a potential reopening of critical shipping straits is crucial to reviving sluggish export demand.
🔑 Key Takeaways
for Buyers
- Accumulate Cumin on Dips: With cumin prices hovering near their bottom and crop sizes estimated to be smaller in Gujarat, buyers should start accumulating stock gradually ahead of pre-monsoon demand.
- De-risk Nutmeg Portfolios: Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacting shipping routes, traders should maintain lean inventories and wait for clear signs of international supply chain stabilization.
- Exercise Caution on Small Cardamom: Despite lower arrivals at auctions, extremely weak consumer demand and heatwave conditions are dampening sentiment. Postpone bulk buying until retail off-take improves.
- Hold Red Chilli Stock: As Guntur market is closed for summer recess and Bareilly arrivals are slow, price movements will remain muted. It is advisable to hold current positions until mid-June when major trading hubs resume.
- Capitalize on Coriander Shortages: A drop in spot market arrivals has given coriander a short-term bullish edge. Procure selectively to cover immediate commitments, as further supply tightening could sustain the firm tone.