Dear Client,
Please find below the latest market intelligence for the Indian Spice sector as of
19 October 2026.
Spice markets turned firm across the board in the NNS Kirana report. Cumin, turmeric, fennel, coriander and fenugreek all gained on tight arrivals and stronger buying. Demand is building ahead of Diwali and the winter season, and low arrivals and reduced stock are adding to the support. Poppy seed and large cardamom are the exceptions, with soft sentiment.
🟡 Turmeric Extends Its Rally on Thin Supply
Turmeric prices have kept rising for a second consecutive week, with Erode-type stock gaining again after a spell of steady sales. Arrivals in the mandis are very low, and old stock has been falling for several years. Big traders and stockists are holding back supply, which has tightened availability. Futures have also rallied on fresh speculative buying, and exchanges have had to impose additional margins. The outlook is for further upside in the near term.
🌿 Cumin Climbs as Quality Stock Dries Up
Cumin prices in the domestic spot market have risen, following strength in futures trading. Arrivals at Unjha and other mandis are limited, and premium-quality seed is now quite scarce. Farmers in Gujarat and Rajasthan are holding stock in the hope of better rates, which has reduced selling pressure. Traders and buyers have been active at lower levels because of the upcoming festival season and expected demand. Further gains are likely in the coming days.
🌶️ Red Chilli Holds Firm After a Recent Jump
Red chilli (334 variety) is steady after a sharp gain earlier this month. Arrivals of good-quality chilli at Guntur and Khammam are low, but a lack of buyer support has kept prices from rising further. Traders say carryover stock in cold storages and warehouses is smaller than last year. The market is expected to remain profitable and firm in the coming days.
🌱 Coriander Strengthens on Festive and Winter Demand
Coriander has become firm, with buying picking up from masala companies, blenders and bulk buyers ahead of Diwali and the winter season. Buyers are making broad-based purchases of good-quality stock from the mandis to cover coming demand. Arrivals in the major producing regions have dropped sharply. The new crop’s arrivals are almost over, so the market relies mainly on old stock. Further gains are possible in the coming days.
⚫ Black Pepper Stays Firm on Tight Supply
Black pepper is holding firm after the recent upturn, with Mangalore-type pepper consolidating at its earlier higher level. Daily arrivals and supply at Kochi and other major mandis are very limited. Farmers and local traders are holding stock in expectation of higher prices, which is reducing sales pressure. The rupee’s weakness against the dollar and higher import costs have made foreign pepper expensive, supporting demand and prices for Indian pepper.
🟤 Large Cardamom Softens, but No Deep Fall Expected
Large cardamom has turned slightly soft after the recent rally, and the new crop is arriving continuously in the mandis. Old stock is also still available. Demand had picked up a few days ago on the festivals and winter season of November-December. With buyer support now missing, lower-grade rates have slipped. Fresh arrivals at Singtam and Siliguri auction centres have also pressured prices. The outlook is for a steady market with no sharp fall and no long rally.
⚪ Poppy Seed Stays Weak with No Revival in Sight
Poppy seed (Turkey origin) is sluggish and is still holding at a lower level after a recent slump. The new crop has been arriving since March-April, so higher arrivals in the mandis keep prices under pressure. Large stockists and farmers are not panic-selling after the modest improvement. Producers and traders are releasing stock slowly while waiting for better festival and forward demand. Sentiment remains subdued, and no significant upturn is expected soon.
🌾 Fennel and Fenugreek Gain on Thin Arrivals
Fennel and fenugreek have both gained in recent sessions as mandi arrivals remain short. Buying interest has risen from stockists and wholesale buyers ahead of Diwali and the winter season. Fennel in particular has seen firm demand against limited supplies. Both spices are expected to stay supported while arrivals stay low and festive demand builds.
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