The global pepper industry has converged in Kochi for the 53rd Annual Sessions and Meetings of the International Pepper Community (IPC) and the International Spice Exhibition, marking a major step toward deepening global partnerships and strengthening regional cooperation in the spice trade.

The event underscores a collective commitment to promote innovation, sustainability, and equitable growth across producing nations.

Hosted by the Government of India and jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Spices Board India, and the International Pepper Community, the two-day meet is being held under the theme “Revitalizing Pepper Trade: Innovation, Equity, and Regional Resilience.”

Delegates, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers from leading pepper-producing countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are participating in the discussions aimed at reinforcing value chains and fostering long-term collaboration in the global spice sector.

Adv. Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson, Spices Board, emphasised India’s leadership role in driving global cooperation in the spice economy.

She lauded the Spices Board employees for their dedicated efforts in sustaining India’s position as the world’s leading spice exporter and called for greater synergy among producing nations to ensure fair trade, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

She said that through shared knowledge, technological exchange, and farmer-orientated initiatives, the pepper sector can achieve inclusive and resilient growth.

The Chairperson also reaffirmed the Spices Board’s commitment to advancing quality, traceability, and value addition in spice exports while deepening international partnerships that uphold the integrity and competitiveness of Indian spices in the global market.

The event also witnessed the presentation of IPC awards recognising excellence in pepper cultivation, export, and product innovation. Farmers and enterprises from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Viet Nam were honoured for their achievements in boosting productivity, developing value-added products, and promoting sustainable pepper trade practices.

The Business and Technical Sessions, held as part of the annual meet, featured deliberations on key issues such as climate resilience, crop protection, technological innovation, and equitable trade policies.

Global experts from the spice industry, research institutions, and trade organisations participated in discussions exploring strategies to enhance production efficiency and regional collaboration in the face of changing global market dynamics.

Speakers highlighted that in an era of increasing trade barriers and protectionism, stronger global partnerships are crucial for maintaining market stability and ensuring fair opportunities for all producing nations.

With India currently chairing the International Pepper Community, the sessions focused on collective efforts to strengthen value chains, promote sustainable cultivation, and build long-term resilience in the international pepper economy.