Sourcing · Green Cardamom
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)
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 data for procurement teams.
The supply-chain detail UK procurement and food-safety teams typically need before 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.
Apply for a trade account and we'll confirm pricing, MOQ and pack formats for your business within one business day.