Indonesia boosts global nutmeg sales

INDONESIA recorded a 23% increase in its global sales of nutmeg over the first eight months of this year as it continued to capitalise on the virtual absence of rival supplier Grenada.

Grenada’s crop was badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and the country has been struggling to get its nutmeg production back on track since.

As a result, Indonesia has gained market share in recent years as global importers have become largely dependent on the country for supplies of nutmeg.

Between January and August 2011, Indonesia shipped a total of 8,193 tonnes of nutmeg to global destinations compared with 6,655 tonnes in the same period of 2010.

Largest buyer Vietnam boosted its offtake by 25% over the 2011 period to 2,648 tonnes.

There was also a substantial gain in sales to second leading destination the US, which upped its purchases by 28.5% to 953 tonnes.

Shipments to the Netherlands advanced by 26% to 881 tonnes while those to Germany dipped by a marginal 2.57% to 635 tonnes.

Italy moved up to the slot of fifth largest market at 608 tonnes against only 153 tonnes in the first eight months of 2010.

Japan was another key market, boosting its volumes by nearly 30% to 393 tonnes.

India became a more prominent buyer over the 2011 period, acquiring 290 tonnes compared with only 90 tonnes in the same period of 2010.