Black Pepper Prices Strengthen Amidst Festive Demand

11-Sep-2026 11:06 AM

Kochi. Black pepper prices are firming up due to rising demand ahead of the peak festive season. The domestic market is also being influenced by the likelihood of a slight dip in production and the high cost of imports. Efforts are underway to increase black pepper imports to meet domestic demand and requirements.

Import costs—particularly from Sri Lanka—have risen due to price hikes in supplier countries and the depreciation of the Indian Rupee. Exporters have begun raising prices in response to India's robust demand, a trend likely to continue.

In the local terminal market, black pepper prices remain firm at ₹724 per kg for the 'garbled' grade and ₹704 per kg for the 'ungarbled' grade. Market arrivals totaled approximately 50 tonnes recently, with the bulk consisting of imports from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has seen a strong harvest this season, driving increased imports into India.

Conversely, adverse weather conditions in India threaten to impact domestic black pepper production. A director at the India Pepper and Spice Trade Association (IPSTA) notes that deficient and erratic rainfall in Karnataka, Kerala (Idukki), and Tamil Nadu is likely to reduce output. While domestic production was initially projected at 65,000–70,000 tonnes, the actual yield could be significantly lower due to the impact of El Niño and a weak monsoon.

Festive demand for black pepper is rising in the domestic market and is expected to remain steady through November, likely sustaining the upward trend in prices.