The United States leads the world in the consumption and import of bulk spices, but very few spices are actually grown in America. Grocery stores, restaurants, re-packers, and sauce-makers buy imported spices grown in tropical climates, like those produced by our expert growers in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. When planning those purchases, it’s important for those in the food industry to understand exactly how the demand for fresh bulk spices is growing.
In 1950, the average American kitchen held 10 spices, seasonings, and extracts. In 2019, that average rose to 40 or more. The produce area of grocery stores, where fresh herbs and spices are sold, is growing at twice the rate of the packaged products area.
American Spice Consumption Per Capita
Most Common Spice Imports to the U.S.
Among Americans, the most popular bulk spices include:
- Vanilla beans
- Pepper (black pepper, chili pepper, and white pepper)
- Sesame seeds
- Cinnamon
- Mustard
- Oregano
However, in recent years, additional spices have grown in popularity and face increasing demand in the years to come. These include:
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Paprika
Overall, Americans appear to be expanding their palettes and incorporating an increasing variety of ethnic foods into their diets. This means grocery stores, restaurants, and re-packers must be prepared to supply a demand that is expected to rise every year.
Food Industry Uses for Fresh Bulk Spices
In addition to stocking produce shelves with bulk spices, the food industry must be prepared to meet increasing demands for spices from food manufacturers as well. The soups, sauces, and dressings industry is leading the way with the largest purchasing needs, but every sector has seen growth in recent years, and projected growth for the years ahead is extraordinary.
Are you ready to meet an increasing demand for fresh bulk spices? Contact us to set up your account and start ordering from our expert growers today.