The European market potential for dried ginger

Europe is a good market for exporters of dried ginger. Demand is stable, and there are opportunities for new suppliers. The United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands and Germany are the top three markets. These countries import the most ginger from developing countries and are strong target markets. There are also opportunities for stable suppliers of organic ginger, especially in the health-product segment.

1. Product description: dried ginger

Ginger is the root of a plant called Zingiber officinale. The shape of ginger roots can be uneven and irregular. Ginger grows mainly in tropical countries. The biggest ginger producers are China and India. Nigeria, Thailand, Peru, Brazil and Myanmar also produce smaller amounts of ginger. Around 3 million tonnes of ginger are grown around the world every year.

Ginger is mainly used in:

• Eastern cuisine and Indian cooking;
• bakery and confectionery products;
• infusions.

This study focuses only on dried ginger (both whole and crushed/ground). Fresh ginger is not discussed, since it belongs to the fresh fruit and vegetable market and is included in our studies on fresh fruit and vegetables. Note that most fresh ginger is partly dehydrated to 70% moisture content before shipping, so drying of fresh ginger generally takes place in the countries of origin. The markets for fresh and dried ginger are closely connected, and more fresh ginger than dried ginger is exported.

Within the Combined Nomenclature (CN) classification, dried ginger is covered under the following codes:

Table 1: HS codes for dried ginger

Note that code 0910.1100 includes both fresh and dried ginger. Because of this, we have estimated the amount of dried ginger traded under this code by country and supplying partner. The total amount of dried ginger in this report includes:

• Imports under code 0910.1200 (crushed or ground ginger, which is always dried);
• Our estimate of dried whole ginger traded under code 0910.1100.

Where this study refers to ‘Europe’, it includes the 27 member states of the European Union, plus the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway.

Figure 1: Ginger powder

Source: David Gabrielyan via Unsplash

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for dried ginger?

Imports of dried ginger into Europe grew quickly until 2022. This was mainly due to the strong interest in healthy products. Now that the trend has become more stable, imports have also stabilised. Although volumes are not growing as fast as before, the market remains steady, and there is demand for dried ginger.

Outlook for the European dried ginger market

The European market for dried ginger is expected to remain stable. The food industry is the main user of dried ginger, providing opportunities for new suppliers. Healthy ginger products are still popular, especially organic ginger.

The European Union (EU) economy is expected to grow slowly in 2025 and 2026. GDP is forecast to grow by 1.1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. Inflation in the EU is going down. It may fall from 2.6% in 2024 to 2.3% in 2025, and 1.9% in 2026. These changes may support demand. However, global events could also affect Europe’s economy. For example, new trade tariffs from the United States may slow growth, reducing how much people spend. If that happens, it could lower sales of products that contain ginger (especially premium products).

Stable imports of dried ginger to Europe

Ginger is used in many recipes, and consumer demand remains strong. Ginger has been a common ingredient in many European foods for a long time, from baked Christmas goods to meat marinades. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people looked for products with ginger for its health benefits, with a view to boosting their immune systems. This interest in healthy products did not end when the pandemic did. As a result, products like ginger tea are still popular, helping to keep the market steady.

The demand for ginger in Europe provides opportunities for you as an exporter. Buyers are increasingly willing to invest in long-term relationships or collaborations with suppliers to ensure sufficient and consistent supply.

In 2024, Europe imported an estimated 18,000 tonnes of dried ginger from developing countries. Of this total, 12,000 tonnes were powdered or crushed ginger. Powdered or crushed ginger imports grew from 9,000 tonnes in 2020 to 12,000 tonnes in 2024, a yearly growth of about 7.6%.

Source: UN Comtrade and Eurostat Comex (June 2025)

Estimated imports of dried ginger peaked in 2022, then dropped in 2023 and 2024. Strong growth between 2020 and 2022 was likely caused by higher demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, consumers used more ginger and ginger products. Importers also bought more to secure availability and avoid trade problems. Because importers still had stock from 2022, they imported less in 2023, even though consumption stayed the same.

While imports of dried powdered ginger grew between 2020 and 2024, imports of whole dried ginger went down. This drop is mainly due to lower exports from Nigeria, a country that faced serious crop disease problems during this period. Nigeria mostly exports whole or sliced dried ginger (‘split’) to Europe for further processing. When importers switch to suppliers like China, who can grind ginger more cost-effectively than EU processors, they prefer to buy powder instead of whole ginger.

Demand for ginger will stay stable in the next few years. Most changes will likely come from the supply side, as suppliers are increasingly experiencing poor weather conditions that affect the amount of ginger they can offer.

3. Which European countries offer the most opportunities for dried ginger?

The United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany are the top three markets considered to be most interesting for dried ginger in Europe. The United Kingdom and Germany are Europe’s two largest consumer markets for dried ginger. The Netherlands ranks second because it is an important European trade hub for spices. Spain, France and Belgium are the biggest importers in Europe.

Source: UN Comtrade and Eurostat Comext (June 2025)

The United Kingdom: an important spice and herbal infusion market

The UK is the leading importer of dried ginger from developing countries, importing almost 7 thousand tonnes in 2024. This is a big increase from 3,780 tonnes in 2020, with an average yearly growth of 16%.

China is by far the main supplier, sending 5,240 tonnes in 2024, which is 77% of total imports. Chinese exports to the United Kingdom grew fast over five years, with an average yearly growth rate of 29%. China was the fastest-growing supplier of dried ginger to the United Kingdom.

India is the second-largest supplier, sending 653 tonnes in 2024. India’s share is now 10% of total imports. Its growth has been slow, with only a 2% yearly increase since 2020. India is a traditional supplier of dried ginger to the United Kingdom, supplying the industry and important ethnic market in the United Kingdom.

Nigeria, Peru and Vietnam each have about a 2–3% market share. Nigeria grew fast, from 170 tonnes in 2020 to a peak in 2023, but dropped sharply in 2024 to 225 tonnes. Peru saw strong growth in 2022, but also declined after that. Both countries face unstable production.

Several spice companies in the United Kingdom sell ginger through different channels. Ehl Ingredients, an importer of spices for the food industry and the food service sector, offers ground ginger from China, Nigeria and India. The British Pepper Spice Company, a producer of private-label spices and condiments, has ginger in its portfolio. TRS sells ginger powder and many other Indian pastes and seasonings, serving the ethnic market. Gerald McDonald & Company sells spices and other ingredients to the food, drink, flavour and fragrance industries. They offer dried ginger from China, India and Nigeria. In retail, the British company Bart offers high-quality spices, including ginger. Most tea and herbal infusion companies, such as high-end company Whittard, and mainstream brands like Lipton and Tetley, also use ginger in their blends.

The British organic market is among the largest in Europe, and its fair-trade market is the largest in the region. This makes it a very promising market for certified ginger. Clipper, for example, sells organic and, to some extent, fair trade teas and infusions containing ginger. British spice company Steenbergs also offers a wide range of products with organic ginger, from candied ginger cubes to ground ginger, infusions with ginger and even a kit to brew ginger beer.

If you are an exporter of conventional or organic-certified ginger and particularly target herbal infusion/tea and spice companies, the United Kingdom is an interesting market. British consumers are interested in health, wellness and functional ingredients like ginger. Many prefer natural products with clear origins and health benefits. The United Kingdom also has strong retail and online sales channels for speciality teas and spices, which offer opportunities for new brands.

The Netherlands: a large ginger trader and European hub

The Netherlands is an import hub and important trader of ginger in Europe. However, its estimated imports from developing countries appear to be declining. In 2024, the Netherlands imported 4,122 tonnes of dried ginger from developing countries. This is a clear drop from 6,732 tonnes in 2020, with an average yearly decline of 12%.

Peru was the main supplier in 2024, with 1,532 tonnes and a 37% market share. However, its exports dropped from over 3,000 tonnes in 2020, showing a 16% decline per year. Peru remains important, but it is slowly losing ground to other competitors, especially China.

China was the second-largest supplier, with 967 tonnes and a 23% share. Chinese exports to the Netherlands grew by 10% per year, showing a strong recovery after a low point in 2023. If this trend continues, China may soon become the top supplier.

Nigeria used to be a top supplier, but its exports dropped sharply. In 2020, Nigeria exported 2,337 tonnes, but by 2024, that was down to 865 tonnes. Its market share is now 21%, with a high decline rate of -22% per year. This shows supply and stability problems.

India and Vietnam are growing suppliers in the Dutch market. India increased its exports to 323 tonnes (a growth of 8%), while Vietnam reached 238 tonnes (6%). Vietnam showed the fastest growth, with 41% per year. Both countries have good potential for the future.

Exports of ground ginger from the Netherlands grew by just 0.7% per year between 2020 and 2024. In the same period, imports of ground ginger from developing countries grew by 6.2% per year. This suggests that more ground ginger is either used within the Netherlands or reprocessed into other products, like spice mixes or marinades, before being exported. Germany was the top buyer of Dutch ground ginger in 2024, with 845 tonnes (44%). Belgium came second with 369 tonnes. Other buyers included Sweden, Slovakia, France, Austria and Spain.

Verstegen and Euroma are among the top spice companies in the Dutch market. These companies import spices directly from developing-country suppliers. Important Dutch spice traders include Catz and Nedspice; smaller traders distributing ginger are companies like H.J. Albring and Keyzer & Company. Even if the Netherlands is not your main end market, explore the country as a point of entry for ginger supplies to Europe. A full list of Dutch companies trading spices is available on the website of the Dutch Spice Association. This association also supports the sustainable sourcing of spices. Among other things, the Dutch Spice Association offers a toolkit for members to help implement social responsibility guidelines in their supply chain. The toolkit includes a special module about child labour.

Germany: European hub and large consumer market

Germany is one of the largest consumer markets in Europe, with over 83 million people and strong demand for spices like ginger. At the same time, Germany acts as a key trade hub, re-exporting part of its imports to nearby countries such as Austria, Poland and Switzerland.

Germany was the third-largest importer of ginger in 2024. It imported about 2,800 tonnes of dried ginger, a big drop from 2022, when imports were over 8,400 tonnes. Between 2020 and 2024, total imports fell by about 10% per year. Still, Germany remains an important market and entry point for ginger in Europe.

The main reason for the decrease is lower supply from Nigeria. Drought and political problems in Nigeria reduced the availability of ginger and increased prices. Most ginger in Germany is used by the food industry. Changing the origin of ginger affects recipes and the full traceability of the supply chain. Because of this, it is not easy or quick for food companies to switch to a new supplying country.

China was the main supplier in 2024. It shipped 1,280 tonnes, 45% of Germany’s total imports. China’s exports to Germany fell slightly but stayed stable overall, with a CAGR of about 5.3%. Nigeria’s exports dropped the most: from 1,900 tonnes in 2020 to 600 tonnes in 2024. This is a yearly drop of about -24%. Nigeria's market share also fell, from 45% in 2021 to 21% in 2024.

India supplied 365 tonnes in 2024, about 13% of the market. Its yearly growth was about 3.5%. In 2024, Peru and Vietnam had small shares of 8% and 5% respectively. Both countries also saw falling exports in recent years.

The port of Hamburg is an important hub for the spice trade and an entry point into the German food and beverage industry. This places several relevant spice traders in the country, connecting suppliers to end-using industries like Worlée and AKO The Spice Company.

German consumers are not very loyal to brands; instead, many prefer to buy the cheapest or best price/quality product. This is also reflected by the above-average number of discount retail formulas in Germany. Despite this, German supermarket shelves offer quite a few spices and herbs brands. However, several of them (Fuchs, Ostmann, Ubena) are owned by the same company, the clear market leader Fuchs (website in German), which has a 75% market share.

As well as being the largest spice manufacturer, Fuchs is also one of the most innovative companies in the segment. The company recently launched ‘limited edition’ spice ranges, its own online shop, and seasonal thematic items such as the Spices Advent Calendar.

Germany is a very important market for sustainable and niche products, and is worth exploring if you are a certified and high-quality ginger supplier. The organic food market in Germany is the largest in Europe. As a result, several companies handle organic-certified ginger and ginger products in the German market. Examples are Lebensbaum, Herbaria and BioWagner, a Fuchs Gruppe brand. Specialised shops offering high-quality spices, like Gewürze der Welt, are also common in Germany.

Spain: a dynamic spice-processing industry

Spain is an important food-producing country in Europe, with a strong spice-processing industry. Most of its spice imports are used in the industrial sector, where price and quality are key factors. In 2024, Spain imported about 930 tonnes of dried ginger, a small drop from 1,090 tonnes in 2022. From 2020 to 2024, imports declined by 0.8% annually, showing a mostly stable market.

Peru and China are Spain's main suppliers of dried ginger. Peru was the biggest supplier in 2024. The country shipped 518 tonnes, making up 56% of Spain’s imports. Peru’s exports grew slightly over the years, with a yearly growth of about 4.6%. In the same year, China shipped 111 tonnes, accounting for 12% of total imports. Its exports were unstable, going up and down each year. From 2020 to 2024, China’s yearly decrease was about -3.5%.

Other important ginger suppliers to Spain were Nigeria, Brazil and India. Nigeria’s supply to Spain dropped sharply: from 426 tonnes in 2021 to only 108 tonnes in 2024. This is a strong annual decline of about 16%. Its share dropped from 29% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. Meanwhile, Brazil and India both increased their supply in 2024. Brazil shipped 98 tonnes, and India shipped 94 tonnes. Their market shares were 11% and 10% respectively. These shifts suggest that changes in price and supply quality influenced the sourcing decisions of Spanish importers.

If you are an exporter targeting the spice-processing segment, Spain could be a promising destination. The Spanish Association for Spice Processors and Packers (AEC) consists of about 20 members targeting the retail and food industry. The country has a dynamic food industry focusing on formulations for food products, seasonings and spices. 

Around 110 companies in Spain specialise in the trade and manufacture of spices. Companies that use dried ginger in spice mixes for the industry include Sabater, Ceylan and Doscadesa. Companies selling ginger to the retail market include Carmencita and Lomar.

France: a leading food and drink market

France is one of Europe’s largest food and drink markets, with over 67 million people and a strong food production. It is home to many food-processing companies producing ready-to-eat meals, sauces and seasoning blends. The French spice industry is well developed and serves home cooking and the food industry. This drives the demand for dried ginger.

In 2024, France imported about 930 tonnes of dried ginger directly from developing countries. Imports peaked in 2021 at 1,080 tonnes, then dropped in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, volumes began to recover. This trend is linked to changing suppliers. The earlier decline was mostly due to lower volumes from Dominica, India and Madagascar. The recovery in 2024 was supported by higher imports from China, Brazil and India. On average, French imports of dried ginger grew by 1.8% per year between 2020 and 2024.

While France’s ginger imports are stable, the top suppliers are changing. China was the leading supplier in 2024. The country shipped 283 tonnes, which was 30% of imports. China’s exports to France grew fast, with a yearly growth of 19%. Madagascar came second, with 126 tonnes (14% share). Its exports grew by about 10% per year. Brazil was the third main origin with 122 tonnes in 2024. This was 13% of the total.

Other smaller suppliers of dried ginger to France are Côte d’Ivoire, India and Dominica. Côte d’Ivoire grew from 86 tonnes in 2020 to 102 tonnes in 2024, with a yearly growth of 4.3% and a market share of 11%. India also increased its exports, from 49 tonnes in 2020 to 92 tonnes in 2024. This is a strong growth of 17% per year and a 10% share. Dominica was the top supplier in 2020. But in 2024, it sent only 91 tonnes, making up a 10% share and a yearly drop of 11%.

France is home to interesting and large spice companies that source directly from origin, like Ducros and Cepasco. It is also characterised by many small and medium-sized companies like Touraco, which specialises in West African spices, and l’Herbier du Diois, which supplies organic spices, herbs and mixtures. The diverse French market has opportunities for a broad range of suppliers, whether you are offering lower or higher qualities and quantities.

Belgium: a small but promising market for dried ginger

Belgium may be smaller than other European food markets, but it plays an active role in the regional spice trade and distribution. It has a population of over 11 million people, and a well-developed food industry that exports to neighbouring countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany. Belgium is also home to international spice traders serving local and export markets.

In 2024, Belgium imported about 920 tonnes of dried ginger. Imports peaked in 2022 at 950 tonnes, then dropped in 2023, before rising again in 2024. Over those five years, imports grew at a rate of 9% per year. The overall growth in Belgian imports is mostly due to strong supply from China and a big increase from India. The slight drop in 2023 was likely linked to lower Chinese volumes, which partly recovered in 2024.

China, Côte d’Ivoire and India were Belgium’s main suppliers of dried ginger in 2024. China was the top supplier with 465 tonnes (51% share), despite a drop after its 2022 peak. Côte d’Ivoire followed with 228 tonnes (25% share), showing a stable supply over the years. India grew fast, from just 3 tonnes in 2020 to 167 tonnes in 2024. This gave India an 18% share, and a yearly growth rate of over 160%.

The Belgian spice sector is smaller than the other five main importing countries, but it also offers opportunities for exporters from developing countries. It has different actors, from big importers to smaller specialists.

Spice Services plays an important role in the Belgian spice trade. It imports from origin and sells products in Belgium and the rest of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Africa (distribution centres in South Africa and Egypt), North America, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. The company has offices in China, where it handles quality inspection. It currently offers ginger from China, India and Africa.

Another example is Comptoir des Epices. This is a smaller company focusing on high-quality, organic spices for the retail market. It offers its products through independent stores and online shops across Belgium, serving a niche but growing group of health-conscious consumers.

4. Which trends offer opportunities or pose threats in the European dried ginger market?

The European market for dried ginger is influenced by several trends that create both opportunities and challenges for exporters. One key trend is the growing demand for healthy and natural foods. Many European consumers believe ginger has health benefits, so they buy more teas, snacks and spice mixes with ginger.

Another important trend is the rise of ethnic flavours. Ginger is a key spice in many Asian recipes. It is used in both restaurants and home cooking. As more Europeans try international dishes, the demand for ginger in spice mixes, sauces and ready meals continues to grow.

Finally, more European buyers are asking for certified organic and sustainably sourced ginger. This offers opportunities for certified suppliers, especially in health and wellness products like tea. However, the organic market can be unstable, and prices can change quickly. Exporters need to follow these trends closely and talk with buyers before investing in certification.

The search for healthy foods drives ginger demand in Europe

Consumers searching for healthy and natural products stimulate the growing demand for dried ginger on the European market. This is not a surprise, as healthy living is one of the most critical trends in Europe. The perceived health benefits of ginger are described, among other things, in blogs, vlogs and health magazines. These publications often mention that ginger consumption helps with many issues, from easing digestive issues and fighting bacterial infections, to easing arthritis symptoms and supporting patients with the post-treatment effects of chemotherapy.   

Due to its popularity, ginger is sold as a stand-alone spice or as part of other food products, for example tea and snacks, such as Waitrose's Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits (United Kingdom) and Eat Natural High Fibre Apple Ginger & Dark Chocolate Bars (United Kingdom).

Ginger has become a staple in tea and infusions on the European market. Besides infusions, spice mixes for drinks like golden milk have stayed popular. Golden milk is a mix of turmeric, ginger and other spices inspired by Ayurvedic tradition. Today, many brands sell these mixes. You can also find new products based on golden milk, like Golden Milk porridge.

Figure 4: Different infusions with ginger from the same brand in Germany

Source: Globally Cool

The COVID-19 pandemic also started the trend of ginger shots, which is still going strong today. Ginger shots are usually made with fresh ginger. However, some spice companies now offer dry ginger mixes for ‘ginger shots’, using the popularity of this product.

Dried ginger pieces and candied ginger have also become more common. They are now sold as snacks, mixed with muesli, or used to make infusions and lemonades. You can find them in many shops. This is a new trend—five years ago, dried ginger pieces were not as easy to find as they are now. More products also contain candied or dried ginger pieces, like yoghurts or muesli.

Candied ginger chunks are made by cooking ginger in a sugar syrup. Dried ginger chunks are produced using different processes. The German company Koro states that ginger chunks are cooked, dipped in fructose and dried. On the other hand, the independent store Royal Nuts states that its ginger is 100% free of sugar, sulphur and other additives. This product should be soft and pleasant to chew.

Growing popularity of ethnic cuisines

Demand for ethnic food in Europe has been rising for many years. Dried ginger is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, so its demand has also increased. Popular European and Asian meals include hot dishes like ginger beef stir-fry. Ginger is also found in snacks like ginger cookies, often eaten during Chinese New Year.

The food industry in Europe is following this trend. The number of processed foods with Asian flavours has grown over the past 10 years. One fast-growing category is convenience products. These include frozen meals, sauces, curry pastes and marinated meats. Many of them list ginger as an ingredient.

Asian restaurants are also popular in many European cities. In 2023, the market for Asian ready meals in Europe, such as Thai and Korean dishes, increased by 6.8%. These restaurants often use ginger in their recipes, adding to the steady demand for dried ginger in the European food service sector.

At the same time, more people are cooking international meals at home, which has increased demand for spices and spice mixes. Consumers often buy ready-made mixes, like this Food Finisher, Asian spice mixture, which is easier than mixing spices at home. Because many of these spice mixes contain ginger powder, they help keep demand for dried ginger strong.

Europe’s multicultural population is also growing. In 2024, about 2.5 million people born in China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Bangladesh lived in Europe. This does not include smaller groups from other Southeast Asian countries. This cultural mix also supports the growing use of ginger in both home cooking and restaurants.

Growing demand for organically certified spices and herbs

Sustainable sourcing is an important trend in Europe, especially in Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. As a supplier, you will face sustainability requirements from your buyer. Many buyers see sustainable sourcing as a must. For example, UK-based Pukka Herbs extensively describes how it sources its various ingredients, including ginger, in its Annual Impact Report.

Organic certification is one of the growing buyer requirements for sustainable sourcing. This certification is especially interesting for healthy products like infusions, while the use of organic ginger is minimal in industrial processing.

Figure 5: Organic teas with ginger

Source: Globally Cool

Growth in organic spices reflects the overall growth in organic sales for European food and beverages. Overall retail sales in Europe reached almost €55 billion in 2023, making it the world’s second-largest region for organic retail sales after North America. The largest national markets for organic foods are Germany (29% of the European market in 2023, with organic retail sales of over €16 billion), France (at €12 billion) and Switzerland (at €4.2 billion).

Source: FiBL, 2025

Certified ginger is still a niche market, but ginger, along with curcuma, cumin seeds and pepper, is among the most traded organic-certified spices. Overall, most mainstream buyers are unwilling to pay more for certified products. Because of this, it is important to discuss opportunities for certification with your buyers before you become certified.

Some buyers see the organic ginger market as unstable. There are often big changes in supply and prices, making it hard for large processors to work with organic ginger. When ingredients change, they must also change their recipes and update documents, which takes time, and adds extra work for the industry.

Still, organic certification can help exporters access interesting niche markets and secure long-term partnerships. One example of a successful exporter of organic dried ginger to Europe is the Sri Lankan company Joint Agri Products Ceylon. The company also has other important sustainability labels, like Demeter, Naturland and Fairtrade. For them, having both organic and fair-trade certifications, as well as the food safety certificate FSSC22000, helps them stand out from the competition.

An example from Tanzania is Trianon Spices, which has a strong focus on sustainability. It processes spices from smallholder farmers and sells organic and conventional dried ginger. Trianon Spices implements regenerative agriculture in Tanzania to mitigate the environmental impact of its activities and improve soil health.

Globally Cool carried out this study on behalf of CBI.

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