Kochi, October 29, 2025: The global pepper industry converged in Kochi for the 53rd Annual Sessions and Meetings of the International Pepper Community (IPC) and the International Spice Exhibition. Hosted by the Government of India and jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Spices Board India, and the International Pepper Community, the two-day event brought together delegates, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and traders from across the globe to deliberate on the future of the pepper trade under the theme “Revitalizing Pepper Trade: Innovation, Equity, and Regional Resilience.”

In inaugural address, Adv. Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson, Spices Board emphasized India’s pivotal role in shaping the global spice trade and driving inclusive growth in the pepper sector. She highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaborative partnerships among producing nations to strengthen the resilience of the global pepper economy. She also reaffirmed the Spices Board’s commitment to advancing quality, traceability, and value addition across the entire spice value chain.

On the sidelines of the inaugural session, the IPC awards for best pepper farmers were conferred to Mr Y.N. Krishna Kumar from India, Mr Alfeddy Hernandy from Indonesia, Mr  Encik Umtam Anak Jelalu from Malaysia, Mr Y.G. Layanal Bandara from Sri Lanka and Mr Mai Duc Diep from Viet Nam. Awards for excellence in export of value-added pepper products were conferred to M/s Synthite Industries Private Limited from India, M/s Pt. Natura Perisa aroma from Indonesia, M/s Nguong Aik Sdn Bhd from Malaysia and M/s Simexco Dak Lak Ltd from Viet Nam . Awards for excellence in innovative pepper product manufactures were bestowed to M/s Herbal Isolates Pvt.Ltd  from India,  M/s Puhus Pepper Plantation from Malaysia and  M/s Pearl Corporation Ltd from Malaysia.

Business Session, held on October 28, featured engaging discussions from global industry experts. Speakers included Mr. Giridhar Rao, Vice President Operations, Terova Inc;  Dr. Viju Jacob, Executive Chairman, Synthite Industries (P) Ltd;  Mrs. Laura Shumow, Executive Director, American Spices Trade Association; Mrs. Anna Strzelec, International Sales, Scorpion;  Mrs. Sushama Srikandath, Managing Director, AVT McCormick Ingredient P Ltd, and Mr. Jasvinder Singh Sethi, Director, NAMAGRO  and IPC Consultant who also moderated a panel discussion with all participants.

The Pepper Tech Meeting discussed various aspects of pepper production from crop protection, climate resilience, quality and innovation. Dr Santhosh J. Eapen, Researcher/ Mentor/ Science Writer; Dr Murukesan Krishnapillai, Research Scientist, College of Micronesia – FSM; Dr Sunil Tamgale, Scientist and International Black Pepper Crop Advisor; Mr Prasobh S. Prasad, Head of Research and Development, Mane Kancor Ingredients Pvt Ltd ; Mr Pradeep Shrivastava, Team Leader Business Development Government,  Food & Agribusiness Strategic Advisory & Research, YES Bank; and Dr N. Mini Raj, Former Dean College Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University led the discussions.

The sessions underscored the growing need for innovation, equitable trade practices, and regional cooperation in the global spice sector as the world navigates a new phase of global reset and protectionism. India, which currently holds the Chairmanship of the International Pepper Community, led the discussions that explored ways to strengthen value chains, promote sustainable cultivation, and enhance resilience among the member countries. The event was graced by Smt. Sangeetha Viswanathan, Chairperson, Spices Board, Smt. P. Hemalatha, IAS, Secretary, Spices Board, and Ms. Marina Novira Anggraini, Executive Director, IPC, along with senior officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the global spice industry. The event was supported by YES Bank as the Knowledge Partner and NIIST as the Technology Partner, underscoring a collaborative effort to advance innovation and growth in the global pepper industry.

The 53rd Annual Session and Meetings of the International Pepper Community will continue till 30^th October 2025. 

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