What It Is
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose rhizome is widely used as a spice, flavoring, and medicinal ingredient. It is valued globally for its pungent, aromatic, and therapeutic qualities. Nigeria is one of the top producers of ginger in the world, with major growing states including Kaduna, Gombe, Benue, Niger, and Nassarawa.
Ginger Export from Nigeria
Ginger is among Nigeria’s most sought-after agricultural export commodities due to its high quality and unique aroma. Both fresh ginger and dried split ginger are exported, but the dried split form dominates the international market because of its longer shelf life, lower shipping costs, and high demand by processors.
Export Forms of Ginger
-
Fresh Ginger – exported mainly to nearby countries and markets that require immediate consumption.
-
Dried Split Ginger – sun-dried ginger cut into splits, widely demanded internationally.
-
Powdered Ginger – finely ground form, popular in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
-
Oil & Oleoresin Extracts – used in flavoring, perfumery, and pharmaceuticals.
Uses of Ginger
-
Culinary: seasoning, flavoring for food and beverages, confectioneries, and tea.
-
Medicinal: used for treating nausea, inflammation, colds, digestive disorders, and boosting immunity.
-
Industrial: input in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and essential oils.
-
Beverage Industry: for production of ginger beer, ginger ale, and herbal drinks.
Global Demand
The global ginger market continues to expand due to increasing awareness of its health benefits and industrial applications. Major importing countries include:
-
Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, France
-
Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia
-
Asia: India, China, Japan
-
North America: USA, Canada
Nigeria’s ginger is preferred because of its high oil and oleoresin content, making it very competitive globally.
Export Packaging
-
Dried split ginger is usually packed in jute bags or polypropylene bags of 25kg or 50kg.
-
Powdered ginger is packed in moisture-proof bags, cartons, or food-grade containers.
-
Fresh ginger is packaged in ventilated cartons/crates, sometimes coated with preservatives for extended shelf life.
Export Specifications (Typical for Dried Split Ginger)
-
Moisture content: 8–12% max
-
Oil content: 1.5–3.0%
-
Impurities: 2% max
-
Adulteration: Not allowed
-
Packaging: 25kg/50kg bags
HS Code for Ginger
-
HS Code: 0910.11 (Ginger, neither crushed nor ground)
-
HS Code: 0910.12 (Ginger, crushed or ground)
Why Export Ginger?
✅ Nigeria ranks among the top 5 global producers
✅ Huge demand in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries
✅ Wide market coverage across Europe, Asia, and North America
✅ High profitability and export earnings
Ginger export is a goldmine for investors, traders, and agribusiness entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
