What is Black Pepper?
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is one of the most widely used spices in the world, often referred to as the “King of Spices.” It is derived from the dried berries (peppercorns) of the pepper plant and is valued for its sharp, pungent flavor and aromatic properties. Nigeria is a growing producer of black pepper, with increasing demand in international markets due to its quality and versatility.
Uses of Black Pepper
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Culinary: Used globally as a seasoning and flavoring in soups, sauces, stews, meats, and snacks.
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Food Industry: An essential ingredient in spice mixes, marinades, and processed foods.
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Medicinal: Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties.
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Cosmetics & Perfumery: Its oil is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and wellness products.
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Industrial: Used in preservatives and natural pesticide formulations.
Forms for Export
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Whole Black Pepper (Peppercorns) – cleaned, dried, and packaged.
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Ground/ Powdered Black Pepper – finely milled for direct food use.
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Black Pepper Extracts & Oil – concentrated form for industrial and medicinal purposes.
Export Specifications
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Moisture Content: ≤ 12%
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Foreign Matter: ≤ 1%
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Volatile Oil Content: ≥ 2%
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Packaging: 25kg, 40kg, or 50kg bags/cartons (jute, polypropylene, or kraft paper bags).
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Shelf Life: 18–24 months when stored in a cool, dry environment.
Packaging & Shipping
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Bulk packaging for industrial buyers.
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Smaller retail packs (50g, 100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg) for supermarkets.
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Shipped via sea freight (FCL/LCL) or air freight depending on urgency.
Major Importing Countries
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Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, France
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Asia: India, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia
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North America: USA, Canada
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Africa: South Africa, Ghana
HS Code for Black Pepper
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HS Code: 0904.11 (Whole)
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HS Code: 0904.12 (Ground/Crushed)
Why Export Black Pepper?
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Consistent global demand due to its staple use in food.
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High-value spice with good profit margins.
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Expanding market in health, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
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Nigeria’s tropical climate favors large-scale cultivation.
Black pepper is more than just a kitchen spice – it is a global commodity with endless market opportunities. Exporting black pepper opens access to diverse industries and guarantees consistent demand year-round.
