What It Is
Chilli Pepper, also known as hot pepper, is one of the most widely used spices in the world. It belongs to the Capsicum family and is renowned for its pungency, flavor, and medicinal value. Nigerian Chilli Pepper comes in varieties such as Cayenne, Bird’s Eye (Atarodo), Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, and Bell Pepper, each with unique levels of heat measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Why It’s in High Demand
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Culinary Uses: A vital ingredient in African, Asian, and European cuisines, used fresh, dried, or powdered.
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Medicinal Benefits: Known for boosting metabolism, improving digestion, and providing pain relief due to capsaicin.
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Food Processing: Used in sauces, spice blends, seasonings, pickles, and canned foods.
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Industrial Applications: Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics (e.g., heat creams), and food preservatives.
Export Opportunities
Nigeria is one of the top producers of Chilli Pepper in Africa. With its rich soil and favorable climate, the country exports large volumes to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The demand is particularly strong in the UK, USA, Germany, Spain, and India, where African hot peppers are highly sought after.
Export Forms
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Fresh Chilli Pepper – carefully packaged to retain freshness.
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Dried Whole Chilli – sun-dried or machine-dried for longer shelf life.
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Chilli Powder/Crushed Flakes – finely ground for spice production.
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Capsaicin Extract – for pharmaceutical and industrial use.
Packaging for Export
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Fresh: Packaged in ventilated cartons or crates (5kg–10kg).
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Dried: Sealed in moisture-proof bags (25kg–50kg).
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Powdered: Packaged in food-grade airtight pouches (1kg, 5kg, 25kg).
HS Code
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HS Code for Dried Chilli Pepper: 090421
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HS Code for Fresh/Chilled Chilli Pepper: 070960
Global Market Demand
The global chilli pepper market is projected to grow steadily, driven by the rising demand for spicy foods and natural medicinal products. The UK and EU import regulations favor hygienically dried, pesticide-free, and aflatoxin-free products, giving Nigerian exporters an advantage if they adhere to international standards.
Why Invest in Chilli Pepper Export?
High global demand
Multiple forms (fresh, dried, powdered, extract)
Versatility in food, medicine, and industry
Lucrative foreign exchange opportunities
