Cardamom Exporter from India – Bulk Cardamom Supplier
Arter International supplies Indian cardamom for international importers, spice distributors, wholesalers, food manufacturers, seasoning companies and other B2B buyers.
Indian green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is valued for its distinctive aroma, flavour and green appearance. The Spices Board of India identifies commercial Indian grades including Alleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB), Alleppey Green Bold (AGB) and Alleppey Green Superior (AGS).
For international buyers, cardamom should be purchased against an agreed specification covering pod size, colour, moisture, defects, foreign matter, aroma, volatile oil and destination-specific food-safety requirements.
Arter International can discuss whole green cardamom, buyer-specific grades, bulk quantities, packaging, testing, documentation and shipment requirements according to the buyer's specification and product availability.
For bulk cardamom sourcing, samples or quotations:
Email: exports@arterinternational.com
Cardamom Product Overview
Cardamom is a perennial spice belonging to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The commercially used portion is the dried fruit or capsule.
Small cardamom is commercially cultivated in southern Indian growing regions, particularly Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Spices Board identifies Malabar, Mysore and Vazhukka as recognized types based on plant and panicle characteristics.
Basic Product Information
Product: Indian Green Cardamom
Common Name: Cardamom / Elaichi
Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Family: Zingiberaceae
Country of Origin: India
Product Form: Whole dried capsules/pods
Common Commercial Grades: AGEB, AGB, AGS
Colour: Green to light green depending on grade and processing
Aroma: Characteristically sweet, warm and aromatic
Commercial Part: Dried fruit/capsule
HS Classification: Generally within HS 0908; exact classification should be verified for the specific product and shipment.
Indian Cardamom Varieties and Grades
Cardamom is not a single uniform product. Buyers commonly differentiate it according to origin, pod size, colour, density, appearance, defects and commercial grade.
Alleppey Green Extra Bold – AGEB
AGEB is one of the recognized Indian green cardamom grades.
The Spices Board's grade specifications identify AGEB as Cardamom Extra Bold, with a minimum sieve size of 7 mm and minimum weight specification of 435 g/L under the cited grading standard.
It may be suitable for buyers seeking larger, well-developed green pods for:
Premium spice retail
Gourmet products
Foodservice
Spice blending
Premium food manufacturing
Final quality should be confirmed against the agreed specification and actual lot.
Alleppey Green Bold – AGB
AGB is another established commercial grade of Indian green cardamom.
The Spices Board's published cardamom information identifies AGB as Extra Bold, with a 7 mm size specification and a 435 g/L minimum weight specification in its grade table.
The grade can be considered for:
Spice importers
Wholesalers
Food manufacturers
Spice processors
Retail spice businesses
Alleppey Green Superior – AGS
AGS is a recognized Indian green cardamom grade used in international trade.
The Spices Board's published grading information identifies AGS as the Superior grade.
The exact commercial specification should be confirmed before purchase because buyers may use different internal specifications for size, colour, moisture and defect tolerances.
Buyer-Specified Cardamom
International buyers may specify cardamom according to:
Pod size
Grade
Green colour
Bulk density
Moisture
Empty pods
Immature pods
Split pods
Black pods
Foreign matter
Volatile oil
Pesticide residues
Microbiological parameters
Destination-country requirements
Arter International can review the buyer's specification and discuss the appropriate product according to availability.
Cardamom Technical Specifications
Exact specifications should be confirmed for the selected grade and shipment.
Common quality parameters considered by commercial cardamom buyers include:
Product: Green Cardamom
Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum
Origin: India
Form: Whole dried capsules
Grade: AGEB / AGB / AGS or buyer-specific grade
Pod Size: According to agreed grade
Colour: According to agreed specification
Moisture: According to agreed specification
Bulk Density: Where applicable
Empty Capsules: According to agreed specification
Malformed Capsules: According to agreed specification
Immature/Shrivelled Capsules: According to agreed specification
Black/Split Capsules: According to agreed specification
Foreign Matter: According to agreed specification
Volatile Oil: Where required
Pesticide Residues: According to destination-market requirements
Aflatoxin: Where applicable
Microbiological Parameters: According to buyer and destination requirements
Heavy Metals: Where required
Shelf Life: To be confirmed according to product, packaging and storage conditions
The official Spices Board grade standard provides defined characteristics for grades including AGEB and other cardamom classifications, demonstrating why commercial buyers should distinguish between grade-specific requirements rather than treating all green cardamom as identical.
Numerical specifications should be finalized against the agreed purchase specification and actual batch/laboratory test results.
Cardamom Processing and Cleaning
Post-harvest handling has an important influence on the appearance and quality of green cardamom.
The Spices Board highlights post-harvest quality improvement and scientific curing as important for producing export-quality cardamom.
Harvesting and Selection
Suitable cardamom capsules are selected according to the required commercial grade and processing requirements.
Cleaning
Cleaning may be used to remove:
Foreign material
Dust
Plant debris
Unwanted particles
Curing and Drying
Fresh cardamom capsules require appropriate curing and drying after harvest.
Scientific curing is important for maintaining desirable colour and reducing quality deterioration. The Spices Board specifically notes that curing conditions influence green colour retention and the occurrence of split and yellow capsules.
Grading
Dried cardamom may be separated according to:
Pod size
Colour
Weight/density
Physical appearance
Defects
Commercial grade
Sorting
Where applicable, additional sorting can be used to separate unsuitable pods and improve lot uniformity.
Packing
The processed cardamom is packed according to the agreed packaging and destination requirements.
Applications of Indian Cardamom
Cardamom is widely used as a culinary spice and flavouring ingredient.
Food and Cooking
Whole cardamom is used in:
Rice dishes
Curries
Desserts
Sweets
Baked foods
Tea
Coffee
Beverages
Spice Blending
Cardamom can be used in:
Garam masala
Curry blends
Spice mixtures
Chai spice blends
Dessert seasoning
Foodservice spice blends
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Commercial food manufacturers may use cardamom as a flavouring spice in:
Confectionery
Bakery products
Dairy products
Beverages
Ready-to-eat foods
Seasoning products
Spice Processing
Whole cardamom can also be used as raw material for further processing into:
Cardamom seeds
Cardamom powder
Spice blends
Cardamom-derived ingredients
Flavour and Fragrance Applications
Cardamom contains aromatic volatile compounds and may be used in flavour and fragrance applications. Buyers requiring cardamom for specialized applications should specify the intended use because additional technical and testing requirements may apply.
Cardamom Packaging Options
Packaging should be selected according to:
Product grade
Quantity
Destination
Storage conditions
Buyer requirements
Retail or industrial application
Possible packaging formats can include:
PP bags
Food-grade lined bags
Paper bags
Jute bags
Vacuum packaging
Tins
Cartons
Custom packaging
Private-label packaging
Vacuum or other protective packaging may be considered where the buyer requires additional protection of aroma and product quality.
Custom and Private-Label Packaging
Subject to order requirements, buyers can discuss:
Custom printed bags
Retail pouches
Custom labels
Bulk packaging
Buyer-specified packaging
Private-label cardamom
Final packaging material, weight, artwork and labeling should be agreed before order confirmation.
Bulk Cardamom Supply and MOQ
Arter International can discuss bulk cardamom requirements for:
Importers
Distributors
Wholesalers
Spice traders
Food manufacturers
Seasoning companies
Retail spice brands
Foodservice suppliers
Re-exporters
Minimum Order Quantity
There is no single MOQ applicable to every cardamom order.
The MOQ may depend on:
Grade
Pod size
Quantity
Packaging
Destination
Private-label requirements
Testing requirements
Shipment method
Availability
MOQ: To be confirmed according to the buyer's requirement.
Buyers requiring LCL, part-container or full-container shipments should mention their preferred shipment quantity when requesting a quotation.
Cardamom Export Markets
Indian cardamom is traded internationally and is relevant to buyers across:
Middle East
GCC countries
Europe
United Kingdom
North America
Asia
Africa
Other international markets
The exact feasibility of a shipment depends on the destination country's import regulations, product requirements, testing, documentation and applicable residue limits.
Buyers should communicate destination-specific requirements before order confirmation.
Quality Control and Testing
Cardamom quality should be evaluated against the agreed product specification.
Depending on the buyer and destination, testing may include:
Moisture
Purity
Foreign matter
Pod-size distribution
Defective/empty capsules
Volatile oil
Pesticide residues
Aflatoxin
Microbiological parameters
Heavy metals
Other destination-specific food-safety parameters
The Spices Board also operates quality and analytical services for spices, with its laboratories using internationally aligned analytical methods; its stated quality-control framework includes ISO 17025/NABL-accredited laboratories.
Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) can be discussed where applicable.
The required test parameters should be agreed before shipment and should correspond to the relevant product batch or agreed testing procedure.
Third-party inspection or laboratory analysis can also be discussed when required by the buyer.
Certifications and Export Documentation
Documentation requirements vary according to the destination country, buyer and shipment.
Depending on the transaction, buyers may require:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin
Phytosanitary Certificate, where applicable
Fumigation Certificate, where applicable
Certificate of Analysis
Health or sanitary documentation, where required
Insurance documents, where applicable
Other destination-specific certificates or declarations
The Spices Board states that spice exporters are subject to its registration framework, while importing-country requirements can determine additional inspection and testing requirements.
Arter International should confirm the exact documentation and certifications available for the specific shipment before commitment.
Cardamom Logistics and Shipping
International cardamom shipments can be arranged according to mutually agreed commercial terms.
Possible Incoterms may include:
FOB
CFR
CIF
Other mutually agreed Incoterms
Shipment Information Buyers Should Provide
For a more accurate quotation, provide:
Destination country
Port of discharge
Required quantity
Cardamom grade
Packaging
Preferred Incoterm
Required testing
Documentation requirements
Preferred shipment date
Freight costs, transit times and shipment schedules depend on destination, carrier availability, season and other logistics conditions and should be confirmed at the quotation stage.
Private Label Cardamom
Businesses selling cardamom under their own brand can discuss private-label requirements subject to product availability and packaging requirements.
Potential options include:
Retail pouches
Printed bags
Branded cartons
Custom labels
Bulk branded packaging
Buyer-specific packaging
Buyers should provide packaging artwork, label information and destination-market requirements before final packing approval.
Why Source Cardamom from Arter International?
International buyers evaluating cardamom suppliers generally need to consider more than the quoted price.
Important purchasing factors include:
Grade consistency
Pod size
Colour
Aroma
Moisture
Defect levels
Testing
Packaging
Documentation
Destination compliance
Shipment terms
Arter International approaches cardamom sourcing around the buyer's agreed commercial and technical specification.
Buyers can discuss:
Indian green cardamom
AGEB
AGB
AGS
Buyer-specific grades
Different pod sizes
Bulk quantities
Custom packaging
Private labeling
Samples
COA/testing requirements
Export documentation
FOB/CFR/CIF shipment requirements
How to Buy Cardamom from India
Step 1 — Send Your Requirement
Provide:
Required grade
Pod size
Quantity
Colour requirement
Moisture requirement
Packaging
Destination country
Port of discharge
Testing requirements
Documentation requirements
Preferred Incoterm
Step 2 — Specification Review
The buyer's requirements can be reviewed against the available cardamom grade and product specification.
Step 3 — Sample Request
Where applicable, buyers can request a sample for evaluation before placing a bulk order.
Step 4 — Commercial Quotation
The quotation can be prepared based on:
Grade
Quantity
Packaging
Destination
Freight
Incoterm
Current market conditions
Step 5 — Order Confirmation
Once technical and commercial terms are agreed, the order can proceed according to the agreed contract.
Step 6 — Testing and Shipment
Product preparation, quality verification and export documentation are completed according to the agreed requirements before shipment.
Buyer Information Checklist
For a faster cardamom quotation, international buyers should provide:
Product: Green Cardamom
Grade: AGEB / AGB / AGS / buyer-specific
Pod Size: Required size
Colour: Required colour
Quantity: MT or kg
Moisture: Required maximum
Defect Tolerance: If specified
Foreign Matter: Required limit
Volatile Oil: If required
Pesticide MRL: Destination requirement
Microbiological Specification: If applicable
Packaging: Required weight and material
Destination Country: Country and city
Port of Discharge: Required port
Testing: COA / pesticide / microbiological / other
Certificates: Required destination documents
Incoterm: FOB / CFR / CIF or other
Private Label: Yes / No
Sample: Required / Not required
Required Shipment Date: Preferred timeline
Providing this information helps ensure that the quotation is prepared around the buyer's actual requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardamom
What types of cardamom do you supply?
Indian green cardamom can be supplied in recognized commercial grades such as AGEB, AGB and AGS, subject to availability and the agreed product specification.
What is the botanical name of green cardamom?
The botanical name of small green cardamom is Elettaria cardamomum. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family.
What are AGEB, AGB and AGS cardamom?
AGEB, AGB and AGS are established Indian green cardamom grade designations. The Spices Board identifies AGEB as Extra Bold, AGB as a recognized bold/extra-bold grade, and AGS as Superior. Exact grade characteristics should be checked against the applicable specification.
Can you supply 8 mm cardamom?
Cardamom can be sourced according to the buyer's required pod-size specification, subject to availability. Buyers should specify whether they require a particular sieve size or commercial grade.
What is the best grade of green cardamom?
There is no single "best" grade for every buyer. The appropriate grade depends on the application, pod size, colour, aroma, defect tolerance, budget and destination-market requirements.
Can I buy cardamom in bulk from India?
Yes. Bulk cardamom supply can be discussed for importers, wholesalers, distributors, food manufacturers and spice processors. Quantity and MOQ should be confirmed according to the required grade, packaging and destination.
What is the MOQ for cardamom?
MOQ depends on the grade, quantity, packaging, destination and shipment requirements. MOQ is to be confirmed according to the buyer's requirement.
Can I request a cardamom sample?
Yes, a sample can be requested where applicable. Sample availability, quantity and courier arrangements should be confirmed for the specific product.
Can cardamom be supplied according to our own specification?
Yes, buyer-specific specifications can be discussed. Buyers should provide their required pod size, colour, moisture, defect tolerance, testing requirements and destination.
Can you provide a Certificate of Analysis for cardamom?
A COA can be discussed where applicable. The required testing scope should be agreed according to the buyer's specification and destination requirements.
Can cardamom be tested for pesticide residues?
Pesticide-residue testing can be discussed where required. Testing should be based on the destination country's applicable requirements and the buyer's agreed specification.
What packaging options are available for cardamom?
Depending on the order, packaging can be discussed in formats such as PP bags, lined bags, cartons, tins, vacuum packs and custom/private-label packaging.
Can you supply private-label cardamom?
Private-label cardamom can be discussed subject to packaging requirements, artwork, order quantity, product availability and destination-market labeling requirements.
Which countries can you supply cardamom to?
Indian cardamom is traded across international markets including the Middle East, Europe, UK, North America, Asia and Africa. Actual shipment feasibility depends on destination regulations and documentation requirements.
What export documents are available for cardamom?
Depending on the shipment, documents may include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate and COA, along with other documents where applicable.
What Incoterms can be offered for cardamom exports?
FOB, CFR and CIF can be discussed according to the destination and shipment requirements. The applicable Incoterm should be confirmed in the quotation.
What is the HS code for green cardamom?
Green cardamom generally falls under HS heading 0908, with dried cardamom commonly classified under 0908.31 in international tariff structures. The exact tariff classification should be verified for the specific product and destination.
Can you supply cardamom for food manufacturing?
Yes, cardamom can be discussed for food manufacturing and spice-processing applications according to the required grade, testing parameters and destination regulations.
How can I request a cardamom quotation?
Send your required grade, pod size, quantity, packaging, destination port and preferred Incoterm to exports@arterinternational.com. Arter International can review your requirements and discuss the available supply option.
Request a Cardamom Quotation or Sample
Looking for a cardamom exporter from India for your next bulk purchase?
Contact Arter International with your product and destination requirements.
Please include:
Required cardamom grade
Pod size
Quantity
Colour specification
Packaging
Destination country
Port of discharge
Testing requirements
Certification/document requirements
Preferred Incoterm
Arter International
Email: exports@arterinternational.com
Request a cardamom quotation or sample today.
