Discover 5 interesting facts about white pepper that every savvy businessman should know. Learn how this versatile spice can enhance your culinary creativity and improve your business competitiveness.
Contents
- 1 An overview of white pepper
- 2 Top 5 white pepper exporting countries in the world
- 3 Market price and deciding factors of white pepper price
- 4 How can you find the best white pepper suppliers for your business
- 5 Top 5 white pepper suppliers in the world
An overview of white pepper
Although white pepper is not as popular as black pepper, its useful functions nobody can deny. The following information will give you an overview of white pepper.
Definition of white pepper
Skull pepper is another name for white pepper. It is a pepper that has its outer shell removed. To make white pepper, individuals must pick the pepper when it is ripe, then soak it in water to soften the skin, and then rub it clean.
The pepper core or skull is the only thing left. After being dried and sun-dried, pepper has a yellowish-white tint. The white pepper’s surface is smoother and less wrinkled than black pepper.
Characteristics of white pepper
White pepper has many different characteristics from black pepper. The buyer can identify this kind of pepper through the following characteristics:
- Color
As its name suggests, white pepper is ivory-white or gray in color, less wrinkled and less aromatic (because the skin contains essential oils) but spicier (because the fruit is ripe).
- Shape
White pepper usually has a round shape from 3mm to 6mm in diameter with a wrinkled seed surface, slightly flattened apex, slightly convex at the umbilicus, and dark brown lines running from the top to the seed stalk. The color of white pepper ranges from light brownish gray to slightly off-white.
- Smell
White pepper is softer in flavor than black pepper because of going through many stages such as soaking in water, rubbing its crust. It’s suitable to go well with white foods like mashed potatoes and cream sauces. It has a more earthy scent than black pepper and it tastes hotter, creamier than black pepper.
- Storage time
The storage duration of white pepper is shortened as a result of its more sophisticated processing. It develops a bitter flavor after being preserved for a long time and loses its distinct pepper flavor.
- Price
Because of the additional processing required, white pepper is somewhat more costly than black pepper.. This pepper has to be made with high-quality black pepper.
- Place of consumption
White pepper is not commonly used as a necessary spice in the United States, but it is widely used in sauces, potatoes, soups, and beverages in Europe.
How can you produce white pepper
There are two ways to make white pepper: Making by hand without bleaching and by bleaching.
- By hand and without bleaching: After picking, the peppers will be incubated until they are fully ripe or no longer require brewing, then soaked in water for 3 to 5 days to create a blanket, then rubbed and the shell removed. Because most of the rubbing is done by hand, it is a time-consuming process. After rubbing the pepper, the producers will remove the shell, which we will then wash with clean water and either bask or dry. At this time, the pepper is skull pepper, but it is ivory yellow rather than white, and the product is referred to as handmade skull pepper.
- By bleaching: To make white pepper by bleaching process, normally, H2O2 is used to make white pepper, which is the type of solution on the list for use in food processing at the allowed content. Soak colored pepper for about 1-2 hours and then rinse with water and hang or dry. Under sunlight or drying room temperature will decompose H2O2 -> H2O + O2. At this time, the pepper will be whiter and more beautiful, the economic value is also higher, so it is also called white pepper.
Benefits of using white pepper
White pepper, like black pepper, is found as a cooking condiment to help stimulate appetite , improve your health and quicken digestion. Besides, white pepper is also a useful medicinal herb.
- Treat colds: With high levels of vitamin C, white pepper helps treat colds, coughs and stuffy noses. Besides, it contains antibacterial qualities that treat constipation and diarrhea.
Weight loss: Due to a high concentration of phytonutrients, white pepper has the ability to break down fat cells that build over time in the body. - Cure arthritis: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the piperine in pepper is very useful in the treatment of arthritis. Furthermore, this wonderful spice also helps to improve blood circulation, prevent and limit joint pain caused by poor blood circulation.
- Protect skin: Pepper aids in the treatment of Vitiligo, a skin disorder in which some regions of the skin lose their pigmentation & turn white. Pepper’s piperine concentration, according to London experts, can boost the skin’s pigment production. Piperine topical treatment paired with ultraviolet light light therapy is far superior to alternative harsher, chemical-based vitiligo therapies. It also lowers the risk of skin cancer caused by too much UV exposure.
- Resist bacteria: This pepper is used to treat illnesses and bug bites because of its antibacterial features. When adding white pepper to your regular diet, it will keep your blood clean by functioning similarly to fiber and eliminating excess cholesterol, minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
- Other Benefits: Apart from the above listed uses, white pepper also helps prevent ear pain and necrosis, as well as the treatment of hernia, hoarseness and insect bites. White pepper is used to treat tooth decay and toothache. In ancient times, pepper was applied to heal visual problems.
Top 5 white pepper exporting countries in the world
According to data collected from Tridge, in 2020, the 5 largest producers and exporters of white pepper in bulk are Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India:
- Vietnam currently holds itself as the biggest and best supplier of white pepper with an astounding market share of 43.3%. In 2023, Vietnam exported 27,946 tons of white pepper, contributing significantly to its total pepper export turnover of $906.5 million. However, recent years have been a tough time. Since peaking its export volume in 2016 at $1.2B, output of Vietnam pepper has steadily decreased, now at only $522M in 2020. The primary markets for Vietnamese white pepper include China, which imported 60,135 tons, followed by the United States, Germany, and India.
- Brazil, with 15.5% market share, is the world’s second biggest white pepper exporter out there. Pepper from Brazil is commonly available in bulk in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In 2023, Brazil’s exports included significant shipments to Germany ($28.3 million), the United States ($25.3 million), and Vietnam ($24.8 million). Brazil’s favorable climate for pepper cultivation continues to support its strong position in the market.
- Indonesia is in third place with 12.9% market share ($156.08M). Indonesia’s major importers are Vietnam, China, and the United States, which together accounted for over 60% of Indonesia’s total white pepper exports.
- Sri Lanka is well-known for its high piperine concentration and natural antioxidant capabilities as a pepper-producing nation in South Asia. Sri Lanka’s major bulk export destinations are India, Germany, the Us, and Spain. India is the largest bulk consumer of Sri Lankan white pepper due to SAFTA’s favorable treatment for import duties.
- India, the spice capital of the world, has a long tradition of trade with China. India white pepper in bulk is presently among the most searched in the world due to its distinct scent, flavor, and medicinal value. Because spices are historically grown on small parcels of land in India using organic farming practices, the availability of Indian white pepper is equally restricted.
Market price and deciding factors of white pepper price
Wholesale price of white pepper in bulk
White pepper is a product that is not subject to seasonal harvesting pressure. Farmers do not harvest when the price is low, but the pepper tree still thrives and harvests the following year, the next crop…, keeping the price of white pepper reasonably consistent. In truth, the price of wholesale pepper does vary, but usually the range is not very wide.
- Vietnam: As the world’s leading producer of white pepper, Vietnamese pepper now offers the best pricing, at around $7100 per metric ton FOB. With that price, you can currently get top-quality Vietnamese white pepper. For example, here is the price of black and white pepper from the best white pepper supplier in Vietnam, K-Agriculture:
Product | Quality | FOB Price (USD/MT) |
Black pepper 430 GL | Average quality | 66xx |
Black pepper 450 GL | Average quality | 68xx |
Black pepper 500 GL | Average quality | 70xx |
Black pepper 550 GL | Average quality | 71xx |
Black pepper 570 GL | Average quality | 73xx |
Black pepper 500 GL | Asta, machine clean | 73xx |
Black pepper 550 GL | Asta, machine clean | 74xx |
Black pepper 570 GL | Asta, machine clean | 75xx |
Black pepper 5mm | Asta, machine clean | 76xx |
White pepper 630 GL | Asta, machine clean | 79xx |
- Indonesia: According to the most recent data, the price of Indonesian white pepper ell by 0.39%, standing at $ 9,210 per metric ton (MT) (24/10/2024).
Factors affecting the price of white pepper
The price white pepper, just like many other spices, is determined by a number of factors, including the kind of sale (retail or wholesale), shipping expenses, and, most importantly, white pepper’s quality.
Specifications of white pepper
White pepper price is affected by many qualifications, with some of the most common namely G/L content, moisture, admixture content:
- G/L: The concentration level of pepper in bulk. The higher the ratio G/L, the more “meat” you receive from the pepper and the greater the quality of the white pepper in bulk. As a result, as the G/L content rises, so does the price of pepper.
- Moisture: Represents the amount of water left inside the peppercorns after they are processed. The moisture percentage is very important because it directly affects the storage time of white pepper. Peppers with less water can be preserved for a longer time than those with more water. Therefore, lower moisture is preferred.
Standard quality white pepper usually have the following requirements:
- G/L content: 610 – 630
- Moisture: no more than 14%, usually about 13 – 13.5%
- Admixture: less than 0.5%
- Piperine: above 6%
- Empty grains: 1%
- Moldy grains: 1%
- Dark grains: 5%
The harvesting place and process method of white pepper
The properties of white pepper differ depending upon where cultivated and how it has been handled. There can be numerous methods all over the world and each of them gives off different outcomes.
An easy example to illustrate this can be considered when we compare white pepper from Malaysia and Indonesia, the 2 countries from the same region but have different methods of making white pepper. The outer husk of Sarawak white pepper, which comes from Malaysia, is placed under running tap water until it dissolves, resulting in a warmer white peppercorn.
Sarawak white pepper is robust, has a pleasant heat, and has a stronger flavor than Muntok white pepper. This white pepper comes from Indonesia, and the matured berries are permitted to rest in water, resulting in a gray appearance. Muntok has a milder taste than Sarawak, but this is still a good alternative that is less expensive.
Supply and demand volume of white pepper
The price of any commodity is constantly affected by supply and demand, and wholesale pepper prices are no exception.
- Due to crop failure in the major producing countries, the availability of white pepper has been short since 2021, according to the latest data from the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade).
- Brazil is now the only area with a rise in bulk pepper supply due to the crop in the northern part of the country, while other nations are in limited supply.
- Because the outlook for Vietnam’s fresh harvest is gloomy, buyers may choose to purchase more Brazilian white pepper to save money on shipping. Meanwhile, when India’s economy recovered following the COVID-19 epidemic, demand for pepper surged.
- According to experts, due to the recent huge increase in wholesale pepper prices, farmers and traders in key markets have paused transactions in the expectation of even better prices. As a consequence, the supply of pepper on the market has been disrupted.
Logistic charges of white pepper
When it comes to exporting prices, logistic charge is crucial, especially during the Covid epidemic:
- The covid outbreak has hindered the economy since 2021, resulting in a significant spike in white pepper transportation rates. This is due to a scarcity of sea routes and containers.
- Every country that exports pepper faces this problem, but Asian nations like Indonesia and Vietnam suffer the most since they are further away from major pepper consumers like the United States and the European Union. The marine freight routes from Vietnam to the United States and the European Union, for example, had the most spectacular and unique growth. In only 2 weeks, the freight cost for a 40ft cont might rise for up to $1500 – $2000.
- At the same time, freight costs from Brazil to the United States are only a third of those in Vietnam, while freight costs from Brazil to European Union are only a tenth of those in Vietnam. As a result, Brazilian white pepper is currently fighting fiercely with Vietnamese pepper in terms of pricing.
Government policies relating white pepper trading
Government policies are integrally related to a thriving white pepper business in bulk. Businesses, for example, profit from the government’s support in signing the EVFTA since the tariff is eliminated entirely.
By decreasing wholesale pepper costs when they were exchanged, this aided the growth of the pepper sector. As a consequence of the EVFTA Agreement, Viet Nam is now one of the world’s largest exporters of pepper in bulk.
How can you find the best white pepper suppliers for your business
Step 1: Researching online
Nowadays, it is always the easiest way to reach out to as many suppliers as possible by using the Internet. Numerous search tools can be used to your liking, but here is our suggestion:
- Google: Clearly, this should be the first tool you should opt to use. As the best search platform in the world, Google is where you can find almost every white pepper supplier out there. You can search for keywords like “white pepper suppliers” or “top pepper suppliers in…” and thousands of results might show up.
- You can also find white pepper suppliers on E-Commerce platforms like Alibaba. A lot of suppliers post their products there, and it is even superior compared to Google in some perspectives, such as the fact that you can take a look at their price range for white pepper.
- Social media is another option for you to take. Medias like Facebook or Linkedin have groups that contain both suppliers and buyers. It is suitable if you are a buyer looking for a prestigious white pepper supplier or even if you are a trader finding some clients.
Step 2: Checking credibility
Check these out whenever you are into the white pepper products of any suppliers:
- Business license: Authorities must provide authorization to suppliers in order for them to lawfully produce and operate their businesses. To ensure that your selected supplier is trustworthy, the company must demonstrate that it holds valid business licenses. It’s probably a fraud if the provider doesn’t produce business permits to indicate they’re functioning lawfully.
- Unclear information: Customers might believe when a white pepper supplier has an actual address, like the office or factory, so that they can feel that the organization is still operating or doing its business lawfully. There are a variety of situations in which a corporation pretends to be located somewhere else in order to fool consumers. Furthermore, a trustworthy white pepper supplier must keep their websites or other social media channels up to date and well-designed. Buyers and producers connect mostly through the Internet in this technological era, and media is the instrument; consequently, a successful supplier will focus on growing their online platforms. A website that is out of date might be a symptom of fraud.
- Past performance: Customers will provide feedback to any reputable white pepper supplier on a frequent basis. This is a method of determining whether or not the supplier delivers outstanding service, high-quality items, and meticulous packaging and distribution to its clients. Customers may be certain that they will obtain the greatest products and services if they receive favorable and trustworthy feedback.
Step 3: Contact white pepper suppliers to get more information
It’s time to create connections with some of the most prominent white pepper suppliers once you’ve checked and listed some notable white pepper suppliers. This will allow you to learn more about them and how to become their partners.
Simply find their contact information on their website or social medias. You can then email them or chat with them through Whatsapp or other platforms. However, it is best if you can call them directly or even video call. This way information can be transferred much faster and easier, and you can also check their credibility by requesting them to show their office or factory…
You should also make a calling or chatting script to save some time and to collect the most important information for your organization.
Step 4: Filtering
After getting all the information you need, now you can filter out the most appropriate white pepper suppliers to your business. It is best if you can choose about 2-3 suppliers to work with.
Of course, among these suppliers, you will eventually choose only 1. But it requires more time and effort for you to do it.
Step 5: Negotiation
Now you are left with only 1 white pepper supplier to handle jobs, it is time to negotiate on the agreements and contract.
Negotiate on the following parameters to achieve the best deal: price, product certificate, discount, payment method, and delivery.
Top 5 white pepper suppliers in the world
Everest Spices – Oldest white pepper supplier from India
Everest is India’s most popular spice brand, with a vast selection of spices and mixes, including white pepper. Everest maintains the highest standards of quality, flavor, and originality in every pack at over 5 decades of work expertise.
The exquisite taste of purity that Everest offers is underpinned by research, development, and technology.
Baria Pepper – Top white pepper provider from Vietnam
Baria pepper was established in 1985 with the objective of exploiting its comprehensive knowledge of either the goods as well as the market to connect out to more clients both locally and internationally. Bulk shipments of Baria pepper have been sent to the U. S., Europe, the Mid East, and many other Asian nations.
Due to its close relationships with local farmers, the Baria pepper has a substantial advantage in regulating the quality and price of white pepper.
K-Agriculture – The best Vietnamese white pepper supplier
K-Agriculture is well-known for being a pioneer in selling white pepper brands from Vietnam to countries all over the world. In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade supports K-Agriculture. We are confident of our high-quality products, low pricing, and knowledgeable workers. K-prices Agriculture’s change based on market demand, however we can guarantee the most competitive pricing.
For more information, contact us now:
WhatsApp: +84855555837
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Ajinomoto Aji-Shio – Popular brand in Malaysia
Originated in Japan, Ajinomoto Malaysia only started its operation in 1961 as an MSG producer. However, after years of continuous efforts and developments, it thrives and is now recognized as one of the best spice suppliers in Malaysia, providing top quality white pepper.
Ajinomoto white pepper is mostly exported to Asian countries like Thailand, India, Cambodia…
Badia spices – Prominent producer of white pepper in America
Badia Spice Incorporated was founded in 1967 by Jose Badia and is now one of the biggest family-owned Hispanic food enterprises in the United States. Badia is an old pepper company that sold a variety of peppers to over 70 nations throughout the world, including white pepper, black pepper, black pepper ground, white pepper ground, and so on.
Badia Spices is happy to provide organic and gluten-free goods, and is dedicated to providing the best possible service. South Asia and the Middle East are the primary export markets.
Contact us by filling in the form below: