The International Pepper Community (IPC) has said next season (2013), global black pepper production is likely to stand at about 3,16,832 tonnes. Last season, production stood at 3,27,090 tonnes, while in 2011, the output was 3,17,750 tonnes.
Traders and exporters from IPC member countries, however, disagree with IPC's estimate, saying next season, production would be about 3,59,832 tonnes.
At its meeting in Colombo last week, IPC had finalised the estimate for this year and stated its projection for the next. It said with production of 90,000 tonnes, including 10,000 tonnes of white pepper, Vietnam would top the table again. Vietnamese agriculture ministry officials, however, said this time, production would be lower. In 2011, production in that country stood at 1,10,000 tonnes and this year, production was 1,00,000 tonnes. Exporters and traders in Vietnam said next season, production was likely to be 1,20,000-1,22,000 tonnes.
India and Vietnam have adopted a cautious stand on production estimates to maintain high prices next season. Exporters said next season, production in India would stand at 60,000 tonnes, an estimate the Spices Board also agreed to.
