What It Is
Chilli pepper is one of the most popular and widely consumed spices in the world. It comes from the fruit of plants belonging to the Capsicum genus and is prized for its fiery taste, vibrant red color, and medicinal properties. Nigeria is a major producer of different varieties of chilli pepper such as Bird’s Eye Chilli, Scotch Bonnet, Cayenne, and Habanero, which are highly sought after in both fresh and dried forms.
What Export of It Is
The export of chilli pepper involves the international trade of fresh, dried, powdered, or processed chilli peppers to global markets where demand is high. Nigerian chilli peppers are especially valued for their high pungency, rich flavor, and deep coloration, making them an essential commodity in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and spice industries.
Export Forms
Chilli pepper is exported in several forms depending on market demand:
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Fresh Chilli Pepper – Carefully harvested, sorted, and packaged for immediate consumption.
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Dried Chilli Pepper (Whole) – Sun-dried or machine-dried, retaining strong heat and flavor.
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Chilli Pepper Powder – Ground form used as spice blends and in processed foods.
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Crushed Chilli Flakes – Popular in seasoning mixes.
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Chilli Pepper Oil/Paste – For industrial seasoning, sauces, and pharmaceuticals.
Uses
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Culinary: Used worldwide in soups, stews, sauces, and seasonings.
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Food Processing: Ingredient in snacks, instant noodles, condiments, and spice mixes.
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Pharmaceutical: Capsaicin extracted from chilli is used in pain relief ointments, creams, and patches.
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Industrial: Preservative in food due to antimicrobial properties.
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Nutritional: Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants.
Packaging & Export Specifications
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Fresh Chilli Pepper: 5kg – 10kg cartons with ventilation holes.
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Dried Whole Chilli: 25kg – 50kg polypropylene bags.
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Chilli Powder/Flakes: 1kg – 25kg sealed pouches or HDPE bags.
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Moisture Content: Below 12% for dried exports.
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Purity: 98% minimum, free from stones, dust, or foreign particles.
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Storage: Cool, dry, and hygienic environment.
Major Importing Countries
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United Kingdom
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United States
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India
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United Arab Emirates
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Saudi Arabia
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China
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Netherlands
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Germany
HS Code
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0904.21 – Dried, neither crushed nor ground
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0904.22 – Crushed or ground
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0904.11 – Fresh or chilled
Export Opportunities
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High global demand due to spicy food culture growth.
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Huge diaspora market in the UK, US, and Europe.
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Industrial demand in pharmaceuticals and food processing.
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Value addition (powder, flakes, sauces) increases profitability.
Chilli pepper is one of Nigeria’s most profitable export spices, offering exporters multiple value chains and high turnover.