
India’s Saffron Export Industry: Who’s Dominating The Market
Key Highlights:
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A comprehensive overview of the top 5 saffron export companies in India for February 2025.
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The HS code for saffron is 091020.
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India exported $1,259,744.91 of saffron in February 2025.
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The key destinations for Indian saffron export are Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, with them accounting for 93.13%, 2.76% and 1.39%, respectively, in February 2025.
India, a nation that has been a long leader in the global spice trade, is highly regarded for its saffron exports. Sourced from the fields of Kashmir, Indian saffron is characterised by its purity and colour. With a century-old legacy, Indian saffron is quite sought after across the globe. With such a steady demand, it is indeed a market to tap into. But who are the key players that are dominating this industry? Read on to dive deep into the top saffron exporters in India.
What Makes Indian Saffron Special?
Indian saffron isn't just an ordinary spice – it's a legacy. Regarded for its rich aroma and deep crimson colour, Indian saffron, particularly the Kashmiri variety, is prized globally, thanks to its unique flavour. With these in play, it's no wonder that Indian saffron goes beyond kitchens into the vast world of beauty and cosmetics.
But have you ever wondered why this golden spice demands such a high price? Well, that's because, unlike other Indian spices, Kashmiri saffron isn't grown in bulk. In fact, it's harvested by hand. Each flower is picked by hand, dried carefully, and sifted into the finest fronds, adding to its premium price and quality.
Meet India’s Top 5 Saffron Exporters
1. Elite Basket Private Limited
Topping the list of the top saffron export companies in India is Elite Basket Private Limited. As a global enterprise operating across different industries, the company is a significant exporter, importer and distributor of several natural products, including dry fruits, spices and premium saffron.
Handpicked from the finest farms, the company has indeed established itself as one of the trusted partners in saffron sourcing, seeking pure, unadulterated saffron that's rich in taste and colour. In February 2025, the company's saffron exports accounted for 93.42%.
2. Herbs Heaven
Following right after Elite Basket Private Limited is Herbs Heaven. As a significant exporter in the herbal and wellness space, the company's saffron exports are positioned to offer premium spices at an affordable price. In fact, the company operates under a strict 4-step procedure to procure the finest quality of saffron. Not to mention, its exports accounted for 2.37% of saffron exports in India in February 2025.
3. Kalpataru Spices
Moving down the ladder of the top saffron export companies in India is Kalpataru Spices. Also called Prem Saffron, the company has been exporting premium spices for over 22 years, and saffron stands to be one of their signature products. It's important to remember that the company's saffron exports accounted for 0.87% in February 2025.
4. Diaspora Spices India Private Limited
Another top exporter of saffron in India is Diaspora Spices India Private Limited. As an organic spice company, this saffron exporter sources the freshest saffron from over 150 farms spanning over India and Sri Lanka. But, with many saffron exporters emerging in the nation, what makes this company stand out from the crowd? Well, the answer lies in how their spices are grown and sourced. In fact, every spice, especially saffron, is sourced after several months and undergoes significant lab testing and tasting to ensure it's of the purest quality that can possibly be found. When speaking about the company's saffron exports, it's important to note that it accounted for 0.64% in February 2025.
5. Everest food products private limitedLast but not least, Everest Food Products Private Limited is another key player in the export of saffron. As a company that needs no introduction, Everest has been a household name for centuries to come, especially for its masalas and spices. Regarded for its subtle earthy flavour, the company exported 0.40% of saffron in February 2025.
In A NutshellAll in all, in the vast world of spices, saffron serves to be more than just a mere seasoning. It's a symbol of culture, tradition and luxury. As a proud custodian of such a premium spice, India's saffron exports have a steady demand, urging companies to bridge the gap between tradition and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. Can saffron be exported from India?
Absolutely! India exports saffron to many nations across the globe, including the U.A.E., the U.S.A., Hong Kong, Australia and Vietnam, to name a few saffron buyers.2. Do I need a licence to sell saffron?
Yes! Saffron export, like any other food export, requires you to obtain an FSSAI food license to manufacture, sell and distribute it. But why? Well, this registration helps guarantee the safety of the product while maintaining its taste and quality.3. Is saffron in high demand?
Of course! Kashmiri saffron is quite sought after globally and is a versatile ingredient with multiple applications, be it in medicinal, culinary or even cosmetic.4. Apart from India, which countries export saffron?
In addition to India, Iran, Afghanistan, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Italy stand as the top saffron exporters.