Poor cardamom, but prices steady

21 January 1999

Poor cardamom, but prices steady

A POOR harvest of cardamom from Guatemala, the worlds main supplier, has failed to translate into higher prices on world markets, report the Financial Times.

The cardamom harvest was hit by the lingering effects of last years El Niño weather phenomenon but buyers are yet to realise there is a shortage.

Distributors are concerned that consumers in the Middle East – the destination for 90% of Guatamalas exports – will forego cardamom because of the price rise.

One source quoted said there was a big risk that demand would fall and when production is increased, habits will have changed, causing a fall in real demand.

• Financial Times 21/01/99 page 40