Black Pepper Export from Kerala, India.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is grown in the high ranges of Kerala, where elevation, laterite soil, and monsoon climate produce peppercorns valued for piperine content and aroma. Erthiq Farm LLP supplies estate-origin Kerala black pepper to international importers in the standard Malabar grades, whole and ground, with documentation per consignment and traceability to its Idukki estate.
The historic home of black pepper.
Kerala’s Western Ghats are the historic home of black pepper. High-range elevation, laterite soil, and shade-grown vines give Kerala peppercorns a piperine concentration and volatile-oil profile that other origins are measured against.
Erthiq’s pepper is anchored to its Idukki estate and a vetted grower network in the same high-range belt — the same single-origin discipline applied to cardamom.
Malabar grades — three standard codes.
Indian black pepper is graded by garbling (cleaning of light berries and extraneous matter), berry size, and bulk density. Erthiq supplies all three standard export grades.
| Code | Name | Berry size |
|---|---|---|
| TGSEB | Tellicherry Garbled Special Extra Bold | 4.75 mm+ |
| TGEB | Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold | 4.25 mm+ |
| MG1 | Malabar Garbled Grade 1 | Standard garbled |
Whole black pepper: HS 090411 · Ground black pepper: HS 090412
Four checks beyond grade.
- 01
Bulk density (GL)
GL is grams per litre — the key density measure. 550 GL is standard trade quality; 600 GL is premium with higher oil content; above 600 GL is rare top-grade. Erthiq can report bulk density per lot on request.
- 02
Piperine content
Piperine drives pungency. Kerala high-range pepper is valued for strong piperine content. Lab Certificate of Analysis covering piperine, moisture, and microbial parameters is arranged per consignment on request.
- 03
Moisture
Export-grade pepper is dispatched at moisture ≤ 11% — protecting shelf life and meeting standard import requirements.
- 04
Cleanliness
Garbled grades are cleaned to standard trade quality: light berries < 3%, extraneous matter < 0.5%.
Estate origin & traceability
Erthiq’s pepper is anchored to its estate at Pampupara, Kadasikadavu, Vandanmettu, Udumbanchola, Idukki, and a vetted grower network in the same high-range belt. Origin documentation to the estate and grower level is available on request.
Export documentation
Documentation is handled per consignment, sized to the destination country and buyer specification. The exact list is shared on enquiry. Halal and Kosher certifications are arranged through accredited bodies on request.
Whole or ground — six packaging options.
Choose the form (whole peppercorns or ground) and the packaging format that fits your programme.
- Food-grade lined PP bags — 25 kg
- Food-grade lined PP bags — 50 kg
- Vacuum packs (retail-ready)
- Jute bags
- Master cartons (air-freight lots)
- Private label (buyer artwork)
Where Indian black pepper moves.
Indian black pepper is sourced by importers, food manufacturers, and repackers across Europe, the USA, the Gulf, and Asia. Higher grades (TGEB, MG1) are popular in the EU and US for their balance of flavour and value. Erthiq accepts enquiries from all markets.
Quote for black pepper.
Tell us grade, form (whole or ground), quantity, destination, and Incoterm. Erthiq responds within 1–2 business days with availability, indicative pricing, packaging, and the documentation list for your destination.
Black pepper export — the specifics.
What grades of black pepper does Erthiq export?
Erthiq supplies all three standard Indian export grades: TGSEB (Tellicherry Garbled Special Extra Bold, 4.75 mm+), TGEB (Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold, 4.25 mm+), and MG1 (Malabar Garbled Grade 1) — the common commercial workhorse grade.
What does GL mean in black pepper?
GL is bulk density in grams per litre — how many grams of peppercorns fill one litre. Higher GL means denser, more mature berries with more oil. 550 GL is standard trade quality; 600 GL is premium with higher oil content; above 600 GL is rare top-grade.
What is the piperine content of Erthiq’s pepper?
Kerala high-range pepper is valued internationally for strong piperine content — the alkaloid that drives pungency. Erthiq does not publish a fixed piperine percentage; a lab Certificate of Analysis covering piperine, moisture, and microbial parameters is arranged per consignment on request.
What is the minimum order quantity for black pepper?
Sea freight starts at 1 metric ton — the standard commercial pepper lot. Air freight starts at 500 kg, typically used for higher-grade or sample shipments.
What HS code applies to black pepper?
Whole black pepper is HS 090411. Ground black pepper is HS 090412. Erthiq supplies both forms.
Can Erthiq supply whole and ground pepper?
Yes — both whole peppercorns and ground pepper are supplied, packed in the buyer’s chosen format from six packaging options (food-grade lined PP bags 25 kg / 50 kg, vacuum packs, jute, master cartons, or private label).
What moisture and cleanliness specs does Erthiq dispatch at?
Pepper is dispatched to standard garbled trade quality: moisture ≤ 11%, light berries < 3%, extraneous matter < 0.5%.
What documentation is provided for customs clearance?
Export documentation is handled per consignment, sized to the destination country and buyer specification. The exact list is shared on enquiry. Halal and Kosher certificates are arranged through accredited bodies on request.
Where is Erthiq’s pepper grown?
Erthiq’s black pepper comes from the high ranges of Kerala — from Erthiq Farm LLP’s estate at Pampupara, Kadasikadavu, Vandanmettu, Udumbanchola, Idukki, and a vetted grower network in the same Western Ghats belt.
What is the lead time after order confirmation?
Lead time is confirmed per RFQ — it varies with the requested grade, volume, packaging, and whether the order is whole or ground.