Ginger: moisture leads to quality concerns
November 19, 2025 at 9:57 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Growers and exporters take precautions
China is by far the world's largest ginger producer and also dominates the global ginger export market with a share of around 52%. However, as reported by Onedayone, there are certain quality concerns this year regarding ginger from the important growing province of Shandong. The weather initially reassured growers with balanced summer rainfall, which favoured growth. Shortly before the harvest, however, there was prolonged rainfall, which permanently saturated the soil. This had a negative impact on the quality and storability of the ginger grown there. Market experts predict a yield increase of around 20% compared to last year, but are concerned about the reduced starch content in the rhizomes caused by the excess moisture. Producers report difficulties in sorting and storage, as well as a higher probability of mould growth.
Onedayone states that storage and preservation of the goods will now play a decisive role this season. Growers and exporters are endeavouring to create a safe environment for the ginger rhizomes through improved cold storage and ventilation systems so as not to jeopardise exports during the peak season.
Peru fights for competitive advantage
Peru also plays an important role in the global ginger market, ranking third in exports of conventional ginger and second in exports of organic ginger, behind China. 86% of the goods exported from Peru come from the province of Junín, with Satipo serving as the most important production centre. However, as the experts at FreshFruit report, there are certain difficulties associated with the export of organic ginger, particularly with regard to traceability and compliance with safety standards.
“The absence of sanitary oversight in processing facilities and the under-reporting of labor create vulnerabilities that threaten the sector's sustainability. Additionally, when companies rely on external producers without their own fields, it results in increased competition for raw materials and higher prices at the source”, FreshFruit told FreshPlaza. The 2024 season ended prematurely due to low sowing volumes and plant diseases, and supply from South America was limited until the harvest in July. Now, the trend towards high-quality, traceable and sustainable products is set to give Peruvian suppliers an advantage, especially in the volatile US market. Between January and August 2025, Peru exported a total of 38,928 mt of ginger worth USD 75 million. This is 9% more than in the same period last year, although the export value fell by 7% due to the lower average price.
EU imports more ginger
EU buyers prefer to source their ginger from Asian and African origins. China is the leading supplier here too, delivering a total of 4,423 mt of ginger to the EU between 1 January and 16 November 2025, an impressive 53.4% more than in the same period last year. Vietnam also increased its exports to the EU by a remarkable 43.9%, while India and Nigeria suffered heavy losses. In total, the EU imported 7,106 mt of ginger during the period mentioned, 7.4% more than in the same period last year. The average import price was EUR 3.22/kg, 18.4% higher than in 2024, resulting in a 25.5% increase in the total import value to just under EUR 23 million.
|
EU ginger imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
China |
2,884 |
4,423 |
53.4% |
|
India |
929 |
693 |
-25.4% |
|
Vietnam |
378 |
544 |
43.9% |
|
Nigeria |
1,418 |
456 |
-67.8% |
|
Côte d'Ivoire |
265 |
275 |
3.8% |
|
Others |
742 |
715 |
-3.6% |
|
Total |
6,616 |
7,106 |
7.4% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-16/11 09101200 Ginger, crushed or ground |
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