The Hindu Business Line : China keen to develop pepper industry

China, which is slowly emerging as a major pepper consumer and producer, is focussing on development of pepper industry.The 2006 Chinese Pepper Forum, organised by the China Essential Oils, Aroma and Spices Trade Association (CHINAEASA) of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import/Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products in collaboration with the Hainan Pepper Association recently at Haikou City, Hainan, has emphasised the need for the developing the industry, according to International Pepper Community (IPC) sources.

In addition to participants from China, a number of delegates from IPC- member countries attended the forum. The IPC was represented by its economist, Mr B.N. Sreekumar.

Need for `pepper culture'

Mr Lin Ming Qing, Secretary-General of Hainan Pepper Association, the sources said, suggested creation of a "pepper culture" similar to the "coffee culture", "tea culture" and "beer culture" which exist in some societies.

He also suggested the introduction of a global pricing system for pepper, encouraging organic cultivation of pepper and promotion of popular forms of pepper, including making pepper available at affordable prices, with good quality in attractive packaging, to present it as a delicious seasoning and health food to be used daily.

Mr Sreekumar explained the activities of IPC and suggested that China, as an increasingly significant producer of pepper, should consider becoming a member of IPC to take full advantage of the various programmes implemented by the community.

China, with an estimated domestic pepper consumption of around 25,000 tonnes a year is projected to produce 30,500 tonnes in 2006, sources added.