Ginger was the spice which was imported the most by the European Union in 2023, according to the EU’s statistical agency Eurostat.

A total of 114,000 tonnes of ginger was imported by the EU last year. Paprika and pepper rounded off the top three, with 110,600 tonnes and 50,300 tonnes imported respectively. In total, 339,800 tonnes of spices were imported into the bloc last year.

China was the largest supplier of spices, accounting for 39 per cent of all spice imports into the EU. It was also the main country of origin of imported ginger, with 43 per cent of ginger imported into the EU having originated in China.

Vietnam was the main supplier of pepper, having supplied 63 per cent of the EU’s imports, while China again was the main supplier of paprika, with 73 per cent.

The fourth-most imported spice in the EU was turmeric, with 16,000 tonnes, 79 per cent of which originated in India. In fifth place was cinnamon, with 13,300 tonnes, of which 35 per cent came from Vietnam.

The overall amount of spices imported into the EU from outside the bloc has increased by 44 per cent since 2013, with imports of turmeric and ginger having more than doubled in that time.

In contrast, the amount of pepper imported has decreased by 19 per cent since 2013.