Cinnamon is one of the most common of all spices. Cinnamon is used to flavour a variety of foods, from confections to curries to beverages, and is popular in bakery goods in many places. Currently, there are many cinnamon growing countries in the world with high productivity such as Indonesia, China, Vietnam, …. Whether “Which country would be the king of cinnamon production in the world?” Here is the answer for you
Leading Cinnamon Production
The global production of Cinnamon has increased over the years with 242,640 tons of cinnamon produced in 2020. Four countries combined to produce 99% of the world’s total.
1. Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s leading cinnamon producer, accounting for 36,95% of the total world’s production in 2020. Indonesia produces approximately 90,000 tons of cinnamon every year. Almost all cinnamon produced in Indonesia comes from the slopes of the country’s highest volcano, Mount Kerinci, in Sumatra, where the cinnamon tree flourishes. The Kerinci cinnamon is popular for its unrivaled quality due to factors such as high oil content.
2. China
China is one of the leading producers of cinnamon, accounting for 34,14% of the total world production in 2020. China produces mainly cassia cinnamon. Cassia has a stronger, more intense, and hotter flavor than the Ceylon variety. Chinese Cassia has a sweeter flavor compared to Indonesian Cassia. In China, cinnamon is grown in large scale in the provinces of Guangdong, Guanxi, Yunnan, and Fujian
1.3. Vietnam
Vietnam produces mainly Saigon cinnamon. Saigon cinnamon is closely related to cassia. Vietnam accounted for 17,08% of the world’s cinnamon production in 2020 with 41,400 tons. Cinnamon is produced in Vietnam both for domestic use and export. Cinnamon is produced in the areas around the central and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam, especially Quang Ngai Province. Cinnamon is grown on a large scale with a total land area ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 hectares. Cinnamon spice is an important ingredient in making a noodle soup known as pho.
1.4. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts of the best quality of cinnamon in the world. The country accounted for 10,23% of the world’s cinnamon production in 2020 or 24,800 tons, making it one of the top cinnamon producers in the world. Cinnamon cultivation is mainly concentrated along the coastal belt from Kaluthara to Mathara. Some of the plantations may be found in Ratnapura and Ambalangoda. About 25,000 hectare of land in Sri Lanka is a cinnamon plantation. However, the size of the plantation has been diminishing over the years.
Compared to the ranking of the Leading Cinnamon Producers, this ranking of the Leading Cinnamon Exporters has been changed. Indonesia ranks 3rd in cinnamon export value share. However, in the Indonesian market, the trend of increasing demand for cinnamon continues. Since last year, cinnamon production from the island of Java has been completely absorbed by local producers and traders for export. Currently, exporters and producers of cinnamon powder rely on supplies from the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi.
The growth of the market for Chinese cinnamon is attributed to its wide use as a flavoring agent in the cooking of confectionery, desserts, pastries, and meat.Chinese cinnamon is produced primarily in China’s southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan. On the basis of geography, the cinnamon bark market is further segmented into North America, Europe, AsiaPacific (APAC), South America (SAM), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).In 2019, Asia Pacific held the largest share of the market , followed by North America and Europe.
How has the Covid19 pandemic affected the production and consumption of cinnamon in some countries?
The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting economies and industries in various countries due to imposed lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns. Food and beverages is one of the major industries facing serious disruptions in the form of shutdowns of offices and factories, and restrictions on supply chain activities.
On the demand side, industry and consumers are buying more and more shelf-stable food, including spices and herbs. On the supply side, the producing countries are difficult to export due to border closures.
Cinnamon is used in other ways
Cinnamon bark is an important spice that is employed in cookery as a flavoring material. It is often used in savory dishes of chicken and in preparation of chocolates, especially in Mexico. In the US, a cinnamon and sugar mixture is used to flavor cereal and other bread-based dishes. The mixture is also sold separately for the same purpose.
Turkish cuisine is never complete without cinnamon spices. The Persians have also used cinnamon powder to enhance the flavor of their cuisine. Cinnamon has also been used as a traditional medicine for conditions such as bronchitis and diabetes. However, there is no scientific evidence of its health benefits.
Cinnamon bark is mainly used to treat upset gastrointestinal tract, gasses, and diarrhea.Cinnamon bark is used for stimulating appetite; it is also effective against common cold and flu, menstrual cramps, and infections caused by parasitic worms and certain bacteria.
Cinnamon bark has antioxidants, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that help fight against acne and skin blemishes.It improves the blood flow back to the skin and removes dead skin cells.
It can also be used as a replacement of methylparaben, an emulsifying agent, in the production of cosmetic creams. Personal care products that contain cinnamon can help restrict the degradation of the product when it is exposed to common bacteria present in human body.