KUCHING: About 213,000 tonnes of pepper were consumed across the world last year, slightly less than the 224,000 tonnes recorded the previous year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the drop can largely be attributed to the post pandemic recovery and necessary demand adjustments.
Conversely, he said, global pepper production in 2022 reached 537,000 tonnes, a decrease from the 548,000 tonnes recorded in 2021.
“The decline in supply highlights the importance for us, together with every member of the International Pepper Community (IPC) countries, to develop programmes aimed at stimulating consumption.
“This initiative should extend beyond traditional markets to encompass new ones, which could include cooperative programmes between member countries, as outlined in Article 3 of The Agreement Establishing the International Pepper Community, a consensus reached among esteemed IPC members,” he said.
Fadillah, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, was speaking at the 51st Annual Session and Meetings of the International Pepper Community and International Spice Exhibition held here Tuesday (Nov 7) .
In recent times, he said, there has been a growing concern on how to meet market demands that now require higher quality standards and stricter import regulations.
Both the United States and the European Union have established more rigorous import standards for spices, including pepper, by raising concerns regarding consumer safety, production practices, labour conditions, and environmental considerations.
Hence, he stressed that reducing pesticide residues in pepper products is not just a preference but a necessity as it elevates the level of compliance for quantities in today’s pepper market.
Meanwhile, the proper use of plant protection products adhering to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is vital to ensure the protection of both exporters and consumers.
“As expectations and challenges within the pepper industry continue to mount, the on-going cooperation and mutual support of all member countries remain critical and vital for the International Pepper Community (IPC).
“Therefore, in our pursuit of a sustainable pepper industry, we must reinforce several collective approaches and strategies to empower the global pepper industry,” he added.
Fadillah said among the approaches are Sustainable Farming Practices that prioritise soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity; which can lead to higher yields and improved quality while mitigating the environmental impact of cultivation.
In addition, he said, geographical origin is rapidly becoming a crucial factor in determining the quality of pepper.
“There is a pressing demand for a standardised system to identify the geographic origin of pepper to prevent counterfeit issues and support bids for higher market prices.
“Therefore, it is of great importance to provide special protection for goods or products falling within the Geographical Indication (GI) category, a topic that should be deliberated in this conference,” he said.
