Lanka to spice North with cinnamon

Sri Lanka is planning to grow world renowned 'Ceylon Cinnamon' in the North to capitalise on the growing global demand for the unique spice.

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman, Janaka Ratnayake, said that steps have been taken to expand cinnamon cultivation in the North and the East.

Sri Lanka is the largest exporter of 'Ceylon Cinnamon' or 'Truce Cinnamon' which is scientifically known as Cinamonum Zeylanicum Blume, which accounts for around 70 percent of global production and commands over 85 percent of the world market.

EDB Director General, Sujatha Weerakoon said already cinnamon cultivation has been introduced to the Ampara district and entrepreneurs are provided with seed and training.

She said there is vast unused land in the North and added that experts will be deployed to conduct research on soil and the potential to cultivate cinnamon in the area.

Cinnamon is Sri Lanka's main spice export crop which earned US$ 85 million in 2010. Cinnamon exports recorded a 32 percent growth in the first half of this year, the Board said.

Ratnayake said Sri Lanka's cinnamon has acquired international reputation due to its unique quality, colour, flavour and aroma.

Sri Lanka exports cinnamon in row form and as value added products such as cinnamon oil, oleoresins, powder and tablets.The US and Mexico are the main markets for Ceylon Cinnamon which is widely used as a food ingredient including in the making of chocolates specially in Mexico and also in many desserts, spicy candies, tea and liqueurs for its distinctive aroma.

Ratnayake said Sri Lanka has the potential to penetrate into more niche markets in Europe and South East Asia. Cinnamon is grown in about 31,000 hectares and annually around 16,000 tonnes are produced of which 13,000 tonnes are exported.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said strong private-public partnerships and development of scientific research will boost the cinnamon industry.

Over 70 countries import Ceylon Cinnamon with Mexico being the leading importer claiming 49 percent of Sri Lanka's cinnamon exports in 2010.

Around 80 percent of cinnamon exports are in raw form and primarily as cinnamon bails. Thirty six percent of cinnamon cultivation is in the Galle district.