Saffron is widely known as the ‘red gold’ of spices and is considered the most valuable spice all over the world. Therefore, when it comes to global exports, it has a wide reach and huge demand in the international market. It is derived from the dried stigmas of the Corcus Stavius flower, making it an expensive spice due to the labour-intensive harvesting process and the small amount of spice produced per flower. It is a global commodity and the demand for saffron is thriving in global trade.
The global top producers of saffron are Iran, India, Spain and Greece. Iran accounts for 88% of global saffron production in the world. It is also important we take into account the various players that are involved in the market such as the: producers, saffron buyers, sellers, wholesalers, retailers and the end consumers.
1) Producers: The producers have the most tedious task of harvesting under the right climatic conditions and the production capacity. Iran is termed to have the best potential in producing saffron followed by Jammu & Kashmir in India, Spain and Greece.
2) Saffron Importers: As per the 2023 report, the top importers are European Union, Spain, India, China and Saudi Arabia.
Source: World Integrated Trade Solutions
3) Saffron Exporters: The top exporters of saffron as per the 2023 data are Spain, European Union, United Arab Emirates, Portugal and France
Source: World Integrated Trade Solutions
4) Retailers and Consumers: These players are majorly focused on what the consumer demands and the saffron has expanded its application and uses beyond being a mere spice to be put in food ingredients. It has vast uses in various sectors like Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics Industries, Aromatherapy, Perfumery, etc.
The saffron market continues to expand due to its high demand across multiple industries. In 2023, the global saffron market was valued at USD 602.2 million and is projected to reach USD 861.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%.
With increasing consumption in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and beauty industries, saffron remains one of the most profitable commodities in international trade.
Source: Grand View Research
Saffron Price Per Kg (2024-2025)
Note: The prices are approximate subject to change as per the latest market conditions.
If you’re a saffron exporter or trader looking for saffron buyers or kesar buyers, here’s how to find them:
With consistent growth across culinary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, saffron remains a top-tier commodity. Exporters can leverage high-margin opportunities by:
1. Who are the top saffron importers worldwide?
Top importers include the European Union, Spain, India, China, and Saudi Arabia (Source: WITS 2023).
2. How much does Kashmiri saffron cost per kilogram?
Kashmir saffron price per kg ranges from $2900- $3500, depending on purity and origin.
3. What is the price of Iranian saffron in the global market?
The approximate price for Iranian saffron is $2580 per kg.
4. Is Iranian saffron better than Kashmiri saffron?
While Iranian saffron dominates in quantity, Kashmiri saffron is highly prized for its aroma, longer strands, and deeper color.
5. In which country is saffron the cheapest?
Iran offers the cheapest saffron globally due to high-scale production and local labor efficiencies.
6. How to find new buyers in the saffron import market?
You can find new saffron buyers by:
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