How to Start a Nutmeg Powder Processing Business In India & Export?
Since the 15th Century, nutmeg has been widely used by many Asian countries. But, many believe that this spice has been in the diet for more than 3500 years.
Nutmeg has been an integral part of many cuisines and dishes in these areas. Now, for those who do not know what nutmeg is, it is an aromatic seed that is grown in Myristica fragrans (evergreen tree).
Nutmeg Powder
This seed includes two distinct spices and they are nutmeg (seed) and mace (aril). Nutmeg is native to Indonesia, nutmeg trees are grown in large numbers in this country. But, it is not the only country to produce nutmeg some other countries are West Indies, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Tropical America, and Pacific Islands.
Over the years, this spice grew very popular not only in Asian countries but, around the world. Around 1600 this spice became very important in the Western world. It was advertised as one of the most expensive spices in the spice industry.
During the 16th and 17th Century, nutmeg was one of the most valuable spices in the world. Interestingly, not many will know but, during that era, this spice was often referred as “black gold”. Today, nutmeg is given great importance in the spice industry because of its special aroma and benefits.
Its distinctively pungent fragrance and its slightly warm sweet taste have numerous benefits. Additionally, the nutmeg oil that comes from the seed is used as a natural flavor agent.
This natural flavour agent is highly used for making perfume in the cosmetic industry. The curable properties present in this seed make it a unique and expensive product in the world spice market today.
India being one of the top producers of nutmeg has opened up business opportunities for many people. Today, in India so many nutmeg powder manufacturing businesses have opened up. Not only these businesses are earning hugely but, they have secured a good hold of the spice market in the country.
India is a major producer and exporter of spices and that is how the country generates huge revenue. In fiscal year 2022, reports revealed the export value of spices from India to other countries valued at over 290 billion Indian rupees.
This is a great example and proof of the wide scope of getting into the spice industry and much more when it comes to a special spice like nutmeg. Both nutmeg as a whole and nutmeg powder are quite expensive in the Indian market. Even if you are dealing in the national business, people in the nutmeg powder manufacturing business will earn unimaginably.
Market Analysis of Nutmeg Powder Business
India has always been proud of producing a variety of spices and exporting them. Major countries around the world import a great number of spices from India.
Some of the top countries to import spices from India are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, UAE, Germany, Canada, and many more. Similarly, the demand for various spices including nutmeg is at an all-time high in India.
A major percentage of Indians cannot live without putting any spice into their diet. So, the demand for nutmeg and other spices will always be there. Nutmeg is an integral part of our Indian diet, so both nutmeg as a whole and in powder form are commonly consumed by Indians.
It is also highly consumed to cure various diseases such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach spasms, pain, and gas problems. Nutmeg powder is mostly targeted to below-average and above targeted customers in India.
Nutmeg in India has wide range of uses. It is not only being used for making food but also for common disease, liquor, and in other edible products. Very recently, a woman from Kerala ventured into liquor production and produced a nutmeg-flavoured vodka.
Yes, a nutmeg-flavoured vodka is also available in the world market today. It has also been revealed that the recipe of this drink is given by experts in India. On the other hand, many experts are giving full knowledge on how to grow nutmeg at their home.
Due to this, many people in our country are growing nutmeg and is producing different products from it. Indians are not only exporting nutmeg powder but, ground nutmeg, nutmeg oil, and other value-added nutmeg products.
This is not only allowing international customers to choose the product as their requirement but, the people within the country as well.
Manufacturing Process of Nutmeg Powder
For production of nutmeg powder in your factory, from getting your raw material to finally selling them everything should be done and checked carefully.
To stay alive and competitive in the Indian spice market, selling top quality product at an affordable rate is very important. Here are some of the steps that a nutmeg powder manufacturer need to keep in mind to stay competitive in the Indian market:-
Nutmeg sourcing and quality control
If you are already into the nutmeg powder business then you will know where to get the best raw material from. According to some sources, nutmeg is majorly grown in Idukki, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts in Kerala. In India, Kerala contributes around 95% of nutmeg’s production.
Sourcing nutmeg as a raw material from these areas in India would be the best option for you. But, if you happen to live far away from these places then ordering them is the next best option available.
This is one of the best ways of how you can get the best and top quality raw material. Now, when you source top quality raw material its quite natural that you will get top quality final product.
When you happen to source nutmeg from the best place in India, checking the quality of it is not very necessary. But, sourcing them from local dealers or sellers needs quality check.
One of the easiest way to quality check nutmeg in India is by knowing its size, weight, aroma, flavour, texture, and moisture content. The machine used for nutmeg quality checking is Nutmeg Digital Moisture Meter. The price of this machine can be between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
It is one of the simplest machine to use for nutmeg quality check and it delivers accurate results. A digital screen is provided for displaying the result of the quality of nutmeg along with a user-friendly control panel.
Processing steps for converting nutmeg into powder
After you have sourced all the raw materials and placed all the equipment, now is time to process your raw material into fine powder. If you have the knowledge and steps to do this process then, you will know that it is one of the easiest processes.
Firstly you need to keep the nutmeg ready and then switch on the powder machine. After a few seconds of switching on the machine, slowly put a handful of nutmeg into the front side of the machine. The nutmeg will slowly fall inside the grinding machine and will change the solid nutmeg into powder form.
This process might sound simple and easy but, it takes around 2-3 minutes to turn the solid nutmeg into powder form. The final product should be collected from the other side of the machine.
It is where you need to wrap a plastic where the powder can be collected. Make sure you do not place your machine in an open area because the final substance might blow away because of the outside air.
Packaging and Storage Conditions
To keep your product in the best condition certain conditions must be met. Once the final product is taken out from the machine, make sure to collect it and keep it in a very clean and tidy place. A little unknown substance in that powder can lead to the closing of your company or manufacturing plant.
The shelf life of nutmeg powder is mostly for one year and not more than that. So, the packaging of nutmeg powder must be done from a neat place and no outdated products should be sold. The best storage condition for nutmeg powder is in a cool and dry area within 20 degrees Celsius.
It must be kept in an airtight container which should be away from heat, light, and of course moisture. The more you keep in colder conditions the better your product will stay. Generally, ground spice has a shorter shelf life but, nutmeg powder kept in cool conditions will stay fresh for a long time.
Equipment and machinery needed for Nutmeg Powder Manufacturing
The second important step of manufacturing nutmeg powder is getting your pieces of equipment correct. Having proper equipment and pieces of machinery for this business is very significant. It will not only make your work easier but, it will save a lot of your time and physical labor.
There are so many nutmeg powder machines available in the market. You can purchase as per your capacity, size, and need of your business. Popular e-commerce websites like Alibaba and India Mart are offering such machines.
One of the best machines for grinding nutmeg is the Nutmeg Pulverizing Machine. This machine has a production capacity of 100000 sets per year. Nutmeg Pulverizing Machine cuts nutmeg very quickly, evenly, and in a very stable manner.
If you are willing to get a precise machine with a smooth surface, easy to clean, and easy machine then Nutmeg Pulverizing Machine is the one.
Some other tools that would be required for this machine are buckets, screwdrivers, paper bags, and cleaning utensils.
Can I Export Nutmeg Powder from India?
Today’s business market has lots of opportunities to expand. Businesses with any type of products or services can export them to other major countries across the world. People willing to do so must have all the knowledge for export so that they do not fall into any fraud.
Here are some things that are important for nutmeg powder export from India:-
Rules and regulations for nutmeg powder export
To export spice from one country to another, certain rules and regulations must be followed. In India, the government has made it mandatory for exporters to sample and testing of spices before they are exported to other countries. It must fall under the Quality Evaluation System of the country.
All the documentation for exporting nutmeg powder is very important. You must have all the documents ready and they must be updated. Documents are highly needed when a product is being exported to a different country.
Documents required to start Nutmeg Powder Processing Business In India
To export your product to other countries documents are a mandatory step. You must have all the documents and licenses for exporting nutmeg powder. Here are some of the documents that will be required to start a nutmeg powder export business:-
- Incorporation certificate
- Import-export code
- Goods and service tax
- FSSAI License- It can be done by visiting the official website of the government of India
- Passport size photo
- Trademark registration
- MSME registration
- Company PAN Card
- Personal details
- IEC Certificate
- DD of Rs 5000 in favour of the spices board
- Confidential bank certificate
- GST Registration certificate