22/08/2025
https://www.facebook.com/100040191499807/posts/1573486530667715/
“Amid shifting global preferences, Ceylon Cinnamon continues to distinguish itself, carving out a significant niche in both traditional and emerging industries. The Geographical Identification (GI) status protects the authenticity of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon, which is now getting into the international markets.”
These were the statements expressed by Christopher Fernando, the secretary to the Association for Ceylon Cinnamon Protection Geographical Indication (ACCPGI), as he reflected on the increase in global demand for pure Ceylon cinnamon as a natural health-enhancing ingredient and premium quality spice.
According to Mr. Fernando, Sri Lanka accounts for 80%–90% of the global pure cinnamon supply chain and has key export markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and North America. The latest data released by the Export Development Board showed that the export earnings from spices and essential oils grew by 29.64% to $208.53 million, with cinnamon recording a strong performance of 25.01%.
Mr. Fernando mentioned that the EDB and the ACCPGI are jointly overseeing the expansion of membership and the regulation of cinnamon exporters in the country. In 2024, 78 farmers and processors became the first certified GI-Ceylon Cinnamon growers in Sri Lanka. He also mentioned that Samagi Spice Exports Ltd., a company that had successfully acquired the GI tag, shipped 2500 kg of Ceylon Cinnamon as a value-added retail pack to the EU this month. To date, this remains the largest shipment of GI-cinnamon export in Sri Lanka.
The GI, or Geographical Indication, certificate is an intellectual property right that connects the origin of a product to a specific location. The quality, reputation, and other characteristics of the product are linked to said location. The GI certification will allow consumers to distinguish between pure Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon exported by other countries.
