Are you curious about the current prices of black pepper in the Philippines?
Look no further! We’ve gathered all the latest information on the producer prices, wholesale prices, and farmgate prices of this popular spice.
From Manila to Quezon, we’ll explore the different regions and varieties of black pepper available in the Philippines.
Plus, we’ll delve into the history and characteristics of black pepper, so you can appreciate this spice even more.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of black pepper in the Philippines.
How Much Is Black Pepper In The Philippines?
The price of black pepper in the Philippines varies depending on the region and the year. According to recent data, a kilogram of black pepper in Manila and Quezon is around US $226.18, packed and ready for export. In PHP currency, this translates to 4.6796642.
The prices of black pepper per tonne in the Philippines have fluctuated in recent years. In 2016, the price was US$ 16,400.00, while in 2017 it was US$ 15,281.25. The price dropped to US$ 13,376.34 in 2018 but increased slightly to US$ 14,113.40 in 2019.
If you’re interested in wholesale or farmgate prices of whole black peppercorn in the Philippines, you can find price data on trusted local sources. Keep in mind that these prices are intended for basic market indication and benchmarking only.
In 2021, the average farmgate price of black pepper in the Philippines was at 311.74 Philippine pesos per kilogram. This is a decrease from previous years, with the highest price at 454.13 Philippine pesos per kilogram in 2017.
Introduction To Black Pepper In The Philippines
Black pepper, also known as Piper nigrum, is a perennial climbing vine that belongs to the family Piperaceae. It is one of the earliest spices known to man and is native to the Malabar Coast of India. Black pepper is widely used as a spice around the world and has limited usage in medicine as a carminative and as a stimulant of gastric secretions. In the Philippines, black pepper is considered one of the most important spices grown because of its many uses such as food seasoning and as a medicinal plant.
The varieties of black pepper in the Philippines are classified according to their respective source of origin, with the most common being Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Davao, Zamboanga or Basilan black pepper. The plant can grow up to 10 meters in height but under cultivation, it is usually restricted to 3-4 meters. It is a perennial plant that can live for over 30 years, with a commercial lifespan of 12-20 years.
Black pepper may be vining or have bushy wooden stems. The plant has simple, alternating leaves that are oval in shape and produces clusters or spikes of 50 to 150 flowers. The fruits develop on the flower spike and are small spherical fruits that are green and ripen to red. Each stem can produce 20-30 spikes.
Production-wise, the volume harvested in the Philippines is equal to 14,007 kilograms with an equivalent value of 292,589 pesos or 21.00 pesos per kilogram. Marketing of the commodity is being undertaken by most farmers, with different types of buyers identified such as wholesalers, agents of wholesalers, wholesaler-retailer, retailer, exporter and/or end-user. At the farmer’s level, the black pepper market approaches a purely competitive market.
However, farmers face several problems such as the presence of insect pests, lack of irrigation facilities, high cost of labor, instability of prices and low prices offered by buyers of the crop. Despite these challenges, black pepper remains an important crop in the Philippines due to its many uses and economic value.
Producer Prices Of Black Pepper In Different Regions
The producer prices of black pepper also vary across different regions in the Philippines. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, the average farmgate price of black pepper in 2021 was at 400 Philippine pesos per kilogram. This is higher compared to other regions such as Central Visayas, where the average farmgate price was at 250 Philippine pesos per kilogram.
In Mindanao, the prices of black pepper per kilogram also differ depending on the location. In Davao City, for instance, the price of black pepper ranged from 300 to 400 Philippine pesos per kilogram in 2021. Meanwhile, in Bukidnon, the farmgate price of black pepper was at 350 Philippine pesos per kilogram.
It is important to note that these prices are subject to change depending on various factors such as weather conditions, supply and demand, and market trends. Farmers and traders may also negotiate prices depending on the quality and quantity of black pepper being sold.
Wholesale Prices Of Black Pepper In The Philippines
When it comes to wholesale prices of black pepper in the Philippines, the average price for a kilogram in 2023 is estimated to be between US $13.38 and US $14.11, or between US $6.07 and US $6.4 per pound. The import price for pepper in 2019 was US$2.97 per kilogram. Meanwhile, the average wholesale price of bell pepper in 2021 was 125.14 Philippine pesos per kilogram.
It’s important to note that the prices of black pepper in the Philippines can vary depending on the region and year. For instance, a kilogram of black pepper in Manila and Quezon is estimated to be around US $226.18, packed and ready for export, which translates to 4.6796642 in PHP currency.
In terms of tonne prices, black pepper prices in the Philippines have fluctuated over the years. In 2016, the price was US$ 16,400.00, while in 2017 it was US$ 15,281.25. The price dropped to US$ 13,376.34 in 2018 but increased slightly to US$ 14,113.40 in 2019.
If you’re interested in wholesale or farmgate prices of whole black peppercorn in the Philippines, it’s recommended to check reliable local sources for pricing data. However, keep in mind that these prices are intended for basic market indication and benchmarking purposes only.
Farmgate Prices Of Black Pepper In The Philippines
The farmgate price of black pepper in the Philippines is an important factor for farmers and traders alike. The farmgate price refers to the price at which the farmer sells their produce directly to the buyer, without any intermediaries involved.
According to recent data, the average farmgate price of black pepper in the Philippines during the first quarter of 2022 was Php 265.23 per kilogram. This is a decrease from previous years, as the average farmgate price of black pepper was at its highest in 2017 at Php 454.13 per kilogram.
It’s worth noting that the farmgate prices of other condiments in the Philippines have also declined during the first quarter of 2022. Some major condiments in the province include garlic, hot pepper (red labuyo), green pepper finger, red onion, and Hawaiian ginger, of which their average farmgate prices were respectively posted at Php 55.86 per kilogram, Php 35.13 per kilogram, Php 33.56 per kilogram, Php 20.10 per kilogram, and Php 32.06 per kilogram during the reference quarter.
If you’re a farmer looking to cultivate black pepper in the Philippines, it’s important to note that the farm gate price of 1 kg of black pepper can vary depending on the variety chosen by the farmer. The overall yield for 8 years per acre is around 3000 kg depending upon the variety chosen by the farmer. The farm gate price of 5,000 kg of black pepper is around Php 12,00,000 for 8 years, but this price may vary depending upon the demand in the markets and also based on the variety chosen.
Types Of Black Pepper Available In The Philippines
Black pepper is one of the most important spices grown in the Philippines, and there are various types available in the market today. Here are the five types of black pepper commonly found in the Philippines:
1. Batangas Black Pepper – This variety is known for its strong aroma and pungent flavor. It is grown in Batangas province, which is located in the southern part of Luzon island.
2. Laguna Black Pepper – This type of black pepper is grown in Laguna province, which is also located in Luzon island. It has a milder flavor compared to Batangas black pepper.
3. Quezon Black Pepper – This variety is grown in Quezon province, which is located in the southern part of Luzon island. It has a slightly sweet taste and a mild aroma.
4. Davao Black Pepper – This type of black pepper is grown in Davao region, which is located in the southern part of Mindanao island. It has a strong aroma and a spicy taste.
5. Zamboanga or Basilan Black Pepper – This variety is grown in Zamboanga and Basilan provinces, which are located in the southern part of Mindanao island. It has a mild flavor and a fruity aroma.
Each variety of black pepper has its own unique characteristics and uses in cooking. It’s important to choose the right type of black pepper depending on the dish you’re preparing to achieve the best flavor.
History And Characteristics Of Black Pepper
Black pepper, also known as Piper nigrum, is a perennial climbing vine of the family Piperaceae that is widely used as a spice around the world. It is native to the Malabar Coast of India and is one of the earliest spices known to mankind. Black pepper has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and was first used in traditional Indian cooking around 1500 BCE.
During ancient times, black pepper was extensively traded, especially on the Silk Road, as it was not only a culinary spice but also thought to have incredible health benefits. It was widely regarded as the “king” of spices and was even called “black gold” until recent history. Black pepper was used not only for flavoring food but also as a traditional medicine. It was believed to have carminative properties, which means it could relieve flatulence, and was also used as a stimulant of gastric secretions.
The name “pepper” is derived from the Sanskrit name of long pepper, pippali. This word gave rise to the Greek peperi and Latin piper. Pepper goes by many names in different languages such as hu jiao (Chinese), kali mirch (Hindi), pimienta (Spanish), fulful / filfil (Arabic), poivre (French), pepe (Italian), and pfeffer (German).
The fruit of black pepper is a drupe (stonefruit) that is about 5 mm (0.20 in) in diameter when fresh and fully mature. The fruit is dark red and contains a stone that encloses a single pepper seed. Peppercorns and the ground pepper derived from them may be described simply as pepper or more precisely as black pepper (cooked and dried unripe fruit), green pepper (dried unripe fruit), or white pepper (ripe fruit seeds).
Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, and it is one of the most common spices added to cuisines around the world. Its spiciness is due to the chemical compound piperine, which is different from the capsaicin characteristic of chili peppers. Black pepper is ubiquitous in the Western world as a seasoning and is often paired with salt and available on dining tables in shakers or mills.
Currently, black pepper cultivation continues to be most prominent in India, but Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil are also major producers. Vietnam is now the largest exporter with 285,000 tons being exported annually with kg costing about $12. In Indonesia, Lampung province produces black pepper while Bangka Belitung province produces white pepper. The total production from these two provinces accounts for 70-80% of the total pepper production in Indonesia.
