Chinese ginger dominates the European market, with Brazilian and Peruvian products as supplements. "We used to import ginger from Peru, too, but in recent years, more than half of our imports have come from China, with the rest from Brazil," says Danny Deen of Denimpex, a fresh and exotic produce importer and exporter in the Netherlands.
Annual market opportunities, crop quality, pricing, and logistical circumstances change that precise ratio. "Brazil supplies us from July to late December, and China from mid-January until the end of the year. The later in the season, the less strong the ginger tastes." It can be stored for a long time, but under very specific conditions, and Chinese ginger generally lasts longer.
"The batches arrive dry or wet. If wet, we dry it for another ten days. Brazilian ginger usually arrives dry, but turns blue when cut, making it less suitable for ginger shots," Danny explains. The industry prefers the Chinese product because of its low-fiber texture. "The hospitality industry requires larger roots, at least 250 grams, which China can supply."
When Denimpex began importing 30 years ago, ginger was still an exotic product. "I recall a supermarket buyer not knowing what it was and asking for a recipe. Since then, though, ginger has become more common and gained great popularity during the pandemic," Danny points out. In 2023, the EU imported 170,000 tons of ginger, compared to just 6,000 tons 30 years earlier.
Most of Europe's ginger comes from China, which harvested 673,000 tons in 2023. India harvests three times as much, but almost all is consumed locally. Denimpex used to import from eight countries, including Hawaii and South Africa. "Hawaii has the most beautiful ginger in the world. South African ginger is good but too expensive. Nigeria also exports, but we've not yet ventured there."
Quality remains a priority. "China has the upper hand, but there are challenges such as MRLs (maximum residue limits). Growing ginger continuously on the same plot requires more crop protection products. I've heard China's found new cultivation areas this season," says Deen. Denimpex imports only batches that meet food safety standards. "A problem with MRLs can cost you dearly and reflect badly on the sector. Quality is paramount; we'd rather pay more than take risks."
The long voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, high container prices, and the strong US dollar mean China's new season's prospects look uncertain. "Chinese ginger is currently very pricey, and a product must be genuinely profitable to please importers," Danny concludes.
For more information:
Danny Deen
Denimpex
Tel: +31(0)20 6246390
danny@denimpex.nl
www.denimpex.nl