How the World's Most Expensive Cinnamon Is ProducedBusiness Insider · 3.2M views
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Why Sri Lanka for spicesSri Lanka grows Cinnamomum verum, the true cinnamon the world calls Ceylon cinnamon. Pure Ceylon Cinnamon holds EU Geographical Indication protection. Pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom grow alongside it in the wet zone.
Source: Export Development Board 2025 full year figures, reported by Daily FT.
True cinnamon is milder and naturally far lower in coumarin than cassia, which matters to health brands and regulators.
A compact spice garden with smallholder supply and established exporters.
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Indian Ayurveda, FMCG and spice processing brands source Ceylon cinnamon for premium lines. The India to Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, in force since 2000, gives duty concessions on many goods, though some spice lines carry quotas or conditions. Check the current schedule with your customs broker.
Ceylon cinnamon is Cinnamomum verum, grown mainly in Sri Lanka. It has thin, layered quills, a milder taste and far less coumarin than cassia, which comes from related species grown in China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The India to Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement gives duty concessions on many products, but some spices are subject to quotas or conditions. Confirm the current tariff line with a customs broker before contracting.