Vietnam exports more than 5,400 tons of star anise to the Indian market

According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spices Association (VPSA), in July 2024, Vietnam exported 1,662 tons of star anise, with a turnover of 7.8 million USD, an increase of 7.4% compared to June.

The main star anise export market is India with 1,062 tons, accounting for 63.9%, while Prosi Thang Long is still the leading exporter with 309 tons, accounting for 18.6% and increasing by 45.1% compared to the previous month.

In the first 7 months of 2024, Vietnam exported 8,685 tons of star anise, with a total export turnover of 41.9 million USD. Compared to the same period last year, the export volume increased by 5.1% but the turnover decreased by 17.1%.

In the first 7 months of 2024, India was the main export market for Vietnamese star anise. Illustrative photo

Leading exporters include: Prosi Thang Long: 1,586 tons, up 15.6%; Tuan Minh: 485 tons, up 25%; Nedspice Vietnam: 482 tons, down 42.9%; Senspices Vietnam: 345 tons, up 39.7%; and Hong Son Vietnam: 308 tons, up 0.3%.

India is the main export market of Vietnamese star anise, accounting for 63.0%, reaching 5,472 tons and increasing by 7% over the same period in 2023. Next are the US markets: 601 tons, up 7.9%; Taiwan (China): 276 tons, up 228.6%; China: 259 tons, down 63.4%

According to the World Spice Association, Vietnam has a precious spice plant, with an annual output among the top in the world, which is star anise. The reason why star anise is considered a “treasure” is because it is a native plant that very few countries in the world can grow. In fact, star anise is almost exclusively found in Vietnam and China. Each year, only 2 star anise crops can be harvested.

In Vietnam, star anise is grown mainly in the northern border provinces such as Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual output of more than 16,000 tons.

Notably, in the world, star anise is almost only found in Vietnam and China and can be produced in large quantities thanks to favorable conditions. Star anise begins to be harvested from the 4th year, however, it takes about 16 years to be able to harvest 2 crops/year, so this rare plant becomes even more valuable.

Among them, Lang Son is known as the “capital” of star anise in our country. Star anise in Lang Son is mainly grown in the districts of Van Quan, Binh Gia, Bac Son, Trang Dinh, Chi Lang, Van Lang and Cao Loc. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the French have built an anise essential oil processing factory in Lang Son.

According to the Vietnam Forestry Science Institute, star anise is a medium-sized tree, 2-6m tall, with a slender diamond-shaped shape, green all year round, and a straight trunk. The tree is only harvested twice a year, so star anise flowers are rare and even more precious.

Star anise flowers bloom twice a year but there is no clear boundary. The first crop usually takes place in June, called the four-season crop. The second crop is around August-September, called the anise season crop.

Normally, star anise, if planted and cared for well, will flower after 4-5 years of planting and can be harvested for several decades. The yield of star anise from the 4th to 6th year is about 0.5-1 kg/tree. From the 20th year onwards, the star anise will give a stable yield, up to 40-50 kg/tree.

Normally, star anise will have 6-8 petals, arranged in a star shape with a diameter of 2.5-3cm, each petal carries a small, smooth egg-shaped seed inside. Most of the star anise after harvest will be dried and used as dried flowers, only a small part is processed into essential oil.

Star anise is commonly used in cooking and as a medicine. Star anise is one of the premium spices that famous chefs always love to use in their dishes. Using star anise skillfully in dishes will help elevate the dish to a whole new flavor.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/viet-nam-xuat-khau-hon-5400-tan-hoa-hoi-sang-thi-truong-an-do-337971.html