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The green radiance of cardamom

This aromatic product has been cultivated for over 100 years in the country, and for its quality, has conquered the world.

Guatemala is the world´s leading producer and exporter of cardamom, producing more than 35,000 tons of cardamom per year, which is then exported to all continents including the main consuming centers like North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Western Asia and North America.

The secret to its success in producing and marketing the cardamom world-wide lies in its special climate and the constant effort of the producing and exporting sectors that have continuously strived to provide the best quality product.

Cardamom benefits from Guatemala´s special microclimates and rich mineral soils present only in the humid highlands of the northern regions of the country including Huehuetenango, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Izabal and Quiche.

The exporters of the Cardamom Exports Commision in AGEXPORT which represent 85% of the total volume shipped, are focused on supplying cardamom that meet the strictest quality standards and certifications demanded by the international markets. The work starts at the field level where the Cardamom Export Commission in AGEXPORT has implemented programs to provide technical assistance, to facilitate the implementation of good agricultural and manufacturing practices (GAPs and GMPs) thereby ensuring the best quality product and socioeconomic development in the country.

According to the Central Bank of Guatemala, around US$ 370 million worth of cardamom was exported during 2017, making up almost 1% of the country´s Gross Domestic Product and involving more than 300 thousand small farmers from a diverse set of ethnic groups, but mainly the Q´eqchi people.

For further information please contact the members of the Cardamom Export Commission of Agexport at www.cardamomo.gt