Tue Feb 24 14:48:28 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Indian Spice Exporters Urged to Prioritize Resilience Over Efficiency Amid Global Volatility

The Story:

Speaking at the ninth edition of the International Spice Conference in Kochi on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, MP Shashi Tharoor called on Indian spice exporters to shift their focus from mere efficiency to building resilience in the face of climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, and increasingly stringent food safety regulations. He emphasized that the traditional assumptions of predictable global trade are eroding, and resilience has become the new benchmark for success in the industry.

Key Points:

  • Shashi Tharoor highlighted the need for Indian spice exporters to prioritize resilience due to climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, and stricter food safety rules.
  • Traditional trade assumptions of stable routes and frictionless markets are diminishing.
  • Tightening residue norms and traceability requirements make compliance a strategic imperative, not just a technical exercise.
  • Climate change is a present operational challenge affecting spice yields and quality.
  • The growing use of spices in nutraceutical and wellness markets demands higher standards of documentation, traceability, and scientific validation.

Critical Analysis:

The emphasis on resilience is a recurring theme in various sectors, as evidenced by the provided historical context. The EU-India FTA focusing on resilient supply chains, workshops on climate risks for MSMEs, discussions on resilient blockchain infrastructure, and expert opinions on building resilience into everyday operations all point to a broader trend of businesses and governments preparing for an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. The spice industry, being particularly vulnerable to climate change and trade regulations, is now being urged to proactively adapt to these challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian spice export industry is facing increasing pressure to adapt to a changing global landscape.
  • Compliance with international food safety standards is now a critical strategic advantage.
  • Climate change poses a significant and immediate threat to spice production.
  • Traceability and scientific validation are essential for accessing the growing nutraceutical and wellness markets.
  • Resilience is emerging as a key competitive factor in global trade.

Impact Analysis:

The shift towards resilience in the Indian spice industry has long-term implications:

  • Increased Investment in Technology and Infrastructure: Spice exporters will likely need to invest in advanced tracking technologies and climate-resilient farming practices.
  • Stricter Quality Control Measures: Companies will need to implement more rigorous testing and certification processes to meet international standards.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Collaboration between exporters, research institutions, and government agencies will be crucial for developing sustainable and resilient supply chains.
  • Market Diversification: Exporters may need to explore new markets and product applications to mitigate risks associated with reliance on specific regions or sectors.
  • Potential for Increased Competitiveness: By embracing resilience, Indian spice exporters can strengthen their position in the global market and gain a competitive edge.

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