Robust auction participation and premium bidding strengthen sentiment in the small cardamom trade; large cardamom markets remain stable across eastern trading centres

India’s cardamom trade continued to exhibit strong market activity this week, with small cardamom auction prices demonstrating sustained firmness amid aggressive buying interest, while large cardamom prices across key eastern mandis reflected stable demand and disciplined trade flows.

Fresh auction data from May 6, 2026, revealed that two major small cardamom auction centres collectively handled more than 1.14 lakh kilograms of produce, underscoring resilient market participation despite elevated price levels.

At the auction conducted by , a total of 162 lots comprising 23,892.8 kilograms arrived for sale, of which 22,534.2 kilograms were successfully traded. The auction recorded a maximum realised price of Rs 3,187 per kilogram, while the average traded price stood at Rs 2,478.10 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, registered substantially larger trade volumes, handling 315 lots with arrivals of 91,001.4 kilograms. The auction achieved sales of 89,090.7 kilograms, reflecting exceptionally high absorption levels within the market. The session also recorded the highest quoted price of the day at Rs 3,640 per kilogram, with average prices climbing to Rs 2,622.66 per kilogram.

The combined data indicates a healthy sale-to-arrival conversion ratio exceeding 97 per cent, signalling robust trader confidence and sustained downstream demand from domestic buyers, exporters, and value-added spice processors.

Market observers note that the widening premium between average and peak prices points toward intensified competition for superior-quality capsules, particularly export-grade material with favourable colour, size, and aroma characteristics. The sharp premium realisations above Rs 3,500 per kilogram further reinforce the market’s willingness to reward quality amid tightening availability.

In contrast, India’s large cardamom market displayed comparatively stable pricing patterns across eastern trading hubs on April 30, 2026. At Singtam, Badadana varieties were quoted at Rs 1,575 per kilogram, while Chotadana traded at Rs 1,440 per kilogram. Prices at Gangtok remained marginally lower, with Badadana at Rs 1,500 per kilogram and Chotadana at Rs 1,375 per kilogram.

The strongest large cardamom prices emerged from Siliguri, where Badadana commanded Rs 1,806 per kilogram and Chotadana reached Rs 1,560 per kilogram, reflecting stronger wholesale and transit demand from eastern and export-oriented trade channels.

The prevailing spread between small and large cardamom prices continues to highlight the premium positioning of small cardamom within both domestic consumption and international spice markets. Analysts suggest that sustained auction clearances, coupled with firm premium-grade bidding, may continue to support bullish undertones in the near term, particularly if arrivals remain controlled during the coming trading sessions.

Across the spice trade ecosystem, current pricing trends are being closely monitored as indicators of export demand resilience, inventory replenishment cycles, and evolving procurement strategies ahead of the next major harvesting phase.