Spices · Whole black peppercorns

Indian Black Pepper for Global Commodity Buyers

Black pepper is traded on measurable parameters — berry size, bulk density, moisture and cleanliness. We handle wholesale and export enquiries for whole Indian black pepper, quoted against the specification you need.

Request a Quote Contact Us on WhatsApp

Request Product Specifications

Whole black peppercorns in a brass bowl — Representative product image — not a specific Assurex lot.

At a glance

Black Pepper in brief

What it is: The dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum vine. India grows it mainly in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Common uses: Table and seasoning pepper, spice blends, meat and snack processing, and grinding by spice packers.
Formats: Whole black peppercorns are the main format. Cracked or ground pepper can be discussed on request.
Specs to confirm: Grade or berry size, bulk density (g/L), moisture, light berries, foreign matter, and any pesticide, microbiological or mycotoxin testing.
How to enquire: Send the grade or density, quantity, packing and destination. Attach your specification if you have one.

Sourcing Indian Black Pepper

Black pepper has been traded from India's Malabar Coast for centuries, and Kerala and Karnataka remain the principal growing regions. Trade names such as Malabar and Tellicherry describe styles and grades associated with this coast.

We source pepper against your specification. Once the grade, density and quantity are confirmed, we check what suitable suppliers can offer and prepare a quotation. Origin descriptions are only used where they can be supported for the lot.

Pepper Grade and Product Specifications

Indian black pepper is commonly described by trade grades. MG1 (Malabar Garbled Grade 1) is a widely used general grade, while TGEB (Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold) refers to larger berries — typically those retained on a 4.75 mm sieve. "Garbled" means the pepper has been cleaned of stalks, light berries and extraneous matter.

Grade names are a starting point. We convert them into measurable parameters in the quotation so that you know exactly what the lot is expected to meet.

Black Pepper — specification checklist
Parameter	What to confirm
Grade / berry size	Trade grade or sieve size, e.g. bolder grades retained on a 4.75 mm sieve.
Bulk density	Grams per litre (for example 500 g/L, 550 g/L or higher); agree the minimum.
Moisture	Maximum moisture content to be agreed and tested where required.
Light berries	Maximum percentage of light or hollow berries.
Foreign matter	Maximum extraneous matter such as stems, dust and stones.
Food safety	Pesticide residues, microbiology, mycotoxins or other tests your market requires.

Density, Moisture and Foreign-Matter Requirements

Bulk density — the weight of a litre of pepper — indicates how well-developed and heavy the berries are. Buyers often specify a minimum such as 500 g/L or 550 g/L, with higher densities commanding higher prices.

Moisture affects both weight and storage safety; excessive moisture raises the risk of mould. Light berries (immature or hollow) and foreign matter reduce yield and quality.

Each of these parameters should be agreed with a method of measurement and, where needed, tested before shipment. We do not guarantee density, volatile oil, piperine content or purity figures unless they are documented by a test report for the lot.

Packaging Options for Bulk Orders

Bulk black pepper is commonly shipped in new jute or polypropylene bags, sometimes with an inner liner. Bag weight, material and markings are agreed with the supplier for each order. Consumer packs or private-label packaging are discussed separately — see packaging options.

Food-Safety Testing and Import Requirements

Spices are subject to food-safety rules in most importing markets, and border testing for pesticide residues, microbiological contamination (such as Salmonella) and mycotoxins is common. Some buyers require steam-sterilised pepper; this must be confirmed with suppliers before quoting.

Testing is carried out by accredited third-party laboratories where agreed in the contract. India's Spices Board also operates quality evaluation laboratories. Read more on spice quality parameters.

Enquire

Request a Black Pepper Quotation

Share the grade, bulk density, quantity, packing and destination. Attach your specification sheet for a faster quotation.

Request a Quote Enquire About Bulk Supply Contact Us on WhatsApp

Buyer questions

Black Pepper FAQs

What black pepper grades can I enquire about?

You can enquire about common Indian grades such as MG1 and bolder grades like TGEB, or simply specify the berry size and bulk density you need. Availability is confirmed for each enquiry.

What does bulk density mean for pepper?

Bulk density is the weight of one litre of peppercorns, in grams. Higher density usually means heavier, more mature berries. Buyers commonly specify a minimum, such as 500 g/L or 550 g/L.

What moisture level should I specify?

Moisture limits are agreed between buyer and seller and often follow the buyer's market standard. Specify your maximum and whether it must be tested before shipment.

What are light berries?

Light berries are immature or hollow peppercorns that weigh less and have less flavour. Specifications usually set a maximum percentage.

Can you supply steam-sterilised pepper?

Steam-sterilised pepper may be available through suitable processors. It must be confirmed with suppliers before we quote.

Which food-safety tests are common for pepper?

Pesticide residues, microbiological tests such as Salmonella, and sometimes mycotoxins. The tests required depend on your market and are agreed in the contract.

How is black pepper packed for export?

Usually in new jute or polypropylene bags, sometimes lined. Bag weight and markings are agreed per order.

What affects the price of black pepper?

Market prices, grade and density, quantity, cleaning or sterilisation, packing, testing, trade term and freight. Quotations carry a validity period because prices move.