Top-5 Cinnamon Producing Countries in the World 2024

Cinnamon is a widely used spice known for its sweet and spicy flavor, often added to dishes and desserts. It thrives in warm, tropical climates and is produced in countries with ideal growing conditions. These countries are key players in the global cinnamon industry, contributing to the diverse varieties and high-quality supplies of this beloved spice. In this article, we will know about the largest cinnamon producing country in the world.

Worldwide Cinnamon Production

The global production of cinnamon is about 242,000 tons each year, with 154,000 tons being traded internationally. This shows the high demand for cinnamon worldwide, as it is used in cooking, baking and even in some health products, making it a valuable spice in the global market.

Top-5 Cinnamon Producing Countries

Cinnamon is a popular spice grown in tropical regions. The top-5 cinnamon-producing countries, each contributing significantly to global production:

• Indonesia
• China
• Vietnam
• Sri Lanka
• Madagascar

World’s Largest Cinnamon Producer, Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of cinnamon, contributing 43% of global production in 2014. The country produces over 900,000 tons of cinnamon annually, worth around $85 million. Most of this cinnamon is grown on the slopes of Mount Kerinci cinnamon, is famous for its high-quality, which includes high oil content, giving it a rich flavor and aroma.

China

China is the second-largest producer of cinnamon, accounting for 33% of the world’s total production in 2014. China primarily produces cassia cinnamon, which is known for its strong, intense and slightly spicy flavor. Chinese cassia is also sweeter compared to the variety from Indonesia. In China, cinnamon is grown in provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Fujian, where large-scale cultivation takes place to meet both domestic and international demand.

Vietnam

Vietnam produces mainly Saigon cinnamon, a variety closely related to cassia. In 2014, the country accounted for 15% of global cinnamon production, or about 31,674 tons. The main regions for cinnamon cultivation in Vietnam are the central and Central Highland areas, especially Quang Ngai Province. With a land area dedicated to cinnamon ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 hectares, this spice is also an important ingredient in Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, pho. A significant portion of Vietnam’s cinnamon production is exported to other countries.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known for producing the highest quality cinnamon in the world. Although the country accounted for 8% of global production in 2014 (16,667 tons), its cinnamon is prized  for its delicate flavor and smooth texture. Cinnamon cultivation in Sri Lanka is concentrated along the coastal belt, from Kaluthara to Mathara, with some plantations in Ratnapura and Ambalangoda.