Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday Jun 15, 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026 06:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka is aiming to increase annual export earnings from cinnamon to $ 300 million as authorities seek to capitalise on growing global demand for the spice, according to discussions held between Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha and officials of the Cinnamon Development Department last week.
During the meeting at the Agriculture Ministry, officials presented a roadmap outlining future development plans for the industry and highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominant position in the global cinnamon market.
Sri Lanka...
Sri Lanka currently produces around 80% of the world’s true cinnamon and generates approximately $ 260 million in annual export revenue from the sector.
The Department also noted that cinnamon productivity could be significantly improved. While an acre of cinnamon currently yields around 250 kilograms, there is potential to increase output to 400 kilograms per acre through improved cultivation practices.
Several challenges facing the industry were identified during the discussions, including competition from cassia cinnamon, reliance on low-value markets, market concentration among a limited number of exporters, inadequate research and development, and weak international branding.
Officials stressed the need to expand into new markets, strengthen market penetration, promote value-added cinnamon products, and improve returns to local growers to drive future growth in the sector.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Cinnamon Cultural Promotion Centre currently under construction and examined the potential for expanding cinnamon cultivation through intercropping practices as part of efforts to boost production and export earnings.
