Origins & marketsData reference
Kochi Pepper Auction Explained: Historic Benchmark
Kochi in Kerala is the historic auction benchmark for black pepper and cardamom, home of the MG1 and TGEB grades.
- EU border check rate, Indian black pepper
- 50% (Salmonella)
- Reg. (EU) 2019/1793 — temporary increase of official controls
Kochi at a glance (verified)
The table sets out Kochi's role and the pepper grades associated with it. Bulk density is the spec that separates the grades.
| Fact / grade | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kochi, Kerala |
| Standing | Historic black-pepper and cardamom auction benchmark |
| MG1 (Malabar Garbled) | ~500-550 g/l bulk density |
| TGEB (Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold) | 550+ g/l bulk density |
Why the benchmark matters
- History: Kochi has long been the reference auction for pepper and cardamom, so its clearing prices shape contract talk.
- Grades: MG1 is the standard garbled export grade; TGEB is a bolder, denser selection at 550+ g/l.
- Compliance overlay: Indian black pepper sits at a 50% Salmonella check rate at the EU border under Reg. (EU) 2019/1793, so microbiological control travels with every lot.
Frequently asked
What is Kochi known for in the spice trade?
Kochi in Kerala is the historic auction benchmark for black pepper and cardamom, and the reference point for grades like MG1 and TGEB.
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Start a sourcing enquiry →What this page does not tell you
- Kochi daily auction prices
- The daily auction price series and volumes at Kochi are not in our sourced dataset.
- Spot vs terminal pricing
- Any relationship between Kochi spot and futures/terminal pricing is not covered by our sources.
Reviewed 16 July 2026.
Sources
- Spices Board of India — Export statistics· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Reg. (EU) 2019/1793 — temporary increase of official controls· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16