Sourcing Spices from Andhra Pradesh: chilli country
Andhra Pradesh and its Guntur market set the world red-chilli price; here is what the region supplies and how to buy it.
The chilli capital
Andhra Pradesh is India's chilli heartland. Guntur hosts Asia's largest chilli market and effectively sets the world red-chilli price, and it is the home of the Sannam S4 variety. A programme built on Andhra Pradesh is a chilli programme first, with turmeric from the wider Telangana-Andhra belt alongside.
The chilli varieties
| Variety | Heat (SHU) | ASTA colour | Bought for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guntur Sannam S4 | 35,000 to 45,000 | 100 to 120 | heat and pungency |
| Teja S17 | not verified | 110 to 130 | high heat / extraction |
How to specify Guntur chilli
Chilli is specified on heat (SHU), colour (ASTA) and form (whole, stemless, powder). Sannam S4 at 35,000 to 45,000 SHU with ASTA 100 to 120 is the pungent workhorse. Teja S17 is prized for high heat and extraction, with ASTA 110 to 130, though its widely quoted SHU figures are not verified and should not be stated as fact.
The compliance hazard: Sudan dye
The signature adulteration risk for chilli is Sudan dye, an illegal red colourant with zero tolerance in export markets. Any chilli programme, especially into the EU or US, must screen for Sudan dyes and buy from exporters with a clean record. Whole chilli also needs steam treatment plus pathogen testing.
How YouPals helps
YouPals is a sourcing desk and owns no processing. In Andhra Pradesh we shortlist CRES-registered exporters, specify chilli on SHU, ASTA and form, and, because Guntur sets the price, keep you aligned to the prevailing market level. We coordinate Sudan-dye, pesticide and pathogen testing at accredited third parties so your chilli clears its destination cleanly.
Frequently asked
What chilli is Guntur known for?
The Sannam S4, a hot, pungent chilli at 35,000 to 45,000 SHU with ASTA colour 100 to 120. Guntur hosts Asia's largest chilli market and effectively sets the world red-chilli price.
What is the main compliance risk for Indian chilli?
Sudan dye, an illegal red colourant with zero tolerance in export markets. Screen every chilli lot for Sudan dyes, and steam-treat and pathogen-test whole chilli before shipment.
Sourcing this? Tell us the spice, grade and destination and we return a documented offer — vetted supply, QC oversight, and the test dossier your market needs.
Start a sourcing enquiry →What this page does not tell you
- Teja S17 SHU
- Teja heat is widely quoted very high but not verified; we state its ASTA and leave SHU unstated.
- Chilli price level
- Guntur sets the price and it moves; we do not quote a rate.
Reviewed 16 July 2026.
Sources
- Spices Board of India — Export statistics· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Spices Board — Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES)· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16