AsemconnectVietnam - In the first 7 months of 2024, India was a main export market for Vietnamese star anise, accounting for 63%, reaching 5,472 tonnes and increasing by 7.0% over the same period in 2023.

According to statistics from Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), in July 2024, Vietnam exported 1,662 tonnes of star anise, with a turnover of 7.8 million USD, compared to June, export volume increased by 7.4%.
A main star anise export market is India, reaching 1,062 tonnes, accounting for 63.9%, while Prosi Thang Long is still the leading exporter, reaching 309 tonnes, accounting for 18.6% and increasing by 45.1% over previous month.
In the first 7 months of 2024, Vietnam exported 8,685 tonnes of star anise, with a total export turnover of 41.9 million USD. Compared to the same period last year, export volume increased by 5.1% but turnover decreased by 17.1%.
Leading exporters include: Prosi Thang Long: 1,586 tonnes, up 15.6%; Tuan Minh: 485 tonnes, up 25%; Nedspice Vietnam: 482 tonnes, down 42.9%; Senspices Vietnam: 345 tonnes, up 39.7% and Hong Son Vietnam 308 tonnes, up 0.3%.
India is a main export market for Vietnamese star anise, accounting for 63.0%, reaching 5,472 tonnes and up 7% over the same period in 2023. Next are the US markets: 601 tonnes, up 7.9%; Taiwan (China): 276 tonnes, up 228.6%; China: 259 tonnes, down 63.4%
According to World Spice Association, Vietnam has a precious spice plant, with an annual output among the top in the world, which is star anise. A reason why star anise is considered a "treasure" is because this is a native plant that very few countries in the world can grow. In fact, star anise is almost only found in Vietnam and China. Each year, only 2 star anise crops can be harvested.
In Vietnam, star anise is grown mainly in northern border provinces such as Lang Son and Cao Bang with an annual output of more than 16,000 tonnes.
Notably, in the world, star anise is almost only found in Vietnam and China and can produce star anise in large quantities thanks to favorable conditions. Star anise begins to be harvested from the 4th year, however, it takes about 16 years to harvest 2 crops/year, so this rare plant becomes even more valuable.
In particular, Lang Son is known as the "capital" of star anise in our country. Star anise in Lang Son is mainly grown in districts of Van Quan, Binh Gia, Bac Son, Trang Dinh, Chi Lang, Van Lang and Cao Loc. Since the beginning of the 20th century, French have built a star anise essential oil processing factory in Lang Son.
According to Vietnam Forestry Science Institute, star anise is a medium-sized tree, 2-6m high, the whole tree is slender and diamond-shaped, green all year round, and the trunk grows straight. Each year, the tree is only harvested 2 crops, so star anise is already rare and even more valuable.
Star anise flowers bloom twice a year but there is no clear boundary. The first crop usually takes place in June, called the four-season flower crop. The second crop is around August-September, called the anise crop.
Normally, if well planted and cared for, anise will flower after 4-5 years of planting and can be harvested for several decades. The yield of anise from the 4th to 6th year is about 0.5-1 kg/tree. From the 20th year onwards, the anise will have a stable yield, up to 40-50 kg/tree.
Normally, anise will have 6-8 petals, arranged in a star shape with a diameter of 2.5-3cm, each petal carries a small, smooth, egg-shaped seed inside. Most of the anise after harvest will be dried and used as dried flowers, only a small part is processed into essential oil.
Anise is commonly used in culinary processing and is used as a medicine. Anise is one of the premium spices that famous chefs always love to use in dishes. Using star anise in dishes skillfully will help elevate the dish to a completely new flavor.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn