📈 SL Cinnamon Sector Witnesses Major Transformation & Strong Growth

• Sri Lanka remains the world's largest producer and exporter of pure cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). It is the 4th largest agricultural export, involving 70,000 small farmers and 350,000 employees. • Export Performance (Last Two Decades): Production has increased by over 50%. Export quantity rose by nearly 70%, and export value has more than quadrupled over the same period, highlighting strong global demand. • 2022 Export Snapshot: Total cinnamon exports reached 18.51 m/kg (approx. 90% of world total), valued at US$ 213 million. This accounted for 51% of national spice exports. • Market & Quality: Main markets include Mexico, USA, UK, and Germany. The sector has seen modest improvements in quality standards and a slow but steady diversification into value-added products like cinnamon essential oils, powders, and extracts. • Marketing Evolution: The historically private sector-led industry is seeing a structural change in marketing. The old mechanism centered on Colombo is being replaced, with new exporters increasingly operating from key producing districts like Galle and Matara. • Govt. Support: Key institutional achievements include acquiring the Geographical Indication (GI) status in February 2022 and the 2023 Budget announcement to establish a separate Department for Cinnamon Development.