Top Pepper Producing Countries

Pepper, particularly black pepper (Piper nigrum), is one of the world’s most widely cultivated and traded spices, with India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka ranking as the top producers. Historically, pepper originated in the Western Ghats of India, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its value as a spice and preservative drove ancient trade routes, making it a highly sought-after commodity in Roman, Greek, and later medieval European markets, often referred to as “black gold.” By the 15th and 16th centuries, European explorers sought direct access to pepper-growing regions, fueling the Age of Exploration and the establishment of colonial spice plantations in Southeast Asia. Today, Vietnam leads global production, having rapidly expanded its pepper industry since the late 20th century, while India retains its historical significance as both a producer and a center of pepper diversity.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat