The world's benchmark for pungency. Sourced from the origin.
Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh is India's largest chilli trading market and one of the most recognised chilli origins in global spice trade. The varieties grown here. Teja (S17) and S4 Sannam in particular, are among the most widely exported dry red chillies in the world. Teja accounts for roughly 50% of Guntur's crop area because of its pest resistance, heat consistency, and yield. S4 Sannam is the preferred variety for masala and powder manufacturers who need deep red colour over maximum heat.
Guntur APMC dry chilli prices have ranged Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 23,000 per quintal in recent months, reflecting seasonal variation, crop size, and variety premium. Teja commands a premium over S4 for pungency. Contact us for current FOB indications, mandi prices move with each week's auction.
Three varieties. Different heat, colour, and end-use.
Thin-skinned, deep red, high oleoresin content. The dominant export variety for global food manufacturers and oleoresin producers who need consistent capsaicin levels. Grown across Guntur, Khammam, and Prakasam districts. High natural pest resistance reduces the need for chemical treatment, relevant for regulated export markets.
Thick-skinned, deep red. Lower heat than Teja but stronger red colour payoff in end products. ASTA colour value 50–60. Preferred by masala manufacturers, chilli powder blenders, and buyers in China and Mexico who prioritise colour over maximum pungency. Originally from Tamil Nadu, now widely grown in AP and Telangana.
Dark red, semi-wrinkled, slightly longer than S4. Popular for chilli powder production because of its colour consistency and low seed count. Grown in Kurnool, Telangana, and AP. When ground, delivers thick, dark red powder with moderate heat. Frequently used in masala blends alongside Teja.
Available forms and standard specifications.
All specifications below are for standard export grade. IPM-grown chilli with pesticide residue documentation is available from select Guntur procurement sources, specify at enquiry stage.
| Form | Moisture (max) | Broken (max) | Foreign Matter | ASTA Colour | Primary Use | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole with stem Standard | 12% | 3% | Max 1% | 50–80 | General export, blending, retail | Gulf, Bangladesh, UK |
| Stemless (destemmed) | 12% | 5% | Max 0.5% | 50–80 | Processing, oleoresin, USA, China | USA, China, Mexico |
| Chilli Powder 40–60 mesh | 10% | N/A | Max 0.2% | 60–100 | Food manufacturing, masala blends | Gulf, Germany, USA |
| Chilli Flakes | 11% | N/A | Max 0.3% | 55–80 | Pizza, pasta seasoning, retail | Europe, USA, UAE |
What we test. What you receive.
Standard formats. Custom available on MOQ.
What fits, by pack format.
| Pack Format | Bags per 20' FCL | MT per 20' FCL | Bags per 40' FCL | MT per 40' FCL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 kg PP bag (whole) | 800–840 | 20–21 MT | 1,600–1,680 | 40–42 MT | Standard configuration |
| 50 kg PP bag (whole) | 400–420 | 20–21 MT | 800–840 | 40–42 MT | Industrial/bulk buyers |
| 25 kg multiwall (powder) | 840–880 | 21–22 MT | 1,680–1,760 | 42–44 MT | Powder packs more densely |
Which variety and form is right for your market.
Teja is the primary variety for this segment. Buyers need documented capsaicin content, consistent SHU, and pesticide residue reports. Price and specification are both important. SGS or Intertek pre-shipment inspection is typically required. Stemless destemmed format preferred for processing efficiency.
S4 Sannam and 334 for colour. Whole and powder both move well. Gulf food manufacturers blending masala products need consistent ASTA colour value and moisture at landing. Halal-compliant processing certification may be required. Deep red colour in the final blend is the primary quality criterion.
EU MRL compliance is non-negotiable for this segment. IPM-grown or documented-pesticide chilli preferred. ASTA colour and aflatoxin documentation are the primary evaluation criteria. Volumes are lower than Asia but margins are better. Buyers in this segment tend to be more relationship-oriented and stick with suppliers who deliver consistently documented consignments.
High-volume, price-driven. S4 and Teja both move. Standard 25 kg PP bags. Indian chilli has strong established import networks in Bangladesh, competition in this segment is on price and moisture consistency more than documentation. Reliable lead times and consistent loading weights matter as much as spec.