Introduction – Egypt’s Cinnamon Market by the Numbers
Cinnamon is one of the world’s most treasured spices, loved for its flavor, aroma, and health benefits. But when we talk about cinnamon markets globally, Egypt might not be the first name that comes to mind. Still, this North African country plays a vital role—especially as a major importer and a growing regional exporter.
Let’s break it down. In 2024, Egypt imported around 1.6 thousand tons of cinnamon, placing it as the 7th largest importer globally, contributing 2.26% of global imports. Most of this cinnamon comes from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which together account for 98% of Egypt’s cinnamon imports.
On the export side, the numbers are smaller but growing. Egypt exported 74 tons of cinnamon in 2024, with Algeria soaking up a whopping 71% of this total. While modest, this shows a promising trend in regional trade.
The market for herbs and spices in Egypt, including cinnamon, was valued at USD 94.8 million in 2021 and is projected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 3.27% through 2030.
So, what does all this mean? If you’re a business looking to source cinnamon from Egypt, you’ll want to take a data-driven approach. It’s not just about who’s selling—it’s about who’s performing. And that’s where supplier transparency, verified sourcing, and platforms like Freshdi come into play.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Unlike traditional cinnamon-growing countries like Sri Lanka or Indonesia, Egypt doesn’t produce cinnamon in large volumes. Instead, it acts more like a hub—importing bulk cinnamon, processing or packaging it, and exporting it to nearby markets, especially in North Africa.
What makes Egypt an interesting player is its strategic geographic location. Sitting at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, Egypt can import at scale and redistribute efficiently across the MENA region.
Platforms like Freshdi reflect this trend. Through RFQ (Request for Quotation) data, we see increasing interest in Egypt-based suppliers, mostly from regional buyers in Algeria, Libya, Sudan, and even European buyers seeking competitive pricing.
Top 8 Verified Cinnamon Suppliers in Egypt – Leading Exporters by Volume
Choosing the right supplier can be tricky. But thanks to platforms like Freshdi, you can now access verified data on supplier performance, export history, certifications, and buyer reviews.
Here are the top 8 cinnamon suppliers in Egypt for 2025 based on verified export data, volume, and Freshdi user feedback:
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Norica
A reliable exporter known for bulk shipments and consistent quality. They specialize in herbs and spices, with cinnamon as one of their lead products. -
Sayed Telib
With years in the market, Sayed Telib is praised for ethical sourcing practices and strong customer service. A go-to for European and North African buyers. -
Almanara Herbs Company
This company blends traditional knowledge with modern export practices, offering quality cinnamon sticks and powder for B2B clients. -
Elforsan
Known for high export volume and timely delivery, Elforsan serves both domestic and international markets with rigorously tested cinnamon. -
Alsaeed Egyptaion
This supplier has carved out a niche in supplying high-grade cinnamon to the Gulf region, focusing on traceability and food safety compliance. -
Shaaban Taha
A trusted name in the trade, Shaaban Taha is known for flexibility in order sizes and excellent communication with international buyers. -
Al Badhani Trading
Al Badhani stands out for offering competitive pricing and custom packaging options for private label cinnamon exports. -
Al Azhar Markets
This supplier operates both retail and wholesale channels, offering a wide range of spice products, with cinnamon being a core focus.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Keep in mind that rankings like these can shift. Freshdi regularly updates its “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” list based on recent RFQ volumes, customer feedback, and export data—so it’s worth checking the platform often to stay current.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Understanding price trends and demand fluctuations can help you time your purchases and lock in better deals.
Imports vs. Exports
Here’s something interesting: While Egypt’s cinnamon import volume decreased by 47% from 2018 to 2024, the import value increased, reaching $6.97 million in 2019. That means per-unit costs went up.
At the same time, Egypt’s export volume rose sharply, hitting 74 tons in 2024, mainly targeting Algeria. This suggests a shift toward value-added export strategies.
Price Trends Over the Years
Cinnamon prices in Egypt have shown wild swings:
- 2016: $3.10/kg
- 2017: $4.50/kg
- 2018: $13.36/kg
- 2019: $14.00/kg
- 2020: $7.17/kg
- 2021: $6.62/kg
- 2025: ~$4,786/ton (~$4.79/kg)
These fluctuations are tied to global supply chain issues, weather conditions in producing countries, and shifting demand.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Cinnamon follows a seasonal pattern:
- Harvest Season (Q2–Q3): Prices drop due to surplus from countries like Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
- Off-Season (Q4–Q1): Supply tightens, prices rise by 10–15%.
For savvy buyers, timing is everything. Use Freshdi’s market insights to monitor trends and plan orders accordingly.
Regional Market Growth
The MENA region is on a growth path. By 2035, cinnamon consumption is expected to reach 36,000 tons, with a market value of $96 million. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and UAE are leading demand, offering new opportunities for Egyptian exporters.
What’s Driving the Growth?
- Health awareness: Cinnamon is gaining traction in the pharmaceutical and wellness sectors.
- Food innovation: More demand for organic, clean-label spices.
- E-commerce: Easier access to international buyers.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Egypt may not grow much cinnamon, but it has positioned itself as a strategic trade hub in the MENA region. With rising exports, strong supplier networks, and growing regional demand, Egypt is becoming a key player in the cinnamon value chain.
When choosing a supplier, don’t just go with the cheapest option. Instead, think about:
- Export capabilities
- Certifications and food safety compliance
- Reputation and reviews
- Pricing trends and seasonal forecasts
- Market intelligence from platforms like Freshdi
Freshdi empowers buyers by offering:
- Verified supplier profiles
- Market demand insights
- RFQ trends
- Dynamic supplier rankings
- Trade data for smarter sourcing
Buyer’s Checklist – Sourcing Cinnamon from Egypt
✅ Check supplier’s export history on Freshdi
✅ Review certifications (ISO, HACCP, Organic, etc.)
✅ Compare price trends against seasonal benchmarks
✅ Understand shipping timelines and Incoterms
✅ Monitor RFQ volume to gauge true supplier activity
✅ Use Freshdi to communicate directly and request samples
✅ Look for suppliers with custom packaging/private label options
Future Outlook – What to Expect by 2030
- Regional trade will expand as Egypt strengthens ties with African and Gulf countries.
- Digital sourcing platforms like Freshdi will become central to global spice trade.
- Cinnamon demand will rise for health and wellness applications.
- Traceability and food safety will become non-negotiable in supplier selection.
By staying informed and leveraging real-time data, you can make smarter, more strategic decisions when sourcing cinnamon from Egypt.
FAQs
1. Is Egypt a major producer of cinnamon?
No, Egypt is not a major producer. It relies heavily on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia and operates mainly as a re-exporter.
2. What makes Egyptian cinnamon suppliers attractive to buyers?
Their strategic location, lower shipping costs to MENA and EU markets, and improving export capabilities make them a smart choice for regional buyers.
3. How can I verify a cinnamon supplier in Egypt?
Platforms like Freshdi provide verified supplier profiles, export stats, certifications, and buyer reviews to help you choose wisely.
4. When is the best time to buy cinnamon from Egypt?
Best prices are usually during Q2–Q3 when global harvest boosts supply. Prices tend to rise in Q4–Q1 due to lower availability.
5. What’s the forecast for Egypt’s cinnamon market?
Steady growth is expected, driven by regional demand and the rise of health-conscious consumers. However, compliance with global food standards will be key for exporters.
References
- IndexBox Cinnamon Market Egypt
- Tridge Cinnamon in Egypt
- GlobeNewswire Market Research Report
- Selina Wamucii Cinnamon Price Data
- Mordor Intelligence Cinnamon Market
- Freshdi Cinnamon Market Insights
- PR Newswire Cinnamon Market Forecast
