Introduction – Kenya’s Cinnamon Market: A Quantitative Overview
Cinnamon may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kenya, but that’s quickly changing. Over the past few years, Kenya has carved out a growing niche in the global cinnamon trade. While it may not yet rival the big players like Sri Lanka or Indonesia, Kenya’s steady climb in export volumes and values is turning heads globally.
So, what’s behind this growth? Data. And lots of it. Numbers don’t lie—Kenya’s cinnamon industry is on the rise. For businesses, this means more opportunities, more partners, and more profit potential. But to make the most out of this emerging market, it’s crucial to choose the right suppliers. That’s where a data-driven approach becomes your biggest asset.
Platforms like Freshdi are revolutionizing the way buyers connect with verified cinnamon exporters by offering real-time RFQ trends, market insights, and supplier performance stats. Let’s explore how the numbers back Kenya’s cinnamon surge—and spotlight the top suppliers leading the charge in 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Kenya’s cinnamon sector is growing stronger year by year. In fact, production and exports have shown consistent growth since 2021, and 2023 was a breakout year.
Production and Export Volumes
In 2023, Kenya exported a total of 24 tons of cinnamon, which was a 9.5% increase from 2022. That followed an even bigger jump of 55% in 2022, signaling a trend that’s more than just a fluke.
Export Values
The value of Kenya’s cinnamon exports also tells a compelling story. In 2022, cinnamon exports brought in $114,000. Just a year later, that number jumped to $139,000, showing an impressive 25.1% average annual growth rate over the past three years.
Top Export Destinations
Where is all this Kenyan cinnamon going?
- Uganda leads the pack, importing 17.1 tons in 2023.
- The Netherlands comes next with 5.8 tons.
- United Arab Emirates rounds it out with 0.8 tons.
This diversified export footprint shows that Kenya is appealing to both regional and international buyers.
Current Market Insights from Freshdi
Real-time demand data on Freshdi reveals an upward trend in RFQs (Requests for Quotations) for Kenyan cinnamon. These RFQs are strongest from buyers in the MENA region and Europe, aligning with Kenya’s export data. This correlation reinforces the growing trust in Kenya’s cinnamon quality and supplier reliability.
Future Demand Projections
While the global cinnamon market has dipped by 20.5% from 2020 to 2024, Kenya has bucked the trend. Its resilience reflects strong domestic production and a growing appetite in regional markets. The MENA region, in particular, is forecasted to grow its cinnamon demand at a CAGR of 1.7% through 2035, making it a hot zone for future exports.
Top 9 Verified Cinnamon Suppliers in Kenya – Proven Export Performers
When it comes to sourcing cinnamon from Kenya, it’s not just about volume. You need suppliers with a proven track record, verified credentials, and real buyer reviews. These nine exporters are standout performers on Freshdi, and they’ve earned their place among the best in 2025.
1. Christopher Omondi
Known for consistency and timely delivery, Christopher Omondi has built a solid reputation among regional and overseas buyers. His cinnamon batches are praised for their aroma and purity.
2. Samuel Kigo
Samuel Kigo combines traditional farming methods with modern processing standards, offering high-quality cinnamon that meets export-grade specifications.
3. Huka
Huka is a rising star in Kenya’s spice export scene, with a strong presence in both East African and European markets. Their cinnamon undergoes rigorous quality checks before shipping.
4. Shem Otieno
Shem Otieno is lauded for his sustainable farming practices and consistent export volumes. His cinnamon is organically grown and harvested using eco-friendly techniques.
5. Shibe Foods
This company focuses on bulk cinnamon supply and is a favorite among wholesalers due to their competitive pricing and scalable operations.
6. Shardi Shipping And Cargo
Beyond just supply, Shardi offers integrated logistics and export support, making them a one-stop solution for international cinnamon buyers.
7. Adonai Fresh Fruits
Despite the name, Adonai is branching successfully into the spice market. Their cinnamon exports have grown steadily, and their packaging is tailored for global retail.
8. ETS Kumken Investment
This investment firm turned exporter has established partnerships with local farmers to ensure a steady cinnamon supply chain.
9. Commodity Swan East Africa
Focused on quality control and certification, this supplier is known for meeting stringent European standards, making them a go-to for premium buyers.
10. Seif Enterprises Limited
A veteran in the export game, Seif Enterprises offers cinnamon in various grades and formats—stick, powder, and oil—catering to diverse buyer needs.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic. Suppliers can earn “Top Supplier of the Month” or “Quarter” badges based on performance metrics like volume shipped, on-time delivery, and customer ratings. Always check for the latest updates when sourcing.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Cinnamon Variants in Demand
Not all cinnamon is created equal. Kenyan exporters primarily deal in Ceylon-type cinnamon, which is prized for its delicate flavor and low coumarin levels. Demand for powdered cinnamon is particularly high in Europe, while the Middle East prefers cinnamon sticks for traditional recipes.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Like many agricultural commodities, cinnamon prices in Kenya fluctuate with the seasons. The average export price as of November 2025 is $6.64 per kilogram. Expect prices to rise slightly during the dry harvest months—typically July through September—when supply tightens.
Using Historical Data for Better Decisions
Analyzing past price and export data can help you time your purchases for optimal value. Platforms like Freshdi provide historical pricing trends so you can plan ahead and avoid market spikes.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Kenya’s cinnamon export market is rising—and not by chance. The numbers show a compelling story: growing volumes, increasing values, and a widening global footprint. For businesses looking to capitalize on this trend, the key lies in choosing the right suppliers and using data to make smart sourcing decisions.
Platforms like Freshdi do more than connect buyers and sellers. They offer rich market intelligence, real-time RFQ trends, and supplier performance reviews—all in one place. Whether you’re a spice wholesaler, importer, or product manufacturer, leveraging these insights could be the difference between a good deal and a great one.
Key Takeaways
- Kenya’s cinnamon exports are growing steadily, with a 9.5% increase in volume and 25.1% increase in value in 2023.
- Uganda, the Netherlands, and UAE are Kenya’s top cinnamon importers.
- Verified suppliers such as Christopher Omondi and Shibe Foods stand out for quality and reliability.
- Seasonal price fluctuations and historical market data can guide better sourcing decisions.
- Freshdi empowers buyers with analytics, RFQ trends, and verified supplier information.
Checklist for Cinnamon Buyers in 2025
- ✅ Verify supplier credentials and certifications through platforms like Freshdi
- ✅ Monitor seasonal price fluctuations before committing to bulk buys
- ✅ Choose suppliers with strong export records and positive buyer reviews
- ✅ Understand your market’s preferred cinnamon format (stick, powder, oil)
- ✅ Use historical data and RFQ trends to time your sourcing decisions
Future Outlook
With demand rising in MENA and steady interest in Europe, Kenya is poised to become a larger player in the global cinnamon trade. Its combination of quality, proximity to key markets, and improving logistics infrastructure makes it a strategic choice for long-term sourcing.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
- Offers verified supplier profiles with ratings and trade history
- Provides market insights, price trends, and RFQ analytics
- Enables direct RFQ submissions and bulk order negotiations
- Tracks export performance to help buyers identify top performers
References
- IndexBox – Cinnamon Price in Kenya
- World’s Top Exports – Cinnamon Exporters
- Selina Wamucii – Cinnamon Prices in Kenya
- IndexBox – Cinnamon MENA Market Overview
FAQs
1. Is Kenyan cinnamon considered high quality?
Yes, Kenyan cinnamon is gaining a reputation for its aromatic profile and low coumarin levels, especially among health-conscious markets.
2. When is the best time to buy cinnamon from Kenya?
The best time is typically outside the dry harvest season (July–September), when prices are more stable and supply is higher.
3. How can I verify a Kenyan cinnamon supplier?
Use platforms like Freshdi, which offer verified supplier profiles, export histories, and customer ratings.
4. What formats of cinnamon are available from Kenyan exporters?
Most suppliers offer cinnamon in stick and powder forms. Some also provide cinnamon oil for specialty buyers.
5. Why is demand for Kenyan cinnamon growing despite the global decline?
Kenya’s quality, regional proximity, and competitive pricing have helped it maintain and grow its market share even as global exports decline.
