Black and White Pepper Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Black Pepper, White Pepper, Ground Pepper, Whole Pepper), By Application (Food & Beverages, Spices Industry, Retail, Culinary, Pharmaceutical Industry), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Black and White Pepper Market Overview

The Black and White Pepper Market size was valued at USD 1.29 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.74 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.41% from 2025 to 2033.

The Black and White Pepper Market is a crucial segment of the global spice trade, contributing significantly to agricultural exports and food processing industries worldwide. In 2024, global production of black pepper alone crossed 4.1 million metric tons, with Vietnam accounting for over 52.5% of this volume. The country remains the undisputed global leader in pepper cultivation, followed by Indonesia (668,000 metric tons) and India (330,000 metric tons). Meanwhile, white pepper, which is processed from fully ripe pepper berries, is gaining demand in niche markets for its milder flavor and aesthetic suitability in light-colored cuisines. The black pepper market is more widely traded and consumed due to its strong flavor, extended shelf life, and usage across a wide array of industries. In contrast, the white pepper market sees high demand in European and North American cuisines, where its lighter color and subtle aroma are preferred. In 2024, the combined export volume of black and white pepper surpassed 2.7 million metric tons, signaling robust international demand. The surge in consumption across food processing, culinary, retail, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries continues to position the Black and White Pepper Market as a critical pillar in global spice commerce.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Expanding application of piperine-rich black pepper in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Top Country/Region: Vietnam dominates with over 52.5% global share in black pepper exports.

Top Segment: Food & Beverage segment leads with more than 66.4% market share in white pepper usage.

Black and White Pepper Market Trends

The Black and White Pepper Market has witnessed evolving trends that reflect changes in consumer preference, supply chain shifts, and broader agricultural strategies. One key trend is the rising demand for organic and ethically sourced pepper, particularly in European markets. In 2024, nearly 19% of pepper imports in the EU were certified organic or fair trade, showing a growing trend toward sustainability. Another major trend is the growing preference for white pepper in Western cuisines, especially in foodservice industries focused on sauces, soups, and meat preparations where black flecks are undesirable. White pepper now accounts for 14% of total global pepper demand, up from 10% in 2019. Its use in ready-to-eat and packaged food items is driving this upward trend. On the industrial side, pepper extract manufacturers are expanding their product portfolios to include piperine supplements, which are increasingly used in the dietary supplement sector. Piperine is scientifically proven to enhance nutrient absorption and bioavailability, making it a valuable ingredient in health and wellness products. As of 2024, over 35% of nutraceuticals marketed for improved digestion or metabolism include piperine sourced from black pepper. Further, there is an uptick in pepper-based cosmetic formulations, particularly in anti-aging and skin-brightening products in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, the number of skincare brands launching pepper-infused products rose by 27%, reflecting the ingredient’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Technological advancements in drying, grinding, and storage have also become a noticeable trend. High-end automated pepper processing facilities—especially in India and Indonesia—help reduce moisture levels to below 12%, enhancing shelf stability. These trends contribute to reducing losses from mold, a major issue in traditional storage methods. Additionally, global trade in pepper is becoming more digital. Exporters from Vietnam and India increasingly use online B2B platforms, with over 22,000 metric tons of pepper traded digitally in 2023 alone, showcasing a shift in trade mechanisms. Together, these trends shape a dynamic and opportunity-rich Black and White Pepper Market, influenced by consumer habits, health awareness, innovation, and export competitiveness.

Black and White Pepper Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Rising demand for pharmaceuticals"

The expanding usage of black and white pepper in pharmaceuticals is a primary growth driver in the Black and White Pepper Market. Black pepper contains piperine, a bioactive alkaloid that enhances the absorption of several drugs, including curcumin, beta-carotene, and resveratrol. In 2024, approximately 38% of piperine extracted from black pepper was utilized in pharmaceutical formulations, reflecting increased adoption across anti-inflammatory, digestive, and metabolic medications. Furthermore, the global nutraceutical industry, which surpassed 250 million daily users of supplements in 2023, is creating sustained demand for pepper-based bioenhancers. This trend is especially strong in North America and Asia-Pacific, where natural ingredient preferences are influencing drug development. Additionally, clinical research published between 2021–2024 has reinforced piperine’s role in anti-cancer and antimicrobial therapy, boosting demand among pharma manufacturers for high-grade pepper extracts.

RESTRAINT

"Supply chain disruptions and quality inconsistencies"

A key restraint facing the Black and White Pepper Market is supply chain instability and quality control challenges. Due to the fragmented nature of pepper farming—particularly in Vietnam, India, and Indonesia—differences in harvest techniques, drying methods, and moisture control result in inconsistent quality. In 2023, over 8.5% of global pepper shipments were downgraded or rejected due to aflatoxin contamination or excessive moisture content exceeding 13%. Political tensions, climate irregularities, and logistics issues—such as delayed port operations in Southeast Asia—further contributed to a 17% drop in timely exports of Indian pepper in 2022. Additionally, smaller farmers often lack access to modern processing technology, which impacts product uniformity, especially in ground pepper formats. This presents a restraint for companies requiring standardized ingredients in food and pharma processing.

OPPORTUNITY

"Rising demand in personal care and cosmetic industry"

The cosmetic and personal care industries present untapped potential in the Black and White Pepper Market. Black pepper, rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, is being incorporated into premium skincare products across Asia-Pacific and Europe. In 2024, over 160 new cosmetic SKUs containing black pepper oil or piperine extract were launched across Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany. This represents a 31% increase year-over-year compared to 2023. The rising popularity of clean-label and herbal formulations in the cosmetic sector has led to diversified applications for pepper-based ingredients—ranging from exfoliants to anti-aging creams. Additionally, luxury spa and aromatherapy brands in Thailand and Indonesia have introduced pepper-infused massage oils and essential oils, widening the market for processed pepper derivatives. As more global brands shift toward natural ingredients, pepper extract suppliers are seeing new B2B opportunities to expand product lines.

CHALLENGE

"Volatility in raw material pricing"

One of the most significant challenges in the Black and White Pepper Market is the high volatility in raw pepper prices, which affects profit margins for processors and exporters. Pepper prices are influenced by weather conditions, harvest cycles, and speculative hoarding. For instance, in 2023, Vietnamese black pepper prices rose from $3,200 to $4,150 per ton within five months due to drought-affected yields and delayed harvests. Similarly, Indian Malabar pepper experienced a 22% price spike in 2024 Q1 after prolonged monsoons led to fungal infestations. These fluctuations not only impact exporter commitments but also create budgeting challenges for large food companies and pharma formulators that rely on bulk procurement. Moreover, inconsistent pricing discourages long-term contracts and hinders the ability of small-scale processors to plan inventory purchases, posing a serious operational risk in the supply chain.

Black and White Pepper Market Segmentation

By Type

• Food & Beverages: The Food & Beverages segment dominates the Black and White Pepper Market, accounting for over 66.4% of global white pepper usage in 2024. Black pepper is widely used across processed meats, sauces, snacks, and seasoning blends, while white pepper is favored for soups, dressings, and white gravies. With over 2.2 million metric tons of pepper utilized in food and beverage applications globally in 2023, the demand continues to surge, especially from emerging markets like China, India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Large-scale food manufacturers have ramped up pepper procurement as consumer preference for pungent, natural spices grows. Ready-to-eat meals and international cuisines further drive the usage of both ground and whole pepper in this sector. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, retail pepper consumption grew by 18.7% from 2022 to 2024.
• Spices Industry: The Spices Industry continues to be a fundamental end-user of black and white pepper, particularly for blending and export. Over 40% of bulk-traded pepper ends up with spice processing firms, who convert it into powders, oleoresins, and capsules. The global spice industry handled over 850,000 metric tons of black and white pepper in 2023, with significant procurement by private-label brands and exporters. The growing global demand for ready spice mixes, especially those with Indian, Thai, and Mexican origins, has intensified the procurement of high-grade pepper. Moreover, ground pepper’s role in traditional spice formulations like garam masala and sambar masala keeps it a staple input for blenders and exporters across India and Southeast Asia.
• Retail: The Retail segment of the Black and White Pepper Market has grown rapidly due to consumer interest in kitchen-ready, fresh-ground, and organic pepper. Global supermarkets and e-commerce platforms sold over 590 million consumer packs of pepper in 2023, with a sharp rise in demand for refillable grinders and whole peppercorns. The United States, Germany, Japan, and the UAE are the largest buyers in this segment. The organic pepper market alone saw a 22.5% increase in packaged sales between 2022 and 2024. The increasing penetration of gourmet products and premium packaging has made pepper a premium retail spice, commanding higher margins per unit.
• Culinary: Culinary professionals and chefs worldwide drive demand for high-quality, whole, and specialty pepper types. The culinary segment is a niche yet influential driver in the Black and White Pepper Market, accounting for over 8% of premium pepper usage globally. Restaurants, hotels, and fine-dining establishments prioritize sourcing hand-picked, sun-dried pepper, particularly the Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold (TGEB) variety and Muntok white pepper. In 2023, specialty pepper purchases from gourmet distributors rose by 12.1% globally, with increasing demand in countries like France, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Culinary buyers prefer pepper with essential oil content above 2.5% for aroma and flavor integrity.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: The Pharmaceutical industry uses black and white pepper primarily for its active alkaloid, piperine, which is a bioenhancer for several drugs and nutraceuticals. Over 4,200 metric tons of piperine-rich pepper were processed for pharmaceutical applications in 2023. Piperine is now included in over 1,200 commercially available nutraceutical products worldwide, especially those focused on digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Pharmaceutical-grade pepper extracts are subjected to strict moisture control (<10%) and microbial load standards, making this a highly regulated segment. Demand is particularly strong in North America, Japan, and parts of Europe, where natural active ingredients are favored in supplement development.

By Application

• Black Pepper: Black pepper continues to dominate in terms of usage and production volume. It accounted for nearly 88% of global pepper production in 2023, representing over 3.6 million metric tons. Known for its sharp pungency and preservative qualities, black pepper is a staple in global households and processed food products. The majority of black pepper is exported from Vietnam, Brazil, and India, with over 2.1 million metric tons traded globally in 2024. Its application spans every major industry—from food and beverage to medicine, wellness, and cosmetics. Black pepper powder and essential oils have also found use in natural pesticide formulations and animal feed, expanding its industrial footprint.
• White Pepper: White pepper, though smaller in volume, holds a strong premium in price and culinary value. Derived from the same plant as black pepper but through a dehusking and fermentation process, white pepper reached 560,000 metric tons in 2023. Its milder taste and lighter appearance make it popular in white sauces, mashed potatoes, cream-based soups, and Asian recipes. The EU and North America account for over 65% of white pepper consumption, with imports dominated by Muntok (Indonesia) and Sarawak (Malaysia) varieties. White pepper is also widely used in the personal care segment for skin formulations and aromatic therapies.
• Ground Pepper: Ground pepper is one of the most widely sold formats across both consumer and industrial channels. In 2024, ground black pepper accounted for 47% of total retail pepper sales worldwide. The convenience of ground pepper in ready meals, spice mixes, and quick-service restaurant operations makes it a vital format for both small-scale users and mass production units. Hygiene control, fine mesh particle size, and controlled essential oil loss during grinding are critical specifications for commercial buyers. Packaged ground pepper has gained traction in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa due to expanding middle-class consumption.
• Whole Pepper: Whole peppercorns retain freshness longer and are often preferred by chefs, foodservice operators, and gourmet consumers. In 2023, whole peppercorns represented 31% of global retail sales and were particularly popular in Europe and premium Asian markets. Black whole pepper is favored for its grind-on-demand aroma, while white whole pepper finds use in pickling and seafood recipes. The rising demand for table-top grinders, especially in fine dining and luxury hospitality, has further bolstered the market for high-quality whole pepper. Bulk purchases by hotel chains and food distributors are driving growth in this segment.

Black and White Pepper Market Regional Outlook

North America

The North American black and white pepper market continues to grow steadily, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium culinary ingredients, health supplements, and ethnic cuisine. In 2023, the United States alone imported approximately 72,000 metric tons of pepper, making it one of the top five global importers. The U.S. food processing industry, valued at over $1.1 trillion, remains a primary end-user of ground pepper and pepper oils for processed snacks, ready meals, and sauces. Additionally, the dietary supplement segment in the region increasingly incorporates piperine extract for bioavailability enhancement, contributing to a 19.6% rise in pepper-based extract imports from 2021 to 2024. Canada, though smaller in population, has seen a 14% annual increase in demand for organic pepper, especially within the specialty grocery and gourmet retail segments. The regional market benefits from well-established distribution networks, automated packaging technologies, and robust consumer awareness around spice origin and quality certifications.

Europe

Europe remains one of the most discerning markets for pepper imports, with strict quality and safety regulations dictating buying patterns. In 2023, European countries collectively imported over 240,000 metric tons of black and white pepper, with Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and France being top contributors. A notable 27% of total European imports were labeled as organic or fair-trade certified, reflecting consumers’ preference for sustainable and traceable products. The demand for white pepper is particularly high in Germany and France, where it is used extensively in white sauces and gourmet culinary preparations. European food manufacturers emphasize low-moisture content (below 11%) and high essential oil levels, especially for ground and whole pepper used in premium products. As a result, exporters from Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia often reserve their highest-grade produce for European clients. In 2024, demand for white pepper grew by 6.2% year-over-year across the EU, with increased interest from the hospitality and retail sectors.

• Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region dominates both production and consumption in the global black and white pepper market. Vietnam, India, Indonesia, China, and Sri Lanka are key players in cultivation and export. Vietnam led global production with 1.3 million metric tons in 2023, accounting for over 52.5% of total global supply. India followed with 330,000 metric tons, mostly produced in Kerala and Karnataka. Consumption is also high within the region due to extensive use in traditional cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. China is a major importer, with consumption increasing 13.4% annually over the last three years, driven by rising packaged food production. Japan and South Korea have shown growing demand for white pepper, particularly in soups and seafood-based dishes. Exporters in this region benefit from favorable climatic conditions, skilled labor, and longstanding trade agreements. Indonesia’s Muntok white pepper and India’s Malabar black pepper are considered benchmarks for quality, often fetching 25–30% higher premiums in global markets.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa represent emerging but high-potential markets in the Black and White Pepper Market, with growing demand for spices in both domestic and industrial applications. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are major importers in the region, accounting for over 48,000 metric tons of pepper imports in 2023. With the rise of multi-cuisine restaurants, spice-intensive food production, and growing tourism, the hospitality sector is a significant consumer of whole and ground pepper. In Africa, countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya have seen a combined 21% rise in black pepper imports over the last two years. Nigeria has also initiated small-scale cultivation projects to reduce dependency on imports and enhance local spice production. Retail packaging of ground pepper in the Middle East, especially in 750g and 1kg family packs, is witnessing higher demand due to bulk purchasing behavior. Overall, increased urbanization, food industry modernization, and expanding supermarket chains are stimulating pepper demand across these regions.

List of Top Black and White Pepper Market Companies

The Black and White Pepper Market features a mix of global spice giants and regional powerhouses. These companies influence the production, processing, packaging, and global trade dynamics of pepper through scale, innovation, and product quality.

• Olam International (Singapore)
• McCormick & Company (USA)
• Everest Spices (India)
• MDH Spices (India)
• Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan)
• British Pepper & Spice (UK)
• Catch Spices (India)
• Kancor Ingredients Limited (India)
• Synthite Industries Ltd. (India)
• Nedspice Group (Netherlands)

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Shares

• Olam International (Singapore): Olam is one of the top two players in the black and white pepper market, with integrated supply chains across Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. In 2023, the company processed over 110,000 metric tons of pepper, accounting for a significant share of the global volume. Olam operates state-of-the-art pepper processing plants equipped with steam sterilization and cryogenic grinding technology. Their traceable, sustainably grown pepper is in high demand among food multinationals and premium spice retailers.
• McCormick & Company (USA): McCormick remains the global leader in branded spices and seasonings, including black and white pepper. As of 2024, the company held a leading global distribution network with pepper products available in over 150 countries. McCormick's annual spice purchases exceeded 56,000 metric tons, with black pepper being a top-selling product. The company invests heavily in innovation and product development, recently launching organic pepper grinders and dual-chamber packaging to enhance freshness and usability.

These firms contribute significantly to the global pepper supply chain through regional sourcing hubs, custom blending, and private-label partnerships.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment activity in the Black and White Pepper Market is on the rise due to increasing global demand, emerging application areas, and favorable agricultural economics. As of 2024, more than $480 million was invested globally in pepper-related agricultural, processing, and packaging infrastructure. Vietnam, India, and Brazil attracted the largest share of these investments, particularly in post-harvest processing units that use steam sterilization and low-moisture grinding to preserve quality. One of the most promising investment areas is organic and sustainable farming. Global demand for organic black and white pepper grew by 22.5% between 2022 and 2024, leading to increased investment in certified farms across Kerala (India), Lampung (Indonesia), and Dak Lak (Vietnam). These organic farms command 20–40% price premiums over conventional varieties, providing strong ROI for investors and cooperatives. Another opportunity lies in value-added pepper products, such as essential oils, oleoresins, piperine isolates, and infused blends. Global exports of pepper oleoresins rose by 14% in 2023, reaching 9,800 metric tons. These are widely used in pharmaceuticals, food extracts, and even the aromatherapy industry. Companies are now setting up extraction units with supercritical CO₂ and solvent-free technologies in proximity to cultivation zones to cut logistics costs and maximize yield. E-commerce and digital trade platforms are also gaining traction. In 2023, over 22,000 metric tons of pepper were transacted through digital B2B marketplaces, offering traceability, competitive pricing, and buyer assurance. This opens up fresh investment avenues in tech-enabled agri-trading platforms, blockchain-based traceability, and real-time inventory management solutions. Investors are also showing interest in pepper-focused logistics solutions, especially controlled-atmosphere storage and moisture-controlled containers, reducing post-harvest loss by 18–21%. On the upstream side, micro-irrigation, weather-resistant seeds, and AI-based disease detection systems are being piloted by large pepper estates in India and Vietnam. Startups in precision agriculture are attracting seed capital from agritech-focused VCs and public-private initiatives. In 2024, India's Ministry of Agriculture allocated INR 130 crore to support technology-enabled spice cultivation in Southern states. International buyers, especially from Europe and Japan, are funding contract farming arrangements with traceability clauses and premium price assurances. These long-term contracts provide stable income for farmers while assuring buyers of pesticide-free, certified-grade pepper. In summary, the Black and White Pepper Market offers multifaceted investment opportunities across the value chain—from cultivation and processing to logistics and digital trade—making it a robust space for both institutional and impact investors.

New Product Development

New product development is a crucial driver of growth in the Black and White Pepper Market, as manufacturers explore innovations to enhance flavor, shelf life, and functional applications across industries. With a global shift toward clean-label products, the spice industry is integrating pepper into novel formats that appeal to both traditional consumers and modern wellness-oriented buyers. One key area of innovation is in pepper-infused functional foods. In 2023–2024, over 320 new food products were launched globally that featured black or white pepper as a highlighted ingredient. These included pepper-encrusted meat alternatives, white pepper vegan broths, black pepper energy bars, and ready-to-eat meals targeting the health-conscious demographic. Food giants in North America and Europe have also introduced white pepper emulsions and sauces free from artificial thickeners, responding to the rising demand for cleaner and spicier flavor bases. Another major development is in value-added pepper oils and extracts. Companies in India and Indonesia have scaled production of pepper oleoresins and essential oils for use in flavoring, aromatherapy, and topical pain relief products. In 2023, global exports of pepper essential oils reached 4,600 metric tons, marking a 15.2% increase from 2022. The cosmetic industry is particularly interested in black pepper oil for its warming, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties. Several luxury skincare brands in South Korea and France have launched pepper-infused serums and facial oils containing between 1% to 3% oleoresin concentration. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical segments have also seen breakthroughs. Synthite Industries, for example, released a high-bioavailability piperine extract with 98% purity in early 2024. This product is now used by over 75 dietary supplement brands across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. New formulations of pepper-based capsules, chewables, and effervescent powders are being launched to support digestion, metabolism, and immunity enhancement. Furthermore, packaging innovation is reshaping consumer access to pepper. Companies like McCormick and Everest Spices have launched dual-chamber grinders, adjustable-mesh shakers, and nitrogen-flushed single-serve sachets to retain aroma and essential oils. Sales of such premium packaging formats rose by 26% globally between 2022 and 2024, especially in retail channels across Japan, the UK, and the UAE. In the industrial sector, customized grind profiles—such as coarse, cracked, and ultra-fine—are being offered to foodservice and hospitality clients, allowing chefs and manufacturers to optimize texture and flavor control. These developments reflect how continuous innovation is keeping the Black and White Pepper Market competitive, diversified, and aligned with global consumer trends.

Five Recent Developments

• Olam International launched a new steam sterilization plant in Vietnam (2023): Olam International inaugurated a high-capacity steam sterilization unit in Binh Phuoc province, increasing its pepper sterilization capacity to 35,000 metric tons annually. This facility helps meet the growing demand for microbiologically safe pepper in Europe and North America.
• McCormick & Company introduced dual-compartment pepper packaging (2023): In late 2023, McCormick launched a patented pepper grinder with separate chambers for white and black pepper. This innovation received widespread retail adoption, with over 1.8 million units sold in the U.S. and Canada within six months.
• Everest Spices upgraded its grinding technology in India (2024): Everest Spices commissioned a new cryogenic grinding plant in Maharashtra, enabling the processing of 12,000 metric tons of pepper per year while preserving volatile oils and aroma. This move aligns with rising demand for premium-quality pepper powders.
• Synthite Industries Ltd. developed high-purity piperine extract (2024): Synthite launched a 98% piperine concentrate for the global nutraceutical market. This extract is being exported to the U.S., Japan, and Germany, where it is used in bioavailability enhancers. Initial production reached 45 metric tons in its first operational quarter.
• Ajinomoto Co., Inc. incorporated white pepper extract into instant noodle seasoning (2023): Ajinomoto announced the inclusion of white pepper oleoresin in its flagship noodle product sold across Southeast Asia. This formulation led to a 7.4% increase in regional sales during Q4 of 2023 due to improved flavor profile and consumer acceptance.

Report Coverage of Black and White Pepper Market

This report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the Black and White Pepper Market, providing strategic insights, factual analysis, and segmented coverage tailored for stakeholders across the agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, and retail industries. It spans global market performance, value chain insights, supply-demand balances, investment hotspots, and innovation trends. The study includes detailed segmentation by type (Food & Beverages, Spices Industry, Retail, Culinary, Pharmaceutical Industry) and application (Black Pepper, White Pepper, Ground Pepper, Whole Pepper). Each segment is analyzed in terms of production volume, trade flow, application trends, and end-user preferences. For example, the Food & Beverages segment accounted for 66.4% of white pepper consumption in 2024, while black pepper production reached 4.1 million metric tons globally, led by Vietnam’s 1.3 million metric tons. Regional analysis covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, exploring market maturity, trade statistics, regulatory trends, and local consumer behavior. Notably, Europe imported over 240,000 metric tons of pepper in 2023, with strong demand for organic and fair-trade variants, while Asia-Pacific remained the largest producer and exporter, with India and Vietnam leading cultivation. A key feature of this report is its company profiling, which outlines the competitive landscape across both global giants and regional players. Companies such as Olam International and McCormick & Company are highlighted for their processing volumes (110,000+ and 56,000+ metric tons respectively), technological investments, and export capabilities. The profiles also consider recent innovations, capacity expansions, and international market penetration. Investment insights are a core focus of this coverage. The report evaluates opportunities in organic farming, pepper extracts, post-harvest tech, and digital trade platforms. It notes that organic pepper consumption grew 22.5% between 2022 and 2024, making it a lucrative