Iran’s saffron exports hit $83 million mark

A member of Iranian National Saffron Council said the country has exported over 83 million dollars of saffron in the first six months of the Iranian calendar year, (started on March 21, 2014), raising by 20 percent comparing to a similar period last year.

“Iran exported 58 tons of saffron, worth $83.118.000 to 45 countries, mainly to the UAE, Spain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada,” said Ali Hosseini.

He also noted that the country has raised its saffron exports to 22.8 percent in terms of weight. The exports have also posted a 22.5 rise as far as their value is concerned.

Hosseini continued that the amount is expected to rise to 150 tons by the end of fall (mid-December).

Iran accounts for around 96 percent of the world’s total saffron production. The country exports saffron to 46 countries, including European and the Persian Gulf countries.

Due to its diverse climate and fertile soil, Iran’s agriculture products are rated among the best in the world with its saffron being second to none.

Around 300 tons of saffron, which is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus, is produced worldwide each year, with Iran, Spain, India, Greece, Azerbaijan, Morocco and Italy accounting for the largest shares.