Pepper market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

The Benin pepper market began a gradual expansion in 2018, when the official geographical indication (GI) labeling for pepper aimed to enhance product quality, curb fraud, and improve farmers' incomes. This regulatory step coincided with a rise in production to 177.9 t and market volume to 184.6 t. The following year, a new entrant invested in a 6-hectare pepper plantation under tropical shade, planning to extend cultivation in schools and nationally, supporting the steady production increase to 179.7 t and market growth to 189.7 t.

Market volume continued to climb to 197.0 t in 2020. A sharp surge occurred in 2021, when imports jumped to 60.7 t, lifting the total market to 242.7 t. The market adjusted in 2022 with a slight dip to 236.1 t, while regional attention to pepper cultivation was underscored by the revival of a 10-hectare pepper farm in neighboring Côte d'Ivoire.

By 2023, the market recovered to 244.3 t, with imports hitting 62.0 t despite a 43.3% increase in import prices over five years, which affected local competitiveness. Concurrent efforts focused on improving pepper quality through better harvesting, post-harvest handling, and storage to establish traceability and safety systems. In 2024, the first African Pepper Week emphasized quality and sanitary standards, aligning with Benin’s own quality initiatives.

Production pepper in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

Benin's pepper production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 181.7 tons of pepper, marking a modest 1.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Benin in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pepper from Benin

Exports in kind, kg

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Benin in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France was the dominant player in Benin's pepper exports in kind, consistently accounting for 100.0% of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Benin in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Benin in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During 2017–2020, France effectively concentrated Benin's pepper exports in value terms, holding a 100.0% share of the total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Benin in value, 2017-2020

Imports pepper to Benin

Imports in kind, kg

Benin's pepper imports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 15 523 kg, showing a sharp increase of 55.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 663.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 96.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Benin in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France played a leading role in Benin's pepper imports in kind, accounting for 83.0% of the total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Benin in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Benin's pepper imports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 29 959 US dollars, reflecting a sharp gain of 116.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports soared by 5 518.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 283.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Benin in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, France played the leading role in Benin's pepper imports in value terms, with an 83.3% share of the total flows, while other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Benin in value, 2017-2020