RI Strengthens European Spice Market through Cooperation with Dutch Importers

RRI.CO.ID, The Hague - Indonesian Trade Attaché in The Hague, Annisa Hapsari, is intensifying efforts to expand the national spice market by building strategic partnerships with Dutch importers to boost the export value of domestic food products.

Annisa said Indonesian spice products hold enormous potential across the European Union (EU). “The Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Indonesia-EU CEPA) will eventually reduce tariffs and further facilitate market access,” she noted in The Hague on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

She emphasized that the government is committed to supporting domestic businesses in partnering with buyers in the Netherlands. Assistance for farmers and cooperatives is provided from the product collection stage through to business development.

Annisa added that the focus is on helping Indonesian partners penetrate the European market with value-added products. Goods shipped are no longer raw materials but processed products offered at competitive prices.

“We will continue to support business partners, including farmers and cooperatives, by exploring product sourcing opportunities. Additionally, we are developing business collaborations and enhancing the potential for spice processing in Indonesia,” she said.

She stressed the importance of supporting partners from upstream to downstream, hoping Indonesian products will become highly competitive and gain wider dominance in the global market.

Annisa also highlighted that the track record of global companies sourcing raw materials shows Indonesian products are highly trusted. However, she reminded business operators to strengthen quality control to maintain that trust. “We must respond to this trust by strengthening standardization, traceability, and strict quality control in Indonesia,” she said.

Managing Director of Unispices Wazaran BV, Heykal Balbaid, said the company is open to direct purchasing, a system designed to shorten the supply chain and make distribution from Indonesian farmers more efficient.

He added that Unispices is exploring joint venture opportunities with local partners to expand marketing in the EU. Regulatory certainty and incentive support, he said, will encourage more direct product processing activities in Indonesia.

“Indonesia has high-quality products and a good supply of raw materials. However, to increase competitiveness, Indonesian products need to ensure supply stability, maintain quality standards, and improve logistics efficiency,” Heykal said.

Total trade between Indonesia and the Netherlands reached US$6.58 billion in 2025, with national spice exports contributing US$34.32 million. Unispices Wazaran BV currently sources spice and mushroom raw materials from Central and East Java and is also developing premium tuna products from North Sulawesi. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)