Exports of nutmeg from Indonesia to Italy has increased toward the end of the year, a North Sulawesi official said.
“Orders have come more regularly from Italy for North Sulawesi nutmeg. Demand is growing toward the end of the year,” head of the provincial industry and trade office Jenny Karouw said here on Tuesday.
Jenny said in the third week of November 2016 nutmeg exports to Italy totaled 15 tons worth US$112,500.
She said nutmeg from the district of Sitaro Islands is high in demand in Europe especially in Italy for its high quality.
“The quality of nutmeg from the district of Sitaro Islands has been internationally recognized. The exporters, therefore, should maintain the reputation,” she said.
Buyers from Europe would look for other suppliers once they found the quality is not up yo their expectation, she added.
Nutmeg from North Sulawesi has been exported to Europe and the United States, where quality is the priority.