Market
Ground mace is a traded spice ingredient produced by drying mace (the aril surrounding the nutmeg seed) from the Myristica fragrans tree and then milling it into powder. Commercial cultivation and export supply are concentrated in tropical origins, with Indonesia and Grenada repeatedly cited as key sources alongside South and Southeast Asian producers such as India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Import demand is led by Europe, where Germany and the Netherlands are documented as the main import hubs and re-export channels for mace within the region. Because mace is a niche spice often used in blends and industrial food applications, market access is heavily shaped by buyer requirements on food safety (pathogens), residues, and traceability rather than by consumer-facing branding.
Major Producing Countries- 인도네시아Major cultivation origin for nutmeg/mace; commonly cited as a leading source for mace supply.
- 그레나다Notable West Indies origin for nutmeg/mace with an established export-oriented industry structure.
- 인도Important cultivation origin; production is regionally concentrated (e.g., southern India) and participates in export markets.
- 스리랑카Cultivation origin supplying international trade, typically referenced among major mace-producing countries.
- 베트남Cultivation and export origin referenced in European import sourcing.
Major Exporting Countries- 인도네시아Frequently identified as the leading external supplier into European import markets for mace.
- 베트남Documented supplier into European markets.
- 인도Documented supplier into European markets; exports depend on compliance with residue and food-safety requirements.
- 스리랑카Documented supplier into European markets.
- 그레나다Export-oriented nutmeg/mace sector with cooperative/industry marketing structures.
Major Importing Countries- 독일Leading European import market for mace; demand linked to food manufacturing and spice blending.
- 네덜란드Major European import hub and re-export platform for spices, including mace.
- 벨기에Secondary European market supplied partly via re-exports from regional hubs.
- 영국Secondary European market supplied partly via re-exports from regional hubs.
- 프랑스Secondary European market supplied partly via re-exports from regional hubs.
Specification
Major VarietiesEast Indian (Indonesia-origin) mace, West Indian (Grenada-origin) mace, Banda mace, Java Estate mace, Siauw mace, Papua mace (Myristica argentea), Bombay/wild mace (Myristica malabarica)
Physical Attributes- Color in trade typically ranges from yellowish-brown to reddish-orange depending on curing and origin
- Aromatic profile is warm and sweet with a nutmeg-like character; sold as whole blades or milled powder
Compositional Metrics- Volatile/essential oil content is a key quality indicator used for aroma strength and freshness
- Moisture control is a core specification driver to prevent quality loss and microbial growth during storage
Grades- Whole blades versus ground powder are commonly differentiated in trade
- Buyer specifications often include cleanliness/foreign matter tolerances and microbiological criteria for ground spices
Packaging- Food-grade inner liners (plastic) with outer jute/woven sacks are used for bulk shipments in some origin export systems
- Ground spice is commonly shipped in lined bags, cartons, or drums to protect against moisture pickup and odor contamination
ProcessingGrinding increases surface area and accelerates aroma loss; powder freshness management is therefore commercially importantMicrobial reduction steps (e.g., validated steam treatment) are commonly used in the spice sector to manage pathogen risk
Risks
Food Safety HighSpices are recognized as a higher-risk category for pathogens (notably Salmonella) and other contaminants, and failures can trigger import detentions, recalls, and rapid loss of market access for ground products where contamination is more difficult to remove post-milling.Use validated preventive controls (including hygienic drying/handling), supplier verification, and where appropriate a validated microbial reduction step (e.g., steam) supported by environmental monitoring and finished-product testing aligned to buyer and regulator expectations.
Regulatory Compliance HighResidue and contaminant non-compliance (including pesticide-related issues) is a leading cause of border rejections for imported spices in the EU, and ground spices can face heightened scrutiny because they are ready-to-use ingredients.Implement residue-risk mapping by origin and season, enforce approved agrochemical practices with documented pre-harvest intervals, and verify compliance via accredited multi-residue testing programs before export.
Fraud And Adulteration MediumGround spices have elevated authenticity risk because powders can be diluted or substituted without easy visual detection, creating brand and regulatory exposure for importers and food manufacturers.Apply supplier qualification, chain-of-custody controls, and fit-for-purpose authenticity checks (e.g., microscopy/chemical fingerprinting) for high-risk lots and new suppliers.
Climate MediumSupply is concentrated in a limited number of tropical origins, and extreme weather events (including storms affecting island origins) can disrupt harvest, drying conditions, and export logistics, tightening availability and increasing price volatility.Diversify approved origins/suppliers, maintain buffer stocks for critical SKUs, and use forward purchasing aligned to harvest cycles and shipping lead times.
Quality Degradation MediumMace’s value is driven by aroma compounds that can oxidize or volatilize; exposure to heat, light, oxygen, and especially humidity during storage and transport can lead to caking, mold risk, and loss of flavor strength, reducing usable yield for blenders.Specify low-moisture targets, require moisture-barrier packaging, control warehouse humidity, and rotate inventory to minimize time-in-system for ground mace.
Sustainability- Traceability expectations are rising in key importing markets, with buyers requesting clearer linkage between lots and farm/region of origin
- Sustainability and certification (e.g., organic/fair-trade style schemes) can affect market access and pricing in premium channels
Labor & Social- Smallholder-dominated production systems increase the importance of organized collection, consistent practices, and credible social/audit documentation to meet importer requirements
FAQ
What is ground mace, and how is it different from nutmeg?Mace is the dried aril (outer layer) surrounding the nutmeg seed from the Myristica fragrans tree, while nutmeg is the seed itself. Ground mace is mace that has been milled into powder, which is widely used as an ingredient in spice blends and food manufacturing.
Which HS code is commonly used for international trade in ground mace?Ground (crushed) mace is typically classified under HS 090822, described as “mace, crushed or ground” in the Harmonized System breakdown for heading 0908.
What is the most critical trade risk for ground mace in global supply chains?Food-safety contamination risk is critical for ground spices, especially pathogens such as Salmonella, because failures can result in import detentions or recalls and immediate loss of buyer confidence. Risk management typically relies on preventive controls, supplier verification, and validated microbial reduction steps where appropriate.