Saffron export growthSaffron export growth: From Pistachios to Saffron

Saffron export growth : Participants in a recent meeting, including members of the Agricultural Commission, Parliament, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, discussed strategies to boost saffron exports. Furthermore, they explored ways to improve coordination within the industry.

Mohammad Ali Rezaei, head of the Agricultural Commission, said, “We need to manage prices carefully to retain market appeal, avoiding mistakes made with pistachios. Moreover, Iran has the capacity to expand saffron exports with proper coordination and market management.”

Encouraging Investment in Saffron

Saffron export growth : Mohsen Zangeneh, a Parliament member, urged investment funds to buy saffron deposit certificates directly from farmers via the commodity exchange. He noted, “This approach supports farmers with fair pricing and, consequently, boosts saffron exports.”

He highlighted how exporters can buy certificates, convert them into profits, and benefit all stakeholders, including farmers and investment funds. In addition, he stated, “Collaboration between all sectors, especially during the harvest season when prices drop, ensures the entire value chain benefits.”

Zangeneh emphasized the need for active marketing and public awareness campaigns. As a result, saffron’s acceptance in the stock market could increase significantly.

The Role of Investment Funds in Saffron’s Future

Investment fund representatives proposed extending the maturity period for saffron deposit certificates. Notably, these certificates have been part of the capital market since 2020. Last year, saffron transactions totaled 2,000 billion tomans, yielding a 44% annual return rate.

Saffron export growth

Financial expert Hussein Abdeh Tabrizi stated, “The saffron market should remain competitive and free from monopolistic practices. Therefore, market makers need to establish a floor price without government interference.”

Price Transparency and Effective Processing

Saffron export growth : Farshid Shakarkhodaei, head of the Investment and Financial Commission, recommended implementing quality assurance insurance to maintain saffron standards. Additionally, he advocated for third-party storage solutions to preserve authenticity and reduce risks.

Parliament member Behrouz Mohbi urged the government to improve farming conditions, enabling an increase in saffron cultivation. Consequently, this would lead to greater efficiency in the production process. He added, “The government must continue its supportive and supervisory role.”

Saffron’s Global Importance: Iran’s Role in the International Market

Saffron export growth :Meeting participants stressed the importance of price transparency and reducing government involvement to enhance saffron production, supply, and export. In particular, accurate pricing can encourage more investment in the saffron processing sector.

Since 2020, two investment funds have operated in the saffron capital market. Significantly, they have yielded higher returns than gold and currency markets.

Saffron export growth

Saffron export growth : Reports revealed that Iran produces over 80% of the world’s saffron, giving it the potential to set global prices. However, weak market performance has prevented Iran from fully realizing its leadership role in the industry. Therefore, better management is essential.

Last year, Iran exported 300 tons of saffron and consumed 100 tons domestically. This year’s harvest is expected to reach 320 tons. Moreover, with storage warehouses nearly empty, liquidity in the capital market is projected to be high.