Fenugreek Market Heats Up: Tight Supply and Festive Demand Drive Price Uptrend

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The global fenugreek market is experiencing a notable surge in activity, with early signs that prices are preparing for a steady climb. With Diwali—a major festival—in the near horizon, both traders and consumers are witnessing a tightening of supply and a pronounced uptick in demand. Current wholesale rates hover around $56 to $62 per quintal, and premium lots are fetching between $62 and $72 in India’s key producing states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The striking slowdown in fresh arrivals, now down to 800–1,000 sacks daily from the earlier 1,400–1,500, underscores persistent supply-side constraints.

Seasoned market observers suggest that tightening stocks in the pipeline, exacerbated by an anticipated 15–20% shortfall over the coming months, could fuel a price rally through late November—notably as retailers and wholesalers begin aggressive pre-festive stocking. Meanwhile, export demand remains robust, reaching a historic high with India’s latest shipment figures up 17% in volume and 29% in value year-on-year. Weather uncertainties and the outcome of the next sowing season add further intrigue to the market’s direction, making the coming weeks pivotal for price action and trade activity.

📈 Prices & Market Sentiment

Product Origin Purity/Type Organic Location Delivery (FOB) Price (€/kg) Previous Price (€/kg) Change Update Date Trend
Fenugreek seeds India Yes New Delhi FOB 1.19 1.18 ▲ +0.01 2025-08-02 Bullish
Fenugreek seeds India 99% No New Delhi FOB 0.74 0.73 ▲ +0.01 2025-08-02 Bullish
Fenugreek seeds (powder) India Powder Yes New Delhi FOB 1.39 1.38 ▲ +0.01 2025-08-02 Bullish
Fenugreek seeds (FAQ, m/clean) India FAQ No New Delhi FOB 0.72 0.71 ▲ +0.01 2025-08-02 Bullish
Fenugreek seeds Egypt No Cairo FOB 0.95 0.95 2025-08-02 Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand Dynamics

  • Current Arrivals: Daily arrivals in India’s major markets have dropped to 800–1,000 sacks vs. 1,400–1,500 sacks previously.
  • Stock Availability: Industry sources expect a 15–20% shortfall in pipeline stocks over the upcoming quarter.
  • Festive Demand: Diwali stocking is driving up wholesale interest, particularly across Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Export Performance: India exported 94,516 MT by May 2025 (record high), valued at $8.37 mn, up 17% in volume and 29% in value YoY.

📊 Fundamental Landscape

  • Crop Depletion: Last season’s stock rapidly depleting due to reduced new arrivals.
  • Export Markets: Indian fenugreek maintains strong global demand, with Egypt also a notable supplier.
  • Inventory Conditions: Pipeline stocks across trade circuits remain tight, intensifying price pressures.
  • Price Action: Wholesale prices $56–$62/qtl (average), $62–$72/qtl (premium).

⛅ Weather Outlook & Crop Development

  • India (Rajasthan, Gujarat): Latest weather models indicate above-average monsoon rainfall, but intermittent dry spells could affect upcoming sowing if they persist into September. Farmers are closely watching for any late-stage monsoon shortfalls, which could influence planted acreage in October.
  • Exporters (Egypt): Moderate conditions prevail; however, irrigation water availability is a minor concern for expanding area this season.

🌎 Global Production & Inventory Comparison

Country 2024 Production (est. MT) 2025 Export (MT, by May) Inventory Situation
India ~120,000 94,516 Tight, declining rapidly
Egypt ~25,000 n/a Stable
Other (Global) ~18,000 n/a Limited

📝 Key Drivers & Market Factors

  • Anticipated 15–20% supply shortfall in Indian wholesale markets.
  • Diwali stocking likely to peak by late September–October.
  • Continued robust export demand from major importing countries.
  • Weather conditions for next sowing season remain a wild card.

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • For Buyers: Secure forward contracts for high quality and organic lots as stocks are expected to tighten further.
  • For Sellers: Hold back substantial volumes of premium stock; offer incrementally as festive demand ramps up.
  • For Exporters: Leverage robust demand but remain agile with logistics due to possible supply-chain bottlenecks in Q4.
  • All Market Participants: Closely monitor weather forecasts and Diwali stocking trends into October.

📈 3-Day Price Forecast (FOB, New Delhi)

Date Organic Fenugreek Seeds (€/kg) 99% Conventional (€/kg) Powder (€/kg) FAQ, m/clean (€/kg) Market Sentiment
2025-08-03 1.20 0.75 1.40 0.73 Bullish
2025-08-04 1.21 0.76 1.41 0.74 Bullish
2025-08-05 1.21 0.76 1.42 0.74 Bullish