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Moringa products: A rising star in the global market

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Moringa products: A rising star in the global market

Sri Lanka, known for its geographical diversity and fertile soil, is a country that enjoys a year-round harvest of various crops. With an abundance of plant resources, many of which hold medicinal value, Sri Lanka has a rich history of traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa, where plants are used to address various health concerns.

Among these resources, moringa oleifera, locally known as "Murunga," stands out for its versatility. This plant provides pods, leaves, seeds, and roots, each with unique nutritional and medicinal attributes. And in recent years, moringa has gained recognition not only for its health benefits but also for its increasing prominence and demand in the global market.

What is moringa oleifera used for?

Moringa, scientifically named moringa oleifera, is a versatile plant renowned for its numerous health benefits. In Sri Lanka, moringa trees are a common sight, with locals making the most of this nutritional treasure trove. The seed pods, often referred to as drumsticks, are widely used as a vegetable, while moringa leaves find their place as a leafy addition to many Sri Lankan dishes.

But moringa's utility doesn't stop there. Its various parts, from the roots and leaves to the seeds and everything in between, have been harnessed for their medicinal properties. In alternative medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani, moringa is used to address a range of ailments, including skin infections, asthma, joint pain, and more.

Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, moringa has found applications in cosmetology and baking, where moringa powder plays a role as well. 

Moringa oleifera benefits

Beyond its plethora of uses, moringa has gained recognition worldwide for its remarkable nutritional and health advantages. Some of the standout benefits of this powerhouse plant include:

  • Anti-inflammatory power: Loaded with flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides, moringa can effectively reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body.
  • Cancer risk reduction: Packed with anti-cancer compounds like glucosinolates, niazimicin, and benzyl isothiocyanate, moringa has demonstrated anti-cancer activities, particularly against prostate and skin cancers. Niazimicin, a bioactive compound in moringa, contributes to its anti-cancer potential, while zeatin, another component, exhibits anti-ageing and antioxidant properties.
  • Blood sugar management: Research indicates that moringa leaves can effectively lower postprandial blood glucose levels. 

Moringa's adaptability goes beyond its conventional uses, with moringa tea emerging as a nutritionally rich option. Some of the benefits of moringa tea include: 

  • Nutrient-rich infusion: Boasting an impressive mineral and vitamin profile, 100 grams of moringa leaves contain 17 times more calcium than milk and a staggering 25 times more iron than spinach. 
  • Cholesterol Management: Moringa tea has shown potential in reducing serum cholesterol levels. Experimental research indicates that moringa extract may reduce serum cholesterol and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

From the above, it's clear to see why, in both Sri Lanka and across the globe, moringa has continually gained recognition, slowly but surely making it a star player in the realm of health and nutrition.

Growing demand for moringa and global trends 

The demand for moringa products is surging on a global scale, with impressive growth statistics to back it up. 

According to Zion Market Research, the global moringa market is on track to reach a substantial US$18.2 billion by the year 2030. This remarkable growth is a significant leap from its 2022 value of US$9.5 billion, representing a substantial compound annual growth rate of 8.5% during the forecast period.

Several factors contribute to this booming demand. Firstly, the escalating global focus on health and well-being has propelled moringa into the spotlight. Simply put, the aforementioned myriad of health benefits and nutritional richness have made it a sought-after choice for health-conscious consumers.

Furthermore, in the same report by Zion Market Research, the growing prevalence of conditions like diabetes has been stated to have played a major role in driving the moringa market's growth. Moringa's potential to help manage such health concerns has made it an appealing choice for individuals seeking natural solutions.

In addition to health considerations, the trend towards clean and sustainable living has further fueled the demand for moringa products. With consumers being increasingly drawn to natural and cruelty-free beauty products, moringa naturally aligns with these preferences due to its positive effects on the skin and lack of adverse effects.

Exploring moringa's potential: market trends and growth opportunities

From the above, it is clear to see that the moringa products market is poised for remarkable growth, and current market trends indicate promising opportunities in this industry. As a matter of fact, according to industry reports published on Benzinga, the global moringa products market is on an upward trajectory, with substantial growth predicted in the forecasted period. In 2023, the industry is already experiencing steady growth, and key manufacturers are implementing strategic approaches that are expected to further boost market expansion.

One of the areas where the moringa industry shows potential for growth and innovation is in the realm of health products. Cuba, for instance, has recently offered its expertise to Sri Lanka to manufacture health products derived from the moringa plant. This collaboration involves the production of medicinal capsules and powder using moringa, and Sri Lanka, with its extensive moringa cultivation, stands to benefit significantly from this technology transfer.

This initiative not only highlights the international interest in the potential of moringa but also underscores the versatility of this remarkable plant. As more countries explore innovative applications and products derived from moringa, the industry is poised to witness substantial growth in the coming years, making it an exciting and dynamic sector to watch.

Navigating the competitive landscape

The moringa products market boasts a wide scope with key consumer countries, including India, China, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These nations have shown significant interest in moringa products, contributing to the market's growth and expansion. 

And in terms of the competitive landscape, the market is marked by leading companies, hailing from countries like India and the United States, that have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry. These companies have employed various competitive strategies to establish themselves as key players in the moringa products market.

However, despite the increasing popularity of moringa, there are challenges that the market faces, particularly in regions where awareness about moringa remains limited. In these areas, customers may not be fully aware of the numerous advantages and applications of moringa, which could hinder the expansion of the moringa market.

Moringa products in Sri Lanka

For Sri Lankan businesses to better understand and soar in the market, it is pivotal to first understand that the global moringa industry is segmented based on various factors. These include the type of moringa product, application, and distribution channel.

Since Sri Lanka already plays a significant role in contributing to the global moringa market, with regions like Athiliwewa and Siripuragama in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat, having around one hundred farming families successfully embracing moringa cultivation, particularly focusing on drumstick leaves, navigating these challenges efficiently could result in global success. 

As of now, these farmers have already found that cultivating moringa can be a lucrative endeavour, with the potential to earn approximately Rs. 60,000 per month. Moreover, the demand for Sri Lankan drumstick leaves in foreign markets has been on the rise, contributing to the income of local farmers. 

To further support and empower these farming communities and facilitate global exports, initiatives under the Ministry of Agriculture have provided technical knowledge and necessary agricultural equipment to farmers free of charge. This support has further fueled the growth of moringa cultivation in Sri Lanka, solidifying its role as a significant contributor to the global moringa market.

Unlocking the global moringa market with DHL Express

As businesses in Sri Lanka and worldwide navigate the competitive landscape of the moringa market, it is crucial to leverage the country's potential as a significant contributor. Sri Lankan farmers are already reaping the benefits of moringa cultivation, earning income by exporting moringa leaves to foreign markets. This success story underscores the importance of recognising and harnessing the opportunities presented by the moringa boom.

At DHL Express, we understand the importance of international trade and commerce. As a trusted logistics partner, we are committed to facilitating the seamless export and import of goods, including perishable goods and valuable products like moringa. Our global shipping solutions ensure that your moringa and other plant products reach consumers and markets worldwide efficiently and reliably. 

Discover how DHL Express can elevate your business in the thriving moringa market. Open a DHL Express business account to explore our international shipping services and unlock a world of opportunities.