India important exporter of ground pepper to France

India was the most important supplier of ground pepper to France during 2006 contributing 26 per cent, followed by China and Vietnam exporting around 10 per cent each. France is the second biggest pepper consuming countries in Europe after Germany. During 2006, it imported 9,469 tonnes of pepper, consisting of 7,762 tonnes of whole pepper and 1,708 tonnes of ground pepper. Total import in 2006 was slightly higher than that of 2005. Vietnam was the main source, supplying 42 per cent of total whole pepper imported into France followed by Brazil giving 18 per cent. Indonesia and India supplied around seven per cent each.