Potential Markets for Florida Turmeric

Kevin Athearn, Jonathan Adam Watson, Paul Fisher, Maria Paz Kinslow, Marina Burani-Arouca, Brian Pearson, and Celina Gómez

Release Date: 4/27/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fe1163-2025

Agriculture

Abstract

This publication examines the potential markets for turmeric (Curcuma longa) grown in Florida, highlighting opportunities in fresh produce, food and beverage ingredients, and nursery markets. Turmeric, widely used in culinary dishes and wellness products, is primarily consumed in its rhizome form, as a powdered spice. The US fresh produce market for turmeric is largely supplied by imports from countries like India, Fiji, and China, presenting price competition challenges for Florida growers. Florida turmeric producers face strong competition from imports, but by focusing on quality, differentiation, and niche markets, they can enhance profitability.

About this Publication

This document is FE1163, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date April 2025. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2025 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

About the Authors

Kevin Athearn, regional specialized Extension agent III, rural and agribusiness development, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Suwannee Valley; Jonathan Adam Watson, assistant professor in Agribusiness, Farm Economics, Supply Chain Management, and Food Systems, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Paul Fisher, professor and Extension specialist in Floriculture, Department of Environmental Horticulture; Maria Paz Kinslow, biological scientist, Department of Environmental Horticulture; Marina Burani-Arouca, agribusiness program assistant, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Suwannee Valley; Brian Pearson, director, Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University; and Celina Gómez, assistant professor in Controlled Environment Agriculture, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Purdue University; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Athearn, K., Watson, J. A., Fisher, P., Paz Kinslow, M., Burani-Arouca, M., Pearson, B., & Gómez, C. (2025). Potential Markets for Florida Turmeric. EDIS, 2025(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fe1163-2025

Authors

Brian Pearson

director, Oregon State University, Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hood River, OR, and former associate professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center

Maria Paz Kinslow

former biological scientist III, UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture, Gainesville, FL

Marina Burani-Arouca

former agribusiness program assistant, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center

Kevin Athearn

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

regional specialized Extension agent III, rural and agribusiness development, UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, Live Oak, FL

View Kevin Athearn's Profile

Jonathan Watson

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor, agricultural economics and postharvest, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

View Jonathan Watson's Profile

Paul Fisher

Specialist

University of Florida

professor and Extension specialist, floriculture, UF/IFAS Department of Horticulture, Gainesville, FL

View Paul Fisher's Profile

Celina Gómez

associate professor, controlled environment agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, former assistant professor, controlled environment horticulture, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Publication #FE1163