Vietnam owns a spice that brings in hundreds of millions of USD per year, namely star anise. According to statistics, Vietnam’s star anise production ranks second in the world, after China, with an estimated annual output of 22,000 tons on a planted area of about 55,000 hectares. Lang Son Province accounts for 72.7% of the area.
Thanks to the favorable climate and soil conditions, Lang Son’s star anise is considered to be the best-quality product with a high essential oil content. Lang Son’s annual harvest of star anise accounts for 87.5% of the national output.
Notably in the world, star anise is almost found in Vietnam and China. Star anise is available for harvest after four years. However, only after about 16 years can it be harvested twice a year. Therefore, this rare tree is even more precious. In particular, the spring crop is in February and March, while the rest is in September and October.
The world’s million-dollar spice has brought in more than 40 million USD since the beginning of the year.
According to the Vietnam Pepper Association, Vietnam exported 1,662 tons of star anise in July with a turnover of 7.8 million USD, up 7.4% compared to June. The main export market is India, with 1,062 tons, accounting for 63%.
In the first 7 months of the year, Vietnam exported 8,685 tons of star anise with a turnover of nearly 42 million USD, up 5.1% in volume over the same period last year.
India remains in the leading position among Vietnam’s export markets with 5,472 tons, up 7% year-on-year. Next are the US with 601 tons (up 7.9%), Taiwan with 276 tons (up 228%), China with 259 tons (down 63%), etc.
Regarding the characteristics of star anise, this is a tree of the Illicium genus, the Liliaceae family, which has high economic value. Typically, star anise flowers have 6–8 petals, arranged in a star shape with a diameter of 2.5–3 cm, each petal bearing inside a small, shiny egg-shaped seed. After harvest, star anise will be dried for export; only a small part is processed into essential oils.
Star anise is one of the best spices, favored by many famous chefs. Using star anise skillfully will help upgrade the dish to a whole new flavor. In Vietnam, this is an important spice for cooking broths.
In addition to its use in dishes, star anise can support the treatment of diseases such as colds, headaches, abdominal pain, coughs, and bone diseases. Besides, star anise also works in the treatment of skin fungus, scabies, pain relief, bruising, and many other effects. Star anise essential oil is one of the good cosmetics used in the beauty industry.
The weather in 2024 is forecast to be complicated, with the El Nino phenomenon affecting many crops. Therefore, the production of pepper, cinnamon, or star anise will be affected, especially in areas impacted by climate change.
According to the VPA, the multi-year price increase cycle of pepper will begin in 2024 (usually lasting 10 years), which will have an impact on other spice plants, such as cinnamon and anise. The global spice and flavoring market was valued at 21.3 billion USD in 2021 and is forecast to grow to 27.4 billion USD by 2026.