The 12 World’s Largest Country Producers of Chili
The 12 World’s Largest Country Producers of Chili
The 12 World’s Largest
Country Producers of Chili – in the year 2024, there are the 12 World’s
Largest Country Producers of Chili. This rank was obtained from the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) / World Food and Agriculture Organization from
the United Nations (UN). So far, the commodity of the chili plant (Capsicum L)
is one of the most popular vegetable crops in some regions in the world.
particularly in the culture of people falling in love with spicy food. This
fruit can make a spicy taste on all menus because There is capsaicin,
an organic compound that makes chilies has a spicy taste.
Taxonomically, this plant is part of the Solanaceae family
so that it has a closed relation with melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus
lanatus), tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), eggplant (Solanum
melongena), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Geographically,
chili plants are compatible with hot weather so that they can produce optimally
in that climate. When entering the rainy season, this plant is susceptible to
various fungal attacks. The fungus attacking chili is such as Colletotrichum
capsicum, a pathogen that causes rotten fruits in chilies. This type of
disease includes those that are difficult to control, especially in tropical
regions.
Biologically, Capsicum species are small perennial
herbs native to tropical South America and the majority of researchers believe
that this genus comprises more than 20 species (Omolo et al.,
2014). Commonly, there are five domesticated species of chili peppers.
These species include Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens,
Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescents, and Capsicum baccatum
.
World’s Production, Yield and Harvested Areas of Chili From 1961 to 2024
|
Year |
World's Area Harvested of Chili |
World's Production of Chili in 2024 |
Yield of Chili |
|
(Hectare (Ha)) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/ Hectare (t/ha)) |
|
|
1961 |
658,953 |
5,907,926 |
8.97 |
|
1962 |
595,258 |
5,212,370 |
8.76 |
|
1963 |
597,339 |
5,334,801 |
8.93 |
|
1964 |
582,310 |
5,071,488 |
8.71 |
|
1965 |
611,040 |
5,211,668 |
8.53 |
|
1966 |
645,905 |
5,635,564 |
8.73 |
|
1967 |
658,190 |
5,850,733 |
8.89 |
|
1968 |
656,792 |
6,009,570 |
9.15 |
|
1969 |
676,473 |
6,072,170 |
8.98 |
|
1970 |
638,990 |
5,472,448 |
8.56 |
|
1971 |
675,483 |
5,955,227 |
8.82 |
|
1972 |
740,296 |
6,188,506 |
8.36 |
|
1973 |
772,620 |
6,679,200 |
8.64 |
|
1974 |
774,971 |
6,732,942 |
8.69 |
|
1975 |
802,107 |
6,631,299 |
8.27 |
|
1976 |
838,207 |
6,762,045 |
8.07 |
|
1977 |
848,006 |
7,385,229 |
8.71 |
|
1978 |
859,316 |
7,455,134 |
8.68 |
|
1979 |
892,570 |
7,833,666 |
8.78 |
|
1980 |
909,732 |
7,666,380 |
8.43 |
|
1981 |
946,011 |
8,019,916 |
8.48 |
|
1982 |
995,094 |
8,227,332 |
8.27 |
|
1983 |
939,852 |
8,546,421 |
9.09 |
|
1984 |
1,038,432 |
8,899,787 |
8.57 |
|
1985 |
1,124,909 |
9,639,460 |
8.57 |
|
1986 |
1,176,629 |
9,855,626 |
8.38 |
|
1987 |
1,098,316 |
10,168,094 |
9.26 |
|
1988 |
1,117,363 |
10,283,712 |
9.20 |
|
1989 |
1,117,566 |
10,560,365 |
9.45 |
|
1990 |
1,072,218 |
10,862,787 |
10.13 |
|
1991 |
1,073,372 |
10,943,848 |
10.20 |
|
1992 |
1,073,369 |
11,339,620 |
10.56 |
|
1993 |
1,212,425 |
12,287,705 |
10.13 |
|
1994 |
1,244,197 |
13,079,822 |
10.51 |
|
1995 |
1,371,690 |
14,202,387 |
10.35 |
|
1996 |
1,389,079 |
16,591,015 |
11.94 |
|
1997 |
1,424,000 |
17,529,098 |
12.31 |
|
1998 |
1,528,467 |
18,770,891 |
12.28 |
|
1999 |
1,620,646 |
19,767,783 |
12.20 |
|
2000 |
1,650,135 |
21,243,496 |
12.87 |
|
2001 |
1,627,626 |
21,835,012 |
13.42 |
|
2002 |
1,700,334 |
22,997,825 |
13.53 |
|
2003 |
1,758,081 |
24,843,344 |
14.13 |
|
2004 |
1,688,005 |
24,858,911 |
14.73 |
|
2005 |
1,702,725 |
25,612,102 |
15.04 |
|
2006 |
1,742,962 |
26,983,119 |
15.48 |
|
2007 |
1,743,585 |
27,722,101 |
15.90 |
|
2008 |
1,840,628 |
28,464,134 |
15.46 |
|
2009 |
1,910,639 |
29,177,681 |
15.27 |
|
2010 |
1,915,897 |
30,183,049 |
15.75 |
|
2011 |
1,964,495 |
30,949,670 |
15.75 |
|
2012 |
2,034,822 |
31,989,542 |
15.72 |
|
2013 |
2,094,747 |
32,800,972 |
15.66 |
|
2014 |
2,137,975 |
34,361,908 |
16.07 |
|
2015 |
2,260,475 |
36,111,025 |
15.97 |
|
2016 |
2,462,597 |
37,420,356 |
15.20 |
|
2017 |
2,546,979 |
39,819,254 |
15.63 |
|
2018 |
2,571,368 |
40,587,483 |
15.78 |
|
2019 |
2,622,431 |
41,071,231 |
15.66 |
|
2020 |
2,743,380 |
41,943,000 |
15.29 |
|
2021 |
2,729,122 |
42,400,770 |
15.54 |
|
2022 |
2,794,467 |
43,998,815 |
15.74 |
|
2023 |
2,776,674 |
44,435,432 |
16.00 |
|
2024 |
2,814,089 |
44,772,072 |
15.91 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
Globally, from time to time, the world’s
production of Chili has gradually increased from time to time. It can be seen
that world’s chili production in 1961 was just 5.9 million tons and it
increased to 44.7 million tons in 2024. Meanwhile, the harvested area of Chili
plants is also in line with the increasing production. Basically, the harvested
area of chili in 1961 was just around 639 thousand hectares and in 2024, it
became 2.8 million hectares (ha).
The Statistical Production of Chili Based on Continental in 2024
|
Continental |
Production of Chili in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
4,903,130 |
|
Americas |
4,920,521 |
|
Asia |
31,129,963 |
|
Europe |
3,722,593 |
|
Oceania |
95,865 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
In continental conditions, chili can be found
everywhere across the nations. Meanwhile, there are specific areas which have a major production of chili.
Specifically, Asia still become the largest
area of chili production in 2024 with output of chili reaching 31.3 million
tons. Furthermore, America has
production of chili reaching 4.92 million tons, followed by Africa with 4.90
million tons and Europe with 3.72 million tons. Meanwhile, Oceania has minor
production with a total output of around 95
thousand tons.
Table Rank of the 12 World’s Largest Countries of Chili Production in 2024
|
Rank |
Country Producer |
Production of Chili in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
China, mainland |
17,307,027 |
|
2 |
India |
5,317,989 |
|
3 |
Türkiye |
3,428,038 |
|
4 |
Mexico |
3,220,428 |
|
5 |
Indonesia |
3,038,082 |
|
6 |
Spain |
1,518,610 |
|
7 |
Egypt |
1,083,726 |
|
8 |
Nigeria |
777,185 |
|
9 |
Algeria |
643,418 |
|
10 |
United States of America |
550,371 |
|
11 |
Tunisia |
484,212 |
|
12 |
Netherlands |
406,630 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Although susceptible to disease and pest attacks,
chili plants are still in demand by many farmers. There are a large number of
farmers and cultivators growing this plant. When viewed from the market
conditions (supply and demand), the demand for chili products and their
processed products from year to year is increasing and never decreasing because
some people in countries are happy with spicy food. so that their demand will
always be stable and tend to increase.
In terms of overall production, looking at the
statistics of the largest chili-producing countries in the world, there are
several countries that have the largest chili production in the world based on
data released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2026.
Brief Descriptions of the Largest Chili Country Producer in 2024
1. China
China is a country that has the highest production
of chili in the world with production reaching 17.3 million tons in 2024. In
this country, the cultivation area reaches more than 1.3 million hectares (ha),
or it can be said that this area covers 35% of the total area of chili cultivation worldwide. When viewed from the
cultivation geography, Major area of chili production in China is in the
Provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Jilin, Shandong, Xinjiang,
Shanxi, Hebei, and Gansu and Henan. Of all these provinces, the provinces of
Shandong, Xinjiang, Shanxi, Hebei, and Gansu are the biggest chili contributors
to this Panda country.
In 2016, cultivated chilies were able to
contribute to the production of 5.15 million tons for China with an estimated
trade value of USD 2.2 billion. In terms of culture or variety/ cultivars,
there are several types of chilies that are commonly grown in China, namely
Yunnan Shuan Chili, Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili, Sichuan Seven-Star Pepper,
Yunnan Wrinkled Skin Pepper, Facing Heaven Pepper.
2. India
India still become the 2nd
world’s biggest country producer of Chili in 2024. According to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Chili from India reached 5.3
million tons. Geographically, in India, the main cultivation areas of Chili can
be found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, and
Tamil Nadu and these states contribute 70% of
India's total acreage of chili cultivation. Specifically, approximately 25% of the total chili
production is concentrated in Andhra Pradesh with major cultivation of
chili can be found in the districts of Guntur,
Prakasam, Krishna, Khammam, Warangal, and Karimnagar.
Culturally, Chilies are an
essential component of Indian cuisine, utilized in fresh, dried, or powdered
forms to impart heat and flavor to a variety of dishes including curries, dals,
chutneys, pickles, and garnishes. Prominent varieties such as Kashmiri
chilies, known for their color; Guntur chilies, valued for their pungency; and
Jwala chilies, used both fresh and dried, contribute distinctly to regional
specialties like Rogan Josh and Sambar. Chilies enhance everything from the
tempering process (tadka) to stuffed appetizers, demonstrating their
versatility and importance in Indian culinary traditions.
3. Türkiye
Türkiye is the 3rd world’s largest
country producer of chili in 2024. Its production in 2024 reaches 3.4 million
tons. The Main regions for Chili Production in Turkey can be found in the
Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara, Black Sea, and Southern Anatolian / South
Anatolian Regions. Commonly, chili production in the Aegean and Mediterranean
regions is used for direct consumption/food, while chili cultivation in the
Marmara region is processed for the industrial sector. In the Eastern
Mediterranean / eastern Mediterranean region where the Kahramanmara province is
located, Hatay and Gaziantep are important areas for the cultivation of red dry
pepper.
4. Mexico
Mexico is the 4th world’s largest
country producer of Chili in 2024 with a total production of 3.2 million tons.
From the specific side of chili plants, there are several types of cultivars/ varieties of chili, namely the Jalapeno, Sorrano, Poblano, and
Morron types. The chili cultivation areas mentioned above are remarkably
diverse. Jalapeño chili cultivation is widely practiced in the states of
Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Michoacán and Serrano chili cultivation is in
the states of Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Poblano Chili cultivation takes place in
several states, with the states of Zacatecas, Sinaloa, and Guanajuato becoming
the majority cultivated areas. The Morrón chili plant is grown almost entirely
in the state of Sinaloa.
5. Indonesia
Indonesia is ranked 5th as the largest chili country producer in the
world in 2024 with a total production of 3 million tons. Agronomically, in
Indonesia there are 3 main types of chili cultivars/ varieties in this country, namely cayenne pepper, curly chili, and
big chili. According to BPS (Stated-Owned Statistical Organization) data
in 2018, the main areas of chili production can be found in the Java Island
Region (Central Java, East Java, West Java, Banten) and a small part of Sumatra
Island.
6. Spain
Spain is the 6th largest country
producer of chili with a total production reaching 1.5 million tons in 2024.
The chili production areas in this country are mostly in the regions of
Andalusia and Murcia, and a small part in the Galicia, Extremadura, Valencia
region, and Navarre. The types of chilies most cultivated in this country are
pepper Padron, Coimbra, Gernika, Herbon, Couto, Arnoia, and Mougan.
7. Egypt
Egypt is the 7th world’s biggest
chili producer in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOTAT), the production of Chili from Egypt reached 1 million tons. In Egypt, Sweet pepper is the most commonly planted crop in greenhouse production. Sweet pepper is considered one
of the most important vegetable crops in Egypt with the average Egyptian annual
consumption from pepper is about 5.4 kg/ capita.
8. Nigeria
Nigeria is the 8th world’s biggest
chili producer in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Chili from Nigeria reached 777 thousand tons.
Geographically, the main area of chili production in Nigeria can be found in the northern areas of the
country, namely, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau and Bauchi
states. Based on species, C. Annuum and C. frutescens are the
most recognized species which are grown in large amount quantities in Nigeria
9. Algeria
Algeria is one of the world's biggest country producers
of chili in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT),
the production of Chili from Algeria reached 643 thousand tons. Based on chili
cultivars, there are Ten pepper cultivars (Capsicum annuum L) cultivated in Algeria, namely Doux D’Alger, Sonar, Esterel, Doux,
Marconi, Magister, Belconi, Italico II, Lipari, Arabal, and Doux d’Espagne
commercially grown in Algeria.
10. United States of America
The United States of America is 10th biggest
chili producer in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Chili from the United States of America reached 550 thousand tons. Geographically, the top bell pepper states in the U.S. are California,
Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, and Michigan. Meanwhile,
the top chile pepper producing states include California, New Mexico, Texas,
and Arizona.
11. Tunisia
Tunisia is the 11th world’s biggest producer of
chili in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the
production of Chili from Tunisia reached 484 thousand tons. Geographically,
there are some regions of chili cultivation in Tunisia. It includes the regions
of Capo Bon, Kairouan, and Sidi Bouzidin. In this country, Harrisa is the
processed product of chili that became a well-known condiment
product from Tunisia. They also exported Harissa to other countries.
12. Netherlands
The Netherlands is 12th World’s
biggest chili producer in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Chili from the Netherlands reached 406,630 tons. Specifically, there are some chili cultivated in Netherlands including Holland Red, Dutch
Chili, Serrano, Carolina Reaper, and Red Chili, jalapeno, red and yellow
habanero, and padrone peppers
The Table Summary of The 10 World’s Largest Country Producers of Chili in 2024
The Histogram Summary of The 10 World’s Largest Country Producers of Chili in 2024
Bibliography of Article World’s Largest Countries of Chili Production in 2024
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