From Farm to Export: The Rigorous Standards and Power of Contract Farming in Pepper Production

Behind every peppercorn exported from Kerala is a well-structured process that ensures only the finest quality reaches global markets. At Cherriepick, we take pride in our rigorous quality standards and our strong network of contract farmers who help bring our vision to life.

The Quality Protocol Producing export-grade pepper isn’t just about growing—it’s about growing right. We follow strict agronomic practices starting from seed selection to harvest. Each stage is monitored:

• Use of certified disease-resistant planting material

• Organic and sustainable farming practices

• Controlled use of natural pesticides and nutrients

• Timely irrigation and shade management

We train our farmers to follow these practices consistently to ensure every batch of pepper meets global benchmarks for purity, aroma, color, and moisture content.

Drying & Processing: Precision Matters Post-harvest, pepper berries are sun-dried on clean surfaces with regular turning to maintain color and prevent fungal growth. Moisture content is closely monitored to ensure it stays below 12.5%, in line with export quality standards. We invest in modern cleaning, grading, and packing technologies to retain the natural flavor while making the product export-ready.

The Contract Farming Model To maintain this level of quality, we rely on our robust contract farming model. We work directly with farmers across Kerala—providing them with seeds, training, and regular agronomy support. In return, they commit to selling their produce exclusively to us at pre-agreed prices.

Benefits of Contract Farming:

• Quality assurance for both parties

• Price security for farmers

• Guaranteed market and better returns

• Traceability for international buyers

Empowering Farmers, Building Trust Our contract farming approach empowers small farmers by giving them access to markets they could never reach alone. They receive fair compensation and long-term support, while buyers get complete transparency and traceability in the supply chain.

Cherriepick’s Commitment Every pepper shipment from Cherriepick is a result of this synergy. We are not just traders—we are partners in a system that honors quality, builds trust, and supports livelihoods.