Guntur, in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, is Asia's largest chilli trading hub. If you are importing red chillies from India, the chances are high that your supply either originates here or passes through this market. This guide will help you understand what to ask for, what to inspect, and how to ensure consistent quality shipment after shipment.
Why Guntur Red Chilli?
Guntur district accounts for roughly 30% of India's entire chilli output. The climate — hot, dry summers with well-drained black cotton soil — produces chillies with the ideal balance of colour, heat and aroma. These are not generic chillies. Guntur grows distinct commercial varieties that the global spice trade relies on.
Understanding the Grades
The three grades you will encounter most often are:
Teja (S17) — The hottest. SHU values range from 75,000 to 1,00,000. Used by sauce manufacturers, food processors and industrial spice blenders who need maximum pungency.
Sannam (S4) — Medium heat, SHU 30,000–60,000, with a bright red colour and ASTA value of 90–120. Popular in Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and American spice markets.
334 — Milder heat but very high ASTA colour value (120–160). Preferred by European paprika processors and manufacturers where colour is more important than heat.
What to Check in Every Shipment
Before accepting a container, your QC team should verify:
- Moisture level — should be ≤ 11%. Excess moisture causes mould in transit.
- ASTA colour value — confirm it matches your grade specification.
- Pesticide residue report — essential for EU, US and Japanese markets.
- Aflatoxin test — EU MRL is 5 ppb total aflatoxins.
- Stem presence — confirm stemless if you ordered stemless grade.
Packaging and Shelf Life
Guntur red chillies are typically packed in 10 kg, 20 kg or 25 kg cartons lined with polythene, or in jute bags for bulk orders. Vacuum-packed retail cartons are available for premium brands. Shelf life is 12–18 months when stored below 20°C in a dry environment.
Working with TFT Traders
TFT sources directly from Guntur yard commission agents and licensed post-harvest processors. Every lot comes with a full documentation set: Certificate of Analysis, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate and country of origin certificate. Samples are available before each shipment.
Ready to source? Contact our team for current price sheets and minimum order information.