India is one of the largest producers of black pepper, and the two main growing states are Kerala and Karnataka. Both regions produce high-quality pepper, but there are distinct differences that buyers should understand before sourcing in bulk.

Wholesale Black Pepper from Kerala – World’s Finest Grades

Kerala has been known for centuries as the home of Malabar and Tellicherry black pepper, two of the most sought-after varieties worldwide.

• Grades: Malabar (11 No / 550 g/L), Tellicherry (11.5 No / 570 g/L), and higher grades like 11.75 and 12 No.
• Density: Kerala pepper generally has a higher bulk density (GL), which means heavier, more mature berries with stronger aroma, pungency, and oil content.
• Export Preference: Since global buyers prefer better g/L grades, Kerala pepper often dominates in export orders.

Wholesale Black Pepper from Karnataka – Bigger Size, Lighter Berries

Karnataka produces a large share of India’s pepper and is known for larger berries.

• Grades: Typically larger in appearance, but with lower bulk density compared to Kerala pepper.
• Quality Aspect: While size looks impressive, lower GL means the berries may be lighter with more chances of hollow or light-weight seeds.
• Market Fit: Often preferred in markets where size is prioritised over density.

Which is Better for Wholesale Buyers?

• For exports: Always choose Kerala pepper (Malabar, Tellicherry grades) with better g/L values. Higher density = better oil content, flavour, and quality recognition in international markets.
• For domestic wholesale trade, Karnataka pepper is widely accepted due to its availability and bold appearance.
• Pro Tip: Instead of chasing only jumbo size, opt for medium-bold grades with higher g/L. They have fewer light berries, better consistency, and superior overall quality.

👉 In short, Kerala pepper = better GL, aroma, and export value, while Karnataka pepper = bigger size but lighter quality. For serious wholesale and export sourcing, Kerala remains the gold standard.

Kerala vs Karnataka Black Pepper – Wholesale Comparison

Feature / Parameter	Kerala Black Pepper (Malabar, Tellicherry)	Karnataka Black Pepper
Famous Grades	Malabar (11 No / 550 GL), Tellicherry (11.5 No / 570 GL), 11.75 No, 12 No	Mainly bold-looking berries, lower GL
Bulk Density (GL)	High (550–600 g/L) → Heavier, mature, oil-rich	Lower (below 550 g/L) → Lighter berries
Berry Size	Medium to bold (4.0–4.5 mm sieve graded)	Larger in size, looks bolder
Aroma & Oil Content	Strong aroma, high essential oil, superior flavour	Moderate aroma, lower oil content
Market Reputation	Considered the world’s best pepper	More common in local/domestic trade
Export Preference	Highly preferred for international orders (EU, USA, Middle East)	Less preferred due to lower GL
Risk of Light Berries	Lower – denser berries with fewer hollows	Higher – appearance bold but lighter inside
Best Use Case	Exports, premium spice blends, food manufacturing	Domestic trade, bulk use where size matters
Buyer’s Tip	Choose medium-bold Kerala grades (550–570 GL) for quality & consistency	Use only if size is more important than density

👉 Conclusion:
When it comes to sourcing the best wholesale black pepper, Kerala clearly stands out for its superior grades, bulk density (GL), and flavour quality. While Karnataka offers bold-looking berries, Kerala’s Malabar and Tellicherry pepper remain the benchmark for international trade, thanks to their high oil content, distinctive aroma, and consistent quality.

At Machamangalath Traders, we specialise in supplying authentic Kerala black pepper—from Malabar 550 GL to Tellicherry 570 GL and premium export grades—ensuring our buyers receive only the finest and most reliable quality. Whether you are an exporter, distributor, or food manufacturer, partnering with us means sourcing pepper that meets global standards while staying true to Kerala’s spice heritage.