Iran Saffron Market– Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2030

Iran Saffron Market Overview
Iran’s saffron production dropped to 272 tonnes in 2022 (valued at $282.61 million EXW), a 36% decline from the record 422 tonnes in 2021 due to prolonged drought. From 2016-2021, annual production ranged between 350-400 tonnes. Despite challenges like sanctions and financial restrictions, Iran remains the world’s leading saffron producer.
Iran exports saffron to Spain, UAE, Afghanistan, India, and the EU, with China (27%), UAE (22%), Spain (14%), Afghanistan (12%), and Vietnam (3%) being the top importers in 2021. Most imports are for re-export.
Primary Areas/ Elements of Research & Analysis
The report provides comprehensive and valuable insights into the supply and demand dynamics of the Iran saffron market. Below are the variables considered and analyzed in the report:
The report provides historical market data (2010-2023) with projections to 2030, covering supply & demand analysis, trade patterns, and competitive dynamics. It also assesses key barriers, technological advancements, and industry evolution within the Iran saffron market.
Market Dynamics
With 90% of global saffron exports, Iran dominates the market. European nations, the Middle East, and India are key buyers, drawn to its superior quality. Rising global demand for organic, high-grade saffron presents growth opportunities, particularly in Europe. The Iranian government supports the sector through subsidies, research funding, and export initiatives.
Iran produces 90-95% of the world’s saffron, primarily in Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan. Traditional farming methods ensure premium quality across key varieties Negin Saffron (Highest grade, long red threads, strong aroma) and Sargol, Pushal, Dasteh (Vary in thread length, purity, and color, catering to culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses).
Challenges & Competition
Iran faces competition from Spain, India, and Afghanistan, along with challenges such as price fluctuations, counterfeit products, and export restrictions due to sanctions. Market access and quality assurance remain critical concerns.
Future Outlook
Despite climate risks and geopolitical barriers, Iran’s saffron industry is poised for growth. Innovations in farming, expanded cultivation, and strategic market diversification can enhance Iran’s global presence. Government-backed research, quality certification, and saffron tourism could further solidify Iran’s dominance in the saffron trade.
Scope of the Report:
Iran’s saffron production dropped to 272 tonnes in 2022 (valued at $282.61 million EXW), a 36% decline from the record 422 tonnes in 2021 due to prolonged drought. From 2016-2021, annual production ranged between 350-400 tonnes. Despite challenges like sanctions and financial restrictions, Iran remains the world’s leading saffron producer.
Iran exports saffron to Spain, UAE, Afghanistan, India, and the EU, with China (27%), UAE (22%), Spain (14%), Afghanistan (12%), and Vietnam (3%) being the top importers in 2021. Most imports are for re-export.
Primary Areas/ Elements of Research & Analysis
The report provides comprehensive and valuable insights into the supply and demand dynamics of the Iran saffron market. Below are the variables considered and analyzed in the report:
- Supply-demand trends, market growth, and trade (exports & imports)
- Market structure, conduct, and performance analysis
- Historical and forecasted market size (volume & value)
- Trade analysis, including key partners, quantities, values, and price trends
- Supply chain mapping, pricing, and regulatory framework
- Competitive landscape profiling major players
- Factors influencing market performance, including sustainability trends
The report provides historical market data (2010-2023) with projections to 2030, covering supply & demand analysis, trade patterns, and competitive dynamics. It also assesses key barriers, technological advancements, and industry evolution within the Iran saffron market.
Market Dynamics
With 90% of global saffron exports, Iran dominates the market. European nations, the Middle East, and India are key buyers, drawn to its superior quality. Rising global demand for organic, high-grade saffron presents growth opportunities, particularly in Europe. The Iranian government supports the sector through subsidies, research funding, and export initiatives.
Iran produces 90-95% of the world’s saffron, primarily in Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan. Traditional farming methods ensure premium quality across key varieties Negin Saffron (Highest grade, long red threads, strong aroma) and Sargol, Pushal, Dasteh (Vary in thread length, purity, and color, catering to culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses).
Challenges & Competition
Iran faces competition from Spain, India, and Afghanistan, along with challenges such as price fluctuations, counterfeit products, and export restrictions due to sanctions. Market access and quality assurance remain critical concerns.
Future Outlook
Despite climate risks and geopolitical barriers, Iran’s saffron industry is poised for growth. Innovations in farming, expanded cultivation, and strategic market diversification can enhance Iran’s global presence. Government-backed research, quality certification, and saffron tourism could further solidify Iran’s dominance in the saffron trade.
Scope of the Report:
- Historical Years: 2010-2022
- Base Year: 2023
- Forecast Period: 2024-2030
- Units: Value (US$ Million) and Volume (Tonnes)
- Report Coverage: Production, Consumption, Export, and Import
- Segments Covered: By Type & Packaging
- Companies Profiled: The market players include Novin Saffron, Bahraman Saffron Company, Tarvand Saffron Co., Esfedan Saffron Co., Gohar Saffron Company, Flora Saffron (ATDM Co.), Rojan Shargh Co. Inc., Sayna Safir, Inc., Giti Pisheh Pars Trading Company, Behin Exir, Ario Co., and Jahan Saffron Production Cooperative Company, and more.
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Objectives & Scope of the Study
2.2. Definitions & Economic Importance
2.3. Research Methodology
2.4. Factors and Decision Matrix Analysis
2.5. Limitations & Challenges
3. COMMODITY/PRODUCT/MARKET OVERVIEW
3.1. Evolution/ Origin & Geographic/Agronomic Suitability
3.2. Saffron: Crop and Product Images
3.3. Saffron Crop Seasonality
3.4. Processing & Grading
3.5. Saffron Uses & Application Areas
3.6. Regulatory Analysis
4. IRAN: COUNTRY PROFILE
5. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET GROWTH FACTORS ANALYSIS
5.1. Industry SWOT Analysis
5.2. Iran Saffron Market PESTEL Analysis
5.3. Agriculture Crop Cultivation Trend
5.4. Drivers and Restraints Analysis
6. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: SUPPLY ANALYSIS
6.1. Saffron Supply Analysis (Area & Production)
6.2. Province-wise Area & Production of Saffron
6.3. Saffron Supply Analysis, by Type
6.4. Saffron Supply Analysis, by Packaging Type
7. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: DEMAND ANALYSIS
7.1. Domestic Saffron Demand
7.1.1. Domestic Consumption
7.1.2. Luggage Trade
7.2. Export Demand
7.3. Saffron Supply Chain
7.4. Saffron Product Variants
8. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: TRADE (EXPORT & IMPORT) ANALYSIS
8.1. Saffron Export & Import Trend
8.2. Top 10 Export Destinations for Iran Saffron
8.3. China Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
8.4. UAE Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
8.5. Spain Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
9. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: PRICE TREND ANALYSIS
9.1. Domestic Price Trend
9.2. Export Price Trend
9.3. Price Seasonality
10. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
10.1. List of Key Companies Supplying Saffron from Iran
10.2. Key Company Profiles
10.2.1. Novin Saffron
10.2.2. Bahraman Saffron Company
10.2.3. Esfedan Saffron Co.
10.2.4. Tarvand Saffron Co.
10.2.5. Gohar Saffron Company
10.2.6. Flora Saffron (ATDM Co.)
10.2.7. Rojan Shargh Co. Inc.
10.2.8. Sayna Safir, Inc.
10.2.9. Giti Pisheh Pars Trading Company
10.2.10. Behin Exir
10.2.11. Ario Co.
10.2.12. Jahan Saffron Production Cooperative Company
11. CONCLUSION
12. APPENDIX
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Objectives & Scope of the Study
2.2. Definitions & Economic Importance
2.3. Research Methodology
2.4. Factors and Decision Matrix Analysis
2.5. Limitations & Challenges
3. COMMODITY/PRODUCT/MARKET OVERVIEW
3.1. Evolution/ Origin & Geographic/Agronomic Suitability
3.2. Saffron: Crop and Product Images
3.3. Saffron Crop Seasonality
3.4. Processing & Grading
3.5. Saffron Uses & Application Areas
3.6. Regulatory Analysis
4. IRAN: COUNTRY PROFILE
5. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET GROWTH FACTORS ANALYSIS
5.1. Industry SWOT Analysis
5.2. Iran Saffron Market PESTEL Analysis
5.3. Agriculture Crop Cultivation Trend
5.4. Drivers and Restraints Analysis
6. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: SUPPLY ANALYSIS
6.1. Saffron Supply Analysis (Area & Production)
6.2. Province-wise Area & Production of Saffron
6.3. Saffron Supply Analysis, by Type
6.4. Saffron Supply Analysis, by Packaging Type
7. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: DEMAND ANALYSIS
7.1. Domestic Saffron Demand
7.1.1. Domestic Consumption
7.1.2. Luggage Trade
7.2. Export Demand
7.3. Saffron Supply Chain
7.4. Saffron Product Variants
8. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: TRADE (EXPORT & IMPORT) ANALYSIS
8.1. Saffron Export & Import Trend
8.2. Top 10 Export Destinations for Iran Saffron
8.3. China Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
8.4. UAE Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
8.5. Spain Imports of Saffron from Iran (Value & Volume)
9. IRAN SAFFRON MARKET: PRICE TREND ANALYSIS
9.1. Domestic Price Trend
9.2. Export Price Trend
9.3. Price Seasonality
10. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
10.1. List of Key Companies Supplying Saffron from Iran
10.2. Key Company Profiles
10.2.1. Novin Saffron
10.2.2. Bahraman Saffron Company
10.2.3. Esfedan Saffron Co.
10.2.4. Tarvand Saffron Co.
10.2.5. Gohar Saffron Company
10.2.6. Flora Saffron (ATDM Co.)
10.2.7. Rojan Shargh Co. Inc.
10.2.8. Sayna Safir, Inc.
10.2.9. Giti Pisheh Pars Trading Company
10.2.10. Behin Exir
10.2.11. Ario Co.
10.2.12. Jahan Saffron Production Cooperative Company
11. CONCLUSION
12. APPENDIX