Spice India debuts in Delhi; will offer spices-infused chocolate slabs, beauty creams

KOCHI: Spices Board has embarked on launching a clutch of signature shops that showcase the country’s choicest spices and their value-added products, including lifestyle and personal care, under one roof. Two showrooms, under the brand name ‘Spices India’, have been opened in Delhi. The first Spices India showroom was opened in Kochi, where Spices Board is headquartered. Spices India shops will promote an array of quality products like spices-infused chocolate slabs, beauty creams, fairness oils, bathing bars, shower gel and shampoo.

“We also need to popularise Spices India among the domestic tourists. Our focus should be on improving packaging, processing and branding, besides better utilisation of technology,” said Union commerce secretary Rajeev Kher while inaugurating the shops.

He also suggested setting up knowledge kiosks within the outlets to provide information to visitors on spices grown in various states.

Run by the 1987-established Board that functions under the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry, the shops sell aromatic gel candles as a key attraction. These are available with the fragrance of nutmeg, clove, cardamom, mint, vanilla and cinnamon. A premier gift item is a slab of chocolates that contain cumin, chilly, cinnamon, cardamom and clove tangs.

All the showrooms have a ‘Spice Kitchen’ where visitors can touch, feel and taste spices. Further, there is a small library where books and documentaries are available on varieties of spices. To top it all, there is a map of India that shows spices grown in a particular region. Spices Board chairman Dr A Jayathilak said: “Spices India shops are part of the new thrusts to ensure sustainability of the industry .”