Established in 1952, “LANCO” is known for its commitment to supply of Indian Turmeric and Chillies of Highest International Standards to millions of spice loving people worldwide. With its fourth generation continuing the tradition, today “LANCO” has grown as a Major Sourcing Partner of Turmeric and Chillies for a number of Spices Importers and consumers worldwide. Traditionally involved in processing and export of Turmeric, Chillies and other spices, today “LANCO” is a name that inspires immediate trust in the International Food Market.

The company is based at Erode, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India, which is a major producing center of Turmeric in India. The company also has its branch at Guntur, in the southern state of Andra Pradesh in India which is a major producing center of Chillies in India.

Since LANCO’s has its own presence in these major producing centers of Turmeric and Chillies, it has free access to abundant supplies of Fresh Turmeric and Chillies of Finest Quality, through direct buying of raw materials from Farmers and Dealers in these producing centers. This gives us a competitive advantage both in terms of prices and quality.

“LANCO” has set up its own processing plant and In-House Testing Facilities for Turmeric Powder at Erode and Own processing plant and In-House Testing Facilities for Chilli Powder at Guntur. The processing plants are Modern and Temperature controlled system equipped in a way to have “Minimum Human Interference” so that the spices does not get contaminated and loose its aroma due to Constant Human Interference.

For its In-House Testing, LANCO has set up its own Laboratory called LANCO LABORATORY. The Lab is certified by AGMARK, Government of India for testing of Spices. The Lab Chemist and Technicians are also certified by AGMARK. Every lot of spices produced and dispatched from LANCO is tested for stringent Quality Specifications at LANCO LABORATORY. Naturally “LANCO’s” products are certified by AGMARK for its quality and purity. Besides LANCO is constantly working with other reputed International Quality Control Laboratories to meet International Quality requirements.

The company operates under the brand name LANCO which is a Trade Mark registered with the Trade Mark Registry Office in India since 1983 bearing Registered Trade Mark No. 400041. Since its inception, LANCO is identified as the brand for all Quality conscious Spice Importers, Traders and Consumers worldwide.

India is known as the 'The home of spices'. There is no other country in the world that produces as many kinds of spices as India. The climate of the country is suitable for almost all spices. Spices constitute an important group of agricultural commodities which are virtually indispensable in the culinary art. In India, spices are important commercial crops from the point of view of both domestic consumption and export. Besides, huge quantities of spices are also being consumed within the country for flavouring foods and are also used in medicine, pharmaceutical, perfumery, cosmetics and several other industries.

According to the International Organization For Standardisation (ISO); The term 'spices and condiments' applies to “such natural plant or vegetable products or mixtures thereof, in whole or ground form, as are used for imparting flavour, aroma and piquancy to and for seasoning of foods”.

There are over 80 spices grown in different parts of the world and around 50 spices are grown in India. The spices that India can offer in abundant quantities are pepper, ginger, turmeric, chilli, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, fennel, cumin, dill, coriander, cinnamon, ajowan (bishop's weed), cassia, clove, nutmeg and mace. India commands a formidable position in the World Spice Trade with 45% share in Volume and 30% in Value.

Major spices of export are pepper, cumin, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and chillies. Other minor spices include ajowan, aniseed, celery seed, caraway, fennel, fenugreek, coriander, garlic, onion, saffron, vanilla etc. Among the spices exported, pepper has the leading position in terms of both quantity and value realised. The 'Alleppey Green' Cardamom is considered the best grade available in the world.

Spices are well-known as appetizers and are considered essential in the culinary art all over the world. They add tang and flavour to otherwise insipid foods. Some of them also possess antioxidant properties, while others are used as preservatives in some foods like pickles and chutneys, etc.

Some spices also possess strong anti-microbial and antibiotic activities. Many of them possess medicinal properties and have a profound effect on human health, since they effect many functional processes. For instance, spices intensify salivary flow. They cleanse the oral cavity from food adhesion and bacteria, they help to check, infection and caries and protect the mucous membrane. Spices act as a stimulates to the digestive system and help digestion in many ways. Spices possibly activate the adreno-cortical function and fortify resistance and physical capacity. Stroke frequency , and blood pressure can be diminished or augmented by means of spices.

© 2006, Lanco Spices