The Southern Province Cinnamon Growers Association, backed by the Export Development Board (EDB), finalized multi-million-rupee direct export contracts with European specialty spice distributors in Matara today, September 26, 2026.

Leveraging Sri Lanka's prestigious European Union Geographical Indication (GI) accreditation for Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), the agreements directly connect certified smallholder peeling centres in Kamburupitiya and Akuressa with continental culinary markets. Association executives stated that direct farmgate traceability guarantees smallholder cultivators a 35% premium over generic commodity rates, while enforcing stringent zero-sulfur organic processing standards that distinguish authentic southern quills from synthetic cassia competitors.