Black pepper has been used as a cooking ingredient for thousands of years. It’s native to the Southeast Asian region and is one of the main seasoning ingredients there. Maritime trade and sales of wholesale black pepper date back to ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman times. Along with other exotic (for the time) spices, black pepper was one of the most popular products. The industry of selling spices has changed significantly over the centuries. However, black pepper still plays an important role in seasoning various dishes. In this post, we’ll share more about the B2B sales of black pepper. Make sure to also check our post on wholesale salt sales.
Key takeaway: Food manufacturers and food service businesses are the main types of companies that purchase black pepper wholesale. It's usually sold by spice distributors but it’s also offered by broadliners and importers of spices.
What Is Wholesale Black Pepper
The term is used to describe black pepper sold in large quantities. It comes in various sizes – from one-pound to 100-pound bags. Most businesses in the food service industry prefer to purchase bags that are easy to use and store. However, food manufacturers that use wholesale black pepper as an ingredient in their products might buy whole pallets with bags of this spicy ingredient. This allows them to get it at better wholesale prices and to minimize their transportation costs.
The majority of sales are of whole black peppercorns. Pre-ground black pepper is rarely sold in bulk as it loses its flavor and potency with time. Some businesses in sectors like cosmetics and food processing also purchase black pepper extract to use as an ingredient in their products.
Other Types of Peppercorns
You’ve probably noticed how some pepper mills also have red and white drupes inside. Just like there are different types of salt, there are multiple types of pepper as well. Although regular black pepper is the most common type sold in bulk, there are also other varieties. Let’s briefly examine them.
- White pepper. These are fully ripe black peppercorns, but their outer husk has been removed. They are milder and more earthy in flavor.
- Green pepper. They are a fresher and slightly tangy variation of regular black pepper. Green peppercorns are the unripe version that’s preserved in brine or dried.
- Red pepper. These fully dried peppercorns are sweeter and have a hint of spiciness.
- Other peppercorn types. Pink and Sichuan peppercorns can often be found in spice blends. Although their resemblance to pepper is obvious, they are derived from other plants.
Where to Buy Wholesale Black Pepper
Wholesale sales of black pepper and other spices have increased in the past decades. That’s because Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine have become increasingly popular in the US. Furthermore, thanks to the impact of the foodie culture, consumers are looking for exquisite combinations of ingredients and properly seasoned dishes. That’s why sales of seasoning options like black pepper or various types of condiments have grown.
If you’re a business owner looking to buy black pepper wholesale, you can partner with distributors of spices. These vendors specialize in B2B sales of various types of spices and herbs. Alternatively, you can order wholesale black pepper from a broadliner. The main advantage of using broadline suppliers is that it saves time and improves the cost of goods sold. However, broadliners often have higher minimum order quantities (MOQ).
In recent years, wholesale marketplaces like BlueCart have helped businesses in the food and beverage industry find reliable distributors. Our platform connects bulk buyers with vendors in various niche markets. Furthermore, BlueCart also has various features that help with inventory management, improving efficiency, and business analytics.
What Businesses Buy Wholesale Black Pepper
Unsurprisingly, the food service sector buys the largest quantities of wholesale black pepper. Although it’s a very common ingredient in Asian and other cuisines, fast food and casual dining restaurants also buy black pepper in bulk. It’s used as a condiment and as a seasoning for meat and various meals. Food manufacturers and processors also order black pepper in bulk. It’s used in spice mixes, sauces, and other processed food products.
Retailers and grocery stores might also purchase black pepper wholesale. They often buy it in small packets or buy pre-filled pepper mills or shakers. Some retailers also benefit from private-labeling services of manufacturers or invest in packaging equipment. This allows them to improve their brand awareness and profit margins by buying black pepper wholesale, packing it, and selling it at retail prices.
The perfumery and cosmetics sectors also need large quantities of black pepper. They usually purchase black pepper extract or essential oil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Black Pepper
From advice on achieving high ROI to exploration of salt business opportunities, you’ll find plenty of useful information on BlueCart’s website. Below, we’ve answered questions related to the wholesale black pepper market.
Why Is Black Pepper Used to Season Meat?
Salt and black pepper are the universal seasoning options for different types of meat. Black pepper has unique characteristics that make it especially suitable for seasoning meat. Its bold and slightly spicy taste enhances the flavor of meat. That’s because the piperine in black pepper stimulates the taste buds. Black pepper also pairs well with other restaurant spices and seasoning options. The crispy and flavorful crust on cooked steak or burgers consists primarily of black pepper and other spices. It enhances the flavors of the meat and helps seal in all the juices.
What Are Black Pepper’s Applications?
Unsurprisingly, the main use of black pepper is to season meat and other dishes. That’s why restaurant businesses are the primary buyers of wholesale black pepper. In addition to its application as a seasoning, black pepper has other uses as well. It’s used by the perfume industry to add woody and spicy aromas. Some beauty products also use black pepper extract. Black pepper is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main application is as a remedy for respiratory problems and coughs. It’s also a natural product to use for digestive aid and against bloating.
Is Black Pepper Nutritious?
Black pepper is rich in manganese, vitamin K, and iron. It contains traces of other important minerals and nutrients. This makes it a nutritious seasoning option. In addition to its nutritional value, black pepper can also help the metabolism, enhance wound healing, and help with bone health. Like any other ingredient, black pepper should be consumed in moderation. Excess consumption can lead to digestive tract issues. Black pepper should be avoided by people with inflammatory bowel disease or those who feel discomfort after consuming spiced food.
BlueCart: The One-Stop Shop to Buy Spices in Bulk
Whether you want to sell wholesale black pepper or you’re looking for a marketplace to find vendors of various products, BlueCart is the right option. Our platform allows businesses in the restaurant industry, retailers, and other bulk buyers to easily order from multiple wholesalers. Both local suppliers and broadline distributors can also benefit from BlueCart’s wholesale ordering software in multiple ways. From the automation of various tasks to the hassle-free creation of eCommerce catalogs, BlueCart is the all-in-one solution for vendors. Schedule a demo today and see the power of our SaaS solution for wholesalers.