How GL bulk-density grades work, what separates Tellicherry from ordinary FAQ, where piperine fits in, and the cleanliness checks worth writing into your contract.
Indian black pepper comes mainly from Kerala's Malabar coast and from Karnataka. Buyers often ask us why two lots that look identical are priced so differently — the answer is almost always bulk density and how thoroughly the light berries have been winnowed out. Once you understand the grading, the price makes sense.
Grading by bulk density (GL)
Black pepper is graded by bulk density measured in grams per litre — the heavier and denser the berry, the higher the grade and price. You will see 500 GL and 550 GL, and MG1 (Malabar Garbled grade 1) as common cleaned grades. At the top sits Tellicherry Garbled — TGSEB and TGEB — bold, large, heavy berries that command a premium. The base trade quality is FAQ, Fair Average Quality. The exact GL density is agreed on contract and confirmed on the CoA per lot.
Piperine, volatile oil and why light berries matter
Piperine is the pungency compound, typically running roughly 2 to 4% in Indian pepper, and there is volatile oil for aroma on top of that. Heavier, denser berries generally carry more of both, which is exactly why bulk density and piperine track together. Light, hollow berries are winnowed out during processing — they drag down density, flavour and yield. If piperine matters to your extraction or blend, specify a minimum.
- GL bulk density (e.g. 500/550 GL) or named grade (MG1, TGEB)
- Piperine %, with a stated minimum if relevant
- Volatile oil % for aroma
- Moisture, typically under 12%
- Cleanliness: foreign matter, light berries, mould
Forms and what to confirm in writing
Pepper ships whole, ground or cracked. Whole travels and stores best and is easiest to verify; ground loses aroma faster and is harder to check for adulteration, so for ground we insist on lot testing. Whatever the form, pin down density or grade, piperine, moisture and a cleanliness standard in the contract — not "premium quality", which means nothing on a claim form.
Tip: If a quote names "Tellicherry" without a GL figure or a TGEB/TGSEB designation, treat it as a marketing label and ask for the actual bulk density on the CoA before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Can you supply retail grinder packs or jars under our brand?
Yes. As well as bulk PP and vacuum packing, our single-window private-label service covers supermarket retail — pack and label designed with you, filled into jars, grinder packs, pouches or cartons, and delivered on DAP terms to your warehouse. Packing is at our audited partner facility under our oversight; import duties and taxes remain your account.
Which grades of black pepper can you supply?
From Kerala and Karnataka we offer GL bulk density 500 and 550 g/l, MG1, and Tellicherry TGEB and TGSEB. Grade, bulk density and defects are confirmed on the CoA per lot.
What piperine level should I expect?
Piperine is typically 2 to 4%, indicative and confirmed by lab on the CoA. We can set a minimum piperine on the contract if your buyers require it.
Whole or ground?
Both. Ground pepper is milled at our partner facility under our oversight and tested before despatch, and whole berries are graded by bulk density.
Can you ship an LCL trial?
Yes, trial quantities on LCL work well for a first order, then full FCL once volumes grow.
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