Our Journey in Kochi: A Future Forged Together

Message from the Executive Director

When I first extended the invitation to gather in Kochi, I spoke of heritage, discovery, and the quiet power of a spice that shaped the world. Now, standing on the other side of the 53rd IPC Annual Session and International Spice Exhibition, I am humbled by how profoundly this community has embodied those words.

Kochi did more than host us; it held a mirror to our shared purpose. In its bustling spice markets, in the stories carried by its coastlines, and in the energy of each conversation, we were reminded that pepper is not merely a commodity. It is a bridge between cultures, a testament to human endurance, and a symbol of how trade continues to shape our lives.

Over four meaningful days, the Annual Session became a living tapestry of collaboration. Through the Executive Meeting of Heads of Delegations, we strengthened the institutional backbone of the Community. The Business Sessions, Pepper Tech Meeting, and Exim Meeting offered clarity and direction—proof that innovation thrives when we exchange knowledge openly. The Panel Discussion on Country Reports highlighted the diversity of our member nations, each contributing a unique story, challenge, and aspiration. And the Field and Industry Visit reminded us that tradition and technology, when woven together, shape a future that is both dynamic and grounded.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of the Government of India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Spices Board of India. Their leadership and hospitality enabled every segment of our programme to unfold with depth and purpose. To our sponsors, industry partners, researchers, and the distinguished experts and academicians who enriched our discussions, thank you for your generosity of insight and spirit.

To all participants who traveled from across the region and beyond: your presence illuminated every room, every dialogue, and every moment. It is your engagement that transforms an agenda into a movement.

At the same time, in the spirit of humility and sincerity, I would like to acknowledge that no gathering of this scale is without its challenges. We recognize that there were aspects of the programme that can be improved, from coordination to logistics, communication flow, and the overall participant experience. We do not take these observations lightly. Every piece of constructive feedback we have received, whether shared formally or in quiet, thoughtful conversations, will be reflected upon comprehensively and used as a foundation for strengthening future sessions.

Your candor, your suggestions, and your willingness to help us grow are deeply appreciated. They are not criticisms we shy away from, but insights we welcome as partners committed to excellence.

As we leave Kochi behind, we do not close a chapter; we open a new one. A chapter shaped by digital empowerment, social inclusion, and economic resilience. A chapter where we embrace innovation without losing our heritage, and where we face uncertainty not with hesitation, but with collective strength. The spirit we cultivated in Kochi will guide us as we navigate global shifts, regulatory changes, climate challenges, and the evolving demands of international markets.

On behalf of the International Pepper Community, thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering belief in what we can achieve together. I look forward to carrying this momentum into the future, toward a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable world for pepper and all who depend on it.

Warm regards,

Marina N. Anggraini
Executive Director
International Pepper Community (IPC)