HERAT, AFGHANISTAN – Herat Saffron has once again cemented its position at the pinnacle of the global spice industry. The company secured the prestigious 2026 Superior Taste Award. This recognition, granted by the International Taste Institute in Brussels, marks the tenth time Afghan saffron has been officially certified as one of the world’s finest for its exceptional quality and sensory profile.
A Decade of Culinary Excellence
The Belgium-based institute features a jury of over 200 world-renowned chefs and sommeliers. They evaluated Herat Saffron through a rigorous blind-testing process. The product, produced and marketed by the “Herat Saffron” company, stood out in the Spices & Seasonings category. It competed against top-tier producers from Iran, Spain, and Greece.
The evaluation focused on five key criteria: first impression, vision, olfaction, taste, and texture (also known as mouthfeel). Experts highlighted the saffron’s deep crimson color and its high concentration of Crocin (color), Picrocrocin (flavor), and Safranal (aroma), which consistently meet the highest international standards (ISO 3632-1).
Export Momentum: Surpassing $30 Million
The award comes amid a period of robust growth for the industry. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), between April and December 2025, Afghanistan exported over 22.1 metric tons of saffron, with a total market value exceeding $30 million.
Herat province remains the heart of this industry, contributing nearly 95% of the national output. Mohammad Yousuf Amin, Executive Director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, noted that demand remains high across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and East Asia. “The global reputation of Herat saffron ensures a steady flow of international orders, and we are working to further streamline logistics for our exporters,” Amin stated.
Innovation and Cultivation
On November 22, 2025, the industry marked another milestone with the 10th Annual Saffron Flower Festival at the Herat International Saffron Trade Center—a $4 million facility that was inaugurated a year prior. The event showcased products from 82 companies across 28 provinces, highlighting the expansion of the “Red Gold” beyond its traditional borders.
Mohammad Ibrahim Adel, President of the Afghanistan Saffron Union, reported that approximately 12,000 hectares are now under saffron cultivation nationwide, with 10,000 hectares located in Herat. This sector currently supports the livelihoods of over 40,000 people, providing vital employment in rural areas.
Climate Resilience and Outlook
Despite the industrial growth, the 2025-2026 season faced significant headwinds due to climate change. Unseasonably high temperatures and drought conditions resulted in a total harvest of approximately 40 tons, falling short of the initial 70-ton projection.
To mitigate future risks, the Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has launched specialized programs to assist farmers in adopting modern irrigation techniques and climate-resilient cultivation methods.
Why Herat Saffron Leads the Market
What distinguishes the Herat Saffron brand is its commitment to traditional hand-picking methods combined with modern laboratory testing. By securing its 10th international award, the company has proven that Afghan saffron is not just a seasonal success but a consistent, premium choice for the global culinary and pharmaceutical industries.
