REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANADO -- Mace, which is the flower of nutmeg, from North Sulawesi continues to be exported to the Netherlands and other European countries following great demand from their markets.
"As much as 20 tons of mace is exported to the Netherlands, which contributes 2 billion IDR (US$162,500) to the state's foreign exchange, " Head of Industry and Commerce of North Sulawesi province Jenny Karouw said here on Saturday.
The Netherlands is the most important export destination of North Sulawesi's nutmeg and mace, with weekly deliveries made to the country.
Moreover, mace exported to European countries is sold at a high price. The price of mace in Manado is Rp110,000 (US$9) per kilogram.
Karouw added that the mace from North Sulawesi was quite well-known in European countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, England and Germany.
"However, the Netherlands and Italy are the states with the highest demand for our mace," she affirmed.
The product is in great demand by the Dutch as it can be used as spices, for aroma therapy, and as pharmaceutical raw material.
Furthermore, derivative products of nutmeg are also popular in other communities in Asia, Europe, America and Africa.
According to the industry and commerce official, the government will continue to facilitate the exports by increasing the demand for the commodity in overseas markets.
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