7 Nov 2024
Thursday 6 August 2015 - 13:41
Story Code : 174995

What will happen to Iran's ultra-rare 'red gold?'

A highly sought-after, highly expensive commodity.

Iran is the saffron production capital of the world, with a harvesting tradition that dates back over 3,000 years. Today, the country continues to produce more than 90% of this highly sought-after commodity, used infood, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.

But international sanctions placed on Iran over the countrys nuclear program has caused its saffron business to take a major hit, CNNreports. Iranian companies and banks have been blocked from the global financial system, cutting off their access to markets in Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Because they cant use banks, Iranian companies have had to find ways around the system. We have to go through private messengers, who are expensive, and deal directly with customers and trust they will pay us. Sometimes they cheat, Saffron Rowhani CEO Mehrdad Rowhani toldCNN. Other companies have been bartering with overseas buyers, accepting food and consumer goods in exchange for saffron.

Irans saffron sales continue to soldier on despite these roadblocks. By expanding to new markets across the Middle East, Rowhani has managed to maintain monthly exports. Another saffron production company, Iran Hassos Ltd., was able to sustain a turnover level similar to pre-sanction rates, despite missing out on $7 million a year in sales to the U.K. In 2014, Iranian saffron exports rose by 36% and the price per kilo rose to $2,000, according to the National Saffron Council.

CNN predicts that once sanctions are lifted,Iranian companieswill be rewarded with skyrocketing demand resulting in greatly increased prices.

By Fortune
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