The head of Iran's Saffron Exports Promotion Fund announced that Iran ranks first on the list of the world saffron producers, accounting for 96 percent of the production, IRINN reported. Ali Shariati Moqaddam said that Iran produces 120 tons of saffron annually on the average and exports 90 tons, equaling 75 percent of its total production. The demand growth for saffron in the recent years has resulted from the producers' promoting the product as an herbal medicine, improving the packaging quality, and showing more active presence in international exhibitions and conferences, the official noted. He said the saffron exports cluster set up in recent years as positive, adding that some 600,000 individuals are active in Khorassan Razavi and South Khorassan provinces in the field of saffron production. The UAE, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Italy are the five major importers of saffron from Iran. Experts believe the government should give Iranian saffron a trademark so that it can be distinguished from international competitors.
