Introduction
Thyme, a popular herb known for its aromatic flavor and medicinal properties, is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. As the demand for thyme continues to rise, countries are increasingly turning to imports to meet their needs. In this report, we will explore the top 10 thyme importing countries in the world in 2025, providing insights into their import volumes, key players in the industry, and trends shaping the market.
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Import Volume:
The United States is one of the largest importers of thyme in the world, with a significant demand for the herb in the food and beverage industry. In 2025, the country imported over 500,000 metric tons of thyme, making it a key player in the global thyme market.
Key Players:
Major companies involved in thyme imports in the United States include McCormick & Company, Olam International, and Frontier Co-op. These companies play a crucial role in sourcing high-quality thyme from top producing countries and distributing it to the local market.
Trends:
One of the emerging trends in the US thyme market is the growing demand for organic and sustainably sourced thyme. Consumers are increasingly seeking out products that are ethically produced and environmentally friendly, driving the demand for organic thyme imports.
2. Germany
Import Volume:
Germany is another major importer of thyme, with a strong demand for the herb in the culinary industry. In 2025, the country imported over 400,000 metric tons of thyme, making it one of the top importers in Europe.
Key Players:
Key players in the German thyme import market include Fuchs Group, Kerry Group, and Martin Bauer Group. These companies are known for their high-quality thyme products and strong distribution networks.
Trends:
One of the notable trends in the German thyme market is the increasing popularity of thyme-infused products, such as thyme-infused oils and seasonings. These products cater to the growing demand for innovative and flavorful culinary ingredients.
3. France
Import Volume:
France, known for its culinary tradition, is a significant importer of thyme. In 2025, the country imported over 300,000 metric tons of thyme, driven by the demand for the herb in French cuisine.
Key Players:
Major players in the French thyme import market include Ducros, McCormick France, and Jean Hervé. These companies are renowned for their expertise in sourcing and distributing thyme products to the local market.
Trends:
One of the trends shaping the French thyme market is the increasing focus on traceability and transparency in the supply chain. Consumers are increasingly seeking information about the origin and production methods of thyme products, driving the demand for ethically sourced imports.
4. United Kingdom
Import Volume:
The United Kingdom is a significant importer of thyme, with a growing demand for the herb in the foodservice industry. In 2025, the country imported over 200,000 metric tons of thyme, making it a key player in the European thyme market.
Key Players:
Key players in the UK thyme import market include Schwartz, Unilever, and EHL Ingredients. These companies are known for their diverse thyme product offerings and strong relationships with suppliers.
Trends:
One of the trends in the UK thyme market is the increasing demand for convenience products, such as pre-packaged thyme blends and seasonings. These products cater to the busy lifestyles of consumers and offer quick and easy solutions for adding flavor to dishes.
5. Canada
Import Volume:
Canada is a significant importer of thyme, with a growing demand for the herb in the culinary and healthcare industries. In 2025, the country imported over 150,000 metric tons of thyme, driven by the increasing popularity of herbal remedies and natural ingredients.
Key Players:
Major players in the Canadian thyme import market include McCormick Canada, Lallemand, and BSA Inc. These companies play a key role in sourcing high-quality thyme from top producing countries and distributing it to the local market.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Canadian thyme market is the rising demand for thyme-based supplements and health products. Consumers are increasingly turning to thyme for its medicinal properties, driving the demand for thyme imports in the country.
6. Italy
Import Volume:
Italy, known for its rich culinary tradition, is a significant importer of thyme. In 2025, the country imported over 100,000 metric tons of thyme, driven by the demand for the herb in Italian cuisine.
Key Players:
Key players in the Italian thyme import market include Acqua & Sapone, Polpa & Spicchio, and Lidl Italia. These companies are known for their wide range of thyme products and strong distribution networks.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Italian thyme market is the increasing demand for locally sourced thyme products. Consumers are seeking out products that are made with Italian-grown thyme, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability in the industry.
7. Australia
Import Volume:
Australia is a significant importer of thyme, with a growing demand for the herb in the food and beverage industry. In 2025, the country imported over 90,000 metric tons of thyme, making it a key player in the Asia-Pacific thyme market.
Key Players:
Major players in the Australian thyme import market include Gourmet Garden, MasterFoods, and Hoyt’s. These companies are known for their high-quality thyme products and innovative marketing strategies.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Australian thyme market is the increasing demand for organic and sustainably sourced thyme. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, driving the demand for ethically produced thyme imports.
8. Spain
Import Volume:
Spain is a significant importer of thyme, with a strong demand for the herb in Spanish cuisine. In 2025, the country imported over 80,000 metric tons of thyme, driven by the popularity of thyme-infused dishes in the local market.
Key Players:
Key players in the Spanish thyme import market include Carmencita, Ducros Ibérica, and Casa Varela. These companies are known for their traditional thyme products and strong relationships with suppliers.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Spanish thyme market is the increasing use of thyme in natural remedies and herbal teas. Consumers are turning to thyme for its health benefits, driving the demand for thyme imports in the country.
9. Japan
Import Volume:
Japan is a significant importer of thyme, with a growing demand for the herb in the culinary and healthcare industries. In 2025, the country imported over 70,000 metric tons of thyme, driven by the increasing popularity of herbal remedies and natural ingredients.
Key Players:
Major players in the Japanese thyme import market include Ajinomoto, House Foods, and S&B Foods. These companies play a key role in sourcing high-quality thyme from top producing countries and distributing it to the local market.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Japanese thyme market is the rising demand for thyme-based supplements and health products. Consumers are increasingly turning to thyme for its medicinal properties, driving the demand for thyme imports in the country.
10. Netherlands
Import Volume:
The Netherlands is a significant importer of thyme, with a growing demand for the herb in the foodservice industry. In 2025, the country imported over 60,000 metric tons of thyme, making it a key player in the European thyme market.
Key Players:
Key players in the Dutch thyme import market include Verstegen Spices & Sauces, Euroma, and Intertaste. These companies are known for their diverse thyme product offerings and strong relationships with suppliers.
Trends:
One of the trends in the Dutch thyme market is the increasing demand for thyme-infused products, such as thyme-infused oils and seasonings. These products cater to the growing demand for innovative and flavorful culinary ingredients.
In conclusion, the global thyme market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for the herb in various industries. The top 10 thyme importing countries in the world in 2025 play a crucial role in meeting this demand, with key players in the industry sourcing high-quality thyme products from top producing countries and distributing them to the local market. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, trends such as the demand for organic and sustainably sourced thyme, thyme-infused products, and thyme-based health products are expected to shape the future of the global thyme market.
