Empires and the Spice Trade
Health and global wealth creation
The names India and the Spice Islands of South East Asia have always conjured up the image of exotic gourmet meals that are healthy and tasty. The aromas and flavors stimulate all our senses and makes eating pure poetry on the taste buds.
Pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg were such sought after commodities that 500 hundred years ago it encouraged the spirit of European enterprise that hoped to cash in on the lucrative Asian spice trade.
Adventurers like Vasco Da Gama succeeded in opening up a sea route around Africa to India and the spice trade. Columbus attempted to reach the Indian commodity markets by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. He instead stumbled upon what came to be known as the West Indies and the Americas where European explorers insisted on calling the natives, Indians; renaming their chilies as peppers.
Traders in London and Amsterdam chartered East India companies to raise capital to send ships out to what was then called the East Indies to profit from the spice trade. Coffee became a commodity in this trade. This lead to the creation of the modern Multi-National Corporation, the London Stock Exchange at a London coffeehouse and a global insurance trade at another coffeehouse, Lloyd’s of London.
Coffee and spice and every thing nice in healthy foods helped build the British Empire and transform the Americas with settlement into a global economic giant. The Boston tea party spurred the trade in coffee which today has become a pick me up for the thousands working in the New York financial markets.
Spices have always been lucrative commodities in the trade along the Silk Road and Sea Route across Asia from Egypt to Babylon, Persia, India, China, and the Indo-Chinese empires of Champa, Kemboja, Majapahit, Sri Vijaya and Langkasuka. The Greeks and the Romans were early beneficiaries of these trades in Europe.
But the Europeans from the 16th century onwards began the transformation of the spice trade into the foundation of modern global trade with the introduction of South American chilies into the cuisine of India. This east meets west Indies of commodities trade not only continued the centuries of culinary amalgamation of cultures in the cooking pot but also made spices an integral part of all human cultures.
Spices add flavor to food, promote healthy living, and generate wealth through trade.
What used to be precious ingredients for the food of the wealthy aristocracy, nobility and merchants is today readily available in most major supermarkets for all peoples. Gourmet eating is now affordable to the general population and is no longer the reserve of the rich.
As spices are researched for health benefits and ancient sciences like ayurveda meet contemporary science in laboratories around the world, the spice trade may reach beyond the food industry and begin to impact positively on the health and pharmaceutical industries. At this point the old adage, health is wealth, will take on a new financial meaning as the demand in the commodity spurs the global trade to new heights.
The spice trade has resulted in today’s world being more prosperous for all peoples worldwide with every culture being able to lay claim to spices being an integral part of their various culinary cultures and traditions.
Enjoy the wealth of spices!
Siddha Param
International Business Consultant
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, North America
The geographical centre of the worlds’ largest market.
Field Guide to Herbs & Spices: How to Identify, Select, and Use Virtually Every Seasoning at the Market (Field Guide To...)
Negotiating International Contracts
Appreciating culture & practices
There is plenty of business to be done in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa. However, understanding local business culture and practices can go a long way in making a venture successful and mutually profitable.
When a Business decides to export or import goods and/or services internationally the issues and challenges that need to be taken into account in the negotiation process both before and after entering into the contract includes:
Capacity of parties to deliver on promises
It is important to do your homework on the operational capacity of your business client/partner to deliver on their legal obligations under the terms of the contract.
Disputes Resolution Mechanism
In the event of disputes you should have an established mechanism to resolve issues and implement practical solutions in a timely and cost effective manner.
Understanding Communication Etiquette
In all communications with the other party including through e-mails, teleconferencing and documentation, it is important to be sensitive to local cultural practices. This is especially true with regard to communication etiquette in relation to the position and designation of individuals nominated by the respective parties assigned to handle issues under the contract.
Communication Styles
Allowance needs to be given for the different communication styles of individuals. Using commonly accepted trade terminology and practices could go a long way in reducing miscommunication.
To profit from global trade it is important to do your homework on the prospective party and the local economic realities. A Business Knowledge Coach could assist you in this area. Too often a lack of understanding of the local business culture kills the goose that lays the golden eggs and an opportunity for long term profit is lost in a quagmire of personality clashes.
Siddha Param
International Business Consultant
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, North America
The geographical centre of the worlds’ largest market.
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A nutritious taste sensation
Grandma was right! Have a good breakfast and you'll have a great start to the day. One thing is certain, as I have that bowl of rolled oats sweetened with natural honey and flavored with the goodness of dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon and nutmeg I feel the energy building up in me. Oats is a great alternative to multi-grain bread for breakfast variety.
Pure almond butter on multi-grain toast is an excellent coffee break snack that keeps the energy going after two hours of work on the computer. Fresh fruits keep the anti-oxidants high and any drowsiness at bay.
I'm sharper at analysis while drafting advice and writing articles. Meetings on business strategy with clients and associates stimulate my mind. It is amazing how clearly facts and figures present themselves. Energy from nutritious foods combined with interesting mind exercises really gives a good boost to the morning.
The fact that I enjoy advising on global trade and enterprise based on my years of experience solving problems and providing solutions to international trade corporations does add to the energy level.
A good lunch of soya, lentils and beans rich in vegetable protein free from cholesterol keeps me satisfied longer. The nutritional value make beans a favorite in my choice of salads, pasta, chowder, rice and casserole dishes.
Certainly the new age adage, "Go to the gym and the world will be your oyster" holds true. We can't work the mind without working the body. Stretch those muscles and the feel good will encourage you to go for more. A quick shower and I am ready for more brainwork.
Ending the day with quiet time in the garden taking in the aroma of flowers, herbs and spices with loved ones help set the mood for a light but delicious dinner flavored with natural herbs and spices. The ultimate is that little bit of all natural dairy and honey desert that gives that yummy feeling of contentment with life.
I believe it is important to celebrate and give thanks to the entire day be it morning, noon, evening or night. That's the way to make each day a delight!
Siddha Param
International Business Consultant
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, North America
The geographical centre of the worlds' largest market.
Worldwide Business Conection.com
