Cinnamon
Peeled by hand in the south
In Galle and Matara, skilled peelers strip the inner bark by hand and roll it into quills, a craft handed down through generations.
Our origin
From Galle, in the heart of Sri Lanka's cinnamon country.
Galle District alone holds more than a third of the island's cinnamon land. It is where Rayhock is based, and where true cinnamon has been grown and hand-peeled for generations.
Ceylon cinnamon and cassia are different spices.
They come from different trees, and they look, taste and behave differently. Buyers who need true cinnamon should ask for Ceylon cinnamon by name.
| Feature | Ceylon cinnamon | Cassia |
|---|---|---|
| Tree | Cinnamomum verum (C. zeylanicum), native to Sri Lanka | Mainly Cinnamomum cassia and related species |
| Main origin | Sri Lanka | China, Indonesia and Vietnam |
| Quill | Thin, papery layers rolled into a soft, many-layered quill | A single thick, hard layer of bark |
| Colour | Light tan to golden brown | Dark reddish brown |
| Flavour | Mild and sweet, with a warm finish | Strong and sharp |
| Coumarin | Very low | Much higher |
More than a third of Sri Lanka's cinnamon land is in Galle District.
Ceylon Cinnamon has been a protected geographical indication in the EU since 2022.
In 2024, cinnamon grew on about 37,000 hectares across 19 districts of Sri Lanka.
Where our products grow
Each product comes from the part of the island that suits it best, and is still harvested by hand.
Black pepper
Picked by hand in the hills
In Matale, Kandy and the surrounding hill districts, pepper vines climb shade trees and the ripe spikes are picked by hand.
Coconut and king coconut
Harvested by hand in the coconut triangle
In Kurunegala, Puttalam and Gampaha, climbers pick coconuts and golden king coconuts straight from the palm.
What we check before anything ships
Keen eyes, in practice. Every lot is compared with the sample you approved.
Grade and size
Quill diameter, count per kilogram and length, against the agreed grade.
Moisture
Within the SLS 81 limit, or your tighter specification.
Colour, aroma and foxing
Matched to the sample you approved.
Cleanliness
Free from foreign matter, mould and insects.
Packing and labels
Weights, markings and labels exactly as specified.
Documents
Every certificate prepared before the cargo leaves.