Ternate & Tidore (Cloves)

Ternate and Tidore claim the title of the world's original clove capitals, producing 80% of the global clove supply in the 16th century, a dominance unmatched by #1’s nutmeg legacy. These twin volcanic islands in North Maluku were the sole source of cloves for centuries, sparking Portuguese and Dutch competition that reshaped Southeast Asia. Today, they export 30% more cloves than the average Indonesian producer, with yields of 200 kilograms per hectare annually. A single clove tree lives for over 100 years, and in 2026, cloves sell for $8 per kilogram, 20% cheaper than the runner-up region.