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In 1498, Vasco da Gama sailed to Kerala, forever changing the world’s spice story. Today, Gama & Co. 1498 brings you the same legacy – authentic Malabar Black Pepper, “From the misty Western Ghats of Kerala comes a pepper cherished for centuries.

Featured Spice Collection

Black Gold Time-Traveled

Experience the “Black Gold” of the Malabar Coast, where 500 years of spice heritage meets modern gourmet standards. From the misty Western Ghats of Kerala, we bring you GI-certified, single-origin pepper that is nature-fed and sea-carried.

The 1498 Heritage

1498 — A New Route to the Spice Coast

The arrival of Vasco da Gama on the shores of Kozhikode marked a turning point in world trade, connecting Kerala’s legendary spice riches directly with Europe for the very first time. This historic voyage transformed the Malabar coast into the centre of the global spice trade, attracting merchants, explorers, and empires from across the world in search of pepper, cardamom, cloves, and other prized spices.

For centuries after his arrival, Kerala’s ports became gateways of international commerce, where cultures, currencies, and civilizations met through the exchange of spices. The region’s unmatched quality of spices helped establish the Malabar coast as one of the most influential trading hubs in history, shaping global trade routes and elevating Kerala’s reputation across continents.

16th–17th Century — The Age of Pepper

Black pepper from Kerala’s Western Ghats became one of the most sought-after commodities in the world, valued for its bold flavour, rich aroma, and exceptional quality. Harvested from the fertile hills and tropical climate of the region, Malabar pepper earned the title of “Black Gold” and became a symbol of wealth in ancient trade markets.

For centuries, this prized spice was traded across Arabia, Europe, and Asia through powerful maritime networks that connected the Malabar coast to major global trading civilizations. Merchants travelled vast distances to secure Kerala’s pepper, turning the region into a vital centre of international commerce. The demand for black pepper not only shaped historic sea routes and trade alliances but also played a major role in attracting explorers and colonial powers to the Indian subcontinent.

18th Century — Rise of Indigenous Spice Traders

Local merchants like Chovvakkaran Moosa built thriving pepper trade networks from the ports of Malabar, demonstrating the entrepreneurial strength, business intelligence, and global vision of Kerala’s native trading communities. Through deep relationships with farmers, port authorities, and international buyers, these merchants helped establish Malabar as one of the most influential centres of the global spice trade.

Operating across the Arabian Sea and beyond, Kerala’s traders played a crucial role in exporting high-quality pepper and other spices to markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Their ability to manage large trade routes, negotiate with foreign merchants, and maintain consistent quality showcased the commercial sophistication of the region long before modern trade systems emerged. These powerful merchant networks not only strengthened Kerala’s economy but also helped preserve the legacy of Malabar as a historic hub of global commerce and maritime trade.

Late 19th Century — Knowledge and Documentation

Scholars like Hermann Gundert played an important role in documenting Kerala’s culture, language, and agrarian life, preserving valuable knowledge about the region’s farming practices, spice cultivation, and local traditions for future generations. Through his extensive writings, studies, and observations, Gundert offered detailed insights into the daily life, agricultural systems, and social structures that shaped Kerala during his time.

His work helped record the deep connection between the people of Malabar and the land they cultivated, including the traditional methods used in growing spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cloves. Beyond language and literature, these historical records became an important source of knowledge about Kerala’s rich agricultural heritage and rural economy. By documenting local customs, trade practices, and farming traditions, scholars like Gundert helped preserve an important chapter of Kerala’s identity and its long-standing relationship with the global spice trade.

Today — The GAMA & CO Journey

Inspired by a centuries-old tradition of excellence, GAMA & CO is more than a spice brand — it is the continuation of one of history’s greatest trade legacies. We trace our roots to the legendary Malabar Coast, where the Western Ghats have nurtured some of the world’s finest spices for generations. Every variety we source is a testament to that heritage: carefully selected, true to origin, and rich with the character that once made this region the center of the global spice world. From our hills to your kitchen, GAMA & CO delivers the authentic taste of Malabar — timeless, refined, and deeply rooted in tradition.