Market structure analysis and export pattern of Iranian saffron

Saffron is one of the special agricultural products of Iran and due to its high price in non-oil exports has a special place. In this study, the structure of saffron market during 2001 to 2018 in different packaging and market power of Iran in target countries compared to competitors was investigated using Hierpindal-Hirschman index, and prioritization of target countries of Iran based on market continuity indices, average price (dollar), average import share of target country, price fluctuation coefficient and target country import share fluctuation coefficient were determined using numerical taxonomy approach. The results showed that the saffron market was between open oligopoly and closed oligopoly during 2001 to 2018. Also, the results of prioritization of saffron exports in packages of less than 10 grams indicated that Norway, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Spain were ranked one to three. The results of the prioritization of the saffron packaging in 10 to 30 gram packages showed that the best target markets were UAE, Spain and Saudi Arabia. Considering the prioritization results of the target countries in different tariff codes, it is suggested to use preferential and bilateral agreements on the marketing of saffron in countries prioritized in each tariff code (see the results) to be prepared to change the export pattern and reach the proposed  pattern.