Two burglars stole £50,000 worth of saffron from a warehouse in east London.
The expensive spice, which is worth more than gold by weight, was snatched from the business unit in Ilford between 9.50pm and 11.50pm on June 11.
CCTV footage shows the thieves ignore other items of stock and solely target a box filled with saffron.
Met Police have launched an investigation and said 10kgs of the spice was taken.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Laura Mills, said: "This is someone’s livelihood and this theft will, of course, impact their business.
"Saffron is worth more than gold in weight and an extremely large amount was taken from this business.
“I’m releasing this CCTV because I need information. Someone knows something about this burglary and I am appealing to them to contact our team. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please contact us.
"The victims are angry and upset that someone has done this to them. It’s important that those who are responsible are caught and the spice is returned to its rightful owners.”
Anyone with information should call 101, tweet @MetCC or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
