MARKET REPORT MAY 2019

In India, Peppermint and Spearmint are harvested between May and July. The Mentha piperita crop yield is projected to be lower than that of the previous year while the yields for Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata are higher. The demand for these crops is constantly increasing and, since last year, the demand has increased by approximately 10-25%. The current market conditions are good. The Mentha piperita prices are expected to increase, whereas the Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata prices can potentially decrease.

In France, Clary Sage is harvested from the end of June to the beginning of July. Thus far, the weather conditions have been favorable; hence, the next harvest is expected to have a promising yield. This expectation is further augmented by the significant development that has taken place on plantations, which may also help to encourage a larger harvest than the previous one. The current demand for Clary Sage has weakened, and this year, stock will be carried over. Prices are expected to decline.

In Brazil, Coffee beans are harvested between June and August. The coffee crop grows every two years; one year might produce a higher volume than the other, and 2018 was the full crop year. Coffee is a highly demanding and expensive crop with prices that vary according to a commodity exchange. Due to the drought in 2018, the 2019 harvest is expected by some to be low; however, some farmers expect a good crop. For the purposes of oil extraction, it is not recommended to use Coffee from old harvests; rather it is suggested that Coco Coffee – that is coffee stored in its shell – be used, as it retains moisture as well as properties that are comparable to that of the fresh seed.

Brazil still carries 2018 stock. The sales increased by approximately 12% from the previous year. As a result, Coffee prices are lower this year, reaching 15% for grains of lower quality. Although 2019 is not a full crop year, the harvest is projected to be favorable. The latest estimate of the increase in demand is that Coffee consumption will grow by 2.8% in 2019. The Brazilian market has remained problematic, as offers are much less than those anticipated by the producers. There is good demand for much of the current crop, particularly for good quality Arabica – the prices of which are close to those offered for the Coffees meant for export.