MARKET REPORT SEPTEMBER 2022

Our most popular Essential Oil, Lavender is known for its rich and floral aroma that is beneficial for an array of purposes. The Lavandula angustifolia is a woody evergreen shrub that is native to Bulgaria. The harvest season for the Lavender plant takes place between the end of June and the end of July. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and thrives best in sandy soil that is not too fertile. The ideal weather conditions for Lavender are sunny and hot during harvest time. However, adequate amounts of rain are required from Autumn to Spring.

This year's growing conditions for Lavender were favorable, resulting in a satisfactory distillation yield. The harvest yield for South Bulgaria is expected to reach up to 40 kg of oil per hectare, while the Northeast areas are expected to harvest between 60 and 90 kg of oil/ha. The market demand is stable and has been active since July, which is earlier than the expected time of Mid-August. Lavender Oil is also experiencing favorable sales from origin.

Origanum Vulgare Essential Oil is steam distilled form the leaves and stems of the Origanum vulgare L grown in Spain. The harvesting months span between July and August, and the ideal weather conditions include those of the Mediterranean climate (sunny but not too humid). The projected harvest yield is between 0.8 and 1.0%. Currently, the market conditions for Origanum Vulgare are under serious threat due to adulterated qualities.

Coriander Essential Oil is steam distilled from the Coriandrum sativum seeds native to Ukraine. The plant possesses small pinkish-white flowers and grows up to a height of 1-3 feet. Harvesting season for Coriander occurs between June and August annually. This season's growing conditions are significantly worse than last year's due to the drought, hence this year's projected harvest yield is much lower than that of last year. The market demand is significantly higher due to the requirement of Coriander Seed Oil from the worldwide market.

The market conditions for Coriander Seed Oil have been affected by the Russian invasion into Ukraine. Due to the sanctions and current restrictions, the direct supply of goods from the territory of the Russian Federation will be difficult to obtain. This will increase the costs of Coriander Seed Essential Oil for consumers. Access to the market will be easier for goods originating from the Ukraine. However, due to military operations on the territory, production is limited.

Cinnamon Leaf and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oils are known for their spicy and sweet aroma that resembles scent characteristics of clove and cinnamon. The oils are steam distilled from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum plant that is believed to have originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. Harvesting seasons take place between April and August in the southern region, occurring again between November and February. In the central region, the harvesting months are between April and July, and in the Sabaragamuwa Region between November and March.

Cinnamon can be grown commercially in the intermediate zones of mid and low country. However, the wet zones are idea for optimal crop growth, and areas with prolong dry periods are Cinnamon thrives in a generous amount of sun exposure, with the most suitable temperatures ranging between 25- and 32 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall amount should be between 1750-3500 mm per year. Typically, the crop yield is between 600 kg and 700 kg per acre. However, the crops have decreased gradually over the last few years due to climatic issues as well as COVID-19.

Cinnamon Leaf and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oils demonstrate promise in the market due to the benefits it produces for multiple industries. Over the past few years, the demand has increased for spices and their respective oils, including Cinnamon, in the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic industries.

Sunflower Carrier Oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Helianthus annuus grown in Spain. The two geographical harvest seasons include the end of July to early August in the south and starts in early September in the North of Spain. This year's growing conditions are favorable for the sunflower in Spain. The rain was limited, but the spring experienced enough rainfall to sustain the plant nascence. Sunflower can extract water from deep profiles due to its tap root. While the crop still needs to be watered regularly, it also can tolerate drought better than other crops and is not demanding of a specific soil type. In the north of Spain, Sunflowers are grown with the help of irrigation. Since the climate in the south is influenced by the oceanic winds, the crop does not need additional irrigation.

Due to the war in Ukraine, the European Union removed the limits imposed on fallow land and farmers have had time to grow more hectares of sunflower. Therefore, the projected harvest yield is expected to be high. The market demand for Sunflower Carrier Oil is high because of the way in which the war has shaken the market. It is currently very short of both cereals and oil seeds. In the early months of the year, the market experienced an exceptional rise. Currently, it has stabilized at a high level.

A rich emollient, Macadamia Organic Carrier Oil is cold pressed from the Macadamia ternifolia nuts. This oil is known for being rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic acid, Omega 3, and Omega 6 Fatty Acids. Harvesting takes place between May and August. The ideal weather conditions include dry lands with limited rainfall.

This year's growing conditions for Macadamia nuts are favorable, and the projected harvest yield is similar to that of last year. Macadamia Carrier Oil is experiencing an increase in demand this year. While the oil is readily available, the quality is not always regulated.

Muskmelon Seed Carrier Oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Cucumis melo plant grown in India. Muskmelon thrives in warm climate and does not tolerate frost. For germination of the seeds, the ideal temperature is between 27- and 30- degrees Celsius. Muskmelon Seeds grow best in deep fertile and well-drained loam soil. Poorly drained soil cannot support Muskmelon cultivation. To maintain optimal levels of nutrients, harvest yield, and prevent disease attacks, crop rotation is required. Harvesting should be done when fruits turn to yellow. Muskmelon seeds require a soil pH of between 6 and 7.

This year, the average oil yield from Muskmelon seeds is between 15% and 25%. The cosmetic industry is recognizing Muskmelon Seed Oil for its ability to stimulate skin cell renewal and maintain skin suppleness. For this reason, the demand for Muskmelon Seed Carrier Oil has significantly increased, particularly in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Thailand, South Korea, and Malaysia. The oil's market value has experienced a rise due to consumer awareness.