MARKET REPORT APRIL 2019

In India, Cardamom is harvested from October to February. The flooding in south India last year led to unfavorable growing conditions as well as damage to huge crops of Cardamom, resulting in a lower harvest yield. The decline in Cardamom Oil production throughout India has led to a steep demand for the oil. Market conditions are favourable for this product, and this year’s continuous increase in the prices of Cardamom fruits has placed pressure on the Indian market for supply of the same. This year, prices are expected to further increase.

In Sri Lanka, Organic Cardamom is harvested from July to October. A drought has negatively affected this year's crop, resulting in a low harvest yield, which is only ¼ from last year. Furthermore, prices are extremely high, and are expected to remain the same for a few years. The current, significantly high demand cannot be met, due to the severe shortage of raw materials. Given this extremely limited supply, buyers are advised to cover their requirements for the next 6-8 months as early as possible.

In India, Coriander is harvested from February to March. While regular production was an estimated 4-500,000 MT, this year it is expected to decline. In India, most Coriander seeds are converted into powder with a lesser quantity being used for oil extraction. The major buyers of Coriander seeds are spice powder-making industries. The demand from spice-processing industries was expected to increase beginning in April, and it is expected to continue until June. Coriander prices rose previously, and there has been an upward trend in the prices due to a decline in production in 2018-19 (Oct-Sep) in key growing areas. From 2018-19, Coriander acreage across the country declined by 27%.

In China, the wood of the Camphor tree is harvested throughout the year in all four seasons. The current growing conditions are favorable; however, it is too soon to predict the harvest yield. There is strong demand for this oil.

In Albania, Sage is harvested between June and December. It is typically cultivated near mountains, where the soil and the climate are similar to wild grown Sage, and there are no current issues with cultivation. The harvest yield is projected to be the same as that of last year. The demand and market conditions depend on customer requests.

In Hungary, Scotch Pine can be harvested throughout the year, thus there is no dedicated harvest month or period. This year’s harvest yield is projected to be lower than that of the previous year; however, demands are still high for this oil.

In Chile, Raspberries are harvested from December to February or March. The current growing conditions are favorable and the harvest yield is projected to be similar to or higher than that of the previous year. There is good demand for the product, and the market conditions are good with high quality supply and competitive prices.

In China, Sea Buckthorn berries are harvested from October to January. The current growing conditions are the same as before, and the harvest yield is projected to be slightly higher than that of last year. The demand is increasing in China and Southeast Asia.

In Brazil, Citrus fruits are harvested from June to February. The current growing conditions are favorable; however, this year’s harvest yield is projected to be slightly lower than that of last year. The demand and the market conditions are weak. Buyers are advised to cover only what is required at the moment.