MARKET REPORT APRIL 2017

Storms and earthquakes in Indonesia have led to weakened harvesting and collection efforts for many products, as the high levels of rainfall have led to flooding across many regions during the harvest months of January to May. This has caused a disruption to essential oil supplies; however, the weather conditions are expected to improve. There was a slight increase in demand in the second half of 2016, and the demand for Indonesian Ginger Essential Oil is now firm. Prices have unexpectedly increased by 25% since December and are predicted to remain stable in the short term.

There is stable demand for Indian Black Pepper Essential oil. Growing conditions for the next major crop in May are favorable with the projected yield being a 20-25 % larger crop in 2017 compared to 2016.

At present, it is too early to predict the growing conditions and harvest yield of Basil Sweet Essential Oil in India, as its months of harvest are August to September. Initially, this oil was in high demand but has not been as positive recently. The market conditions are expected to be stronger in the coming months, as farmers seem disinclined to sow due to cash crisis.

The crop yield for Nutmeg is 30-40% lower in India this year due to unfavorable weather conditions such as droughts. New crop has been expected for the months of Feb-March 2017, and for the harvest months of April to August the projected yield is an estimated output of an amount between 10,000 and 11,000 tons. Since the end of last year, Nutmeg raw material exports have increased due to a strong demand from China after it switched from importing Indonesian Nutmeg to importing Indian spices. India's increased sales to China can be attributed to tight availability in other origins as well as competitive pricing in India. To date, this trade has brought Indian Nutmeg exports to an estimated 3,000 tons, which has been a positive outcome, as the country's production has remained below its annual requirement in recent years.

The ideal growing conditions for Grapeseed consist of a balance between the heat and humidity of the region. Due to the possibility of a drought and intense sunlight, the best places for optimal growth are located in the central valley of Chile. This harvest season between the months of March and April have shown a harvest yield similar to that of last year, as the seed quantities are similar. Demand has been stable.

Despite favourable growing conditions in India, some areas were affected by unseasonal rainfall. Compared to last year's crop yield, the January-March harvest season has generated 30-35% less, but demand has risen by 10% since last year. The market conditions are favourable, as prices are expected to rise by 15-20% due to less crop yield and growing demand.

The growing conditions in India are favourable at present. Cool, dry climates free of frost are ideal for growing mangoes, as this is the time when flowers begin to blossom. In steamy, hot summers the mango fruits begin to grow for the season of harvest, which is from April to June. The harvest yield for this year is projected to be decent and the desired volume is expected to be easily achieved. 500 MT of Mango Butter are produced in India and they hope for a 30% increase in demand over the coming years as users slowly move toward natural products.